92 



SYLVA BRITANNICA. 



THE LIME TREE. 



" The Lime, at dewy eve, 

 Diffusing odours." 



The Lime Tree, or Linden, is said to have been 

 introduced into England from Germany in the reign 

 of Elizabeth, by Sir John Spelman, to whom we 

 are also indebted for the introduction of the manu- 

 factory of paper. Tt is not, however, so much cul- 

 tivated in this as in many other countries, particu- 

 larly in Germany and Switzerland, where there are 

 some of the largest in the world ; and in Holland, 

 where they not only shelter and adorn the highways, 

 but are planted in many towns in even lines before 

 the houses, throughout the streets, filling the air 

 with the fragrance of their blossoms, and screening 

 the passengers from the sun, with the luxuriance of 

 their shade. It is peculiarly adapted for avenues, 

 from the straightness of its stem, and the luxuriant 

 spreading of its branches, which are likewise so 

 tough as to withstand the fury of gales that would 



