16 FORESTS AND MANKIND 



in films between the particles, and as the roots extend between 

 the soil grains they draw this water in. Soil water, of course, 

 is not pure. It contains many mineral substances, some of 

 which are necessary for the continued growth of our seedling. 

 These mineral substances are derived from the soil grains, 

 which are partly particles of rock and partly the remains of 

 dead plants and animals. 



A great deal of water and small amounts of these mineral 

 salts are absorbed by the growing and expanding root system 

 of the plant and are conducted to all parts of the tree. Most of 

 the water is soon lost by evaporation through the leaves, but 

 the other substances remain and take part in the young tree's 

 chemical processes. 



So through spring and summer and late into autumn our 

 seedling manufactures food for its growing roots, stem and 

 branches. When winter comes it is already several inches tall 

 and with roots developed and tightly embedded in the soil, the 

 tree ceases from food making. It enters upon its long winter 

 sleep, lying dormant except for these roots, which still continue 

 to put on some growth. 



But already the tree has prepared for the coming of another 

 spring. At the end of each branch it has fashioned a bud, 

 within which tightly folded and protected, are new leaves for 

 the coming year. Winter blasts may sweep the forest and bitter 

 cold grip the woods, but through it all the tree waits dormant 

 and changeless, and when once again with the returning sun 

 the days grow warmer, the soil water is no longer frozen and 

 again life stirs. The roots again absorb water and the leaves 

 unfold ready to begin once more their work of making food. 



As time passes our seedling forest tree grows and branches 



