OAK. 291 



with longitudinal fissures and of a whitish gray color, whence 

 its name. It is also conspicuous from its holding many of its 

 dead withered leaves until nearly spring, and in this respect it 

 differs from the Bur Oak, to which it is closely allied but which 

 sheds all its leaves in autumn. 



Distribution. From southern Maine westward through On- 

 tario to southern and central Minnesota and eastern Kansas, 

 south to Florida and Texas. In Minnesota frequent in chc 

 southeastern and central parts of the state. 



Propagation. The acorns of the White Oak naturally start 

 into growth in the first of autumn, and often form roots several 

 inches long by the time the ground freezes. In consequence of 

 this there is but a short time in which to sow them, and this 

 should be done as soon as they can be gathered in autumn or 

 if planted later great pains must be taken not to break the 

 radicle which will probably have pushed out. The seeds require 

 only ordinary care to secure a good stand if properly managed. 



Properties of wood. Strong, very heavy, hard, tough, close 

 grained, durable in contact with soil although liable to check 

 unless carefully seasoned; color light brown with thin light 

 brown sapwood. Specific gravity 0.747; weight of a cubic foot 

 46.35 pounds. 



Uses. The White Oak is highly esteemed as an ornamental 

 tree on account of its sturdiness, longevity and magnificent 

 spreading form, although it is seldom planted on account of 

 its slow growth; one of our hardiest trees, although it will not 

 endure as much drouth as the Bur Oak or White Elm. Tlie 

 wood is of great value on account of its adaptability to many 

 purposes where a tough, strong, close grained wood is needed. 

 It is largely used in ship building, in construction, in cooper- 

 age, for casks, barrels, kegs, tubs, pails and measures (large 

 quantities being exported to Europe in the form of staves), in 

 the manufacture of agricultural implements, carriages and 

 baskets, for flooring and the interior finishing of houses, in furni- 

 ture and cabinet making, tool handles and for railway ties, fence 

 posts and fuel. 



Quercus platanoides. Swamp White Oak. 



Leaves obovate or oblong-obovate, coarsely sinuately toothed 

 or sometimes lobed, dark green above and usually densely 

 white-tomentosc beneath, except on foliage that is much shaded. 



