THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. 157 



and the vanquished are easily distinguishable. 

 Here is one a foot high, and scattered between 

 the victors, others of different sizes. All have 

 lost their leaves, and although some might still 

 put out fresh ones if they had an opportunity, it 

 is easily seen that all are doomed. They have 

 lost their place already and are out of the run- 

 ning. 



And, what of the victors ? They look vigorous 

 you can almost see them growing. Their upper 

 leaves are all on a level and glow with the most 

 beautiful tints. There are no branches they can- 

 not afford to waste time and energy in putting 

 out side shoots which would be useless. Their 

 motto is " Excelsior " higher and higher still, and 

 woe betide the hindermost. There is room and 

 light enough for perhaps two trees, and here 

 are a hundred. They cannot all succeed. Look 

 closely and you will see that some are more 

 sturdy than others ; they are not quite so crowded 

 and their roots collect more nourishment. These 

 will soon be ahead, but still there will be too 

 many. The struggle will become more and more 

 intense the nearer they get to the top, and when 

 the few survivors begin to throw out branches 

 every one will elbow his neighbour until only the 

 favoured ones remain. As for the others they will 



