Another reason for its presence in churchyards may be due to the fact 

 that its wood was used for crossbows, the chief weapon in the early wars. 

 The Greek word meaning bow was evolved from another Greek word meaning 

 yew, because they made bows and arrows of it. 



The battles of Crecy and Poictiers were won with yew bows, and Edward 

 IV enacted that every Englishman should have a bow of his own height. 

 Later the supply of yew became scarce because of the demands made on it for 

 bows, and all the bowyers were ordered to make four bows of witch-hazel, 

 ash, or elm to every one of yew, in order that the supply of this valued wood 

 might be preserved. This is said to be one of the earliest forest regulations in 

 England. 



The genus Taxus includes six species of small trees and shrubs which occur 

 over a wide range in the northern hemisphere. Their rich, dark, glossy foliage 

 gives them a sombre hue which is a decided contrast to other trees. In many 

 a landscape the yew strikes a deep, solemn note which makes the other trees 

 look all the brighter for its presence. The red berries which are borne by 

 the yew instead of cones add to its beauty. The berries are on the under side 

 of the leaf sprays where they make an attractive setting. The yew is slow 

 of growth, but grows for many years, and will live for centuries. There are 

 three species of American yew, two of which are found in the Eastern States 

 and one on the Pacific Coast. The western species is the largest, reaching a 

 height of twenty to thirty feet, and a diameter of from six to twelve inches. 



THE ENGLISH YEW 



The English yew (Taxus baccata) gives a fine scenic effect in the spring 

 with its dark foliage standing out in contrast to the light green coloring of its 

 surroundings. 



"Where the distinguished yew is ever seen, 

 Unchanged his branch, and permanent his green." 



The bushy head of this yew can be trimmed into any form and trees are 

 commonly seen that have been converted into such unnatural shapes such as 

 peacocks, pyramids, and teapots. No matter how much the yew is clipped, 

 there are always buds in the angles between the narrow leaves and the stems 

 that will give rise to new growth and fill up gaps. 



(42) 



