278 ENGLISH BOTANY. 



Common Yew. 



French, If commun. German, Gemeine Elhe. 



The derivation of the common name of this tree is variously given by different 

 authors. In Chaucer and other old authors it is spelt ewe, and Dr. Prior considers 

 that it is a corruption or abbreviation of ajuga, and to have been mistaken for the 

 black cypress. Some writers say it is derived from the Celtic word kv, sometimes 

 pronounced if, and signifying verdure, alluding to the yew being an evergreen ; and 

 this will also explain the French name if. 



The yew and its use for making bows are mentioned by the eai-liest Greek and 

 Roman authors, and its poisonous properties are pointed out by Dioscorides, Nicander, 

 Galen, Pliny, and others. Theophrastus says that the leaves will poison horses. 

 Caesar mentions that Cativolcus, king of the Eburones, poisoned himself with the 

 juice of the yew. Suetonius asserts that the Emperor Claudius published an edict, 

 stating that the juice of this tree had marvellous power in curing the bite of vipers. 

 Plutarch says it is venomous when in flower, because then the tree is full of sap, and 

 that its shade is fatal to all who sleep under it. Pliny adds that the berries of the 

 male yew are a fatal poison, particularly in Spain, and that persons have died who 

 have drunk wine from casks made of this wood. In more modern times Mathiolus 

 and J. Bauline were the first to prove, by positive facts, the poisonous nature of the 

 leaves of the yew ; but Father Schoot, a Jesuit, asserted that if the branches were 

 dipped in stagnant water, their poison became neutralised. Gerarde and L'Obel soon 

 afterwards discovered that the fruit of the yew might be eaten with perfect safety, and 

 there was no danger in sleeping under its shade. Gerarde, after stating the opinions 

 of the ancients as to the poisonous nature of the yew, writes, "All which, I dare 

 boldly affirm, is untrue ; for when I was young and went to schoole, divers young 

 schoolfelloAVS, and likewise myself, did eat our fils of the berries of this tree, and have 

 not only slept under the shadow thereof, but among the branches also, without any 

 hurt at all, and that not one time, but many times." Nicander, in his book of 

 counter-poisons, as quoted by Gerarde, says : — 



" Shun the poys'nous yew, the which on CEta grows ; 

 Like to the firre, it causeth bitter death. 

 Unless besides they use pure wine that flows 

 From empty'd cups, thou drinke, when as thy breath 

 Begins to faile, and passage of thy life 

 Growes straight." 



The wood of the yew is beautifully shaded with reddish orange and dark brown, 

 and is extremely tough and elastic, qualities that recommended it in former ages as 

 the best material for the long bow, the dreaded weapon of our forefathers. It was 

 fatal to several British kings — viz. Harold, at the battle of Hastings ; William Rufus, 

 in the New Forest; and Richard Coeui' de Lion, at Limoges, in France. In the 

 battles of Cressy, Poictiers, and Agin court the strong bows of yew achieved the 

 victory. In 1397 Richai-d II., holding a Parliament in a temporary building, on 

 account of the wretched state of Westminster Hall, surrounded his hut with 4,000 

 Cheshire archers, armed with tough yew bows, to ensure the freedom of debate. 

 Numerous statutes were enacted to secure a supply of this valuable wood, and the 

 exportation of it was forbidden. When the trees of native growth were insufiicicnt, 

 large quantities were brought from abroad. 



