ACORN -POISON IN G. 
59 
variations in the foot-stalks of the leaves (petiole), and these 
circumstances have given rise to great difference of opinion 
as to specific characters ; some authors merging all into a 
single species, while others consider the differences named 
sufficient to warrant their separation into three distinct specific 
forms. We incline to the opinion that the points named are 
not sufficiently distinctive to warrant us in concluding our 
forms of oak as specifically distinct ; at the same time we have 
no hesitation in asserting that there are at least three well- 
defined varieties, which may be shortly described as follows : 
1. Quercus robtjr pedunculata is readily distinguished 
in trees separated from each other by its robust habits, thick, 
knarled, twisted, and more or less horizontal branches. The 
leaves have comparatively few broad wavy indentations, and 
are set on with a short leaf-stalk (petiole). The fruits (acorns) 
are situate on long foot-stalks (petiole), varying from two to 
upwards of four inches in length. 
This is the typical British oak, which is general all over 
our island, though in some parts other forms prevail. 
2. Quercus robur sessiliflora is generally of a more 
upright and formal habit, and limbs straighter and less 
knarled than in the Q. robur pedunculata. The leaf has 
deeper sinuosities, and is set on with a comparatively long 
petiole. The fruit, on the contrary, is so nearly sessile that 
it may be said to have little more than the indication of a 
peduncle. 
This form, like the others, has been planted here and there 
all over the country. The most general distribution of this 
handsome tree, and the finest examples of it which have come 
under our observation, have been in Wyre Forest, and in 
Worcestershire, in which it is the prevailing form ; Mr. 
Leighton states that it is abundant in Shropshire, and on the 
slopes of the hills on the Welsh border. 
3. Quercus robur intermedia. — This form is remark- 
able for having its fruits on short thick peduncles, barely 
exceeding an inch in length. Its leaves and other parts are 
so decidedly intermediate between the two forms mentioned 
above as to justify the name, and also the conclusion that all 
the forms named are only varieties of the Quercus robur or 
“ British oak. 55 
The intermediate form can hardly claim an undisputed 
territory, but it occurs frequently in various districts about 
the Cotteswolds and the midland counties, but wherever we 
have seen it it has not been under conditions which would 
enable to point to it as indigenous to the locality. 
The distinctions above given, though necessary to a 
