158 



The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 



perfuming the air to a great distance. It is a long-lived tree and 

 attains a great size, sometimes more than twenty feet in circum- 

 ference. Of this size one, quite a historic tree, is, or recently was 

 growing at Brunswick, in the Square where the Cathedral stands. 

 It is said to have been planted by Henry, the Lion, in the year 

 1194, on his return from the Holy Land. When the writer saw 

 it a few years ago, it appeared to be perfectly sound. The lime is 

 everywhere to be met with, and is a favorite tree for avenues, for 

 whicfy it is well suited. There is said to be one of great beauty 

 and nearly four miles long, at Cobham, in Surrey. The Tulip 

 Tree which also bears a handsome cup-shaped blossom, and is re- 

 markable for its leaves, which in shape, much resemble a man's 

 saddle, may be mentioned with the above. It attains a considerable 

 size, and is frequently to be met with. There are very fine speci- 

 mens at Longleat and Bowood ; large timber trees of fifty to sixty 

 feet in height, and from eight to ten feet, if not more, in circum- 

 ference. The Poplar well deserves notice. It has got a bad 

 name, and has the misfortune to be somewhat despised, but not by 

 those who are well acquainted with it. Of all the sorts, perhaps 

 the Abele, or Great White Poplar; and the Black Italian Poplar, 

 are the best. There are some remarkably fine specimens of the 

 first-named at Longleat, above a hundred feet in height, and from 

 ten to twelve, and up to fifteen feet in circumference at three or 

 four feet from the ground. The wood is considered by many to be 

 worthless ; but it is not so. It is excellent for almost every purpose 

 where lightness and toughness are required, and it stands wet and 

 dry remarkably well. It grows more rapidly than any other tree, 

 having been known to grow ten or twelve feet in height in one 

 year from a cutting. In some parts of the kingdom it is the wood 

 most sought after by the carpenter for the sides of wagons and 

 carts, on account of its being so light and tough. It is the best 

 wood, too, for packing cases and large boxes for travelling. The 

 French are well aware of its value, almost all their wine-cases 

 being made of it. There is much truth in the old adage relative 

 to this tree : — 



" Though heart of oak be e'er so stout, 

 Keep me dry, and I'll see him out." 



