FOREST TREES. 139 
Oak; in fact, some botanists are disposed to consider 
the latter as merely a variety of this species. The 
leaves turn to a bright red in the fall—the acorns 
have a white kernel, not yellowish, as in the Black 
Oak. The wood is of inferior quality, both for fuel 
and other purposes. In some parts of the country, 
this species is confounded with the Red Oak, in others 
with the Spanish Oak. It cannot be recommended 
for propagation. 
8. Quercus rubra—Red Oak. 
Leaves, oblong, smooth, pale beneath, sinuately cut 
with rather narrow sinuses into short, spreading lobes, 
four to six on a side; acorn large, ovoid or oblong. 
The Red Oak is well-known in most parts of the 
United States, and is one of the most common species 
in Illinois. It will grow on poor soils, but is most 
at home on those that are fertile. It grows more 
rapidly than most other kinds of Oak, and some- 
times reaches the height of eighty feet, with a pro- 
portionate diameter. 
The wood is coarse-grained, of reddish color, with 
open pores, and not very durable. It is much inferior 
to the Black Oak, and is little esteemed, although 
considerably used where better timber is not abundant. 
It is a very handsome ornamental tree. 
9. Quercus palustris—Pin Oak. 
Leaves, oblong, smooth and shining, bright green 
both sides, deeply pinnatifid, with broad and rounded 
