THE TREES AND WOODLANDS OF ESSEX 151
Eucalyptus forms a feature of one small area in Essex,
namely, Brightlingsea, where trees up to 50-60 feet in height
are found. Prior to the winter of 1928 or 1929, eucalyptus
up to 30-40 feet in height were quite common in many
gardens, but so many were then killed by frost that little
outside planting has since taken place, and I do not know
of other areas where they are growing in such profusion.
The Cedars. All the cedars thrive in most parts of the
county, and there are many very fine specimens, chiefly of
Cedrus Libani, which, of course, has been grown here much
longer than the other two well-known species. Trees in
really good condition are uncommon, as the very heavy
horizontal branches make an ideal platform for snow and
are broken down by its weight. The tree is quick-growing,
and a girth of 20 feet, with an overall branch-spread of 100
feet, is not uncommon. The oldest tree in Britain is not yet
300 years old. The two other cedars, Cedrus atlantica and
Cedrus deodara, were introduced less than 100 years ago,
but are quick-growing and suffer less damage by snow than
the Cedar of Lebanon on account of their branch formation.
Evergreen Oak (Quercus Ilex). Generally speaking, the
countryside in winter looks very bare in this area, con-
sequently well-grown specimens of this introduction from
the Mediterranean add variety to the landscape. It thrives
in most soils, including calcareous ones, but, when young,
may suffer from frosts in exposed sites. A considerable
number of these trees is to be found in the Colchester area.
London Plane (Platanus acerifolia). Some very large
trees, up to 100 feet in height and possibly 18 to 20 feet in
girth, can be seen in Essex. It is probably the most good-
natured tree in existence, will stand being annually
mutilated by Man, and will grow in the minimum of soil.
Catalpa bignonioides. This is a short tree, rarely
exceeding 30 feet in height. It has been grown in the
country for over 200 years, and is distinctive for flowering
in July and August. It produces in profusion long seed pods
resembling runner beans, and this gives it the common name
of Indian Bean.