166 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 
Since thawing begins at the top and liberates first the wpper 
branches, little damage results unless winds arise to break the 
ice-supports. Yet the smallest of the woody plants, even 
those slender supple things, that may lie prone under such a 
burden and rise again afterward unharmed, are imperiled by 
the ice; for a passing foot may snap their stems when ice 
laden, instead of brushing them aside. 
Fortunately, the ice-coat, tho it does much damage, always 
confers some benefits on the trees, It prunes them of dead 
branches. Rotting of the trunk begins wherever a dead 
branch persists too long. The ice greatly aids in their 
removal. 
Study 21. ” Observations on the Ice-coat and Its Effects 
This is a,study to be made only when nature prepares the 
conditions. The ice-coat on the trees comes unannounced, 
and is often very transient: sometimes an hour’s sunshine 
will dispel it. Sieze the opportunity, therefore, when it 
comes, shifting other studies if need be. The equipment 
needed will be a few pocket scales (spring balances) and some 
means of melting ice quickly, preferably a blow torch. 
The program of work will consist of observations on the 
thickness, weight and distribution of the ice, and of its effects 
on trees and shrubs of different sorts. Measurements should 
be made of its thickness. Branches should be weighed, first 
laden with ice and again after the ice has been removed, to 
determine the load that the ice imposes. If a recent snow- 
fall cover the ground so that newly fallen twigs can be noted, 
gather the twigs under different kinds of trees, and note the 
relative number of dead and living, and which sorts of woody 
plants are most affected. 
The record of this study must be made up in part to suit 
the conditions obtaining. If the ice be heavy or wind arise 
while it is on, the breakage of the trees should be recorded. 
