86 THE YEW. 



bably on account of its being an ever- 

 green, and furniflbing boughs for the de- 

 coration of churches at the feafon of 

 Chriftrnas. This fituation, and the gloomy 

 darknefs of its foliage, have caufed it to 

 be named " the funereal yew." It is, how- 

 ever, more celebrated for the antient ufe 

 of its wood in making the mofl formidable 

 weapon of our anceflors, the long bow. 

 Its toughnefs and elafticity rendered it pe- 

 culiarly fit for this purpofe : Thus Spenfer 

 charadterifes it as 



The cugh obedient to the bender's will. 



Much force was, however, required in 

 overcoming its refinance, and the archer 

 muft have had a itrong arm 



And almoft joined, the horns of the tough yew. 



It was commonly planted near houfes, ' 

 both on account of its utility, and its 

 fitnefs for being cut into thofe artificial 

 fhapes which were formerly thought highly 

 curious and ornamental. Pyramids, obe- 



lilks, 



