Ancient condition of the Country—First emerging of one of the old Trees from its Acorn cradle—Conjectures as to the People who inhabited Britain at the time—Stages of vegetation in all Trees alike—Contrast between the small beginning, and the grandeur of a full-grown Tree—Notice of the Forest that covered the greatest part of Middlesex—Settlement of Llyn-Din, or the Town on the Lake, called Londinium by the Romans—Draining of the Marshes, and cutting down of the Forest, embanking of the River and surrounding the City with a Wall—Gradual progress of Civilization—Increase of the City—Falling to decay of the old Roman Road that passed through a portion of Hyde-Park—Contrast between the Past and Present.—[Page 173.]
Hatfield Oak.
Poetry.—[Page 187.]
Beech of the Frith Common.
No sad associations with the young Beech of the Frith Common—Its dignity and proportions—Majesty and luxuriance of Forest-trees—Aggregate effect produced by Woodland Scenery—The Tree which stands alone can best be understood—Poetry.—[Page 195.]
Oak of Salcey.
The Roots of aged Trees—Sketch of the Oak of Salcey, at different hours of the day and night—Solemn Aspect of the old Oak when seen dimly in the clear nights of the summer solstice—Loneliness of its place of growth—Songs of early Birds—Silent at Noon-day—Sounds heard at Eventide—Conjectures respecting the old Tree.—[Page 207.]
Old Trees in Welbeck Park.
Beauty of Woodland Scenery, superior to all others—Purity and freshness of the Breezes that sport over wild thyme and short herbage—The Duke’s Walking-stick, and the Seven Sisters—Trees in Welbeck Park.—[Page 213.]