CHAP. CV. CORYLA‘CE. QUE’RCUS. 1727 
lobed or notched, while those of the mature tree are entire ; and the contrary. 
The greatest variations in point of form are, perhaps, to be found in indivi- 
duals of the group Nigrz ; and the greatest in point of colour, in the group 
Rubre. As a painter’s tree, valued for its picturesque effect, when near the 
eye, no species equals the Q. pedunculata; but for general effect, at a dis- 
tance, at least in America, the American oaks, the leaves of which die off 
of a deep red or fine scarlet in autumn, exceed all others. As a botanist’s 
tree, perhaps Q. Cérris is the most interesting European species, from the 
very great variety of forms which its leaves assume; and from their being, in 
some varieties, persistent in a dried or withered state ; and in others, remaining 
on green throughout the winter. The dwarf oaks, both of Europe and 
America, are curious miniature trees or shrubs. . ‘lex has many interesting 
associations connected with it; and Q. ’gilops, from its remarkable foliage 
and calycanthus-like cups, is a most singular and beautiful tree. For the 
purposes of naval or civil construction and tanning, no species is at all to 
be compared with those belonging to the group Robur. 
Comparing the forms and outlines of oaks with the forms and outlines of 
other trees, we shall find that they have greatly the advantage in point of 
character and variety. The forms of all the pine and fir tribe, more especially 
before they begin to decay, are monotonous; and the same may be said even 
of the forms of the cypress, the Lombardy poplar, and the weeping willow. 
If we imagine ourselves in a forest of pines, firs, Lombardy poplars, or 
weeping willows, it is easy to conceive the melancholy impression that the 
scenery would produce on us; and hence, perhaps, the suitableness of these, 
and other uniform regular-headed trees, for cemeteries. But let us imagine 
ourselves in a forest of oaks, either of one kind, or of several kinds; and 
how different will be the ideas that will arise in cur minds, and the effect 
that will be produced on our spirits! Oaks, then, not only stand alone in 
regard to the form of their leaves, and that of their fruit, but even, in a great 
measure, as to their general shape. 
Soil, Situation, and Climate. The oaks, both of Europe and America, to attain 
their full size, require a deep loamy soil, a situation low rather than elevated 
and a climate not liable to late spring frosts. It is remarkable that, even in 
countries where the oak is indigenous, both its blossoms and young leaves are 
frequently injured by the frosts of spring. The oaks which flourish on the 
worst soils are the low-growing kinds belonging to the section J‘lex, and 
some of the American oaks, especially those belonging to the group Phéllos; 
and those which require the best soil are, the Q. sessiliflora, the Q. Cérris, 
and most of the sorts composing the American group Rubra. In elevated 
situations, or in the extreme north, those species which under favourable 
circumstances form the most magnificent trees become, as in the case of every 
other tree, mere shrubs. 
Propagation and Culture, Transport of Acorns, §c. The oak is propagated 
with difficulty by every other mode except from seed; and, generally, time will 
be gained when the acorns are sown where the plants are intended finally to 
remain. It is only, therefore, when peculiar varieties are to be continued, that 
the process of grafting is resorted to ; and the mode by approach is almost the 
only one that is certain of being attended with success. There are instances, 
however, of whip-grafting succeeding with some species ; as, for example, with 
Q. Suber, Q. Cérris, and Q. C. Lucombedna. (See Gard. Mag., vol. xii. 
p- 698.) When any of the common methods of grafting is adopted, by far 
the best stock is Q. Cérris ; on which, also, many of the sorts may be suc- 
cessfully budded; a practice which, we are informed by M. Rosenthal, is 
general in the Vienna nurseries. 
As the mode of raising oaks from the acorn is the same in all the species, 
we shall here, once for all, give what we consider the necessary details. The 
acorns need not be gathered from the tree, but may be collected from the 
ground immediately after they have dropped ; and, as in the case of other tree 
seeds, they may be either sown then, or kept till the following spring. If they 
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