CATALPA OR INDIAN BEAN 35 



Most Catalpa trees are of low stature, with short, 

 heavily branched stems, but the one in question 

 differs in having a straight, clean trunk that rises to 

 a height of 20 feet. 



The original Gray's Inn Catalpa, which is said to 

 have been planted by Bacon, is usually regarded as 

 the largest and oldest tree of its kind in London, and 

 by some writers has been described as the finest 

 specimen in this country. Though there is no wish to 

 pull this historic tree from its proud position, yet recent 

 research as to the history of the Catalpa and numerous 

 measurements of existing specimens that have been 

 taken by way of comparison suggest that the Gray's 

 Inn tree is neither the largest nor the oldest in London. 

 That Bacon when appointed Master of the Walks at 

 Gray's Inn in 1597 planted this Catalpa is also open 

 to doubt, the introduction of the tree not taking place 

 till 1726, or fully a century and a quarter later. There 

 are two Catalpas of about equal size growing in the 

 gardens at Gray's Inn, to one of which is attached a 

 tablet with the following inscription : * Catalpa tree 

 said to have been planted by Francis Bacon, when 

 Master of the Walks, Anno Domini 1598.' Owing 

 to its recumbent mode of growth it is difficult to give 

 exact measurements of this tree. The main stem, 

 which is 1 8 inches in diameter, rests on the ground 

 and is partly buried in the soil for about 9 feet in length, 

 after which an upward position is taken, the girth at 

 this point being 5 feet. As near as can be ascertained 

 the trunk girths 7 feet at ground-level. The branches 

 extend in a somewhat horizontal direction, and being 

 of considerable length and weighty are supported by 

 a number of stout props, one of the branches which 

 is buried in the soil being probably rooted. The 



