No. 14.] FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS. 149 



handles. The wood is not durable in contact with the soil, 

 but is remarkably lasting when immersed in water, hence is 

 largely used in making dams, sluices, etc. The purest creo- 

 sote for medicinal use is obtained from beech wood. A beauti- 

 ful tree at all seasons of the year. 



CASTANEA Hill. Chestnut. 



Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. (toothed). 

 Castanea sativa Mill., var. americana Sarg. 

 Chestnut. 



Common. Rich woods or often in drier ground. Late 

 June — mid-July ; fruit late Sept. — Oct. 



The nuts are sweet and edible and are extensively gathered 

 for market. The timber is of much value, very durable in 

 contact with the soil, and used especially for poles, piling and 

 railroad ties. One of our most abundant and valuable forest 

 trees. The burs furnish a lampblack used in painting, and 

 contain a dark brown dye. The bark and leaves are somewhat 

 medicinal. 



QUERCUS L. Oak. 



A large genus of very valuable trees, whose timber and 

 bark are among the most important products of the forest. 

 Oak wood possesses in a high degree strength, solidity, dura- 

 bility and resistance to water, and is largely used in ship 

 building and mill and bridge construction. In the making of 

 furniture also and the interior finish of houses it is very ex- 

 tensively employed. The bark of many species is much used 

 in tanning. Oak trees are famous for their picturesque beauty 

 and dignity, and it is a pity that so few large old specimens 

 are preserved. They are among the most valued trees on estates 

 and country places; in fact any farm is enhanced in value by 

 the possession of a few old oaks. 



Quercus alba L. (white). 

 White Oak. 



Common. Moist or dry ground and in various soils. Mid- 

 May — June ; fruit Sept. — Oct. 



The most valuable of the oaks both for timber and for 



