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120 AGRICULTURE ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE 



The leaves (in most plants) remain small and pale in 

 color in the dark. Hairs and even prickles tend to 

 disappear in darkness. 



It is well known that intense light causes a greater 

 intensity of coloring of fruits, flowers, and other col- 

 ored parts of plants : this is especially noticeable in 

 mountain^ regions. Compare the colors of flowers in 

 shady woods with those of the sunlight of open 

 meadows. 



\Light also affects the flowers and fruit. Many 

 plantsT)loom little or not at all in poor light, while in 

 strong light they bloom freely. This is seen in house 

 plants grown at a north or northeast window, as com- 



red with those grown at a south window. The effect 

 is due partly to the fact that with better light the leaves 

 produce more food for the growth of the flowers and 

 fruit, partly to the direct action of the light (and heat) 

 on the flowers and fruits. Notice plants that are 

 partially shaded (as by a house or hedge), and note 

 especially whether more blossoms appear on the side 

 which is shaded or on the side which is toward the 

 light. 



You have probably noticed that many flowers grow 

 or turn toward the light. This makes it easier for 

 insects to find them. 



Wind. Everyone is more or less familiar with the 

 effects of wind on plants. Near the seacoast, or on 

 mountains, or wherever trees are exposed daily to 



