74 DA VET'S PRIMER 



" What's the matter with that tree? " 



Glad to see you interested, Chester. In the pre- 

 ceding photograph you had a view of a tree of which 

 there are hundreds of thousands in a similar condition 

 that had gradually been rent open by the force of 

 wind playing upon its branches. You saw, also, how 

 kind Nature was in trying to repair the damages, and 

 how she worked away, building up new cells and new 

 tissues, building or arching out to make the parts 

 stronger; but, in doing this it formed a "cup" at the 

 base of the crotch, which holds water and conveys it 

 down into the crevice, from whence, very often, it is 

 unable to escape. This water then becomes putrid and 

 produces decay. Such trees are doomed : it is only a 

 question of time until the tree will be rent asunder. 

 In spite of all our abuse and neglect of the faithful 

 trees that God has given to bless us with health and 

 bring us joy, see how patiently they work away, doing 

 the best they can, granulating and building and repair- 

 ing (see where the boy's hand is), trying to heal over 

 these huge and ghastly wounds ! In mute silence, this 

 faithful, patient creature is standing there alone, but its 

 fearful wound is crying, ' ' Help ! " " Help ! " " Help ! ' ' 



Children, will you not respond to the cry of the 

 helpless trees? 



This tree could be put under a surgical operation 

 and be restored to health, but it is very unwise for 

 any one to attempt that kind of work if not an ex- 

 pert at it. There are already presuming, unskilled 



