252 Yew- Trees of Great Britain and Ireland 



is quite hollow, an immense yew-tree, which 

 measures 37 feet in circumference and the limbs 

 are proportionately large. The tree is entered by 

 means of a rustic gate ; and seventeen persons 

 lately breakfasted in its interior. It is said to 

 have been planted many generations ago by the 

 A rundel family. ' 



This tree would have a diameter of 148 

 inches, or 1756 lines, which, on De Candolle's 

 reckoning, would give as many years of age, a 

 tolerable antiquity for the member of the Arundel 

 family who planted it. 



A more recent measurement, kindly made for 

 me by the Rev. Henry Morland, gives the girth as 

 31 feet at the ground and 30^ at 3 feet. There is 

 a considerable amount of young growth round the 

 trunk, which no doubt, as in many other instances, 

 accounts for the discrepancy in the measurements. 

 There may have been internal growth as well, reduc- 

 ing the size of the cavity, for Mr. Morland says 

 that now 'nine persons can stand inside.' 



Trentham. In Morris's County Seats of Great 

 Britain there is mention of 'the hollow trunk of 

 an ancient yew, but still bearing several branches.' 

 This tree is one of a large number (twenty-three) 

 which have been planted on the four sides of a 

 square field. The one alluded to above occupies 

 one corner of the field. The Rev. E. Pigott, Vicar 

 of Trentham, has been good enough to send me 



