8 The Natural History- 



hazel, uhnus folio latissimo scabro of Ray, which, though 

 it had lost a considerable leading bough in the great 

 storm in the year 1703, equal to a moderate tree, yet, 

 when felled, contained eight loads of timber j and, being 

 too bulky for a carriage, was sawn off at seven feet above 

 the butt, where it measured near eight feet in the 

 diameter. This elm I mention to show to what a bulk 

 planted elms may attain ; as this tree must certainly have 

 been such from its situation. 



In the centre of the village, and near the church, is a 

 square piece of ground surrounded by houses, and 

 vulgarly called the Plestor. In the midst of this spot 

 stood, in old times, a vast oak, with a short squat body, 

 and Imge horizontal arms extending almost to the ex-' 

 tremity of the area. This venerable tree, surrounded 

 with stone steps, and seats above them, was the delight of 

 old and young, and a place of much resort in summer 

 evenings ; where the former sat in grave debate, while the 

 latter frolicked and danced before them. Long might it 

 have stood, had not the amazing tempest in 1 703 overturned 

 it at once, to the infinite regret of the inhabitants, and the 

 vicar, who bestowed several pounds in setting it in its 

 place again ; but all his care could not avail ; the tree 

 sprouted for a time, then withered and died. This oak I 

 mention to show to what a bulk planted oaks also may 

 arrive : and planted this tree must certainly have been, as 

 will appear from what will be said farther concerning- this 

 area, when we enter on the antiquities of Selborne. 



On the Blackmoor estate there is a small wood called 

 Losel's, of a few acres, that was lately furnishe'd with a 

 set of oaks of a peculiar growth and great value ; they 

 were tall and taper like firs, but standing near together 

 had very small heads, only a little brush without any 

 large limbs. About twenty years ago the bridge at the 

 Toy, near Hampton-court, being much decayed, some 

 trees were wanted for the repairs that were fifty feet long 

 without bough, and would measure twelve inches diameter 

 at the little end. Twenty such trees did a purveyor find 

 in this little wood, with this advantage, that many of them 

 answered the description at sixty feet. These trees were 

 sold for twenty pounds apiece. 



