58 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



second or third rank among the White Oaks. The 

 timber has strength and durability, and is therefore 

 employed for various purposes ; but it is more porous 

 than that of White or Post Oak. It has a straight 

 split and shreds easily, and is therefore employed, 

 especially by the negroes, in the making of baskets 

 and brooms. Rails from this tree will last 12 or 15 

 years, and the fuel is considered valuable. 



We have two varieties of this tree, so well marked 

 that some botanists have regarded them as distinct 

 species. But our best living botanists now consider 

 them as variations from one type caused by difference 

 of soil and situation. They are as follows : 



Swamp White OaJc. (Van discolor, Michx.) — It is 

 generally known throughout the United States by 

 this name, and takes the place of the S^vamp Chestnut 

 Oak as we proceed inland from the range of the 

 latter, and is found on the edges of swamps and in- 

 undated banks of rivers, not in the open and drier 

 forests. It is a handsome tree of 70 or 80 feet high, 

 with luxuriant foliage, the silvery whiteness of the 

 underside of the leaves beautifully contrasting with 

 the bright green of the upper surface, when they are 

 stirred by a gentle wind. The leaves are 5 or 6 

 inches long, in form like the preceding, but with the 

 marginal teeth more unequal. The acorns are sup- 

 ported on a stem 1 to 3 inches long, by which char- 

 acter this variety may be easily distinguished from 

 every other Oak in this section. The wood is strong 

 and elastic, and heavier than IVliite Oak, to which it 



