396 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



The European Larch is remarkably durable, while our American Tamarack 

 is not, and care must be observed in securing genuine plants. 



Writers have extolled the merits of the European Larch, both on the conti- 

 nent and in this country, and there can be no question as to its valuable character. 



In Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois, the tree has proven to be well adapted 

 to soil and climate. It should be largely grown throughout the Xorth and West. 



THE OAK. 



Quercus. 



The Oak Tree has been noted from the earliest antiquity as the King of the 

 Forest ; its wood as the symbol of strength. With it the ancients constructed their 

 ships, while the oldest furniture and finishings of which we have knowledge were 

 made from Oak, and it holds the same position with moderns as it did with earlier 

 ages. 



There are many varieties disseminated throughout the world, adapted to 

 various soils, climates and conditions ; some are natural to swamps in warm cli- 

 mates ; others to wet lands in the far north ; and again, it seeks the 

 high, dry mountain ridges of the temperate region, while in every location and 

 soil, except the arctic ice, it has adapted itself and established a variety. 



Frequently it is a giant in size, but sometimes of dwarf habit, while again it 

 is a perfect tree, flowering and bearing seed while growing in the tiny flower pot 

 of the Japanese gardener. 



In most varieties, the wood is of great durability ; hard, tough, in young 

 wood, very elastic, strong and of great beauty. 



At present, as it was centuries ago, the oak is the fashionable wood for the 

 finest furniture and inside finish of buildings ; its uses legion. 



While there are numerous historic trees which have lived for centuries, yet 

 while young, its growth is by no means slow. ( >ur records show some varieties 

 to have made a girth of 46 inches in fourteen years and a he'ght of 40 feet. Others 

 in twenty years gained 50 inches girth, 3j/> inches gain each year, which is almost 

 an average of other woods. 



Oak bark constitutes an important product in the commercial market of Amer- 

 ica, for tanning, while in Spain the bark of the Cork Oak supplies the world with 

 corks, and this variety will succeed in the more Southern States. 



In wagon spokes the white oak is far the best timber, and almost the only 

 wood used for the purpose. 



In large portions of the country in early days, the acorns formed the principal 

 fattening food for swine, and in places there are sufficient Oak trees still to materi- 

 ally aid in pork production while the acorns are falling. 



The Oak does not usually bear transplanting well, as its tap root is injured 

 by removal of the trees, but one or two year trees are safely moved, and with 

 great care somewhat larger ones can be saved. 



In forest plantations, the Oak should be alternated with rapid growing soft 

 wood trees, or shrubs, which maybe removed in time, or which will finally be 

 overtaken bv the Oaks. 



