ON BRITISH OAKS. 4] 
Some years ago a sharp controversy was carried on as to 
the identity of “ Herne’s Oak,” it being contended by some 
authorities that it was cut down in error, during the reign of 
George III., about the year 1796; the other “* Herne’s Oak” was 
blown down in 1863, but as the Queen has planted one in its 
place, this will perpetuate the name. It stood in the Home 
Park, but I cannot find what were its dimensions. 
“Queen Elizabeth’s Tree,” so called from having been said to 
have been a great favourite of the virgin Queen. It stands close 
to the site of ‘‘ Herne’s Oak.” 
“‘Shakespeare’s Oak,” another tree supposed to have been the 
great poet’s favourite oak, stands close by the last ; both are said 
to be fine trees, but in neither case have we got dimensions. 
‘William the Conqueror’s Oak.” Beyond the fact that this 
tree has been associated with the Norman’s name from time 
immemorial, its history is unknown. The main stem has long 
been decayed, and is supported with props. It is situate near 
Cranbourne Lodge, just within the park palings, and is, con- 
sequently, but little seen by the public. It has a circumference 
of 37 feet at 5 feet up. 
The ‘‘ Forest Gate Oak” is an old pollard, with a circumference 
of 28 feet 4 inches. 
“Queen Anne’s Oak” has a circumference of 15 feet 3 inches 
at 5 feet up, and is 60 feet high. 
“Queen Charlotte’s Oak” has a circumference of 17 feet 3 
inches at 5 feet up, and is 65 feet high. 
“Queen Victoria’s Oak ” is perhaps as handsome a specimen of 
a thriving young oak as it would be possible to find. It has a 
magnificent straight stem 38 feet up to the first branch, and a 
beautifully rounded head. It was chosen by Her Majesty as her 
favourite oak soon after her accession. It is 11 feet 11 inches 
in circumference at 5 feet up, and is 70 feet high. 
The three last-mentioned ‘‘Queen” oaks are in the forest 
between Highstanding Hill and New Lodge. 
The ‘“ Prince Consort's Memorial Oak,” planted by Her Majesty 
on November 25, 1862, marks the spot where her much-loved 
husband finished his last day’s shooting on November 23, 1861. 
Before taking leave of Windsor, it may be as well to notice the 
plantation, containing a large group of oaks, stretching from the 
back of the park bailiffs house in the direction of Cranbourne 
Walk. It is supposed that allusion is made to this plantation of 
