CHAP. CV. CORYLA‘CEA. QUE’RCUS. 1813 
in proportion to its breadth than that of most other trees, may be another reason 
why it offers a firmer resistance to storms. Notwithstanding this, terrible de- 
vastation has sometimes been effected among oak trees by the wind; and one 
of the most fearful instances occurred in October, 1831, when a destructive 
hurricane ravaged a considerable portion of the park of Thorndon Hall, the 
seat of Lord Petre, near Brentwood. The following account is abridged from 
that sent to the Magazine of Natural History by J.G. Strutt, Esq. :—“ The blast 
came on about eight o’clock, and in less than four minutes the work of havoc 
was completed. The wind came from the south-west, and entered the park 
near the Lion’s Lodge, where it threw down a small portion of the paling. 
It then traversed the park in a varying sweep of about 150 yards’ breadth. 
Near the lodge, severe oaks, 60 ft. high, were torn up by the roots, with 
adhering masses of earth, 14 ft. in length, and from 3 ft. to 4 ft. in thickness. 
6B 4 
