Grows From A Tomb

The little parish of Kempsey is one of he most picturesque in England. lt is situated on the banks of the Severa, bout four miles from Woreester. lts roudest feature is the little church which has been standing' nobody knows ïow long, but which was earefully restored in 1865. lts second lease of life, therefore, dates back earlier than the irth of many a venerated sanctuary. ín this church tliere is a monument juilt of solid stone and curiously carved, erected to the memory of Sir Edmund Wylde, ivlio died in 1G20, at the age of 32. The recumbent figure of the knight lies under a stone canopy, supported by two sniall fluted pillara. His hands are folded on his breast, with his sword between them, and his heimet is by his side. The inscription above Mm tells that "he was solemnly here interred with great lamentation," also that he was "thought worthy the honor to be high sheriff of this county." Many years ago the village school children used to sit on benches in the chancel and play with horse chestnuts. One day a nut feil in a creviee behind the tomb and chanced to strike soil fertile enough to cause it to sprout. Year by 3'ear it has grown, until now it is a f ull-grown tree, casting its shade over the form of the stone knight. The mystery of its living and thriving have never been solved, but in all the darkness and mustiness of the ancient church the tree gTOWs, and yearly buds, leaves and blossoms with the unfailing instinct which abundant soil, frequent rains and generous sunshine are alone supposed to foster. The inhabitants of Kempsey proudly cherish their historie tree, and at the time of the church's restoration the little chestnut tree was caref ully boarded up to prevent it from injury. The illustration is taken from a painting by Col. J. A. Temple, Bengal staff corps.