376 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



faction for cemetery planting. In this latter position we 

 consider it far superior to the other species, as it almost 

 invariably retains its dark glossy color without protection, 

 and is of a small and compact form, which enables it to be 

 used for ornamenting small lots where the larger species 

 would be out of place. It is exceedingly difficult to in- 

 crease by means of cuttings, but will readily unite with 

 the common Yew by grafting. 



2. T baccata 9 Linnceus. ENGLISH YEW. Leaves, 

 about 1 inch long, linear, numerous, mostly distichous, 

 straight or slightly falcate, occasionally scattered thickly 

 around the leading shoots, acute, dark glossy green. 

 Branches, numerous and spreading, with slender, drooping 

 branchlets. Fruit consists of a globular, fleshy, red disk, 

 nearly surrounding a nut-like seed. 



This well-known species is found growing in most of 

 the countries of Europe, generally on the mountains at 

 different elevations. Its usual height is from 25 to 40 feet, 

 but it often attains a still greater size ; in this country it 

 forms a large-sized shrub. Its utility with us may well 

 be questioned, as plants frequently become injured beyond 

 redemption after having survived several winters. In 

 suitable spots they will thrive satisfactorily for several 

 years, although occasionally suffering from the frost, which 

 destroys the imperfectly ripened young wood. 



In planting this tree, care should be taken to select a 

 shaded location, such as the north side of a building, or 

 under the protecting branches of other trees ; and where 

 it is planted in an exposed situation, we have found great 

 advantage to be derived from covering the plant loosely 

 with evergreen boughs. The object is to protect the plant 

 from the direct rays of the sun ; by this means we man- 

 age to have all the Yews of as fine a color when spring 

 returns, as they presented during the preceding autumn. 

 Care must in every instance be taken that the covering be 



