293 



Remarks on the Culture of Exotic Vegetables, adapted 

 for the Soil and Climate of South Africa. By Mr. 

 J. Bowie, Member of the South African Institution. 



[Continued from p. 171.] 



QUERCTJS rober. Common Oak. Eiken. A tree of 

 the Class Monoecia Polyandria of Linnaeus, and Nat. Ord. 

 Amentaceae of Jussieu, and Sub-Order Cupuliferae of Kunth. 



This tree being so generally known to the colonists, I only 

 mention it here to recommend the planting of acorns along 

 with the seeds of such species of fir as may be sown on bleak 

 exposures, and where the oak is as yet a stranger, or has 

 hitherto failed in growth. 



In choosing the seeds for planting, reject those of such 

 trees as appear to put forth their leaves very early, instances 

 of which are common in the Cape District. Such tendency 

 to premature foliage, I consider as a certain indication of an 

 inferior timber ; and, unfortunately, the variety already in 

 the colony, is one ot the worst known, in this respect, in its 

 native country. 



When the oak-trees (planted among fir,) have attained a 

 moderate height, the fir should be gradually removed, to 

 enable the oak to gain sirength, otherwise it might be drawn 

 up too slender to form useful timber hereafter; and, where 

 this is desired, the fir ought, eventually, to be wholly removed. 



Where an oak-tree has remained in an inactive state for 

 several years, or has only attained a few inches in height, 

 this is most likely caused by its not having thrown out any 

 lateral mots. Such trees, therefore, ought to be cut down to 

 the ground. The rising sap will then exert itself, and form 

 not only numerous roots, but likewise sterns. After one or 

 two seasons standing, choice should be made of one of those to 

 remain, and form the future tree. The supernuraary shoots 

 are to be pruned away. This practice is also applicable to 

 many other kinds of trees. 



When oak-trees are planted near dwelling-houses, some 

 encouragement should be given them at first, by preparing a 

 light vegetable soil, and mixing it well with the earth which 

 comes in immediate contact with the roots ; and the planter 

 ought to bear in mind, what he expects may be the size of the 

 tree in a few years, and not what it is when planted. Trees 

 of large growth, when planted too near the dwelling-house, 

 often become nuisances, where the benefit and luxury of 

 •hade and shelter were designed. 



The oak appears to have been introduced into the colony at 



