ITS TREES
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grows freely throughout the Forest wherever the soil
is tolerably dry. It is not much observed in the
summer ; but when other trees are bare, from the shelter
and seclusion which it affords, and from the deep green
of its glossy leaves, it is invaluable. For some reason
which I cannot explain it does not often bear berries
in the Forest. This is as well, as otherwise large
quantities of it might disappear at Christmas time.
The deer browse on it in winter. Consequently, since
those animals have increased in number, the holly has
made less progress. The finest holly undergrowth is
found in Lord's Bushes, and the Walthamstow Forest,
where there are no deer.
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculcatus) is the only other ever-
green indigenous to the Forest. There is not much of
it, and what there is, is not very ornamental.