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varieties. The Ilex aquifolium (our common holly) is 
indigenous in many countries of the East, in North 
America, and most parts of Europe. It grows very freely 
in our island, and gives its name to several places; as 
Holmesdale, Ilolmewood, — Holme being one of its 
vernacular titles. 
It is a tree of classical notoriety: Columella recom¬ 
mends it for fences: — 
“ A hedge of holly, thieves that would invade 
Repulses, like a growing palisade; 
Whose numerous leaves such orient greens invest, 
As in deep winter do the spring arrest.” 
And Virgil places his four contending shepherds 
“ Beneath a holm that murmured in the breeze.” 
Thomson mentions it as offering shelter to the birds 
when they begin to build: — 
** Some to the holly-hedge 
Nestling repair.” 
It also feeds them in winter with its berries; but it more 
than neutralises these friendly offices to the feathered 
tribe by yielding that glutinous liquid which so often 
leads to their destruction. 
