The Port Gibson reveille. [volume] (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1890-current, 1913-06-26

The Quercus is one OF the most
widely distributed and also one of
the most valuable for its fiber and
fruits, of all trees known to men.
It's habitat Is from the tropics to the
regions of the coIdest temperature,
and while it Is found In nearly ev-
cry grand division of the globe, 1t
grows to its greatest perfection In
what is known as North America,
where there are great many var
ieties; from a tough scrubby shrub
to a mighty giant of the forest, Of
ten growing to the enormous height
of nearly or quite hundred feet.
For building purposes 1t has always
occupied first place among the
timbers and in the manufacture of
furniture holds place among the
first for beauty and excellence-in-
deed when passed through the saws
at a certain angle 1t develops
grain Of coveted beauty and is
much sought after by those who
can afford to pay extra prices for
that which Is antique. This tree Is
among the oldest spoken OF in the
history of the human race, and
while special mention is made Of
the use of the Gopher wood in the
construction of of Noah's Ark, it
is probable that this Quercus was
called upon to furnish timber for
tine more exposed parts Of that
peculiar and marvellous structure:
al least the Quercus is the frs tree
we nave mention Of il the Bible
after the food Some of the most
thrilling chapters in the history Of
the nations have been associated
with this tree and especially does
this apply to the Israelitish people.
Among The branches of this houoied
tree kings and great leaders nave
alike met their death and been
shielded from harm; under it tcapitu
lations have been recorded aud also
sacred rights sbielded. While the
Prophet complains that the people
had hewu down the Ash and from
Its body carved their idols, it is q
fact that the Quercus has been
liar more useful tree to the family
of man
+ In the early history of our coun
try this, now rapidly disappearing
tree, was called upon for timbers t
construct our most massive bridge
and also the more fragile of on
household economics. The vayietie.
Of the Quercus tree are more nun
erous than most other in our forest
but those best known tous are tn
Ouercus alba and theQuercus rubra
from the latter the bark is takei
aud becomes an important item i
the markets of the world as dye
ing substance, and also as medi
cine. Because of its toughness an
the fact that it imparts a certai
flavor to liquids, the Quercus ha
been almost exterminated in certai
sections in the manufacture of bar
.els and kegs.
Besides the uses suggested above
to which this tree has been phi
It's fruit has long been recognize
as of considerable value in the feec
ing and fattening of stock. espe'
Iially hogs, and -ehildren have bee
known to become very fond OF Il
flavor. The fruit. which is of th
nut variety. grows In clusters. is e.
cased in graceful cup shaped h''
One single tree has been knoN
produce a crop of nuts that woul
fill several hampers and OF foe
vaIue equal almost to that OF Ind.
corn. The Querous we are 70
was the sacred three among 4
Greeks and Romans and well mig
1t be SO exalted among our sout
ern farmers today. I have wo
dered If 1t was not Qnercus r
that brought forth that immerl
poem from George Pope Nor
"Woodmen. spare that tree.
n q uNT OMAN