THE TREE DOCTOR 



79 



that are known to the hustling tree agent profession. Can you 

 blame him? As the Quaker said, he is "looking after his end of 

 the bargain ; but thee shouldst look after thine." 



When the trees are allowed to grow with the branches rest- 

 ing on the ground, it produces conditions for the perfect health 

 of the tree. It destroys all sod and other vegetable growth, and 

 millions of "feeders" are formed near the surface. Look at 

 Photo 67. It has the appearance of a lot of little bits of sticks 

 lying on the ground, but these are roots ; they have grown there 

 because the moisture is formed there on hot days from con- 

 densation. The air, also, freely circulates among them, keeping 

 the roots in a state of good health. It is late spring and the 

 buds are unfolding, and you can see where the tips of the 

 branches hang; the sod is formed out beyond that. There is 

 nothing more interesting in the whole study of tree life than the 

 conduct of the roots. 



Photo 67 

 A Condition for perfect Health. 



