Naturalisation in Extra- Tropical Countries. 409 



Quercus serrata, Thunberer.* 



Japan, extending to China, Nepal and the Himalayas up to 5,000 

 feet. Hardy in Middle Europe. A good avenue-tree, though its 

 foliage is deciduous. Supplies locally to a large extent the tan- 

 bark [L. Boehme]. It yields the best food for the Oak-silkworm 

 (Bombyx Yamamai). It is recommended to pack acorns intended 

 for far distances in wooden cases between dry moss or sand, to 

 secure retention of vitality ; moreover they must be quite fresh, 

 when packed. 



Quercus sideroxyla, Humboldt. 



Mountains of Mexico, up to about 8,000 feet elevation. An oak 

 of great size ; timber compact, almost imperishable in water. Q. 

 lanceolata, Q. chrysophylla, Q. reticulata, Q. laurina, Q. obtusata, 

 Q. crassipes, Q. glaucescens, Q. Xalapensis, Humb. and Q. acutifolia, 

 Nee, are among the many other highly important timber-oaks of 

 the cooler regions of Mexico. No printed record seems extant, 

 concerning the technology of the numerous Mexican oaks, though 

 doubtless their respective values are well known to local artisans. 

 According to the Abbe and Surgeon Liturgie, one of the American 

 oaks, near San Juan, nourishes a Bombyx, the cocoons of which are 

 spun by the natives into silk [Tschichatchef I. 



Quercus Skinneri, Bent-ham.* 



Mexico. On limestone-soil, in the temperate region at 7,000- 

 8,000 feet elevation. " Cozahual." Acquiring a height of 150 

 feet ; thickness of stem to 12 feet. Wood yellowish, remarkably 

 durable and elastic, not excelled in value by that of any other oak. 

 Bark rich in tannin [Hugo Finck]. Foliage deciduous. The 

 acorns of this oak measure nearly 6 inches in circumference, and 

 are available for feeding various domestic animals. 



Quercus spicata, Smith. (Q. squamata, Roxburgh). 



From the Himalayas to Burmah and the Malayan Archipelagos, 

 but not advancing to elevations above 5,000 feet. A large, ever- 

 green Oak. Well fit for coppicing [Gamble]. Roxburgh already 

 said of its timber, that it is paler than that of the British Oak, but 

 seems fully as strong, durable, and also quite as close in the grain. 

 It does not warp. For extensive information on the characteristics 

 of the Indo-Malayan Oaks, refer to the superb illustrated volume, 

 issued by Dr. King, from the Calcutta bot. Garden in 1889. He 

 treats 82 well recognisable species. 



Quercus Stellata, Wangenheim. (Q. obtusiloba, Michaux). 



The Post-Oak of North-Eastern America. Content with poor 

 and even sandy soil, but not a large tree. Can be reared on 

 sea-shores. On account of its very durable and dense wood it is 

 much in requisition there for posts, and is particularly prized for 

 ship-building, also sought for railroad-ties. 



