712 REPORT OF STATE GEOLOGIST. 



The wood is strong, heavy, tough and durable in contact with the 

 soil. It is, however, liable to check unless carefully seasoned. The 

 species is of the highest economic value, the wood being used for 

 almost every conceivable purpose from ship building to basket mak- 

 ing. The value of the form is rapidly increasing, and they should 

 be carefully conserved by the land owner. 



Flowers in May and June; acorns ripen in September and October. 



Distribution general. 



Q. lyrata Walt. Swamp, Overcup or Post Oak. 



In swamps and along streams. " Common, locally, in Knox and 

 Gibson counties. Unquestionably this species." (Ridgway.) 



A tree from 80 to 100 feet in height, with a diameter of from two 

 to three feet, often growing in deep, and often submerged swamps. 



The wood is of the same general character and is used for the 

 same purposes as the white oak. 



Flowers in April and May ; acorns ripen in September. 



Distribution as indicated. 



Q. macrocarpa Michx. Bur Oak. Overcup or Mossy-cup Oak. 



Common throughout the State in lands of fair quality. Readily 

 recognized by its rough, thick and shaggy bark and its profuse 

 branching. A large tree 80 to 100, exceptionally 150 feet high, 

 with a diameter of from four to eight feet. 



The wood is heavy, hard, strong, tough and more durable in con- 

 tact with the soil than that of other American oaks. Usually con- 

 founded with the less valuable Q. alba and employed for the same 

 purposes. Used locally to a considerable extent for wheel stock. 



Flowers in May and June ; acorns ripen in September and October. 



Distribution general. 



Q. minor (Marsh) Sarg. Post or Iron Oak. 



(Q. stellata Wang.) 



Not common, but found in dry, sandy soil in the southern and 

 southwestern counties. A tree rarely exceeding 80 feet in height 

 or a diameter of four feet. 



The wood is not so tough as that of Q. alba, but otherwise of simi- 

 lar character. Largely u*ed for fencing and railroad ties, less com- 

 monly for carriage stock and in cooperage. By some considered the 

 most durable timber for posts, whence its common name. 



Flowers in May and June ; acorns ripen in September and Oc- 

 tober. 



Distribution as indicated above. 



