i 4 SEASIDE TREES AND SHRUBS 



winds to such a degree that vegetation often 

 flourishes luxuriantly almost within reach of the 

 waves. A belt or group of trees arranged accord- 

 ing to local conditions and the configuration of 

 the land, when growing near to the edge of high 

 cliffs where the land slopes from the sea, will 

 afford shelter to some considerable distance. 

 Planting should be well followed up under this 

 first protection so formed, so as to carry on the 

 idea of shelter on the landward side. 



Where there are high hills with land sloping 

 towards the sea, great care and forethought are 

 necessary in choosing the right positions. Wher- 

 ever possible, it would be advisable to plant upon 

 the summits as well as upon the slopes. In some 

 cases the slopes might be covered with trees, but 

 on large extensive areas it might not be con- 

 sidered practicable. When tops of the high hills 

 are bare, even when the slopes are planted, there 

 is very little check to the gales on their onward 

 course, and very little shelter is afforded to the 

 country beyond as they sweep over the tree tops, 

 the summits of the hills, and down the opposite 

 slopes with great force. When the summits are 

 covered with trees, obstruction is formed in the 

 path of the winds, which shatters their force, and 

 if the slopes also are wholly or partially planted, 

 the check to the winds is more effectual. Wher- 

 ever planting is carried out in hilly districts, or on 



