170 Second Conference 



But let us for a moment examine our tree at close 

 quarters and see what we can learn of its parts in 

 detail by close and careful inspection. 



(a) Trunk. In the first place let us look at the trunk. 



1. Its circularity will strike us the form of greatest 



strength, and the one that offers the least 

 surface to the force of the wind. 



2. We can see whether it is straight or crooked, 



whether it tapers gently from base to apex, 

 as in the larch and spruce, or tapers con- 

 siderably, as in the Wellingtonia of our parks. 



3. We can see whether the trunk is carried up 



right to the top of the tree, as in the larch, 

 &c., or divides half-way into branches, as in 

 the oak, elm, &c. 



4. Any indications of disease and decay, excres- 



cences, &c. 



5. We can ascertain the circumference at the base, 



and from that the diameter. 



(b) Bark. When \ve have done with the stem we can 



examine the bark. 



1. We can note whether it is rugged or smooth, 



brown, gray, or silver- white; showing a 

 tendency to peel or come off in scales, as 

 in the larch, birch, and plane trees. 



2. We can compare the bark on the stem with 



that on the branches in these respects. 



3. We can see whether it has any lichens, moss, 



or fungi growing thereon. 



