Where Has Nature Spread th^ Forest? 103 



rain and we come to the pines. Soon we reach the most 

 wonderful coniferous forest in all the world. Here not only 

 is there a great variety of trees, but because of the favorable 

 climate they grow to a great size. As we approach the sum- 

 mit of the mountains the trees become smaller, and at an 

 elevation of about two miles they shrink to the size of little 

 bushes and finally disappear. They can no longer stand 

 the fierce winds and cold storms of this arctic region. 



We have learned now that the trees do not grow hap- 

 hazard over our country, but that the rain, the temperature, 

 and the soil determine where they can live. 



Within the heart of the forest the trees will come again 

 if we cut them down, but upon its borders, where the air is 

 drier, it is niore difficult for them to spring up anew. If we 

 cut them down carelessly and allow fires to burn over the 

 surface, and the water to wash away the soil, they may 

 never come back. 



It is important, then, that we understand why trees grow 

 in some places and not in others, in order that we may 

 know how to take care of them. 



