THE OAK. 



21 



could myself, on the subjects in hand^ as pro- 

 posed. 



One of our first inquiries should be/' said 

 I, concerning the different sorts of trees ; and 

 how we are to distinguish one species from 

 another. My best way will be to lead you to 

 some good specimens of each^ which we may 

 probably find within a moderate distance." 



Now one of you, young gentlemen, per- 

 haps, will oblige us by pointing out an oak 

 tree." 



There is one and, Is not that one ?" 

 — and, I will bring an oak branch — were 

 the ready replies. 



Now observe the general grandeur of the 

 tree : to what a considerable height it grows 

 straight. The farther this straightness con- 

 tinues in the stem, or what is called the sticky 

 or hutty the more valuable is the timber. This 



