THE DARLEY VI. \V. 1 II 



Cox's measurement before 1877,* which exceeds mine, in Sep- 

 tember, 1867, by several inches, and, after making allowance for 

 any trifling inaccuracy in either measurement, tends to show that 

 the Darley yew is increasing in girth even now about as fast 

 as the Clysthydon yews. As, however, it is possible that for 

 some time past the Darley yew may have increased at a less rate 

 than when it was at its best, some allowance may be made on that 

 account ; for my calculations were made upon the supposition that 

 a regular increase had taken place up to the time when my 

 measurement was made. It would seem, however, that 100 years 

 would be amply sufficient for that purpose ; and it is not worth 

 while considering whether this would make any deduction necessary 

 from the number of years ascertained by my previous calculations. 



Being very anxious to give the fullest information down to the 

 latest period, I had the Clysthydon yews all measured in October, 

 1879, which was so late in the year, that it may well be taken that 

 the measurements include the whole of this year's increase, and 

 the results are very important. 



It will be seen by the table that I have given, that the two younger 

 yews at Clysthydon have each increased an inch in girth within 

 the year, and the oldest two inches, and this increase is greater 

 than has occurred in any previous year, as far as it can be ascer- 

 tained, and the extraordinary quantity of rain in this year has no 

 doubt caused it. The greater increase of the older tree has 

 probably arisen from the much more abundant foliage in its large 

 head, and it is well deserving of notice, as it fully makes up for 

 the previous deficiency at the last measurement, and proves that 

 it arose from some temporary cause, and that the tree is still in- 

 creasing at least as fast as ever, and that age has not retarded its 

 growth. 



The Darley yew has this year put out fresh wood all over, 

 especially on the south side, and has borne a great many berries 

 of a very large size, some of which are lying beside me whilst I 

 write. The luxuriant growth of this tree is, no doubt, also due to 

 the excess of rain this year. 



* The preface to Vol. ii., Derbyshire Churches, which contains the account 

 of the yew, is dated 1S76. 



