212 Our Field and Forest Trees 



But when the seeds of cone-bearing trees get 

 eaten they are destroyed. They had better hide 

 from the squirrels, and so cones give no sign to 

 show that the seeds in them are ripe. But pine 

 squirrels are knowing. They watch for their 

 chance, and get it when the cones are dry enough 

 to handle, but before they have opened far enough 

 to shed their seeds. Then the squirrels cleverly 

 pick the scales off, one by one, with their little 

 forepaws, and feast on the seeds beneath. 



The cones of the hemlocks, pines, and spruces 

 gradually turn upside down while they ripen, so 

 that when their scales separate the seeds are at 

 once given to the wind (Fig. 59). Fir cones are 



Fig. 59. Spray and cones of the hemlock. 



erect like candles on a Christmas tree, but when 

 their seeds ripen the scales drop away, leaving 

 nothing on the bough but a woody backbone or 

 axis. 



