160 THE WHITE OAK AND OTHER SPECIES. 



bark, without any deep corrugations. In Massachusetts 

 very few standard White Oaks have escaped the axe 

 of the "timberer," on account of the great demand for 

 the wood of this species. Were it not for the protec- 

 tion afforded by men of wealth to oaks in their own 

 grounds, all the large standards would soon be utterly 

 destroyed. Democracy, though essential to republican 

 liberty, is fatal to all objects which are valuable for their 

 poetic or picturesque qualities. It has no foresight, and 

 no sentimental reverence for antiquity. It perceives the 

 value of an object for present use ; but it disdains to look 

 forward to the interest of a coming generation. In regard 

 to nature, what is called progress in America is only an- 

 other name for devastation. How great soever the po- 

 litical evil of large estates, it is evident that in proportion 

 to their multiplication will be the increased protection 

 afforded to our trees and forests, as well as to the birds 

 and quadrupeds that inhabit them. 



THE SWAMP OAK 



The Swamp Oak bears resemblance in many points to 

 the White Oak ; but it has less breadth, and abounds in 

 straggling branches growing from the trunk just below 

 the junction of the principal boughs. This gnarled and 

 contorted growth is one of the picturesque appendages 

 of the Swamp Oak, distinguishing it from all the other 

 species, and rendering it an important feature in a wild 

 and rugged landscape. This cluster does not, like the 

 vinery of the elm, clothe the whole extent of the bole, 

 but resembles an inferior whorl of branches below the 

 principal head. Above it, the tree forms rather a cylin- 

 drical head, and the principal branches are short com- 

 pared with those of other oaks. 



