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PAUT II. 



BRITISH FOREST TREES USED AS NAVAL 

 TI^IBER. 



Oak — Quercus. 



Oak appears to be the most prevalent tree about 

 the middle of the north temperate zone, growing, na- 

 turally, upon almost every soil, exceptmg some of the 

 sterile sandy flats. With the exception of the pines, 

 it is by far the most useful kind of tree, almost ba- 

 lancing the accommodating figure of stem, and ma- 

 nageable quality of the pine timber, by its greater 

 strength and durability, and excelling the pines in 

 value of bark. It is not easy to determine whether 

 there be distinct British species in the genus Qiiercus; 

 but, at least, there are several breeds, or families, or 

 grouped resemblances, which, though the individuals 

 may slightly vary, and though a gradation, or con- 

 nection, may be traced am*ong these families them- 

 selves, yet possess general character sufficiently 

 marked to support names. Botanists, v/ho are so 

 prompt and so well prepared with their classes, or- 



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