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CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTION 
Famous in poetry and prose alike, the oak must always 
be for Englishmen a subject of interest, around which 
historical associations of the most varied character are 
grouped; but although what may be termed the senti- 
mental aspect of the ‘ British oak’ is not likely to dis- 
appear even in these days of ironclads and veneering, it 
must be allowed that the popular admiration for the 
sturdy tree is to-day a very different feeling from the 
veneration with which it was regarded in ancient times ; 
and that, with the calmer and more thoughtful ways of 
looking at this and other objects of superstition, a cer- 
tain air of romance seems to have disappeared which 
to so many would still present a tempting charm. Iiis 
not to these latter alone that our few existing ancient 
oaks are so attractive, however, and a slight acquaint- 
ance with the oaken roofs and carvings of some of our 
B 
