258 YEW. 
The wood of this tree is in much request for the out- 
sides of black lead pencils. It is soft and incapable of 
high polish, but, on account of its powerful fragrance, 
and consequently resisting the attacks of insects, it is 
not unfrequently used for the bottoms of drawers, and 
the inside of cabinets. Some years ago it was in much 
request for wainscotting and cabinet work ; but, since 
the introduction of mahogany, it has been in great 
measure neglected for these purposes. 
269. The YEW is a well-known evergreen tree (Taxus bac- 
cata), which has dark, narrow, pointed, and prickly leaves, and 
red berries, in the hollow part of the extremity of which a green 
seed appears. 
The cultivation of the yew was formerly very exten- 
sive throughout nearly the whole of the British domi- 
nions, since of the 'wood of this tree, which is peculiarly 
hard, smooth, and tough, our ancestors manufactured 
their bows. Hence, as well as on account of its gloomy 
and funereal aspect, it was usually planted in church- 
yards. But, when the introduction of fire-arms began 
to supersede the use of the bow, the yew was no 
longer cultivated than as an ornamental tree in parks 
and pleasure grounds. 
In the formal style of gardening which was anciently 
prevalent, few trees were more the subject of admi- 
ration than this, from its bearing to be clipped, with- 
out injury, into almost any form. Yews were cut into 
the shape of men, quadrupeds, birds, ships, and other 
vegetable monsters, but such absurd fancies have of 
late years almost wholly disappeared. These trees are at 
present advantageously planted in hedges, as a fence 
for orchards and shrubberies, which nothing can injure. 
The wood of the yew-tree is hard, beautifully veined, 
and susceptible of high polish. Hence it is valuable 
as a wood for veneering, and is much used for card 
boxes, small cabinets, and other articles. It is fre- 
quently used by turners and cabinet-makers ; and 
might perhaps be advantageously substituted for box 
