FIELD AND FOREST. 9 1 



In conclusion is it not reasonable to suppose that in the barren 

 wastes of the Rocky Mountains, where the temperature averages so 

 much colder than the table lands, or in more easterly latitudes that 

 insects of all kinds should be comparatively scarce. Will not some of 

 our entomologists, who have had experience, give their views on the 

 subject ? 



Charles R. Dodge. 



Holly and Mistletoe. 



Little thought of during the rest of the year, at Christmas time 

 holly and mistletoe take a position of importance, denied to them all 

 the other months. The holly, as might be expected of a plant of its 

 sturdy nature, boldly asserts itself, and is, at the season mentioned, to 

 be met with everywhere. In our churches it twines round the pillars, 

 runs along the front of the galleries, and wreathes the pulpit ; whilst 

 on home and hospital walls, its shining leaves and bright berries 

 gladden all, bringing to sick and well thoughts of past happy Christ- 

 mases and hopes of future ones as blessed. Banished from churches, 

 where only by mistake, we are told, did it ever have place. Mistletoe 

 has in many houses even but an uncertain footing, for all do not look 

 with favor on the privileges it brings in its wake. I propose to give a 

 few facts concerning mistletoe and holly, taking the latter first. Holly 

 (Ilex aquifolium) is an indigenous plant, growing also in warm and 

 cold countries of Europe, Asia, and America. Although of slow 

 growth, it attains, in a few instances, a great height, and forms, with 

 care, after some years, handsome hedges. Evelyn had a fine holly 

 hedge at Says Court, and I have seen one on the road from Birming- 

 ham to Acock's Green, about twelve feet high. Tynningham, near 

 Dunbar, boasts the largest holly bush in Scotland, and at Frensham, 

 in Surrey, some holly trees reached a height of sixty feet. The wood 

 is close and white, and stains well, taking especially a beautiful black. 

 It is used for Tunbridge ware and wood engravers' blocks ; box and 

 pear tree only exceeding it in value for the latter purpose. In very 

 ancient times branches of it were fastened to houses to defend them 

 from lightning, and as a protection from witchcraft. Later on the 

 bark and leaves were used in fomentations, and the dried and not 



