134 FOREST TREES. 
its wood is preferred to that of any other tree, except 
the Live Oak of the Southern States. It is more 
abundant than any other species of oak in Northern 
and Central Illinois, but the forests are in the course 
of rapid destruction, and the attention of land owners 
cannot be too soon directed to the preservation of 
such as remain, and the formation of new plantations, 
Although the White Oak is not often met with 
upon the richest soils of the Western States, it will, 
nevertheless, flourish on them. It is accounted a 
slow grower, but does not, like some other trees, 
slacken its growth as it becomes larger. The multi- 
plied uses to which it is applied are too well-known 
to need enumeration, and its extensive culture cannot 
be too strongly recommended. 
2. Quercus macrocarpa—Bur Oak, Overcup Oak. 
Leaves, lyrate-obovate, or oblong, downy beneath, 
deeply and sinuately lobed, the lobes obtuse and 
spreading; cup, deep, scaly and fringed; acorns, 
large, ovate. 
This species is much more abundant west of the 
Alleghanies than in the Atlantic States. It is a large 
and handsome tree, with larger leaves than any other 
American species. It is commonly found on richer 
soils than the White Oak, which it equals in size, and 
for most purposes in the excellence of its wood. 
Michaux speaks disparagingly of the quality of its 
timber, but it appears quite probable that he had but 
little acquaintance with it. It certainly is equally as 
strong, tough and elastic as the White Oak. It is 
