IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 267 



adapted for orchai-ds in higher mountain regions. The fruit 

 becomes soft and edible through exposure to snow. P. amyg- 

 dalif ormis (Villars) is probably the wild state of this tree. 



Pyrus salicifolia, Linne. 



Greece, Turkey, Persia, South- West Russia. Though its fruit, 

 which slowly mollifies, is edible, this tree is mainly utilised as 

 a superior stock for grafting. 



Quercus .Slgilops, Linne. 



South Europe, also Syria. A nearly evergreen tree of the 

 size of the British Oak. The cups, known as Valonia, used 

 for tanning and dyeing; the unripe acorns, as Camata or 

 Camatena, for the same pm-pose. Valonia is mainly exported 

 fi-om Smyi-na to London (33,802 tons in 1876). Greece used 

 to produce annually 10,000 tons, worth up to £18 per ton. 

 Valonia ("Wallones) produces a rich bloom on leather, which 

 latter becomes also less permeable to water (Muspratt). The 

 ripe acorns are eaten raw or boiled. The tree is also 

 recommendable as a fine avenue tree. The wood is capital for 

 fui'niture. 



Quercus agrifolia, Nee. 



CaJiEornia and Mexico. One of the most magnificent among 

 evergreen Oaks, with dense, wide-spreading foliage. The 

 thick bai'k available for tanning (C. Hoffmann). According 

 to Dr. Gibbons this tree attains a height of 100 feet, a stem 

 of 8 feet, and a crown 125 feet in diameter. Wood-cutters dis- 

 tinguish two vai-ieties, one with red and one with white wood. 

 It grows near the sea, and luxuriates in deep soil of valleys and 

 also on the tops of mountains. The value of its timber is not 

 fully appreciated. Although brittle when green and perish- 

 able if exposed to the weather, it becomes almost as hard and 

 strong as Live Oak if properly seasoned, and is especially 

 adapted for ships' knees. 



Quercus alba, Linne.* 



The White or Quebec Oak. A most valuable timber tree, 

 100 feet high; diameter of stem 7 feet. Trunk sometimes 

 65 feet long to fiist branch. This tree attains a great age ; 

 succeeds best in rich woodlands j and is of quicker growth 

 than the English Oak. The timber is pliable, most durable, 

 one of the very best of all woods for casks, also of first class 

 value for cabinet-work, for machineiy, spokes, naves, railway 

 ties (Robb) ; it is also employed in ship-building; the youn. 



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