274 



AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



foot. It should be borne in mind, however, that results derived from a test of only 

 two samples are not a safe basis for concluding that the wood generally will average of 

 so great strength. The annual rings of growth are not clearly marked. The wood is 

 porous, but the pores are not generally arranged in bands, although they occasionally 

 follow that arrangement. The medullary rays are broad and abundant, but are 

 rather short, measured along the radial lines. They are of pink color, a characteristic 

 not unusual with oaks in semi-arid regions. The foliage is doubtless the most valu- 

 able characteristic of whiteleaf oak. The leaves are silver white below, and dark 

 green above. When they are agitated by wind the flashing of the different tones and 

 tints in the sunshine presents an attractive picture. It belongs to the willow oak 

 branch of the red oak group, and bears two-year acorns. 



