British oak galls / by Edward T. Connold.

  • Edward Thomas Connold
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: British oak galls / by Edward T. Connold. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    sufficiently grown to be of advantage and therefore it is well to allow them to remain in situ. In order to find them again on the next visit to the spot the twig should have a piece of string tied on it leaving the long ends loose. Make a note of any feature that will facilitate identification of tree or bush. Brown coloured string will not be readily noticed by anyone passing the spot, but the collector will soon find it again. The author has watched the growth and after- wards obtained many fine specimens in that way. Great care has been taken in the selection and arrangement of the specimens illustrated in the follow- ing plates, and also in the descriptions of the species, to assist the collector in discovering them. It is not, therefore, here necessary to describe the usual part of tree or bush most likely to yield specimens. Leisure and patience are needful and a thorough exa- mination of twigs, leaf-axils, and leaves should be made. When searching for oak galls the peculiarities of the alternation of the generations should not be for- gotten, and therefore districts should be sought, and frequently visited, where the woods contain plenty of oak saplings of from three to eight years’ growth, with a number of large trees there as well, or near by. Very damp woods do not usually yield many kinds. The reason why is as yet unknown. Diligent and careful search amongst oak scrub is generally rewarded with many specimens. Not only should the outer twigs and leaves of a bush be thoroughly scrutinised, but examination made of the interior and the small shoots at the base. The stunted growth on road-side banks, especially the banks of old or little-used lanes, should always receive attention, and hedges around fields amply repay careful search. A. windy day is not recommended as a suitable occasion on which to search. The continual move- ment of the foliage makes detection very difficult and wearies the eyes.
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