304 A MANUAL 01 THE CONIFERS!. 



Occasionally intermediate forms appear, some of •which have a tolerably 

 distinct character, and have been distributed und.er such names as 

 cheshuntensis, columnaris, intermedia, compressa, &c. 



Our engraving, from a photograph kindly sent to us by the Earl of 

 Enniskillen, represents the original Irish Yew at Florence Court. 



Among the variegated forms the following are distinct : — 



Taxus fastigiata argenteo-variegata has many of its terminal 

 growths creamy-white, and leaves striped and marked with the 

 same colour scattered over the whole plant. 



Taxus fastigiata aurea is analogous, as regards the colouring 

 of its foliage, to the golden variety of the common form ; the 

 young growth and leaves being of a deep golden-yellow. 



Taxus fastigiata aureo-marginata has the foliage of the current 

 season edged with bright golden-yellow, which changes to light 

 green as the growth of the succeeding season progresses. 



This variety originated in the Nursery of Messrs. Fisher, Son, and 

 Sibray, at Sheffield. 



Taxus baccata fructu-luteo differs in nothing from the com- 

 mon Yew, except in the colour of its fruit, which is bright 

 golden-yellow. When covered with berries it is very ornamental. 



The yellow-berried Yew is of Irish origin. It appears to have 

 been first discovered by a Mr. Whitlaw, of Dublin,- about 1817, or 

 before, growing on the lands of the Bishop of Kildare, near Glas- 

 nevin; but it seems to have been neglected till 1833, when it was 

 noticed in the grounds of Clontarf Castle, whence cuttings were 

 distributed.* 



Taxus baccata nana. — A dwarf dense shrub, rarely, growing 

 more than 2 or 3 feet high, but spreading considerably in pro- 

 portion to its height. The leaves are smaller, and darker in 

 colour, than those of the common kind. 



Taxus baccata nigra.— A vigorous-growing variety, of spreading 

 habit. The upper surface of the leaves is darker than in the 

 common kind, while the under side has a bluish glaucous tint 

 whence it has obtained the name of Blue John. 

 * Loudon, Arb. et Frut, p. 2068. 



