^iox^ of a ^^oman^^^tax (|)ine 



section immediately above the ground, and, as 

 this lower section is the most exposed to acci- 

 dents or to injuries from enemies, it generally 

 bears evidence of having suffered the most. 

 Within its scroll are usually found the most ex- 

 tensive and interesting autobiographical impres- 

 sions. 



It is doubtful if there is any portion of the 

 earth upon which there are so many deadly strug- 

 gles as upon the earth around the trunk of a 

 tree. Upon this small arena there are battles 

 fierce and wild ; here nature is " red in tooth 

 and claw." When a tree is small and tender, 

 countless insects come to feed upon it. Birds 

 come to it to devour these insects. Around the 

 tree are daily almost merciless fights for exist- 

 ence. These death-struggles occur not only in the 

 daytime, but in the night. Mice, rats, and rab- 

 bits destroy millions of young trees. These bold 

 animals often flay baby trees in the daylight, 

 and while at their deadly feast many a time have 

 they been surprised by hawks, and then they are 

 at a banquet where they themselves are eaten. 

 The owl, the faithful nightwatchman of trees, 



41 



