THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 87 



to wit, an immense white oak (Quercus discolor of Gray or Q. 

 bicolor of W.), with huge expanded branches overshadowing a num- 

 ber of neighboring trees. But, in particular, the outline of the 

 dome-like expanse of oak branches bad produced such an effect on 

 the growth and development of a vigorous elm tree that was a com- 

 petitor for nourishment and sunlight at a distance of ten or twelve 

 yards from the oak, that the two organisms wore an appearance and 

 an air of individual, or shall I say personal, hostility towards each 

 other. The oak's attitude and whole physiognomy were very aggres- 

 sive, like a bully bruiser of the prize ring, with fist extended and 

 ■ ready to plant a knock-down on the crown of his somewhat inferior 

 sized Opponent, the elm. 



Yet the said elm seemed to be keeping close up to its formid- 

 able enemy, and watchfully, yet somewhat timidly, on the defence, 

 with one huge branch thrown upward as an outwork or guard, and 

 flanking skirmisher branches and reserves keeping up touch, but all 

 with a slight leaning backward and expression of fear and indecision, 

 as if it might come to a skip, yet not give in without a tussle. 



The fury of the winds and air storms causes many trees to 

 assume traits that one seems almost justified in styling personal. 

 Maples planted in the clearing for purposes of shade in a majority 

 of cases have a graceful inclination in their upper branches 

 towards the north-east, caused by our most turbulent winds, in ex- 

 posed situations, blowing from the south-west in April and October, 

 when the earth about the roots is apt to be soft and yielding. And 

 it is also well known to such as are observant of natural phenomena, 

 that the direction and force of winds exercise a most potent influ- 

 ence on the base of the trunk of trees, as on all other vegetation, 

 often forming buttresses and obviously bracing thickenings, and 

 even supporting pillars, on the side opposite to that on which a 

 destructive influence threatens the existence of vegetable structures. 



In illustration of this view we might mention an incident that 

 years ago came under our notice. We were chopping a fallow, and' 

 had a man hired to help us who was an experienced axe man, but 

 who was somewhat illiterate and had not much of-idealism about 

 him. Yet on attacking the large beeches or maples with the axe, 

 the roots sometimes hindered us from obtaining level and reliable 

 foothold wherefrom to swing our axes with the most telling effect, 

 and our companion would remark, " What -savage holt these trees 



