p 



274 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



of Europe. For the decoration of places of burial it is 

 well adapted, from the deep and perpetual verdure of its 

 'bliage, which, conjointly with its great longevity, may be 

 considered as emblematical of immortality. 



The Yew, like the Holly, makes an excellent evergreen 

 hedge close, dark green, and beautiful when clad in the 

 rich scarlet berries. We desire, however, rather to see 

 this tree naturalized in our gardens and lawns as an 

 evergreen tree of the first class, than in any other form. 

 Judging from specimens which we have growing in our 

 own grounds, we should consider it quite hardy anywhere 

 south of the 41 of latitude. And although it is somewhat 

 slow in its growth, yet, like many other evergreens, it is as 

 beautiful when a small bush or a thrifty young tree, as it is 

 venerable and picturesque when ages or even centuries 

 have witnessed its never failing verdure. It appears to 

 grow most vigorously and thrive best on a rich and heavy 

 soil, and in situations rather shaded than exposed to a 

 burning sun. 



There are several beautiful varieties of the Yew (Taxus 

 baccata) cultivated in the nurseries ; the Irish Yew ( T. b, 

 fastigiata), remarkable for its dark green foliage, and very 

 handsome, upright growth, and the Yellow berried Yew 

 (T. b.fructo-flava), are the most ornamental. 



The North American Yew (T. canadensis) is a low 

 trailing shrub, scarcely rising above the height of four or 

 six feet, though the branches extend to a considerable 

 distance. In foliage, berries, etc., it so strongly resembles 

 the European plant, that many botanists consider it only a 

 dwarf variety. The leaves are nevertheless shorter and 

 narrower, and the male flowers always solitary It is 

 found in shady, rocky places, in the Highlands, and various 

 other localities from Canada to Virginia 



