88 



THE OAK. 



The variety to be observed in trees is not so great 

 as in other plants ; but in the same forest a considera- 

 ble number of kinds may be seen that are entirely 

 different, even of such as are commonly known by 

 the same name. Thus, what is termed Oak, often 

 consists of eight or ten varieties, such as Black-oak, 



White-oak, Chestnut-oak, Pin- 

 oak, Willow-oak, Red-oak, Scar- 

 let-oak, Spanish-oak, Post-oak, 

 &c. &c. These all differ, not 

 only in the formation of their 

 leaves and fruit, but there is a 

 marked difference in their man- 

 ner of growth, and the wood 

 of each possesses its own pecu- 

 liar properties. Within the limits 

 of the United States, there are no 

 less than thirty or forty varieties of this useful tree; 

 some are quite small, growing only to the height of 

 two or three feet; but by far the largest number are 

 lofty trees, with wide-spreading branches. Let us 

 here stop and pick up an acorn which has fallen from 

 one of these, and examine its wonderful construction, 

 and compare its tiny proportions with the majestic 

 plant that bore it, and the counterpart of which it is 

 destined to produce. Encased within that bony co- 

 vering lie hid all the essential parts of the infant 

 tree, perfect and complete; roots, stem, leaves and 

 buds. 



The germ of the future plant is placed at one end 

 of the acorn, and although of so delicate and fragile 



White-Oak. 



