1OO 



Wyoming Experiment Station. 



cies of Oak, we need not consume space in describing- 

 this family, but may pass at once to the genus. 



9. OAK. 



(Quercus) 



"The monarch oak, the patriarch of the trees, 

 Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees: 

 Three centuries he grows, and three he stays 

 Supreme in state, and in three more decays." Dryden. 



The Oaks belong to that group of trees that are often 

 spoken of as "hardwoods." While the quality of the 

 wood in the several species differs greatly, yet all furnish 

 timber of much value. As sources of lumber for furni- 

 ture, implements, machinery and for all sorts of timbers 

 where great strength is required this group holds an im- 

 portant place. 



(1) BUR OAK. 



(Quercus iiiacrocarpa Michx.) 



XXIV. Bur Oak. Acorns and cups. 



it thrives only at low altitudes. 



something of a surprise to find it in Wyoming at all. 



Description. Leaves obo 

 vate, deeply lobed, the lobes 

 rounded, pale and slightly 

 downy beneath: nut at first 

 wholly enclosed in the cup, 

 becoming rather large and at 

 maturity usually less than half 

 enclosed: the scales of the cup 

 conspicuous. 



This species has a 

 wide range in North 

 America and in fa- 

 vorable situations be- 

 comes a very large 

 tree. Like most oaks, 

 On that account it is 

 It 



