January 1904.] Tests of Forest Trees.' 101 



THE OAKS. 



Probably no group of trees is so universally admired, and justly so. 

 The oak is a tree that "lives in song and story," is handsome, useful 

 in many ways, long-lived, proverbially strong, and in every way ad- 

 mirable. Like many other things most desirable, possession of them 

 is to be obtained at considerable expense of time or money, or both. 



In order to be able to transplant a tree of any size, it must have 

 been lifted or transplanted while a small tree, usually several times, 

 before it reaches a size considered desirable by tree-growers, generally 

 from five to eight feet. The grower is certain to sustain some loss, 

 the transplanting is more or less expensive, and the trees are conse- 

 quently comparatively high-priced. 



If the acorns are planted where the tree is desired it is a long time 

 before the tree is of sufficient size to insure it respectful treatment. 

 If the acorn be planted in the fall it is sought by mice, squirrels, and 

 skunks, and other nut-loving animals. Stratifying in moist sand over 

 winter and planting early in the spring is necessary if the small ani- 

 mals are numerous. Ten to fifteen inches is a very good growth for 

 the first season, consequently careful cultivation is essential to its 

 success. But in a few years the bright fall coloring and the generally 

 attractive appearance gives the oak an honored place. Oaks succeed 

 well in partial shade and are especially well adapted for planting 

 among short-lived species. 



PIN OAK. (Quercus palustris.) 



This is one of the best oaks tested by the College or Experiment 

 Station. It is one of the most-rapid-growing of the genus, and a par- 

 ticularly handsome tree, of symmetrical form, fine glossy foliage, which 

 assumes a brilliant coloring in the fall and is retained well through 

 the winter, a desirable character for a windbreak tree. It is one of 

 the most easily transplanted of the oaks, and is reported as succeeding 

 well in cities, a fact in its favor, as dust and smoke are believed to be 

 injurious to most of the oaks. 



Plate 5 shows a good specimen of Pin oak set in 1888, then a tree 

 about 3 feet high. 



