82 



Native Trees of Canada 



a vStately tree and in the open develops a very massive, broad crown, composed of 

 far-reaching, stout, twisted limbs. 



The bark is light grey, shallow-fissured, and scaly. This scaliness extends to 

 branches 1 in. in diameter. The twigs, which are smooth, are sometimes covered 

 with a bloom which can be rubbed off. 



The winter buds are reddish-brown, }i in. long. They are larger and more 

 pointed than those of the swamp white oak, but less pointed than those of the yellow 

 oak. 



The leaves are 5 to 9 in. long and 3 to 4 in. broad. The lobes are rounded, or 

 blunt, and the notches or indentations are fairly deep, most of them J-^ in. or over. 

 The leaves of the swamp white oak are not so deeply notched. 



The acorns are J.i to 1 in. in length and are sometimes borne on slender stalks. 

 The cup is shallow and covered with warty scales, which do not form a fringe at the 



margin. The inside of the shell is smooth and the kernel is sweet. The acorns 

 take but one year to mature. 



The technical qualities of this wood have long been understood and appreciated. 

 It is generally conceded to be the most valuable of the oak species. Its more im- 

 portant uses depend on its two main characteristics; its strength and its appear- 

 ance. The wood is used in greatest quantity at present for interior finish, cabinet- 

 work, and furniture, but in addition to these uses it is purchased by manufacturers 



