_Gospel Trees_ (Vol. ii., p. 407.; Vol. v., p. 157.).--BURIENSIS, in a
recent Number, says that he has somewhere read of a tree called the
"Gospel Elm." May, in his _Guide to Stratford-upon-Avon_, published
about twenty years since, gives the following description of an elm,
which is probably the one referred to by your correspondent. After
describing the hamlet of Bishopton, he writes:
"In varying our return to Stratford, pursuing thus the path along
the Henley road, we pass at the town's entrance the now decaying
'Gospel Tree,' that still indicates the boundary of the borough in
this direction, towards the 'Dove house close.' In a perambulation
of the boundaries, made here on the 7th of April, 1591[3], this
elm--judging from its now decayed and weather-beaten aspect--is
the one there noted as seated on the boundary in this direction,
whence the line is therein stated as continuing, to 'the two elms
in Evesham highway.' Such a perambulation was anciently made
yearly, during Rogation week, by the clergy, magistrates, and
burgesses; not omitting, for evidence' sake, the boys of the
grammar school, who then doubtless received, as still is
customary, some _sensitive_ reminiscences of local
limitation."--May's _Guide to Stratford-upon-Avon_, p. 92.
[Footnote 3: "Presentment" in the possession of R. Wheler, Esq.]
The author gives a very plausible reason for the tree's peculiar name,
in the ensuing remark:
"When the bound mark was a tree, as in the present instance, a
passage of Scripture was read beneath its branches, a collect was
recited, and a psalm was sung. Hence its sacred designation, long
retained, but now well nigh forgotten."--_Ibid._ p. 93.