THE OAK. 181 
It seems to be the opinion of many that the oak should 
be left where it grows from the seed, but throughout 
Europe the tree-planters affirm that it is best to trans- 
plant them. 
THE WHITE OAK. 
This is one of our most lofty trees. It is found almost 
everywhere east of the Mississippi, although in some 
sections it is by no means abundant. It is mostly found 
' on soils of moderate fertility. It is used wherever 
strength, compactness, or durability are wanted. It is 
next to the live-oak in value. I would here call the at- 
tention of the landowners of Illinois to the rapid de- 
struction of the white oak in their state, and would 
mildly intimate that they will run short of timber if they 
do not take means to stop the wholesale destruction. 
The white oak is one of the slowest growers, but does 
not slacken its growth as it becomes larger. 
THE POST OAK. 
This tree, which grows to the height of about forty 
feet, is met with in a soil of yellow, clayey loam. It is 
inclined to branch, and seldom or never furnishes timber 
of any length. Its acorns are small and sweet. The 
wood is more durable than the white oak; it is strong, 
fine-grained, and of a yellowish color. It is used in the 
construction of posts, wagon-wheels, etc. 
THE SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK. 
This tree grows to the height of eighty or ninety feet, 
with a circumference of from six to eight feet, and pre- 
serves its thickness from forty to fifty feet. It is found 
in rich bottom-lands. Rock chestnut oak is one of the 
varieties of this tree; its wood is so heavy as to sink in 
water. Swamp white oak is another variety of this tree. 
It is-very marked, and is found farther north than the 
chestnut oak, and its wood is of much better quality. 
