XXX. 
THE HAZEL. 
THE HAZEL, Corylus Avellana (L.), of Monacia Polyandria in 
the Linnean system, and of Corylacee in the natural order of 
plants, is a well-known deciduous shrub, or low tree, indi- 
genous to the temperate climate of Europe. It is common in 
all quarters of Britain, and rises with numerous stems of rapid 
growth. Being hardy, it. occupies elevated positions in the 
Highlands of Scotland, forming a jungle on waste and un- 
cultivated spots, preferring situations partially shaded, and a 
dry soil incumbent on sandstone, chalk, etc. It abounds on 
slopes and precipitous places along the banks of rivers and 
streams, and it often springs from fissures of rock, no doubt 
from nuts deposited by the squirrel and other vermin. As 
an underwood it adds density to the forest of deciduous trees, 
but it does not endure the confinement of fir woods. _ 
It is readily propagated from nuts, which it yields abun- 
dantly, and which ripen throughout the autumn and beginning 
of winter, at times varying with the climate and altitude of 
the situation. As the size and vigour of the seedling plants 
generally correspond to the size of the nuts, it is of importance, 
when they are very unequal, to submit them to the ordeal of 
a wire-riddle adapted to class them into two sizes. As the 
weak seeds produce a similar progeny they may be rejected, 
or, if sown, they will have a better chance of success by them- 
selves than if interspersed with those of more robust growth. 
During winter, or early in spring, is the time for sowing them, 
and the soil should be light and sandy. A bushel of seed is 
sufficient for thirty lineal yards of a bed four feet in width. 
