io6 



THK OAK. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



There are two species oi" Oak, both ot vvliich arc Loininon in 

 England, namely, Rohiir Pcduiiculata, ami Rohur Scssilitiora. Tlicv 

 may he distinguished liv certain characteristics. The acorns ot lldhur 

 Pedunculata are (jhlmig in shape and are borne on long truit stalks, 

 while the leaves have short toot stalks. Robur ScssiliHora, as the 

 derivation of its name iniplic-, bears its Howers close to the twig, so 

 that the acorns are without stalks. In this variety the buds are also 

 more prominent, and the branches more upright, while the leaves 

 remain on the tree later in the winter. 



The species (^t Hritish Oak has been so mnch crossed that it is 

 difficult tt) find a tree whitli ba^ all the chai.icteristics ol either the 



