OFSELBORNE. ^ 
boojgh in the great ftorm in the year 1703, equal to a moderate 
tree, yet, when felled, contained eight loads of timber; and, be- 
ing too bulky for a carriage, was fawn off at fcven feet above the 
butt, where it meafured near eight feet in the diameter. This elm 
I mention to fhew to what a bulk planted elms may attain ; as this 
tree muft certainly have been fuch from it's fituation. 
In the centre of the village, and near the church, is a fquare 
piece of ground furrounded by houfes, and vulgarly called The 
Pleftor In the midft of this fpot Hood, in old times, a vaft oak, 
with a fhort fquat body, and huge horizontal arms extending 
almoft to the extremity of the area. This venerable tree, fur- 
rounded with ftone fteps, and feats above them, was the delight 
of old and young, and a place of much refort In fummer even- 
ings ; where the former fat in grave debate, while the latter fro- 
licked and danced before them. Long might It have flood, had 
not the amazing temped in 1703 overturned it at once, to the 
infinite regret of the inhabitants, and the vicar, who bellowed 
feveral pounds in fetting it in it's place again : but all his care 
could not avail ; the tree fprouted for a time, then withered and 
died. This oak I mention to fhew to what a bulk planted oaks 
alfo may arrive ; and planted this tree mull certainly have been, as 
will appear from what will be faid farther concerning this area, 
when we enter on the antiquities of Selborne. 
On the Blackmoor eflate there is a fmall wood called Lofer%, of a 
few acres, that was lately furnifhed with a fet of oaks of a pe- 
culiar growth and great value; they were tall and taper like firs, 
but flianding near together had very fmall heads, only a little 
brufli without any large limbs. About twenty years ago the 
e Vide the plate lathe antiquities. 
bridge 
