of the Northern Forest 55 



whiter bark, and in autumn by its stalkless clusters of 

 acorns. 



Its area is much the same as that of the Common 

 Oak, but, while more restricted to the north and east, it 

 reaches much further south as the * White Oak ' of the 

 Mediterranean region, and abounds in various forms 

 throughout the south of Europe. The great Oak forests 

 of France are largely composed of Durmast Oaks, 

 especially the famous' truffle-forests of the south-east. 



But while the Common Oak is a tree of the great 

 plains and valleys, the Durmast Oak clings to the hills, 

 plateaux, and mountain spurs, ascending high enough 

 to be found among the Pines; not that it is hardier than 

 the great Oak of the plains, but because it thrives in a 

 drier atmosphere and poorer soils. As regards tempera- 

 ture there is little difference between the needs of the two, 

 although its more confined northern range presumably 

 makes the Durmast Oak less fitted to resist severe cold. 



In the main the wood of the Durmast Oak is less rigid 

 and tough than that of the Common Oak, grown in the 

 plains on fertile soil and as a rule among underwood. 

 On the other hand, the wood of the Durmast Oak is less 

 knotty, is straighter in fibre, and truer in grain. It is 

 preferred for cabinet-work, and being of quicker growth, 

 straighter stem, and better adapted for growing in close 

 order, it is more profitable for the production of timber. 



While in general not so long lived as the Oak of the 

 plains, its trunk is less subject to decay and from its 

 later leafing the tender shoots are seldom injured by 

 frost. Foresters also claim that it is less open to the 

 attacks of insect pests. In parts of the north and west, 

 and particularly in the Forest of Dean with its rocky 

 subsoil, it is abundant. But as a fact trees of it are not 



