HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES 173 



notwithstanding its rather gloomy appearance, is 

 at the same time a decidedly ornamental evergreen 

 tree, and one that imparts a rich and warm aspect 

 to the landscape wherever it is used. Being of 

 unusually slow growth, the annual layers of wood 

 are comparatively thin and closely arranged, thus 

 rendering the graining remarkably fine, which, 

 coupled with the deep reddish tint of the wood, 

 causes it to be largely employed for constructive 

 purposes. When grown in the open, the tree is 

 usually well furnished with branches almost to 

 ground level, the branches being much subdivided, 

 and the ramifications well furnished with dark 

 green leaves arranged in two lateral double rows. 

 The leaves vary in length, but are usually about 

 I inch, with a prominent mid-rib, and tapering 

 to an acute point. Fruit bright scarlet, oval or 

 rounded in shape, and enclosing partially a small 

 brownish seed. Whether when covered with the 

 pollen-bearing receptacles in spring or the bright 

 ruddy fruits in autumn, the tree is highly attractive 

 and ornamental. There are no traces of extensive 

 plantations of the Yew, but many solitary trees 

 of large growth are to be found in our churchyards, 

 and why planted there is a subject of much con- 

 troversy. The largest number of Yews growing 

 in one spot will be found at Kingly Bottom, near 

 Chichester (about 200) ; the trunks of the largest 

 vary from 12 to 20 feet in circumference at 3 feet 

 from the ground ; their greatest height about 

 40 feet, and their extreme spread 60 feet in 

 diameter. They are supposed to be nine hundred 

 years old. The following are the most distinct 

 and desirable varieties. 



