OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. 227 



bursting from several opposite, imbricated, 

 adjoining, bud-like scales. Column of stamens 

 surmounted by many peltate 8 -cleft anthers. 

 Pistillate flower solitary, with imbricated 

 scales at the base. Fruit a single nut em- 

 bedded in a succulent cup, the calyx. 



1. T. BACCATA, Linnceus. Leaves linear, 

 approximating dark-green. English yew. 



Opinion is divided with regard to the 

 merits of this tyree in ornamental gardening. 

 Some deem that its long association with 

 English churchyards and cemeteries, suggests 

 ideas too funereal for the life-enjoying plea- 

 sures of a garden. Others look on the well- 

 known degree of abuse it will submit to, as 

 a subject of pleasing reflection, suggestive of 

 the victorious nature of meek, uncomplaining, 

 persevering effort in overcoming all obstacles. 



But for the once setting aside both poetry 

 and association, our collections are too scarce 

 of evergreens to allow us to dispense with 

 one, and for my part I admire the yew. 

 There is a very fine specimen planted by 

 Young, before mentioned as "the king's Bo- 

 tanist," in friend Longstreth's garden in King- 

 sessing, probably thirty feet high, and with 



