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In Hentland churchyard is a Yew tree which is very interesting, from 

 the fact of its age being known. Tlie Parish Kegistor contains this notice :— 



"JIJ — That the Yew tree between the Bell house and the stile was 

 given by Philipe Swayne of Daviston : at the request of John Nurse curate of 

 Hentland, and was removed and transplanted in the churchyard there upon 

 Shrove Tuesday, being the 13th day of flfebruary Anno Dom. 1615. 1615. 1615." 



The " Daviston " is, doubtless, the neighbouring farm of "Dason" of 

 our day. The tree remains in the same place, and the stem now measures at 

 the giound level 12 feet in girth, and at 5 feet, 9 feet 9 inches. It is a growing 

 healthy tree, rather tapering towards the top, and less dense in foliage than 

 is common with the yew. It has evidently been the object of considerable 

 attention, as it bears marks of careful pruning. From N. to S. its boughs spread 

 55 feet, and from E. to W. 48 feet. Supposing the tree to have been 10 years 

 old when placed there, it is now 263 years old, and thus rather supports the 

 Buppositicn that the age of a yew tree may be known by allowing a century for 

 every foot in diameter. About 200 yards east of the church, in Craddock land, 

 h the shell of a yew tree of extreme age. It measures 18 feet 9 inches in 

 circumference, and only a few small branches show any remaining vitality. 



The most remarkable trees at Pengethley, are three Spruce Fir trees, which 

 grow one near the farm-yard and the other by the diive leading to the house. 

 For height of growth, for good balance, and for the regularity and perfection of 

 their branches, these trees could not weU be surpassed. The foliage droops 

 down from the boughs in a very marked and graceful manner. Forty years ago, 

 the late Ulr. Mcintosh, who superintended the laying out the gardens at 

 Pengethley, noticed these trees as being some of the finest specimens he had ever 

 seen. Mr. Mcintosh afterwards became the manager of tho grounds at 

 Claremont and Dalkeith, and published several horticultural works. The trees 

 are of no very great cii-cumference, being 8ft. 9in.. 7ft. llin., and 7ft. lOin. 

 respectively, but their boles taper very gradually, and their height cannot be 

 less than 100 feet. They are still in perfect health, sound, and growing, and 

 h.ave not yet lost a single limb. 



There is also a Silver Fir equally well gi-own. Its giith is 9ft. lOin. 

 This tree is chiefly interesting from the fact of its age being known to a close 

 approximation. The ground in which it stands was formerly the kitchen garden, 

 and without trees. Between the years 1800 and 1804 it was made into pleasure 

 grounds. This tree may therefore be said to date with the year, and be now 

 68 years old, or perhaps two or three years older. 



Col. SjTuonds mentions ah:o a plain tree 9ft. llin. in girth, and one other 

 tree of notable size, a walnut tree at Pencoyd which has a circumference of 12ft, 

 at 5ft. from the groiind. 



Post Script, on the Present Value or Timber. 

 The importation of foreign grown timber ; the use of iron for wood in the 

 construction of ships and for other purposes ; the absence of Government buyers 



