XXXVI. THE LINDEN TREE. 511 



There are several species in Europe, by some writers consid- 

 ered as varieties of a single species, of which individuals are 

 among the most remarkable trees in that region for age and size. 

 One of unknown age, which has given its name to an ancient 

 town in Wirtemberg, has a circumference of 54 feet, and branches 

 extending in every direction 100 feet, and sustained by 108 

 wooden and stone pillars. A lime tree in Berkshire, England, 

 known to be more than 200 years old, has a diameter of 22 feet 

 10 inches at 1 foot from the ground. 



The honey made by bees feeding on the flowers of the Euro- 

 pean lime tree, is very excellent. An infusion of the flowers 

 has long held, and deservedly, wide reputation as an anti-spas- 

 modic medicine. The sap yields a considerable proportion of 

 sugar, and is made, by fermentation, into an agreeable vinous 

 liquor. A substance like chocolate has been made of the ripe 

 fruit, but has the inconvenience of not continuing sweet. The 

 wood was used by the ancients, according to Pliny, for buck- 

 lers, on account of its flexibility, lightness, and resiliency ; and 

 the bark, to cover cottages, and form baskets ; and the inner bark 

 was employed, under the name Phily>a, to write on, and also, 

 as in modern times, as a material for mats. The European 

 Lime tree has been long cultivated in this country, and is per- 

 fectly adapted to our climate. 



Only one species is found growing naturally in New England ; 

 three others occur in the Western and Southern States ; which 

 do not remarkably differ from ours. A beautiful variety of the 

 European species, called the Golden-twigged, would be a valu- 

 able addition to our ornamental trees. 



The Linden Tree. Lime Tree. Bass Wood. T. Arnericdna. L. 

 Figured in Michaux, Plate 131 ; and in Loudon's Arboretum, V, Plate 24. 



From a powerful root which penetrates deep or spreads wide, 

 this tree rises to a considerable height, with an even, erect, pil- 

 lar-like trunk, and many branches. When growing freely by 

 itself, it often assumes a conical form of striking regularity. 

 Standing, as it often does, on the side of a steep hill, with its 

 feet almost in the water, it throws out branches horizontally, 



