THE YEW SUB-FAMILY. 379 



branches, is of the darkest and most sombre hue. The 

 fruit is oblong instead of globular, as in the species. This 

 form of the Irish Yew will generally give satisfaction as 

 far north as Philadelphia, if properly protected during the 

 winter, and we have seen excellent specimens, 8 or 10 feet 

 high, that were growing on the north side of a house 

 without any artificial protection whatever. In England 

 it is quite hardy and remarkably beautiful. London al- 

 ludes to a fine specimen growing at Comber, in the County 

 of Down, and near the town of Antrim, which was 21 feet 

 high, and which was supposed to have been planted pre- 

 vious to the year 1780. The same author also alludes to 

 two trees, growing at Nether Place, near Mauchline, Ayr- 

 shire, the largest of which was 22 feet 6 inches high, and 

 the smaller, 20 feet 8 inches. 



A very beautiful form of this variety has variegated 

 foliage and is described as producing a, handsome effect. 

 It is known as var. fastigiata variegata, of Carriere. 



Var, Hibernica, Hort. SPREADING IRISH YEW. We 

 received this fine variety a few years ago from John Evans, of 

 Radnor, Pa., who obtained it, if we mistake not, from the 

 Kew Gardens. Not having seen it elsewhere, and being 

 unable to find a description of it, we are curious to know its 

 history. It is, however, a hardy, beautiful, and handsome 

 plant, well worthy of perpetuation. It differs from the 

 fastigiate form in having spreading branches and probably 

 rather smaller and lighter colored leaves ; but it is certain- 

 ly quite distinct from the Common Yew. An excellent 

 characteristic of this variety is that it rarely ever loses its 

 dark, rich color during winter. 



Var. DovastOIli, London. WEEPING YEW. A form 

 of the Common Yew that is remarkable for its straggling 

 and drooping branches and branchlets. These, when en- 

 grafted on an upright stock, present quite an unique and 

 pretty effect, although not sufficiently reliable to recom- 



