The Structure of a Tree 



21 



FIG. 12. The monarch oak, the patriarch of the trees, 



Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees. 



Three centuries he grows, and there he stays 



Supreme hi state ; and in three more decays. DRYDEN 



the date when some large tree first began to grow. If 

 you are careful, you will probably come near the actual 

 date. Having done this, try to form a mental picture 



