RELATIONS OF PLANTS TO EACH OTHER 199 



or cluiiip of trees has been destroyed or died, and 

 note whether the young trees which are springing 

 up in their places are of the same species as the dead 

 ones. This will do much to indicate the ultimate 

 fate of the forest. If you find that the dead trees 

 are being replaced by the same kind, it would mean 

 that the condition of the forest would remain un- 

 changed; but if different ones are gaining a foothold 

 the entire character of the forest would be changed 

 in the course of time. If all of the dead trees are 

 replaced by a single species, it would indicate that 

 finally a pure forest of that species would occupy the 

 locality if undisturbed by man. 



Find the seeds and fruits of the trees and deter- 

 mine the manner in which they are disseminated, 

 and their endurance of cold and drought. 



If possible find isolated trees, and note the dis- 

 tance to which their seeds have been carried. 



Do they germinate as soon as set free from the 

 parent, or do they lie quiescent until the following 

 season? Observe the manner of germination. 



Traverse the entire margin of the forest, and 

 note whether it is spreading or not. Do you find 

 young seedlings outside the area occupied by the 

 taller trees? 



