126 



SYLVA BRITANNIC A. 



THE MAPLE IN BOLDRE CHURCH- 

 YARD 



is ten feet in circumference at the ground, and at 

 four feet, seven feet six inches ; at twelve feet, the 

 trunk divides into branches ; and the entire height 

 of the tree is about forty-five feet. This is considered 

 the largest Maple in England, and is mentioned as 

 such by Gilpin. 



It is not, however, solely from consideration of its 

 size that it is introduced in these pages, but also from 

 a desire on the part of the author to pay a tribute of 

 well-deserved respect to the memory of so excellent 

 and accomplished a man, as him by whom it has 

 been chronicled ; the late Rev, Wi'lliam Gilpin ; 

 who, after fulfilling his duties in the most exemplary 

 manner for twenty years, as rector of the parish of 

 Boldre, chose for his last resting-place this sweet 

 sequestered spot, under the very tree he has given 

 interest to by his record of it, and amidst the scenes 

 he so much loved, and so well described : thus reali- 

 zing the wish of Bloomfield, that favoured, though 

 lowly votary of the rural Muse, 



" O Heaven permit that I may lie 



Where o'er my corse green branches wave ; 

 And those who from life's tumults fly, 

 With kindred feelings press my grave." 



Nor can a work professing to illustrate Forest See- 



