ii6 



THE OAK TREE IN ESSEX. 



Recreation of this kind is, I can assure our members, a delightful 

 rest from the drudgery of e\ery-day life, giving healthy exercise and 

 pure air, and taking us into beautiful spots which one would have 

 been unlikely to visit but for some object of inquiry. 



I cannot help remarking upon two things which have impressed 

 themselves upon me during my search. One is the slight attention 

 given to this subject by our topographical writers ; and secondly, 

 the fact, that in almost every instance the first inhabitant I met in 

 any village could direct me to the finest trees in his district without 

 hesitation. 



I have only to add that I have received assistance from several 

 kind friends, in particular from Mr. Miller Christy, who not only 

 suggested the inquiry, but has given much information. I am also 

 indebted to Messrs. W. Cole, E. A. Fitch, Harris Smith, G. N. 

 Maynard, Hy. Myhill, J. C. Gould, W. Crouch, and many others too 

 numerous to mention. 



I hope that my paper may be the means of attracting to the pages 

 of our journal much information concerning Essex trees. 



" Let India boast her plants, nor envy we 

 The weeping amber and the balm)^ tree ; 

 While by our oaks the precious loads are borne, 

 And realms commanded which those trees adorn." 



Pope. 



[Mr. Shenstone's Notes on Essex Oaks not being grouped on any definite plan, 

 it will be useful to arrange the trees in the alphabetical order of the places in 

 which they grow, for ready reference : — ' 



