THE OAK. 15 



verdure, and present at every turn splendid views 

 over a rich and woody country. The Park itself 

 abounds with magnificent and ancient timber ; and 

 is bordered with the romantic cliffs that rise on the 

 banks of the river Dove. The stilness of antique 

 trees and forest glades is relieved by animated 

 groups of red deer, whose characteristics peculiarly 

 suit the features of the scene, and by a yet more 

 striking race of wild goats, originally presented by 

 Richard the Second to one of Lord Bagot's an- 

 cestors. It was amid scenes so inspiring and de- 

 lightful, and under the encouraging influence of 

 attentions from their noble owner, of which he must 

 always retain a grateful remembrance, that the 

 Author of this work made his first sketch for it, 

 well pleased, as Horace has expressed it 



" Taciturn sylvas inter reptare salubres :" 



And he trusts he shall not be accused of an undue 

 degree of egotism, if he so far yields to the impulse 

 of his feelings, as to acknowledge in this place the 

 gratification he has derived from finding his attempt 

 to form a national record of some of the principal 

 Forest Trees that peculiarly ornament England 

 above all other countries, so generously received by 

 the public, as well as by the distinguished indi- 

 viduals from whose domains his subjects have been 

 principally taken. 



