48 HERNE'S OAK. 



very large and noble one. Compared with the 

 girth of two or three near it, it is seen now to dis- 

 advantage, but it should be recollected that these 

 other trees are pollards, and the very circum- 

 stance of trees having been deprived of their 

 leading branches, through a succession of years, 

 which has not been the case with Kernels Oak, 

 always increases the size of their trunks. 



I can again only express my hope, that the ar- 

 guments I have made use of will not be unac- 

 ceptable to the admirers of Shakspeare. Even if 

 I could be proved to be wrong, I do not see 

 what object would be gained by the endeavours to 

 destroy the interest, which would otherwise be 

 attached to this last relic of our immortal bard. I 

 may appear obstinate, or too persevering in my 

 wish to rescue it from oblivion and neglect, but as 

 long as I feel that I have the best of the argu- 

 ment, I will maintain my ground. 



In order that the tree may now be readily re- 

 cognized by strangers, I have had the following 

 quotation affixed to it : 



There is an old tale goes, that Herne the hunter, 

 Sometime a keeper here in Windsor forest, 

 Doth all the winter time, at still midnight, 

 Walk round about this oak. 



I am assured that since this inscription has been 

 put on the tree, some females, who were in the 

 habit of passing between Windsor and Datchet, 



