THE OAK. 



58 



about five hundred feet of timber. Beauty, at an 

 equal height, is sixteen feet in circumference, and 

 its solid contents are nearly the same. Altogether 

 these three graces of the forest form a group imme- 

 diately within sight of the house, which, for magni- 

 ficence and beauty, is not perhaps to be equalled by 

 any other of the same nature ; awakening in the mind 

 of the spectator the most agreeable associations of the 

 freedom and grandeur of woodland scenery, with 

 the security and refinements of cultivated life. " Is 

 it not a pity," says Sir Edward Harley, speaking of 

 some ancient trees of his own, " that such goodly 

 creatures should be devoted to Vulcan?" No such 

 fate, however, attends this graceful trio ; and the 

 pleasure with which the spectator views their diffe- 

 rent characteristics, is heightened by a sense that 

 they are likely to remain cherished and protected 

 equally in their decay as in their prime. Protected 

 from violence, they will probably stand many cen- 

 turies ; and it may be hoped that they will as long 

 continue to delight the descendants of the family by 

 whom they are at present so highly valued, and so 

 carefully preserved. 



