THE OAKS AND CHESTNUT 



75 



more shallow than those of the white oak. The tree also 

 grows in moister ground, generally bordering swamps. 



FIG. 60. Leaf and Fruit of Black Oak. 

 (Quercus velutina). 



BLACK OAK (Quercus. velutina) 



Distinguishing characters: The bark is black, rough 

 and cut up into firm ridges especially at the base of the 

 tree, see Fig. 59. The inner bark has a bright yellow color: 

 the leaves have sharp points and are wider at the base 

 than at the tip as shown in Fig. 60. The buds are large, 

 downy and sharp pointed. The acorns are small and have 



