as pedunculata, has the leaf-stalk short or absent, the base 
of the leaf bro<ad and somewhat heart-shaped, and the stalk 
upon which the acorns are borne very long. A third form 
{intermedia), commonly known as Durmast, has short leaf- 
stalks, short stalks to the acorns, and the under side of the 
leaf downy. Pedunculata is found more on the lower hills 
and the sides of valleys, whilst sessiliflora prefers higher ground, 
with a southern or western aspect. 
The Oak is most abundant on clay soils, but is at its best 
when growing in deep sandy loam, where there is also plenty 
of humus. Its roots in such soil strike down to a depth of 
five feet, and therefore it thrives in association with Beech, 
whose roots are much nearer the surface, and whose fallen 
leaves supply it with humus. 
The Oak is more persistently attacked by insects than any 
other tree. One authority (Leunis) has tabulated the species 
that get their living mainly or entirely from their attacks on 
the foliage, timber, or bark, and they number about five 
hundred. With some species this warfare is waged on so 
extensive a scale, that in some years by early summer the 
Oaks are almost divested of their foliage, and a new crop of 
leaves becomes a necessity. But the reserve forces of the 
Oak are quite equal to this drain, and the tree does not 
appear to suffer, though a much less thorough attack would 
be serious to a Conifer. One of the worst of these Oak-spoilers 
— though it by no means restricts its energies to attacks on 
this tree — is the Mottled Umber Moth {Hibernia defoliarid), 
whose pretty caterpillars may be seen hanging by silken 
threads from the leafless twigs. 
A striking Oak insect is the Stag Beetle {Lucanus cervus), 
which, in warm evenings in the south of England, may be 
seen flying round the Oaks, the size and antler-like jaws of 
the male arousing feelings of respect in the minds of those 
who are not acquainted with its habits. The formidable' 
