44 Muhlenbergia, Volume g 
Compared with the eastern white oak, Quercus alba, the 
wood of this species is very inferior being brittle and weak, often 
cross-grained and difficult to split or work. Only young and 
vigorous trees might be utilized for manufacturing purposes, as 
the wood of such trees is stronger and more serviceable. The 
chief use to which it is put is for fuel, a large tree yielding many 
cords of firewood. 
Its best development is reached in deep, rich soil, and large 
trees may always be depended upon as an index to the character 
of the land. It was first collected near Monterey in 1792 by 
officers of the Malaspina expedition. 
