OF SELBORNE. Q 



The Plestor. In the midst of this spot 

 stood, in old times, a vast oak, with a 

 short squat body, and huge horizontal 

 arms extending almost to the extremity 

 of the area. This venerable tree, sur- 

 rounded v^ith 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 tem- 

 pest in 1703 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 plant- 

 ed this tree must certainly have been, as 

 appears from what is known concerning 

 the antiquities of the village. 



