143 



to unite i and, therefore, though no en- 

 largement took place, such tree would 

 shew an internal blemish when cut up. 



If a tree, top-heavy, is subject to this 

 sort of defect, certainly one which is not 

 only so formed, but has the top more on 

 one side than the other, must be much 

 more liable to it ; as the action of the 

 wind, operating on one side only, will 

 twist rather than bend it. 



It seems a prevailing opinion, that wet 

 soils frequently occasion this sort of de- 

 fect ; but how that should happen, except 

 the situation is likewise exposed, seems 

 difficult to prove. — On such, a young tree 

 may be expected to grow more freely, 

 than upon a dry one, in consequence of 

 imbibing more moisture; and therefore 

 it must be less of a woody nature, and, of 

 course, more liable to be shaken or split 

 by the wind's tempestuous blast. The 

 method of draining wet woodlands has 



