CHAPTER SIXTEEN 



WHAT ARE THE ENEMIES OF THE TREES? 



Every living thing is engaged in a struggle for air to 

 breathe and for something to eat. Those that make their 

 homes on the land also have to struggle fot water. The 

 stronger rob the weaker ; for, among all of them except 

 man, might always makes right. Men are learning that 

 luiselfishness is the better way, although they do not always 

 practice it. 



In this struggle the animals have an advantage over the 

 plants, for if food fails in one place they can move to an- 

 other. Among the animals also the mother tries to protect 

 her children ; and, in the case of some, — the wolf, for ex- 

 ample, — a number will hunt together for the common 

 good. 



It is quite different with the plants. They must grow 

 where the seeds take root. If there is little sunlight or water 

 or the soil is poor, they must make the best of what they 

 have. 



The plants have to struggle not only with such enemies 

 as insects, winds, fire, and browsing animals, but with each 

 other, for every tree is the real or possible enemy of every 

 other tree. Brother seeds sprouting under the same parent 

 maple struggle with each other for the food and moisture in 

 the soil and for the best place in the sunlight. The one that 

 gets the most of these will grow the faster and choke some of 

 its weaker brothers. 



In yonder grove of pines there are trees of all ages and 

 sizes. The older ones have much the advantage and take 

 a part of the food and sunlight that the smaller ones require. 



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