io8 



TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. 



THE BALTIMORE OAK TREE (Quercus), 



so called from the shipments being made chiefly from 

 Baltimore, is a perfectly straight timber, and is brought 

 to us in lengths varying from 25 to 40 feet, the squares, 

 or sidings, being from 1 1 to 20 inches. 



The wood is of a reddish-brown colour, somewhat 

 darker than the White Oak, and less hard and horny in 

 texture; it is moderately strong, and the quality fair. 

 It might be used with advantage for many minor fit- 

 ments in ships, and for general purposes in carpentry, as 

 it is easy to work, and stands well after seasoning. It is 

 not, however, recommended for use where great strength 

 is required, as, when thoroughly dry, it is scarcely so 

 strong as the best Fir or Pine. 



The Baltimore Oak tree is of very slow growth (vide 

 Table II., p. 17), and the timber would soon decay unless 

 well protected by paint or varnish after seasoning. 



TABLE XLI. AMERICAN (OR BALTIMORE) OAK. 



Transverse Experiments. 



REMARKS.NOS. i 3, and 6 broke quite short ; 2, 4, and 5 with a scarph-like fracture, 

 about 8 inches in length. 



