Its Rank among Trees.—Procuring and Sowing its Seed.—The Burr Oak.—Its Attainable Growth. —Description of the Burr Oak as given by Dr. P. R. Hoy.—Its General Appearance and Beautifying Character.— Durability of its Wood. — Manner of Growth.— Its Utility and Ornament.—Its Abundance and Distribution.—Its Zone of Thrift. — Characteristics of its Foliage. — Conditions by which to Distinguish Species.—Opinions on Transplanting.—The White Oak, the Post Oak, the Swamp Chestnut Oak, the Black Oak, the Scarlet Oak, the Red Oak, the Pin Oak, the Willow Oak, the Laurel Oak, the Black-jack Oak, the Spanish Oak, and the Live-Oak Separately and Variously Described.

The oak is the most valuable of all trees. It can readily be raised from the seed, which should be gathered in the fall, after the acorns drop. The best month to gather seed is October, and it should be planted at once, or kept in a cool, moist condition until spring. The plants should be set out about eight feet apart, and between the rows some upright-growing trees can be planted as nurses for the oaks. These latter should be cut away whenever it is necessary to make room for the growth. Burr oak and chestnut oak are best for fuel, and red oak the best for rails.