The rate of growth, except under the best conditions, is somewhat 

 slow, and is about like that of white oak. Neither grows so rapidly 

 as red oak. The bur oak is subject to comparatively few pests or dis- 

 eases. 



ECONOMIC USES. 



The bur oak is one of the most valuable hardw r ood trees in North 

 America. The wood is heavy, hard, very strong, and durable. In 

 the markets it is not, and need not be, distinguished from white oak, 

 and it is used for the same purposes. The heartwood makes espe- 

 cially good fence posts and railroad ties, but the sapwood does not last 

 long in the ground. 



The tree is highly desirable for planting about the home, as well as 

 for general forest planting where quick growth is not important. 



METHODS OF PROPAGATION. 



The bur oak reproduces freely both by acorns and by stump sprouts. 

 The acorns, like those of all the white oaks, mature in one season, and 

 germinate soon after falling, unless they are collected and cared for. 

 They should therefore be planted, if possible, in the fall, either in 

 seed beds or in their final place. Mice and squirrels are fond of 

 acorns, and sometimes destroy plantations made in the fall. Where 

 this is to be feared, or where for any other reason it is necessary to 

 hold them over until spring, the acorns may be stored between layers 

 of moist sand. 



To secure "vigorous sprouts the trees should be felled between No- 

 vember and March, and the stumps should be cut low and left smooth 

 and slanting on top. Sprouts then start close to the ground, where 

 they can soon develop root systems of their own and become self-sup- 

 porting. The slanting stump causes the rain water to run off, and 

 thus helps to prevent rapid decay. 



The bur oak has one well-developed taproot, and, in moderately 

 rich and moist soils, many spreading secondary roots close to the sur- 

 face. In dry soils the roots seek moisture at considerable depth. 



PLANTING. 



It is usually advisable to plant acorns in their permanent place in 

 the field, for, like all oaks, the bur oak is not easy to transplant when 

 once fairly established, because of its stout taproot. 



Where the area to be seeded can not be plowed, the acorns should 

 generally be planted in holes about 4 feet apart each way, although the 

 proper distance will depend to some extent upon local conditions. 

 Three or four acorns should be placed in each hole and covered with 

 about 1J inches of earth. If the planting is done on plow land, the 

 soil may be prepared as for any field crop. 



[Cir. 56] 



