STUDIES OF TREES IN WINTER 



accompanying photograph was taken, holds its 

 leaves later in the spring than any of the other 

 oaks. 



The wood is heavy, close-grained, hard, and 

 durable, but it is difficult to season. It is used 

 in the construction of houses, in the manufac- 

 ture of carriages, and for cooperage, fencing, 

 railway ties, and for fuel. 



The former name, minor (smaller), referred to 

 the height of this oak as compared with that of 

 the larger members of the family. 



The post oak is found from Southern Mas- 

 sachusetts on Cape Cod, on the islands of 

 Martha's Vineyard and Naushon to North- 

 ern Florida and, in certain localities, west to 

 Eastern Kansas. 



Black Oak A large tree, 70 to 80 and (rarely) 



Quercus velutina j ^ o j ee i high. Bark thick, WUgh, 



and dark. Twigs smooth, with a bitter taste. 

 Alternate lea j -scars. Buds very downy, sharp- 

 pointed, and large. The acorns are set in a 

 deep, conspicuously scaly cup. The kernel is 

 bitter. 



The black oak is distinguished by its rough, 

 dark outer bark and rich yellow inner bark 

 (which is seen when a small cut is made with 

 a penknife), and its downy pointed buds. On 

 young trees as well as old ones, the bark is very 

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