166 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 



Since thawing begins at the top and liberates first the upper 

 branches, little damage results unless winds arise to break the 

 ice-supports. Yet the smallest of the woody plants, even 

 those slender supple things, that may lie prone under such a 

 burden and rise again afterward unharmed, are imperiled by 

 the ice; for a passing foot may snap their stems when ice 

 laden, instead of brushing them aside. 



Fortunately, the ice-coat, tho it does much damage, always 

 confers some benefits on the trees, It prunes them of dead 

 branches. Rotting of the trunk begins wherever a dead 

 branch persists too long. The ice greatly aids in their 

 removal. 



Study 21. Observations on the Ice-coat and Its Effects 



This is a study to be made only when nature prepares the 

 conditions. The ice-coat on the trees comes unannounced, 

 and is often very transient: sometimes an hour's sunshine 

 will dispel it. Sieze the opportunity, therefore, when it 

 comes, shifting other studies if need be. The equipment 

 needed will be a few pocket scales (spring balances) and some 

 means of melting ice quickly, preferably a blow torch. 



The program of work will consist of observations on the 

 thickness, weight and distribution of the ice, and of its effects 

 on trees and shrubs of different sorts. Measurements should 

 be made of its thickness. Branches should be weighed, first 

 laden with ice and again after the ice has been removed, to 

 determine the load that the ice imposes. If a recent snow- 

 fall cover the ground so that newly fallen twigs can be noted, 

 gather the twigs under different kinds of trees, and note the 

 relative number of dead and living, and which sorts of woody 

 plants are most affected. 



The record of this study must be made up in part to suit 

 the conditions obtaining. If the ice be heavy or wind arise 

 while it is on, the breakage of the trees should be recorded. 



