7 OLD HEAVY BERRY 
ILEX OPACA 
Actual Photograph, Opposite 
People often point out old landmarks in Burlington, N. J., settled in 
1677. Seldom shown, but of more interest to me, are a few old Hollies 
scattered about the country nearby. Years ago one especially worth 
while was called OLD HEAVY BERRY by the boys of the neighborhood. 
Sturdy as an oak, this Holly has lived through much because of 
those boys. When quite young, the whole top was cut off and carried 
away one Christmas Eve. Several times it has had all its imbs cut back 
to stubs, the last time only three years ago. Many of our fine old Hollies 
have been destroyed by ruthless cutting, but this old tree possesses so 
much vigor that it seems hardly to have been hurt at all—it just keeps on 
growing. 
When I first saw OLD HEAVY BERRY a dozen years ago, I immedi- 
ately felt that it had more character than any Holly I had ever seen. 
Since then I have stood under it many, many times and its beauty grows 
on me. It has large, heavy dark leaves. Ferries seem to form on every 
twig. The structure, more like oak than Holly, is most interesting and 
when I get cuttings I just climb up, for all limbs will bear me (194 
pounds). 
My first effort to buy met with a decided “No!"’ and as the years 
went by I tried so many times that the owner finally said: ‘You could 
grow a Holly in less time than you have bothered me about this one.” 
Perseverance won and now I expect to move OLD HEAVY BERRY to 
my farm. 
Help save Holly! Do not buy branches at Christmas that 
have been torn from native trees. Grow your own! 
