7. 
THE BEECH. 
Fagus sylvatica. 
Puats 1, Fre. 7. 
J*ERHAPS the fact that none of our 
‘ woodland Trees grow more readily 
from seed, or show a readier dis- 
position to thrive and develope 
on English soil than the Beech, 
may be accepted as at least one 
circumstance in favour of the claim made 
to rank this beautiful Tree amongst the 
natives of Britain. Those who do not 
regard it as indigenous rely chiefly, if not entirely, 
on the statement of Julius Cesar, that timber of 
every kind which was found in Gaul, also grew in 
Britain, except the Beech and the Silver Fir. But 
u 2 
