THE BEECH, CHESTNUT, AND OAKS 



shape, but even then the branches are character- 

 istically rigid and grow near together. The 

 pyramidal shape of this tree, its* small, delicate 

 buds and branches, and the pin-like twigs, from 

 which it takes its name of pin oak, make it easily 

 recognized as we see it growing in our parks 

 and gardens. 



The wood is hard and strong, where the tree 

 is found growing commonly, and is used in the 

 construction of houses and for shingles and 

 clapboards. 



The specific name is from the \^?i(\xi paluster, 

 an adjective meaning swampy or boggy, and 

 has reference to the moisture-seeking character- 

 istics of the tree. 



The pin oak is found growing on the banks 

 of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, 

 but it occurs more commonly in the South and 

 West. 



The scrub or bear oak {Quercus ilicifolia) is 

 a dwarfed, straggling bush, three to ten feet high, 

 and found on sandy, barren, and rocky hills from 

 Maine to Carolina. The former nsixne, p7ii7tila 

 (dwarf), was given to it on account of its size 

 and crooked manne?of growth. 



97 



