188 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



cupule (Fig. 300). Most of the species contain in the 

 bark, etc., much tannin. The Filbert is the fruit 

 of Corylus Avellana, a native of Europe and 

 Asia, but cultivated also in this country. There 

 are many varieties, as White Filberts, Red 

 Filberts, Barcelona-nuts, etc. Its branches are 

 used in making hoops, crates for merchandise, 

 etc. The common, wild Hazel of United States 

 2'' is Corylus Americana; it is smaller, both the shrub 

 and nut, than the preceding. The Iron-wood (Ostrya 

 Virginica) has a hard, fine-grained wood, suitable for fuel 

 and various uses in the arts. The trunks are often used 

 for levers, whence the popular name Lever-wood. The 

 Spanish Chestnut (Castanea vesca) was introduced into 

 Europe from Asia probably two thousand years ago, and 

 furnishes a valuable, coarse-grained wood and edible fruit. 

 The Chestnut of the Eastern United States is a variety 

 (jvar. Americana) of the Spanish Chestnut. The wood is 

 light, and easily worked, it is used in making doors, various 

 kinds of furniture, etc. The Beech of the United States 

 {Fagus ferruginea), has wood of a reddish color, and great 

 hardness when dry; it is extensively used in making 

 carpenter's tools. The Oaks (genus 

 Quercus) includes about two hundred 

 and fifty species, scattered over the 

 Northern Hemisphere. The British 

 Oak of Europe (Q. Robur) furnishes 

 timber considered to be superior to 

 all other kinds of Oak ; it is used 

 extensively for all kinds of construct- soo 



ive purposes. The bark also is used in tanning. The 



Fig. 299. Catkin of tlie American Hazel. Fig. 300. Acorn and cup ; cu, cupule. 



