72 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



land. Caesar mentions it as having been abun- 

 dant, in Gaul; and much of it is found in Ireland, 

 imbedded in the earth. The trunk and branches 

 grow very straight; the bark is cast annually; 

 and the wood is compact, hard, and very elastic. 

 It is, therefore, of great use in every branch of the 

 arts in which firm and durable timber is required ; 

 and, before the general use of fire-arms, it was 

 in high request for bows: so much of it was re- 

 quired for the latter purpose, that ships trading to 

 Venice were obliged to bring ten bow staves along 

 with every butt of Malmsey. The yew was also 

 consecrated a large tree, or more, being in every 

 churchyard; and they were held sacred. In funeral 

 processions the branches were carried over the dead 

 by mourners, and thrown under the coffin in the 

 grave. The following extract from the ancient laws 

 of Wales will show the value that was there set upon 

 these trees, and also how the consecrated yew of the 

 priests had risen in value over the reputed sacred 

 misletoe of the Druids: 



'A consecrated yew, its value is a pound. 

 ' A misletoe branch, threescore pence. 

 ' An oak, sixscore pence. 

 'Principal branch of an oak, thirty pence. 

 'A yew tree, (not consecrated) fifteen pence. 

 'A sweet apple, threescore pence. 

 ' A sour apple, thirty pence. 



' A thorn tree, seven pence halfpenny. Every tree after that, 

 fourpence." 



By a statute made in the 5th year of Edward IV. 

 every Englishman, and Irishman, dwelling with Eng- 

 lishmen, was directed to have a bow of his own height 

 made of yew, wych-hazel, ash, or awburne that is, 

 laburnum, which is still styled " awburne saugh," or 

 awburne willow, in many parts of Scotland. His 

 skill in the use of the long bow was the proud 



