126 SLYVA BRITANNICA. 



THE MAPLE IN BOLDRE CHURCH- 

 YARD 



is ten feet in circumference at the ground, and at four 

 feet, seven feet six inches ; at twelve feet, the trunk 

 divides into branches ; and the entire height of the 

 tree is about forty-five feet. This is considered the 

 largest Maple in England, and is mentioned as such 

 by Gilpin. 



It is not however solely from consideration of its 

 size that it is introduced in these pages, but also from 

 a desire on the part of the author to pay a tribute of 

 well-deserved respect to the memory of so excellent 

 and accomplished a man, as him by whom it has 

 been chronicled ; the late Rev. William Gilpin ; 

 who, after fulfilling his duties in the most exem- 

 plary manner for twenty years, as rector of the 

 parish of Boldre, chose for his last resting-place this 

 sweet sequestered spot, under the very tree he has 

 given interest to by his record of it, and amidst the 

 scenes he so much loved, and so well described : 

 thus realizing the wish of Bloomfield, that favoured, 

 though lowly votary of the rural Muse, 



" O Heaven permit that I may lie 



Where o'er my corse green branches wave ; 

 And those who from life's tumults fly, 

 With kindred feelings press my grave." 



Nor can a work professing to illustrate Forest See- 



