FOREST TREES. 435 



in a position suitable for a tree of that character. It is univer- 

 sally esteemed to be very beautiful, and we have several in my 

 garden. An old tree assumes the form of an inverted pyramid, 

 being broadest at the top. 



On a hill south of the chalk downs the Box-tree {Buxiis sempervirens) 

 grows wild, but I have never seen it so growing anywhere else. We 

 use it for edging the walks, as it bears any amount of clipping. Our 

 forefathers used to cut the tree into the form of birds or animals, 

 which occasionally may be seen in country villages. The best example 

 of clipped trees I ever saw was at the Pope's garden attached to the 

 Vatican in Rome, where amongst other animals a cow with its horns is 

 marvellously rendered by clipping a tree. This horticultural extra- 

 vagance, though not to be admired, is interesting, as showing the extent 

 to which some trees may be clipped and deformed by ill-bestowed 

 patience and care. 



" The suffering eye inverted nature sees, 

 Trees cut to statues, statues thick as trees." — Pope. 



On the dry chalk downs to the south-east, the Juniper {Juniperus 

 communis) grows abundantly. It is remarkable for the brightness of 

 the colour of the foliage. I have a plant or two. The Red Cedar 

 {Juniperus virginiand) is one of the largest trees 

 of the genus, but my soil and climate are not 

 adapted to it, and it speedily perishes. 



In my immediate neighbourhood, at "The Elms," 

 a large Holly {Ilex Aquifolium, fig. 953) exists upon 

 the lawn ; but at my garden there are only a few 

 small trees of the variegated-leaved varieties, such 

 as the /. Aquifolium ferox, or Hedgehog variety, 

 which has the surface of the leaves spiny. There 

 are several other charming kinds, the leaves ot 

 which are silver or golden coloured ; and though fig. 933.— Hoiiy. 

 we have not required them in my grounds, that is no reason why 

 they should not be freely grown by others, as they light up the 



