This venerable tree, surrounded with stone
steps, and seats above them, was the delight of old and young, and
a place of much resort in summer evenings; where the former sat in
grave debate, while the latter frolicked and danced before them.
Long might it have stood, had not the amazing tempest in 1703
overturned it at once, to the infinite regret of the inhabitants, and
the vicar, who bestowed several pounds in setting it in its place
again; but all his care could not avail; the tree sprouted for a time,
then withered and died. This oak I mention to show to what a bulk
planted oaks also may arrive: and planted this tree must certainly
have been, as will appear from what will be said farther concerning
this area, when we enter on the antiquities of Selborne.
On the Blackmoor estate there is a small wood called Losel's, of a
few acres, that was lately furnished with a set of oaks of a peculiar
growth and great value; they were tall and taper lice firs, but
standing near together had very small heads, only a little brush
without any large limbs.
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