218 TREES OF MINNESOTA. 



several inches long by the time the ground freezes. In con- 

 sequence of this there is but a short time in which to sow them 

 and this should be done as soon as they can be gathered in 

 autumn or if planted later great pains must be taken not to 

 break the radicle which will probably have pushed out. The 

 seeds require only ordinary care to secure a good stand if 

 properly managed. 



Properties of wood. Strong, very heavy, hard, tough, close 

 grained, durable in contact with soil although liable to check 

 unless carefully seasoned; color light brown with thin light 

 brown sapwood. Specific gravity 0.747; weight of a cubic 

 foot 46.35 pounds. 



Uses. The White Oak is highly esteemed as an ornamen- 

 tal tree on account of its sturdiness, longevity and magnifi- 

 cent spreading form, although it is seldom planted on account 

 of its slow growth; one of our hardiest trees, although it will 

 not endure as much drouth as the Bur Oak or White Elm. 

 The wood is of great value on account of its adaptability to 

 many purposes where a tough, strong, close grained wood is 

 needed. It is largely used in ship building, in construction, 

 cooperage ( large quantities being exported to Europe in the 

 form of staves), in the manufacture of agricultural imple- 

 ments, carriages and baskets, for the interior finishing of 

 houses, in cabinet making and for railway ties, fence posts 

 and fuel. 



Quercus macrocarpa. Bur Oak. Mossy-Cup Oak. 



Bur White Oak. 



Leaves large, ovate or oblong, lyrate-pinnatifid or deeply 

 sinuate-lobed or parted, the lobes sparingly toothed or entire, 

 irregular, downy or pale beneath and bright gi*een above, turn- 

 ing to a dull yellow before falling in autumn. Cup (cupule) 

 deep, thick, woody, conspicuously imbricated with hard, thick 

 pointed scales, the upper ones generally awned so as to make 

 a mossy, fringed border, but this is occasionally lacking. 

 Acorns ovoid, almost spherical, half or wholly enclosed by 

 the cup. Bark rougher and darker colored than that of the 

 White Oak. A large tree varying greatly in form, sometimes 

 growing 100 feet high and 6 or 7 feet through the trunk, but in 

 this section seldom over 70 feet high and 3 feet through. 



