24 THE WOODS OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 
1. THE RED OAK (Quercus rubra, L.). 
This, the only species of oak occurring in New Brunswick, is 
both common and widely distributed, being found in all parts of 
the Province, especially along the banks of streams, and, as in 
Charlotte Co., along ridges of slaty rocks. It is, however, a tree 
of inferior value, being difficult to season, imperfectly combustible, 
and, unlike other species of the same genus, worthless for the pur- 
poses of the tanner. It is, however, of rapid growth ; flourishes 
well in almost all situations; and, owing to the beauty of its 
trunk and foliage, is well adapted for ornamental purposes. 
To the above may be added the occasional occurrence of the 
white and grey oak in special localities. They are, however, so 
rare as to require no special mention. 
2. AMERICAN BEECH (/agus ferruginea, Ait.). 
Three different kinds of Beech, viz., the Common Beech, the 
White Beech, and the Red Beech, are distinguished by lumberers 
and others. They are, however, probably all varieties of a single 
species—the White or American Beech, the differences depending, 
according to Emerson, simply upon the greater or less rapidity of 
maturation, and the consequent different proportion of the (white) 
sap wood or (red) heart wood. In one or other of its forms it 
is an abundant tree throughout the Province (except upon the 
Southern coast), abounding especially upon ridges of felspar rocks, 
and in rich moderately moist soils. It is a tree of rapid growth, 
increasing its diameter under favourable circumstances as much 
as two-thirds of an inch in a single year, and attaining some- 
times a height of not less than 70 feet. 
The beech is extensively employed for fuel, being indeed, for 
that purpose, second only to the rock maple. The wood is “hard, 
of a fine smooth close grain, and very dense, having a specific 
gravity of ‘724” (Emerson). It is durable when kept dry, and 
also when permanently wet, as in the bottom of ships, but decays 
rapidly when subjected to alternations of these conditions. It is 
well adapted for the manufacture of saw-handles, shoe-lasts, plane- 
stocks, and for chairs and farm utensils. From its ashes large 
quantities of alkali are obtained for the manufacture of soap. 
Its nuts are oily and nutritious, and afford a large portion of the 
food of various wild animals, including the bear, partridge, and 
squirrel. Young beeches properly arranged, and by grafting made 
