MODIFICATION BY WIND 



213 



short-season climates. Indian corn is a conspicuous ex- 

 ample. As one ascends high mountains or travels in high 

 latitudes, he finds the trees becoming smaller and smaller, 

 until finally he passes beyond the regions in which the trees 

 can grow. Many of the Esquimaux doubt the statements 

 of travelers that there are plants as high as a man. In these 

 high altitudes and high latitudes, plants tend also to be- 

 come prostrate. 



370. Plants 

 are Influenced 

 by Wind. In 

 regions of strong 

 prevailing winds, 

 as on lake and 

 sea shores and 

 on hills and 

 mountains, tree- 

 tops develop un- 

 symmetrically 

 and are heaviest 

 on the leeward 

 side. (Figs. 379, 

 380.) Observe 

 this fact in or- 

 chards in windy 

 regions, and note 



that the most unsymmetrical trees are those on the exposed 

 side of the plantation. 



371. Trees often lean away from the prevailing winds. 

 The tips of the branches of exposed trees usually indicate 

 whether there are strong prevailing 'winds. (Fig. 381.) 

 Observe trees in pastures and along roadsides, particularly 

 in high places and within a few miles of exposed shores. 

 Note the tip-top spray of hemlock trees. 



372. Plants are Profoundly Influenced by Soil. The 



379. Evergreen trees on wind-swept heights of the 

 Rocky Mountains. 



