Quercus 



( 256 ) 



Quercus 



makes a handsome tree. In the colder parts it 

 does not grow well. It is a variable species, the 

 leaves differing largely in size and shape. Some 

 species, especially coccinea, prinoides, and rubra, 

 are very useful for gardens or parks on account of 

 the brilliant autumnal colour of the leaves. Knap 

 Hill Scarlet, a variety of coccinea, is particularly 

 fine, the leaves hanging almost until Christmas. 



Other Cultural Points. Young Oaks should 

 have the leading shoots kept clear and the lower 

 branches gradually removed to form tall trees, as 

 Oaks generally show a tendency to become mop- 

 headed if left to themselves. Where thick plant- 

 ing is done, this is not required. 



Uses. The greatest value of the Oak, economic- 

 ally, is for its timber, sound English Oak always 



Ql'EKCUS CONFERTA (see p. 257). 



Distribution. The majority of the hardy Oaks 

 are North American, Japanese, and European, but 

 Oaks are in cultivation from India, China, South 

 America, etc. 



Propagation. By acorns sown as soon as pos- 

 sible after they are ripe. Rare varieties are 

 grafted. If inconvenient to sow when ripe, the 

 seed should be stored in sand. In a dry place it 

 quickly loses its vitality. 



Soil. Well-drained ioam. 



| commanding a good price. Although not used to 

 the same extent as formerly, the bark is still of 

 value for tanning. In Spain and Portugal the Cork 

 Oak (Suber) is grown extensively for the bark, the 

 cork of commerce. This Oak will live in the 

 neighbourhood of London, but does not thrive so 

 well as the Holm Oak. It is usually regarded as 

 a curiosity, and its stunted appearance is often 

 remarked. The Holm Oak is an excellent town 

 tree, although frequently rather untidy. 



