CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 179 



100 feet with a clear, straight stem of from 30 to 40 feet [I think it would 

 be more correct to put this figure at 30 to 60 feet. — A. L. H.] and a circum- 

 ference of 8 to 10 feet, and much larger specimens (though now only 

 rarely to be met with) were formerly common. If grown in open and 

 exposed situations, it is generally shorter, and frequently takes strange 



The ••Twelve Apostles" Oak on Lord Petre's Estate at Brentwood, 

 14 feet high to the big branch; girth, 27 feet i^ inches; diameter, 11 feet. 



and eccentric forms, assuming a somewhat curved and crooked shape ; 

 this, however, is one of its most valuable characteristics, as naturally 

 curved timber is almost indispensable for wood shipbuilding. It is 

 when grown under these conditions that it appears to attain its maximvun 

 of hardness, and is often found so gnarled and knotty that it is difficult 

 to work." Grown in appropriately shaded forest the tree casts off its 



