78 SYLVA BRITANNIC A. 



THE ASH. 



Fraxinus in Sylvis pulcherrima. 



VIRGIL. 



THE Ash, from the lightness of its foliage, the 

 graceful sweep of its branches, and the silvery ap- 

 pearance of its stem, has been called the Venus of 

 the Forest ; nor is it less admirable for utility than 

 for beauty, as there is no timber, excepting that of 

 the Oak, that is more generally in use. It is ex- 

 tremely profitable to the planter, as it will grow 

 well in almost any soil, but its shade is accounted 

 unfavourable to vegetation, and as it casts its leaves 

 early, and displays them late, it is less desirable for 

 avenues and pleasure-grounds ; though when it is in 

 fine foliage, there is no tree more beautiful. 



THE GREAT ASH AT WOBURN 



stands in the Park of His Grace the Duke of Bed- 

 ford, about a quarter of a mile from the mansion, 

 and is an extraordinary specimen of the size which 



