FORESTRY 341 



When a tree stands by itself, its branches spread out, 

 and even the lower ones are able to grow (figure 177). 

 The branches of a tree cannot grow without light. 

 In a forest only those at the top of the tree get light 

 enough to grow. The lower ones all die off, leaving 

 a straight clean trunk (figures 178 and 179) which 

 gives boards without knots. This is called self- 

 pruning. 



In the forest we see that the trees not only struggle 

 with each other } but they also help each other as well. 

 The different branches of a tree struggle together for 

 light, yet they all help each other. Each tree spreads 

 out its branches and tries to get all the light it can for 

 itself, and the young trees beneath it may suffer, be- 

 cause it takes so much light away from them. But it 

 is only by growing together that the trees of the forest 

 are able to keep the ground moist enough so that all 

 may grow. And were it not for the shade of the older 

 trees, many of the young trees would be killed by the 

 strong sunlight. 



Nothing is more interesting to study than the growth 

 of a tree. A tree writes the story of its life as it goes 

 along, and when you have learned how to read it, you 

 will know just what it has done, as well as what it has 

 tried to do and failed. If you wish to know how this 

 may be done, read Bailey's " Lessons with Plants/' pages 

 25 to 77. 



Many trees grow well from seed, and it is very well 



