480 
THE ANTIQUITIES 
[LETT. 
Antiquaries seem much at a loss to determine at what period 
this tree first obtained a place in churchyards. A statute 
passed a.d. 1307, and 35 Edward 1., the title of which is "Ne 
rector arbores in cemeterio prosternat." Now if it is recol- 
lected that we seldom see any other very large or ancient 
tree in a churchyard but jews, this statute must have prin- 
cipally related to this species of tree; and consequently their 
being planted in churchyards is of much more ancient date 
than the year 1307. 
As to the use of tliese trees, possibly the more respectable 
parishioners were buried under their shade before the improper 
custom was introduced of burying within the body of the 
church, where the living are to assemble. Deborah, Eebekah's 
nurse,^ was buried under an oak ; the most honourable place of 
interment probably next to the cave of Machpelah,^ which 
seems to have been appropriated to the remains of the patri- 
archal family alone. 
The further use of yew trees might be as a screen to churches, 
by their thick foliage, from the violence of winds ; perhaps also 
for the purpose of archery, the best long bows being made of 
that material : and we do not hear that they are planted in the 
churchyards of other parts of Europe, where long bows were 
not so much in use. They might also be placed as a shelter 
to the congregation assembling before the church doors were 
opened, and as an emblem of mortality by their funereal 
appearance. In the south of England every churchyard almost 
has its tree, and some two ; but in the north, we understand 
few are to be found. 
The idea of K. C, that the yew tree afforded its branches 
instead of palms for the processions on Palm Sunday, is a good 
one, and deserves attention. — See Gent. Mag., vol. i, p. 128. 
^ Gen. XXXV. 8. 
" Gen. xxiii. 9. 
