315 



greatest aflSnity, thus connecting by gradual approaches the two supposed 

 species, however distinct e ich may appear when viewed in its typical form, or 

 where the vaiiation is at its maximum. We may add that in the general 

 form, outline, and dimensions of the two trees, when arrived at maturity no 

 striking or marked difference is perceptible, and though the quality of the 

 Bessile-floweiing kind is said to be inferior in strength and durability to that 

 of the pedunculated, it is used indiscriminately with the latter by workmen 

 for all purposes to which oak timber is applicable, and even in ship-building 

 the one is used in common with the otheT."—Selby, British Forest Trees, 

 8vo., pp. 241-2. 



I might add to this that all the most remarkable old trees of the oak 

 that I have examined are certainly Q. pedunculata. 



Selby further says, in regard to timber, that " there are various opinions, 

 some having considered that of Q. scssilijiora inferior both in strength, tough- 

 ness, and durability to that of Q. pedunculata, whUe others estimate their 

 relative properties to be nearly upon a par ; that the latter is the more correct 

 opinion of the two appears to be established from the comparative trials and 

 experiments that have "been made, which show that in strength, elasticity, 

 and toughness, the wood of Q. sessilijlora is fully equal, if not superior, to 

 Q. pedunculata. 



He finally concludes that " Our own opinion is that there is not any 

 such material difference between the qualities of the tittiber of the two trees 

 as has been asserted by some, but that inferior timber is occasionally produced 

 by each variety— the result, perhaps, of some original constitutional defect, 

 or arising from the nature of the soil, situation, or other local peculiarities 

 of the ground upon which the timber has been raised. Such at least is the 

 result of our own experience, as we have met with oak of the pedunculated 

 kind with timber possessing all the inferior qualities attributed to and 

 supposed to be possessed exclusively by Q. sessilijlora,'" 



Mr. Lees added that many remarkable and celebrated oaks which he had 

 examined were more than 800 years old, and that they all proved to be 

 Q. pedunculata. It seemed, therefore, extraordinary that all the sessile- 

 flowering oaks should have been cut down, because he didn't think that in 

 former times, even as late as Henry the Eighth's reign, the difference was 

 known. Selby and other authorities also said there was much difference of 

 opinion entertained as to the strength and durability of the two kinds. His 

 own opinion was that the difference in the durability of oak depended in a 

 great measure upon the soil and situation in which the trees grew (hear, hear). 

 [The President here intimated that time was up, and Mr. Lees resumed his seat.] 

 Mr. LiNGWOOD next rose and said thei-e were many sessiMora about 

 the Mynde estate and at Pengethley and in the western parts of the county, 

 but not in equal proportion to the pedunculata ; they were always more 

 stunted in their growth, and he conld generally recognise them for this very 

 reason. 



