216 



Cultivation of the Oak. 



856. There is a great advantage in planting them with other spe- 

 cies, such as the beech, pines, and spruces, with the view of com- 

 pelling the trees to form a long straight body ; but in this case, 

 reasonable care should be taken to remove those other kinds from 

 time to time, as the growth becomes dense. 



857. Where the oak is cultivated in Europe for its bark and 

 wood, it is recommended to cut close to the ground, and in a dry 

 time to cover the stumps with a handful of leaves, or any rubbish 

 that may be convenient, to keep them from becoming too dry. If 

 cut very close, the sprouts will be fewer in number, but stronger, 

 and better rooted. Where this practice is carefully followed, they 

 will reproduce a great number of times. 



121. Oak from Provence, France. Very 

 hard, and of rapid growth. 



122. Oak from Bourgogne, France. Very 

 hard, but of slow growth. 



858. The quality of oak timber is much influenced by the condi- 

 tions in which it has grown. In a rich and moderately humid soil, 

 and in a warm climate, the fibers acquire their highest qualities of 

 strength and durability. Such wood the French call " maigre" 

 (lean), or " dur" (hard). The grain is hard and close : it scarcely 

 absorbs water. The wood splits easily without running out on one 

 side, and when planed the shavings form strong tough strips. When 

 such wood is broken, the fracture forms many long sharp splinters. 

 The two specimens on page 217 are also of this class. 



859. But when oak is grown in a soil that is submerged for a time 

 in spring, but dry the rest of the year, the spring growth is loose 

 and spongy, Avhile that formed later in the season may be very hard. 

 Such wood can not be either strong or durable, although from the 

 differences in the grain, it may be highly ornamental for inside fin- 

 ishing and for cabinet work. 



860. THE AMERICAN WHITE OAK (Quercus alba). This tree oc- 

 curs from Canada southward to the Gulf, and westward to beyond 

 the Missouri, but it comes to greatest perfection in the Middle 

 States, and in the deep, strong, and moderately damp soil. The 



