The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 157 



It may be objected, and with some reason, that the trees more 

 particularly mentioned above, form a very small part of the Forest 

 Trees of England, or of Wiltshire either. Granted. Many more 

 might be mentioned ; but, as was stated at the outset, an imperfect 

 account only was promised, the writer being unable from want of 

 knowledge, as well as of opportunities, to compile anything like 

 an exhaustive account. There are, however, some noble trees that 

 must be mentioned even though in a general way only. There is 

 the Sycamore, an old and well- grown specimen of which may bear 

 comparison with many of the best of its fellows. Why it is not 

 more generally planted is difficult to say. It is not very nice 

 about soil or situation ; grows rapidly ; bears the keen winds 

 bravely ; is remarkably handsome, and the wood is equal in value 

 to that of many other trees of greater note ; and besides all this, 

 it bears a plentiful crop of beautiful flowers. A few years ago, 

 passing through Everleigh, the writer was struck with some 

 fine specimens growing in the garden of the Crown Inn, there. 

 Observing a considerable extent of young plantation near, he had 

 the curiosity as he passed by, to look out for sycamores ; but as he 

 failed to notice any by the road- side, he concluded none had been 

 planted ; and he wondered why. Now, when it is intended to form 

 a plantation, a thing which when on a large scale ought to grow 

 into a wood, or, indeed into a forest in all but the name, the first 

 thing is to look round and note what tree seems to have taken 

 most kindly to the soil and situation, and of that tree to make a 

 point of planting a good proportion. Not that the tree or trees 

 that seem to be the trees of the district should be exclusively planted. 

 By no means ; but let them form the principal part, and then let 

 the planter fill up according to his fancy, including as many new 

 sorts as there is good reason to believe may thrive there. By adopt- 

 ing this plan he will, whatever the result may be, act as a beacon- 

 light, as well to encourage others to follow his example where he 

 has been successful, as to warn them to abstain where he has failed. 

 Then there is the Lime, a tree lovely to behold from its earliest 

 years to its full maturity. Like the sycamore it is decorated with 

 a profusion of extremely elegant blossoms, highly fragrant, and 



