205 



have been subjected. A striking illustration of the effect of 

 early shading and subsequent cover removal is afforded by one 

 tree which at the age of 125 years had acquired a diameter of 

 scarcely 14 cm. At this time (1781) a fire resulted in the removal 

 of many of its neighbors and growth became so accelerated that 

 during the succeeding 17 years its trunk more than doubled in 

 thickness. In general, shade-grown trees appear to have been 

 suppressed for a period of from 100 to 150 years and at that age 

 possess scarcely one third the diameter of trees grown under 

 more favorable conditions. Accelerated diameter growth is the 

 natural result of increased exposure to light, which may be 

 brought about either by the continued upward growth of the 

 individual concerned or through the death of surrounding trees. 

 The largest beech observed measured about 85 cm. in diameter. 

 Several 60 cm. specimens were found to be from 200 to 225 years 

 in age. Sugar maples with a diameter of more than 75 cm. are 

 frequent, the largest individual measured being about 105 cm. 

 thick. Such trees are from 250 to 300 years old. Red oak also 

 attains great size and antiquity, a few specimens fully a meter in 

 diameter and 300 years old being noted. Yellow birch commonly 

 acquires a diameter of 75 cm., and one large individual measured 

 more than 3 m. in circumference. Nowhere in the state has the 

 writer observed such magnificent chestnuts as here. The largest 

 trunk seen had a diameter of 132 cm., while trees 75-100 cm. in 

 diameter, 30 m. high, and branchless to a distance of 15 m. from 

 the ground are quite frequent in certain localities. Chestnut 

 usually grows rapidly, and the largest individuals observed had 

 not yet reached the age of 150 years. Ash, basswood, and cherry 

 likewise grow to large size, while among the most imposing trees 

 of the "entire forest are a few tall pines which rise to a height of 

 more than 35 m. 



But while these aged veterans form the conspicuous part of 

 the forest they by no means constitute a plurality. For as in 

 most virgin woodlands the stand here Is of uneven age so that 

 every stage in development and deterioration is present— from 

 the slender saplings to the rotting logs with which the ground is 

 strewn on all sides. It is of import to note that the character of 



