The Seniors of the Forest 273 



the gale, such leaves cannot be torn as spreading 

 foliage would probably be if it grew in similar 

 situations and the slippery needles of northern 

 evergreens shed snow masses which would break 

 broad-leaved trees to pieces. 



Some years ago southern Ohio was visited by a 

 moderately heavy snow-storm in mid-May, when 

 all the summer leaves were out. Their broad sur- 

 faces caught and held the flakes, and the boughs 

 were soon over-weighted. All hands turned out 

 with poles, rakes, and broomsticks to beat the 

 snow off cherished trees, but, despite much zealous 

 exertion, aided by a May-time sun, many branches 

 crashed down in a few hours. The experience 

 showed the probable effect of northern snows upon 

 evergreens if they bore broad leaves. 



But the needles of pines, hemlocks, and firs shed 

 the flakes from their curved and shining surfaces and 

 allow them to fall through the feathery branches 

 toward the ground. Snow occasionally gathers 

 upon the trees in masses sufficient to form a beau- 

 tiful contrast to their sombre green, but its hold on 

 the slippery needles is so insecure that the least 

 puff of wind suffices to dislodge it. 



The broad-leaved evergreens, laurel, laurestinas, 

 holly, bay, and live-oak are native to climates 



