344 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



wild secluded spot not far from Pitchcombe ; and a time- 

 worn tree is, or was, standing some years since in Stinch- 

 combe Wood, on the verge of the lofty elevation that 

 overhangs the village. This tree, in the reign of Charles 

 the First, concealed for three days and nights a gentleman 

 of the name of Tynedale, during the plunder and confla- 

 gration of his residence, Melksham Court. 



My family has ever been admired for the sylvan grandeur 

 and the umbrageous droop of their widely-spreading 

 branches. Strange it seems that such noble trees should 

 have been cut into uncouth shapes ; but so it is, and even 

 our greatest admirer, Evelyn, speaks of yew hedges as 

 ornamental and advantageous. At the present day, a yew 

 screen in the garden of Albury Park still remains, and 

 is so arranged as to afford a cool walk during the hottest 

 season : it is presumed to have been planted under his 

 superintendence, and, having been trained to a conside- 

 rable height, throws a shadow on either side, according to 

 the hours of the day. 



