Page:Timber and Timber Trees, Native and Foreign.djvu/121

XVII.] quantities of Oak spread over the slopes of the Kogaratz mountains, and in the district between the rivers Verbas and Okrina.

The Oaks seen over this wide range were chiefly of the Quercus sessiliflora species, but mixed occasionally with the Quercus Cerris; they were all of straight growth, with long clean stems, and generally of good quality, but varying considerably in this respect according as the situation and soil were favourable or otherwise to the development of their character. There is, however, good reason to believe that by selecting from the best description of Oak trees in the districts I have named, very large and valuable supplies might be obtained; but at the time spoken of no attempt had been made to fell them for the many purposes for which their quality and size would render them available. The principal, and almost the only use hitherto made of any of these noble trees, is to cut them down and cleave them into staves for casks.

Bordering close upon the east side of Bosnia, but in the State of Servia, there are immense forests of Oak. These, however, I was unable to penetrate, owing to the lateness of the season and unfavourable state of the weather.

Hungary also possesses large forests of Oak, stretching from Resnek and Kaniza to the Danube. These again might undoubtedly be worked with great advantage, the trees being mostly of good quality, and remarkable for their straight growth and noble dimensions. In Styria could be found only a scanty stock of Oak, the forests having been exhausted some few years prior to the date of my visit. New supplies are, however? springing up, and ere long a very valuable property in this description of timber will be found there.