1738 



IRBORETUM AND FHUT1CETUM. 



PART 111 



Log which name Mr. Atkinson observes (llort. Trans., 2d s., vol. i. p. 336.), 

 that the woodmen in the New Forest call all the oaks that have dark- 

 coloured acorns dunmast (of which word durmast is supposed to be a cor- 

 ruption): and that dun-coloured acorns are found both on Q. pedunculata 

 and Q. sessflifiora. A variety of Q. sessiliflora was found by Mr. Borrcr 

 in North Devon, with large leaves, oblique at 

 the apex, as show n in Jig. 1574. These leaves 

 are not quite so long as those of one of Mr. 

 Hive's varieties (Jig, 15S4-.), which differ from 

 Mr. Borrer's in being pointed at the apex. 

 The onl\ account which we are aw are of, that 

 lias been given of other British varieties of Q, 

 sessiliflora, is that by the Rev. W. T. Bree, 

 in the Gardener'* Magazine, vol. xii. p. 571. 

 The varieties there mentioned were all found 

 at Corley, in the parish of Allesley. Mr. 

 Bree's communication was accompanied by 

 15 dried specimens, 5 of which we have 

 figured, and the rest shortly described. 



" When yon examine these specimens," Mr. Brce observes, " I think 

 \ou will come to the conclusion that our two so-called species of oak are 

 mere varieties; but, though there are sessile oaks bearing fruit on pe- 

 duncles, and pedunculated oaks bearing almost sessile fruit, there is yet 

 a certain undescribable something about the trees, by means of which I can 

 alwa\> distinguish each, without minutely examining either the acorns or 

 the leaf-stalks. There is little difference in the general form and outline of 

 the two trees when full grown ; but young seedlings of Q. sessiliflora bear 

 their leaves close to the stem, and not on footstalks; so that, in this stage 

 of their growth, it is difficult to distinguish them from Q. pedunculata. 

 Q. sessiliflora generally bears small acorns; but it sometimes produces very 

 fine large ones. The acorns, when ripe, have very generally a red or pinkish 

 tinge ; so that, in nine cases out often, they are distinguished by looking at 

 the fallen acorns only." The specimens which accompanied Mr. Bree's 

 communication are thus described : — 



" o. s. 1.— Acorns large, ovate, quite sessile, and growing in clusters of four or five. Leaves 



from 5 in. to 5% in. in length. 

 " O. s. 2.— Acorns large, quite sessile, and growing singly, or in clusters of two or three, as in 



the preceding specimen, but (-loser together on the branches. 

 ' o. f . s. —Very large leaves, and very small long acorns ; one of the latter sessile, and the other 



with a footstalk, of about 3-Sth in. in length 

 «« o. s. + — Acorns of three times the diameter of 



those ol the last specimen, and about twice 



their length. 

 " o i, ,._.\<orns with a short peduncle. Two 



ipecimeni from the same tree. In one 



specimen, the peduncle* are l in. long; 



iii the other, scarcely i in. The form of 



the leaves, their yellowish green and long 



llkf, and the large buds in their 



leave no doubt Whatever of these 

 neni belonging to Q. seuiliflbra. 

 .,. — Acorns single, or In clusters of from 



two to Ave, "ii peduncles varying from 

 I iii. to 1 in. ill length. One of tin- p<- 



dunctes has an abortive sessile acorn at 



■ , two acorns, about | in. 'from 



each other on u» length : and it extremity 



t. rminatei In a large areO-formed leaf-bud 



The acorns are long, and very much re- 



lembld those '-I o pedunculate. 



"o m.i. - Acorns small and round, sessile in 



but h Ith norl fool tall In 



• A a darker green, ap- 

 proaching nearei to tho i ol Q. peduncu- 

 UUi than In the ea <■ ol any ol the pre- 

 ceding though, from their 

 i /,. . , long foot tall i, and large 

 ■ i,i re can be no doubt ot tbeii be- 

 longii 

 " o « L ■ bul litth i.i' In lab d, ind n 



.,- ti '.i <> p< dun< nl. i.i broad, 



green ■■ i ft ■ I 



