Not to neglect to plant the national tree! We hope indeed that there is no possessor of broad acres who does not esteem it a duty, regardless of profit, to provide for a succession of forest kings, if only to beautify the face of the country, and to leave the people of the present, some grand living object to connect them with the history of the past. In fact, planting of the “British oak” has not only been considered a duty, but followed out with the keenest pleasure by the country gentleman. In so doing, the question has scarcely until lately occurred, is the British oak always the same? or, are there not different species, or at least varieties of the genus _quercus_ which have been confounded by the planter? To this question we now propose to address our inquiries. On referring to different authors, we shall find mention of the following names as applied to the British oak:— 1. Quercus robur, _Linn_. 2. „ sessiliflora, _Salisbury_. 3. „ intermedia, _Don_. This method of nomenclature would, however, be only tenable on the supposition that we considered the trees so named _specifically_ distinct; but as we incline to believe them to be only varieties—though highly important as such—we intend to treat of them as follows:— 1st. QUERCUS ROBUR PEDUNCULATA. 2nd. „ „ SESSILIFLORA. 3rd. „ „ INTERMEDIA. [Illustration: Plate II. J. E. Sowerby, sc. W. West, imp. Quercus Robur Sessiliflora.] 1st. _Quercus Robur pedunculata_ is readily distinguished in trees separate from others by its robust habits, thick, gnarled, twisted, and more or less horizontally inclined branches. The leaves have comparatively few broad, wavy indentations, and are set on a short leaf-stalk (petiole) (Plate I. fig. _a_), the fruit being situate on long footstalks (peduncles), varying from two to upwards of four inches (fig. _b_). This is the typical British oak, the pride of our sailors, when men fought bravely and did not care to vie with each other as to who should make the most secure skulking-places. The tree— Whose roots descend As low towards Pluto’s realms, as high in air Its massive branches rise. The utmost rage Of wintry storms howls o’er its strength in vain. Successive generations of mankind, Revolving ages flourish and decay, Yet still immovable it stands, and throws Its vigorous limbs around, and proudly bears With firm and solid trunk its stately form, A mighty canopy of thickest shade. VIRGIL, _Georg._ ii. 291.