Quercus Robur, L. ^*

The British Oak, extending through a great part of Europe and Western Asia, attaining a great age and an enormous size. Extreme height 120 feet. Two varieties are distinguished:—1. Quercus sessilflora, Salisbury. The Durmast Oak, with a darker, heavier timber, more elastic, less fissile. This tree is also the quickest of the two in growth, and lives on poorer soil. Its bark is also richer in medicinal, dyeing and tanning principles. 2. Quercus pedunculata, Willd. This variety supplies most of the oak-timber in Britain for ship-building, and is the best for bending under steam. It is also preferred for joiner's work.