386 EXISTING TREES AND SHRUBS OF EPPING FOREST.
from this centre, nor yet from Highams Park, still lower down,
where it also occurs. There is, however, one tree near the head
of this valley overhanging a small pool in what was once the
grounds of Fairmead Lodge. There are alders in the nurseries,
but not near to any water.
Pinus sylvestris, L. Scotch Fir.
Planted here and there on ground once alienated from the
forest, but now thrown open. It does not flourish and looks
thoroughly out of place.
Taxus baccata, L. Yew.
The small sapling reported in the Essex Naturalist for
May, 1888, died a year or two ago. I have, however, found a
much stronger specimen in the Ching Valley, about 150 yards
east of the great oak. It is three feet high and two-and-a-half feet
across, with a stem as thick as one's finger. Growing from the
midst of a small bush, it is not very noticeable in the summer
time.
Warner mentions the "Eugh or Yew Tree" as "found
between the King's Oak and Epping, on the Forest, near the
Fourteen Mile Stone." That would be somewhere near the
"Wake Arms."
There is an ill-grown yew tree close to Whitehall Bridge
that was once within the grounds of Whitehall, the fence having
been put back to round off a corner.
Ruscus aculeatus, L. Butchers'-Broom. Kneeholm, or Knee-holly.
Fairly common in the forest, but seldom bearing fruit,
although the male flowers are plentiful. This very interesting
plant, our only monocotyledonous shrub, is not likely to become
rare, since its roots are very deep, sending up fresh shoots every
year, and it lives many years.
In addition to the British Trees and Shrubs and to the Poplars
mentioned in the foregoing list, we meet with many individuals
of species not proper to this country, some planted in the old days
of enclosures, such as Turkey and other Oaks, Horse Chestnuts
and Larches, and others that have escaped from neighbouring
private grounds. Among the latter may be mentioned the
following :—
Berberis aquifolium, a common garden barberry, which has
established itself in the forest near the tenth milestone on the
Epping New Road.