THE OAKS 53 



the twigs. In summer the fohage mass is almost black, 

 with gray leaf-linings. The lobes and sinuses are large 

 and squarish, the blades four or five inches long. The 

 limbs, tortuous, horizontal, form a dense head. 



The Chestnut Oak 

 Q. Prinus, Linn. 



The chestnut oak has many nicknames and all are descrip- 

 tive. Its leaves are similar in outline and size to those of 

 the chestnut. The margin is coarsely toothed, not lobed, 

 like the typical oak leaf. "Tanbark oak" refers to the 

 rich store of tannin in the bark, which makes this species 

 the victim of the bark-peeler for the tanneries wherever 

 it grows. "Rock chestnut oak" is a title that lumbermen 

 have given to the oak with exceptionally hard w^ood, heavy 

 and durable in soil, adapted for railroad ties, posts, and the 

 like. 



Unlike other white oaks, the bark of this tree is dark in 

 color and deeply fissured. Without a look at the leaves, 

 one might call it a black oak. 



The centre of distribution for this species seems to be the 

 foothill country of the Appalachian Mountains, in Ten- 

 nessee and North Carolina. Here it predominates, and 

 grows to its largest size. From Maine to Georgia it 

 chooses rocky, dry uplands, grows vigorously and rapidly, 

 and its acorns often sprout before falling from the 

 cup! 



The chestnut oak is one of the most desirable kinds of 

 trees to plant in parks. It is symmetrical, with handsome 

 bark and foliage. The leaves turn yellow and keep their 

 fine texture through the season. The acorn is one of the 



