III.] 



CUPULJFERM. 



285 



tion of all the ovules contained in the ovary excepting 

 one, as the fruit ripens, so that it is one-seeded, and, by 

 suppression, also one-celled. 



f'iG. 176. Acorns of Indian species of Oak [Qiiercus). 



The Family is one of very great importance in temperate 

 countries, especially the genera Oak, Beech (Fagus), and 

 Chestnut. In India, Oaks and Chestnuts are confined to 

 the Himalaya and mountains of the Malay peninsula, where 

 the species of Oak are very numerous, differing, generally, 

 from the European species in their larger, often undivided, 

 and more coriaceous leaves. 



The chief value of the Family depends upon the species 

 affording timber. Of these, by far the most important is 

 the English Oak {Qiierciis Robur), the wood of which is 

 invaluable wherever strength and durability are needed. 



