XXXIX. 
THE LIME TREE. 
Lime Tree—The Linden, or Teil-tree, is the Tilia of 
botanists. It belongs to Polyandria monogynia of the Lin- 
nan system, and it is the type of the natural order Tiliacew. 
Some botanists have divided the genus into two species, 
which embrace a number of distinct varieties, while others 
consider these possessed of characteristics sufficiently distinct 
to constitute species. 
Tilia Europea (L.), or common Lime, is the principal tree 
belonging to the genus. It is a native of the north of 
Germany, Russia, and Sweden. It is also found wild on the 
Alps of Switzerland, and in the north of Italy, in Spain, in 
Portugal, and in Greece—varying considerably according to 
the soil and climate which it occupies. It is stated to be 
indigenous to England, and found wild in some parts of 
the counties of Kent and Essex. But whether a native or 
foreign tree, it does not shed its seeds and spring up in 
uncultivated ground as indigenous plants generally do, which 
has occasioned some doubt as to its being really a native of 
Britain. 
It affects a good climate and a rich alluvial or loamy soil, 
and the extended cultivation of the districts congenial to its 
support may counteract the natural growth or spread of the 
plant. It is found, however, that seeds are only ripened in 
the best seasons, and on trees most favourably situated. It 
is unsuitable for bleak situations or dry poor soils. Its chief 
use is to form an embowering shade along the avenue, and as 
a park tree or lawn ornament; and in towns throughout the 
Continent of Europe the tree is planted in lines along the 
