TREES ON OPEN SPACES 189 



single specimens of Thorns and other natural under- 

 growth being carefully preserved and adding quite a 

 charm to the extensive grounds. 



Tooting in the time of the Conqueror possessed 

 a wood, and doubtless some of the ancient wind- 

 shattered Oaks are relics of its past grandeur. 



Highbury Fields. These are of small area, some 

 27 acres, and contain several clumps of old trees, 

 chiefly the remnants of detached residences. The 

 avenues are lined with healthy Planes, Chestnuts, and 

 Limes ; Elms also being abundantly distributed. 



Clapham Common is a well- planted open space 

 where many large trees of the kinds that do best in 

 London are to be seen. The Plane, Elm, Lime, and 

 Sycamore have attained to goodly proportions, and the 

 Horse Chestnut and Ailanthus when in flower are 

 distinctly ornamental. The Evergreen Oak thrives well, 

 as does the White Beam tree ; Paul's Crimson Thorn and 

 various of the less common kinds, such as the Cockspur 

 and Tansy-leaved, have a healthy, thriving appearance. 

 Only a rapidly decaying stump remains of the tree 

 that was planted by the eldest son of Captain Cook, 

 the explorer. 



Hackney Downs, which extend to 41 acres, contain 

 few trees worthy of note, though quite a number of 

 young Planes and Poplars have been planted of recent 

 years. Two sides of the grounds are surrounded by an 

 avenue of healthy Planes and Elms of about 40 feet in 

 height, the third side by Poplars and Planes interspersed 

 with a number of healthy Hollies. Clumps of trees, 

 usually in twos, of such trees as the White and Grey 

 Poplar, Elm, Plane, Lime, and Sycamore are dotted 

 about the grounds, while a clump of nine Birch trees 

 attracts attention near the entrance gates . The gardens of 



