THE FLORA 169 



Corylus, L. 



C. Avellana, L. Hazel. Calltuinn. Generally used 

 for walking-sticks, tool-handles, and in the making of 

 agricultural and lobster creels. The nuts are edible ; they 

 were collected for burning on Hallowe'en. March. The 

 badge of the Colquhouns. 



Quercus, L. 



A numerous genus, of temperate regions. Cork is obtained 

 from the bark of the Cork Oak, a native of South-Western 

 Europe. The Holm or Evergreen Oak is commonly planted 

 as an ornamental tree. 



Q. Robur, L. British Oak. Darach. Common in one 

 or other of its forms in the eastern and southern parts of the 

 island. In exposed positions it is seen sometimes as a prostrate, 

 low shrub growing only to the height of the heather. The 

 wood was locally used in house and boat building, and for 

 the manufacture of furniture. The bark was employed for 

 tanning the red leather that shoes were formerly made of. 

 The mucilaginous inner bark (Failm-an-Daraich) was applied 

 to wounds on horses. May. Badge of the Camerons. 



(?) Q. Robur, var. sessiliflora. Coille-mhor. Specimens 

 were, with some hesitation, named Q. pedunculata by 

 several authorities. 



Fagus, L. 



Trees represented in gardens by pendulous forms, and 

 others with beautiful bronze-coloured leaves. 



F. sylvatica, L. Beech. (Craobh Faidbhile.) Growing 

 spontaneously in dry, rocky situations with a northern 

 exposure in Kiloran woods. May. Beech oil is extracted 

 from the fruit (beech-mast) in North Germany, and is used 

 for food and for burning. The wood is hard, and valuable 

 for planes, lasts, etc. 



