378 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



v 



least 500 years old, and entirely sound and free from any 

 attacks of insects, or defects. In fact, insects never attack 

 the Yew, either in a growing state or as lumber. 



Like our Red Cedar, this species has sported into a 

 number of forms and colors, thus engendering a long list 

 of varieties, which are eagerly propagated and sent out by 

 the European nurserymen; and in many cases, we regret 

 to add, with such a very small amount of distinction as to 

 require close scrutiny to detect the difference. Having 

 tested a large number of these varieties, and found so few 

 of them to be worthy of perpetuation, we feel it our duty 

 to caution our readers against this system of producing 

 novelties at the expense of a too confiding public. 



Var, Canadensis, Gray. AMERICAN YEW. This is 

 perhaps onu of the most distinct and valuable varieties in 

 the list, and was *for a long time considered a species, al- 

 though Loudon placed it as a variety in his "Arboretum." 

 Gordon still adheres to a specific classification, but Prof. 

 Gray, in his Manual of Botany, reduces it to a variety of 

 T, baccata. It is also known as the Taxus procumbens of 

 Loddiges. The American Yew is called in some sections 

 the Ground Hemlock, and is found on the moist and 

 shaded sides of hills, throughout the northern portions of 

 the United States and Canada. Figured on page 373. 



It presents in a wild state a straggling or spreading 

 shrub, rarely exceeding 3 or 4 feet in height ; but under 

 cultivation it assumes a more even form, and attains a 

 larger size. It can be pruned into any shape desired, but 

 the most handsome and appropriate is the globular form. 

 This fine dwarf Conifer is very hardy, but changes to a 

 dingy hue during the winter months. 



Var, fastigiata, London. UPRIGHT IRISH YEW. This 

 is also a very distinct variety, and well worthy of cultiva- 

 tion wherever it succeeds. The branches are all remark- 

 ably fastigiate, and the foliage, which is scattered round the 



