SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON OAK. 243 



soil, and is not very sensitive as regards inundations. 

 Fertile loam soils cause its highest development, but it 

 is also found on clay, and on sandy soil if it is 

 sufficiently moist. On the whole it is the most exacting 

 indigenous species. It thrives better on southern 

 than on northern aspects. 



The sessile Oak is somewhat less exacting as regards 

 fertility, and requires a little \less moisture in the soil ; 

 hence it is found in poorer and drier soils than the 

 pedunculate Oak. If grown as coppice, the Oak is 

 less exacting than if grown as a timber tree. 



d. Shape and Development. 



The stem of the Oak has a decided tendency to divide 

 into strong branches comparatively low down, forming a 

 large spreading crown, which becomes flat or rounded off 

 with advancing age. The branches are gnarled and knee- 

 bent. The root-system is deep-going, with a strong tap- 

 root. Its height-growth during youth is moderately fast, 

 somewhat faster than that of Beech, which at middle age 

 catches it up. Whether Beech or Oak may ultimately 

 reach the greatest height depends on the locality. 

 Generally Oak does not reach a total height of more 

 than 1.10 feet. It attains a great age, even up to 1000 

 years. Oak reaches a large diameter. In volume- 

 increment it stands immediately below Beech. 



The shape of the sessile Oak differs somewhat from 

 that of the pedunculate species ; its branches tend more 

 upwards, and are less gnarled and knee-bent. Its height- 

 growth is slightly slower. 



B 2 



