CHAPTER V 
THE HARDWOOD OR BROAD-LEAF SECTION OF 
TREES 
Amonc this extensive and widely-dispersed species 
of timber, the varieties of oak and mahogany are so 
numerous and important, that separate chapters are 
devoted to particulars regarding them, the observations 
on other woods being grouped under the heads of the 
several countries from which they are obtained. 
In this present chapter the first-named timber, as 
one that is always regarded as typical of England 
and its breed of men, and which has played a not un- 
important part in the foundation of her supremacy of 
the seas, will be. considered. 
Referring at the outset to English-grown wood, 
three species are said to exist. The divisions however 
are more botanical in their definitions than in any 
divergence in the quality of the timber. The wood 
certainly varies, but such differences depend more on 
soil, locality and other influences, than on any inherent 
distinctions in the variety. 
The oak is indigenous to Great Britain and Northern 
latitudes, extending in fact as far north as 55 degrees. 
It is also found as far south as tropical Africa. In 
England it is so well known that it needs no long descrip- 
tion. It grows preferably in rich, well-drained loam, 
and, probably, Sussex, Gloucester, and some parts 
of the Midland Counties produce the finest timber. 
As a hedgerow tree it develops many branches, and the 
timber, wanting in the length of the butt, grows very 
tough and knotty, and is difficult to work. It is, how- 
ever, useful for many purposes, especially where sweeps 
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