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TAXACEJ3. 



Elizabethan villas which of late years it has been the 

 fashion to erect. 



Since the Yew ceased to be employed as a hedge plant, 

 in the manner described, its cultivation has been greatly 

 neglected, indeed, the prevalent feeling towards it has 

 long been such as nearly to banish it from the precincts 

 of our residences and pleasure-grounds ; not, it would 

 appear, from any valid objection that can be urged, either 

 against its form or the effect it produces, but from the 

 unfortunate habit (old and more interesting recollections 

 being entirely forgotten,) of viewing it in the light of a 

 funereal tree, and associating it with scenes of melancholy 

 and the grave, a feeling no doubt arising froni the fact 

 of the tree being very frequently found growing in ancient 

 churchyards, where many of our most venerable and cele- 

 brated specimens are still to be seen. Such a distaste 

 towards the Yew is much to be regretted, as we consider 

 it one of the most beautiful evergreens we possess, com- 

 bining beauty of appearance with other valuable properties, 

 such as a temperament hardy enough to brave our most 

 inclement seasons, extraordinary longevity, and a consti- 

 tution which enables it to thrive in soils of inferior quality. 

 In this opinion we are not singular, for Gilpin speaks of 

 it in terms of great commendation, and pronounces it, even 

 in a state of nature, to be one of the most beautiful ever- 

 greens we have. " Indeed, (he says,) I know not whether 

 it is not superior to the cedar of Lebanon itself — I mean 

 of such as are representatives of that noble plant seen 

 in England ; " he also combats most successfully the ob- 

 jection often urged against the colour of its foliage, 

 which, as consonant with our own sentiments, we quote in 

 his own words. " An attachment to colour, as such, 

 seems to me an indication of false taste. Hence arise 



