158 



THE BEECH. 



superior even to that of the best dogs, and so earned a 

 livelihood. 



Several figures are given by Loudon, showing the ten- 

 dency of the branches of the Beech to grow together when 

 they touch in crossing. The annexed figure, taken from 

 the Arboretum Britanniciim, represents a very singular 

 example of this peculiarity in a tree standing in "West 

 Hey Wood, between Cliff and Stamford. 



BEECH-TREE IN WEST HEY WOOD. 



