54 



SYLVA BRITANNICA. 



THE OAKS AT BURLEY. 



This fine group of Oaks, twelve in number, of 

 which a view is given in the title-page, stands on 

 the lawn at Burley Lodge, New Forest, the property 

 of Lord Bolton. The largest of them is seven yards 

 and a half in circumference. They are known by 

 the name of the Twelve Apostles, and perhaps this 

 designation unconsciously adds to the feelings of 

 reverence and regard which their venerable appear- 

 ance, and their proximity to each other, as if drawn 

 together by bonds of friendship, are calculated to 

 inspire. There is a solemnity in a group of ancient 

 trees that powerfully disposes the mind to serious 

 thought, and carries it back to former ages : 



" It seems idolatry with some excuse 

 When our forefatlier Druids in their oaks 

 Imagined sanctity. The conscience, yet 

 Unpurified by an authentic act 

 Of amnesty, the meed of blood divine, 

 Loved not the light, but, gloomy, into gloom 

 Of thickest shades, like Adam after taste 

 Of fruit proscribed, as to a refuge fled." 



COWPER. 



Chardin, who published his travels in Turkey in 

 the 17th century, remarks, that the religious Maho- 

 metans chose to pray under old trees, rather than in 

 the neighbouring mosques : " They devoutly reve- 



