STUDIES OF TREES IN WINTER 



that when one large, old white oak is found 

 growing in an open pasture, there are usually 

 five or six more of the same size and age within 

 a short distance. This may be accounted for 

 by the fact that in the early New England days 

 these trees were in great demand for ship-build- 

 ing, and farmers waited for the most promising 

 trees to reach maturity before selling them. 

 On some farms these oaks happened to escape 

 the axe, and have not only outlived the men 

 who spared them, but stand for landmarks now, 

 long after the farms themselves have been 

 deserted and forgotten. 



The wood of the white oak is very heavy and 

 hard, and durable in contact with the soil. It 

 is used in the construction and interior finish 

 of buildings and in ship-building, for making 

 carriages, cabinets, agricultural implements, bas- 

 kets, an)i for fences and railroad ties. It also 

 makes excellent firewood. 



The specific name refers to the light color 

 of the wood and bark in contrast with that of 

 the black oaks. It is found from Southern 

 Maine to Northern Florida and westward. 



Swamp White ^ ^«''.§'*^ ^''^^' 60 to 80 jeet high, 

 Oak common in swamps and where 



QuercusHcolor ^J^^ ^^.-^ ^^ ^^^^.^^_ j.j^^ ^^^^ 



shags off along the branches, and the trunk is 



86 



