A Birch-tree (Betula alba Linn.) 



In Broomham Park, Guestling, near Hastings, with 

 galls caused by Eriophyes rudis Canest. 



This very interesting tree stands just within the confines of 

 the Park. It is remarkable for the large number of bunches 

 of distorted twigs, or galls, which it contains, and probably 

 in this respect it is an unique specimen. 



In January, 1901, the number of galls was ninety-seven. 

 They vary in size from a few inches in circumference to one 

 specimen which measures 8 ft. 6 in. in girth, and consists of 

 many hundreds of twigs growing from a solid woody core. 

 About one-third of it may be seen on the right-hand side of 

 the trunk, midway between the two lowest horizonal branches. 

 It is illustrated in detail on plate 18. 



The hilly nature of the ground some distance beyond the 

 tree accounts for the hazy appearance of the lower portion 

 of the background. From no photographic coign of vantage 

 can this be avoided. 



The tree is probably about lOO years old. The trunk 

 measures 10 ft. 7 in. in girth at its emergence from the ground. 

 At the height of 8 ft. two horizontal branches are given off, 

 immediately beneath them the girth is 5 ft. lO in., 2 ft. 6 in. 

 above them five other branches extend, and at a similar dis- 

 tance above those the trunk is bifurcated. The height of 

 the tree is about 54 ft. 



The photograph was kindly taken expressly for this work 

 by Mr. Sydney Shaw, of Bradshaw's Photographic Studio, 

 Robertson Street, Hastings. 



