14 REPORT ON THE FOREST TIMBER OF 
Table I is made up from counts of old forest trees. Table 
AI of second growth. 
It will be noticed that the white oak (Quercus alba, L.) has a 
wider range and a greater development in numbers than any 
other species. In size, it ranks with the largest of the hard 
wood trees, often reaching a diameter of three and a half feet. 
It is probable that, along with its adaptation to a wide range 
‘of surface conditions in its growth, there is some variation in 
the quality of the wood; but it occurs in nearly all valleys, and 
‘well up on the slope of most hills, in such size, and apparently 
‘of such quality, as is usually sought after for the purpose for 
which it is most valued. In many instances of growth on a_ 
‘southern or southwestern exposure, it is comparatively small 
in size. The same may be said of the tops of many hills; but | 
the average size and height is such as to warrant a very liberal 
-estimate, wherever the forest remains, for that alone which is 
available for lumber. In point of number the white oak makes 
up about seventeen per cent. of the forest growth. Its large 
average size gives it still greater prominence. cS 
The black oak or yellow bark oak (Quercus tinctoria, Ber- 
tram.) has a range not unlike the preceding... It also consti- 
tutes a large per cent. of the forest growth. A considerable 
number of smallish trees, which doubtless represent to some 
extent a second growth, are included in most of the observa- 
tions of Table I, giving undue prominence to this species. It 
will be noticed that, in the table of second growths, it is still 
more prominent, showing an adaptation to a wide range of 
‘surface conditions. It would seem from these observations 
that the black oak is less fitted by the strength and durability 
of its wood to attain great age than is the white oak, though 
instances are not wanting in which it reaches a size equally as 
large. 
The chestnut oak (Q. castanea?) often predominates on the 
ridges, extending its range downward in a rapidly decreasing 
proportion, rarely being found in the valleys. In this section, 
while it frequently attains a large size, it is generally inferior 
‘in height to the white or black oak. This is doubtless owing 
14 
