116 THE OAK TREE IN ESSEX.
Recreation of this kind is, I can assure our members, a delightful
rest from the drudgery of every-day life, giving healthy exercise and
pure air, and taking us into beautiful spots which one would have
been unlikely to visit but for some object of inquiry.
I cannot help remarking upon two things which have impressed
themselves upon me during my search. One is the slight attention
given to this subject by our topographical writers; and secondly,
the fact, that in almost every instance the first inhabitant I met in
any village could direct me to the finest trees in his district without
hesitation.
I have only to add that I have received assistance from several
kind friends, in particular from Mr. Miller Christy, who not only
suggested the inquiry, but has given much information. I am also
indebted to Messrs. W. Cole, E. A. Fitch, Harris Smith, G. N.
Maynard, Hy. Myhill, J. C. Gould, W. Crouch, and many others too
numerous to mention.
I hope that my paper may be the means of attracting to the pages
of our journal much information concerning Essex trees.
" Let India boast her plants, nor envy we
The weeping amber and the balmy tree ;
While by our oaks the precious loads are borne,
And realms commanded which those trees adorn." Pope.
[Mr. Shenstone's Notes on Essex Oaks not being grouped on any definite plan,
it will be useful to arrange the trees in the alphabetical order of the places in
which they grow, for ready reference :—