PLANTING. 



51 



immense branches horizontally, which divide and subdivide exceed- 

 ingly. Mason has given a very beautiful description of such a 

 tree : — 



" Behold yon oak, 

 How stern he frowns ! and his broad brown arm 

 Chills the pale plain beneath." 



The oak is confessedly the most accommodating of all the pro- 

 ductions of the forest ; it combines happily with rustic scenery, adds 

 grandeur to the ruined tower or Gothic arch, and seems appropriately 

 to harmonize with the lowly pastoral or the lofty sublime. 



Quercus ilex, or the evergreen oak, is a very fine species ; it retains 

 its leaves throughout the winter. In the South of Europe it attains 

 to a great size : many fine specimens of it exist in this country, and 

 it has of late years been much cultivated in parks; being both 

 hardy and ornamental. 



Quercus suber, or the cork-tree, is also an evergreen ; the use of 

 its bark is well known in this country : its appearance is more slender 

 than the common oak, and its form more spiral. 



Quercus alba, or the white oak, is a very fine growing tree, and 

 is likely to be much cultivated in this country; principally on account 

 of its timber, which is in great repute. 



Quercus cerris, or the Turkey oak, is an evergreen, grows quick, 

 and is very ornamental. A very fine variety, called the Luicomb 

 oak, has been raised from the seed by Mr. Luicomb, from whom it 



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