OF SELBORNE. 293 



Antiquaries seem much at a loss to determine at what 

 period this tree first obtained a place in church-yards. A 

 statute passed A.D. 1307 and 35 Edward I. the title of which 

 is " Ne rector arbores in cemeterio prosternat." Now if it is 

 recollected that we seldom see any other very large or ancient 

 tree in a church-yard but yews, this statute must have prin- 

 cipally related to this species of tree ; and consequently their 

 being planted in church-yards is of much more ancient date 

 than the year 1307. 



As to the use of these trees, possibly the more respectable 

 parishioners were buried under their shade before the im- 

 proper custom was introduced of burying within the body of 

 the church, where the living are to assemble. Deborah, 

 Rebekalis nurse, q was buried under an oak ; the most honour- 

 able place of interment probably next to the cave of Mach- 

 pelah* which seems to have been appropriated to the remains 

 of the patriarchal family alone. 



The farther use of yew-trees might be as a screen to 

 churches, by their thick foliage, from the violence of winds ; 

 perhaps also for the purpose of archery, the best long bows 

 being made of that material : and we do not hear that they 

 are planted in the church-yards of other parts of Europe, 

 where long bows were not so much in use. They might also 

 be placed as a shelter to the congregation assembling before 

 the church-doors were opened, and as an emblem of mortality 

 by their funereal appearance. In the south of England every 

 church-yard almost has it's tree, and some two ; but in the 

 north, we understand, few are to be found. 



The idea of R. C. that the yew-tree afforded it's branches in- 



milcli-sows mentioned in the text died from having had access to the 

 leaves. The degree in which the leaves are poisonous depends not only 

 on the quantity taken, but on their being eaten alone or mixed with other 

 food; and it has been remarked, probably with reason, that some animals 

 which have eaten the leaves of yew with impunity may possibly, within 

 a short time, have eaten heartily of some other vegetable. The state- 

 ment that sheep and deer eat the yew without injury requires confirma- 

 tion. T. B.] 

 i Gen. xxxv 8. r Gen. xxiii, 9, 



