SHOOTS. 



67 



common trees may be known, even at a distance, by tbeir 

 characteristic habits (see Figs. 60, lil, G'i). Tlie difficulty 

 of the meclianical problems solved by these huge bodies 

 is very great. They maintain form and position and en- 

 dure tremendous pressure and strain. 



Fig. 58. An elm in its winter condition, sliowing tlie absence of a continuous central 

 shaft, the main stem soon breaking up into branches, and giving a spreading top. 

 On each side in the background are trees of the pine type, showing the central 

 shaft and conical outline. 



