24 
As the Saxon period lasted about five centuries, from the 
middle of the sixth to the middle of the eleventh century, I think 
the last observation by old Aubrey requires some modification. 
The following is taken from a paper by Mr. E. Chisholm 
Batten :—(1) ‘The cultivation of Elms was an important work of 
Roman gardeners and husbandmen. Columella gives directions 
for its culture. It was the tree principally selected for supporting 
the vine which was encouraged to trail up it to a great height.” 
Loudon says :—(2) “In England the Elm has been planted 
from time immemorial, and probably from the era of the 
possession of the Island by the Romans.” 
Canon Greenwell says :—(3) “It is obvious as has often been 
suggested that the Romans who introduced the vine may have 
introduced with it the ‘piller’ Elm, the two plants being so 
commonly wedded in Italian husbandry, as in both Italian and 
English poetry.” 
It would have prevented further doubt on the question of the 
introduction of the Elm by the Romans during their occupation 
of England if we could have found Elm timber in their buildings. 
Mr. Reid informs me that “ Roman Ilchester yields no remains 
of Elm.” 
As so much of their building has been uncovered and examined 
by Major Davis, the City Architect, I hoped he might have been 
able to say that he had found some. I wrote to him on the 
subject, and he was kind enough to send me a most interesting 
letter, the contents of which are as follows :— 
“In my excavations where they were exclusively amongst 
Roman work, I found some timber, but it was of small trees of 
withy, hazel, and I think, ash ; but these must have grown in the 
baths, or have been washed into them after the year 577. 
“Tn excavating adjoining the buildings that formed part of 
(1) 37 ‘‘Somersetshire Arch, and Nat. Hist. Proceedings,” for 1891, p. 108. 
(2) ‘*Arboretum,” Vol. 3, 1st Ed., p. 1380. 
(3) ‘‘ British Barrows,” by Greenwell and Rolleston, p. 722. 
