154 ' THE OAK. 



perpendicular shaft, as we observe in a wood of beech and 

 poplar. Every tree has more or less of a gnarled growth, 

 and is seldom entirely clear of branches. If the branch 

 of an Oak in a dense assemblage meets an obstruction, it 

 bends itseK around and upward until it obtains light and 

 space, or else ceases to grow without decaying, while that 

 of any soft-wooded tree would perish, leaving the trunk 

 smooth, or but slightly defaced. 



