14 



RED OAK (Quercus rubra). 



Red oak exceeds all other oaks in rapidity of growth. It is recom- 

 mended for planting throughout the region, with the exception of 

 the extreme northern portion, on soils of medium quality and on 

 those which have become exhausted by cultivation. 



Eed oak is inferior to white oak in strength and durability, though 

 it is often substituted for it. It is used for cabinet work and interior 

 finish. By far the greatest argument in favor of planting red oak, 

 however, is the possibility of substituting its timber for that of 

 white oak in cross-ties. White oak is not suitable for commercial 

 planting in this region, since its slow growth makes such planting 

 unprofitable. Although an excellent tie timber, red oak is not dura- 

 ble in contact with ballast. By the use of wood preservatives, how- 

 ever, a red oak tie can be made more durable than one of untreated 

 white oak. 



Red oak is best suited to porous sandy or gravelly clay soils. The 

 tree is intolerant of shade, except when very young, and must always 

 be allowed to keep its crown free. 



Plantations are best established by the use of 1 -year-old seedlings. 

 The trees should be planted 6 feet apart each way. It is often 

 advisable and less expensive to plant the acorns in seed spots in their 

 permanent place in the field. The acorns are bitter and are not 

 likely to be molested by squirrels. Three or four acorns should be 

 placed in each spot and covered with about one inch of fine earth. 



Red oak may be grown in pure stands, but it is suitable for mixture 

 with white pine, European larch, red pine, and with hardwoods, such 

 as chestnut and sugar maple. 



SUGAR MAPLE (Acer saccharum). 



Sugar maple is a comparatively slow-growing tree. It may be 

 planted throughout the Northeastern and Lake States, on moder- 

 ately rich, well-drained soils. It can not maintain itself on poor dry 

 ground. 



The wood of sugar maple is used in large quantities for flooring 

 and interior finish and in the manufacture of woodenware, spindles, 

 and novelties. It has a very high fuel value and produces high- 

 grade charcoal. Sugar maple is also used to a considerable extent 

 in the manufacture of implements and vehicles. 



Sugar maple has great worth as a filler in plantations of more 

 valuable rapid-growing trees. Its wide planting range, hardiness, 

 tolerance, and heavy crown make it well suited for this purpose. By 

 planting ^he more valuable species in mixture with sugar maple, the 

 cost of the stand at maturity is reduced, since maple seedlings are 



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