420 



view of the importance of the subject you suggest, and believing also, 

 as I do, that the State has a claim upon every citizen to contribute his 

 part, so far as able, to the fund of information on any subjects immedi- 

 ately important to that class whose prosperity is of vital importance to 

 the -welfare of all. In view of these considerations, I will endeavor, in a 

 brief manner, to comply with your request, so far as possible, in the 

 short time given. 



It will not be my purpose, in this communication, to give a botanical 

 description, but merely brief notes on the principal qualities and value of 

 the woods, and the fitness of the various trees for the purposes of orna- 

 ment. I take great pleasure in tendering my thanks, to a much esteemed 

 friend, and accomplished botanist, I. A. Lapham, Esq., of Milwaukee, 

 for his CataloGfue of the Flora of Wisconsin,* which embraces a more 

 complete list of our Forest Trees, than can elsewhere be found. 



TREES INDIGENOUS TO WISCONSIN. 



OAKS. 



This family bears transplanting rather poorly, unless quite small. 

 They are readily raised from seed, which should be kept in a cool, dry 

 place, till March or April, when they must be planted, two inches deep, 

 in rich vegetable mould. 



o 



White Oak — Quer^us Alba. 



This noble tree is the largest and most important of the American oaks. 

 The excellent properties of the wood render it eminently valuable for 

 a great variety of uses. Wherever strength and durability is required, 

 the White Oak stands in the first rank. It is employed in making wagons, 

 coaches and sleds ; staves and hoops of the best quality for barrels and 

 casks, are obtained from this tree; it is extensively used in architecture, 

 ship -building, &c., and vast quantities are used for fencing. The bark 

 is employed in tanning. The domestic consumption of this tree is so 

 great that it is of the first importance to preserve the young trees wher- 

 ever it is practicable, and to make young plantations where the tree is not 

 found. The White Oak is a graceful ornamental tree, and worthy of 

 particular attention as such — found abundantly in most of the timbered 

 districts. 



•See ante, page 337, 



