BEECH 29 



Both trees are in good health, this largely owing 

 to the care and attention that have been bestowed 

 on them by the tenant of these well-arranged and 

 nicely planted grounds. At Hanover Lodge the 

 Beech has attained to a large size, the trees having 

 been planted just over a century ago, when the 

 canal was made. 



The Beech in London suffers greatly from insect 

 and fungus attacks, this owing, no doubt, to its generally 

 enfeebled health, caused by the unfavourable atmo- 

 spheric surroundings. The Beech Coccus (Crypto- 

 coccus fagi) and several species of Stereum attack 

 the trees, and these if not attended to will quickly 

 affect the health of even the strongest growing speci- 

 mens. Several large trees growing along the banks of 

 the Regent's Canal and in other parts of London have 

 been killed of late years owing to persistent attacks 

 of both these pests. The Beech is a tree of noble 

 growth, and is greatly admired for its stately crown 

 and wealth of the softest and greenest of foliage in 

 early spring, which changes with the season to a 

 much darker tint, and finally dies off a beautiful 

 russety-brown. 



The Purple Beech (F. sylvatica purpurea) would 

 appear to thrive equally well with the species, as the 

 beautiful trees at Lambeth Palace, Waterlow, Green- 

 wich and other parks afford examples ; while the giant 

 specimens of the Fern-leaved Beech (F. sylvatica 

 asplenifolia) in the grounds at Lambeth Palace and 

 other parts of London also point out that this desirable 

 variety is suitable for planting in the chemically 

 impure atmosphere of our towns and cities. 



For economic planting the Beech is a valuable 

 tree, particularly when growing on a calcareous for- 



