An erroneous impression prevails that the Napoleon Weeping Willow is something distinct from the Babylonian or common weeping willow. It is simply the common weeping willow raised from the tree which grew over Napoleon's tomb in the island of St. Helena. Mr. John Smith, ex-curator of Kew Gardens, says it came into special public notice in 1825, on account of a twig having been received at Kew taken from a twig growing over Napoleon's grave at St. Helena. To see this twig the crowd was so great, that one Sunday before the hour of opening the gates were burst open. The twig grew into a fine tree forty feet high.