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The Live Oak (Quercus Virens) is a beautiful tree which grows most 

 abundantly in the lowlands of the southern and gulf regions of 

 Louisiana. On account of the dark green color of its evergreen 

 leaves it is perhaps the finest shade tree the vegetable kingdom can 

 boast of. This oak freed from the outer wood and thoroughly sea- 

 soned will endure an unknown period of time in buildings or ma- 

 ch nes. Its wood, being most elastic and durable, is superior to 

 every other forest tree, and is particularly sought after by ship- 

 builders. Its timber forms a valuable commercial commodity, 

 equaled only by the teak of India. 



The Long-leaied Pine (Pinus Australis) is a loity and majestic tree 

 indigenous in this Stat» . It grows in dry, s mdy soils, and is found 

 in the pine lands in Rapides, Tangipahoa, and other parishes. Its 

 timber is valuable not only as fuel, but as lumber in domestic archi- 

 tecture and ship-building. It yields an abundance of turpentine, 

 and the Carolina pine supplies a sufficient quantity of that article, 

 not only for home consumption, but also for exportati n. 



The Cypie-s (Taxodium distichum) is one of the most valuable 

 timber trees indigenous in the Southern States. It grows in great 

 abundance everywhere in the swamps of Louisiaua. Its beautilul 

 foliage and its lofty and elegant form would recommend it as one of 

 the finest ornamental trees if it grew in any other but swampy soil. 

 Its wood is extremely porous and light, and when properly seasoned 

 is most durable. On this account it is employed in naval as well as 

 civil architecture. 



The Sweet gum (Liquid amber styraciflua) is very abundant every- 

 where in the lowlands of Louisiana. When wounded, a balsamic 

 juice flows from its trunk, which is of the consistence of honey, is of 

 a yellowish white color, and has a balsamic odor. It has been erro- 

 neously called liquid storax, which it resembles in its proper. ies. It 

 is sometimes chewed by children, in order to sweeten their breath. 

 The bark is astringent, and has been employed in the form of a 

 syrup. The timber is valuable as fuel, and is also used for lumber 

 where pine and cypress are scarce. 



The Black Walnut ( Juglans nigra) is met with in Louisiana in rich 

 soil. Its wood, though neither strong nor compact, is extensively 

 used in cabinet work, on account of its durability and the high 

 polish it takes, and its exemption from the attacks of insects. The 

 kernel of the fruit furnishes a grateful article of food. The bark is 



