^9^ iTotefif^ ;§xon(itx 



could be heard before the unseen breaker rolled 

 down on me from the heights. 



The most marked result of cold and snow is 

 the extreme shortness of the growing-season 

 which they allow the trees. Many inclined 

 trees are broken off by snow, while others are 

 prostrated. Though the trees are flattened 

 upon the earth with a heavy load for months, 

 the snow cover affords the trees much protec- 

 tion, from both the wracking violence of the 

 winds and their devitalizing dryness. I know 

 of a few instances of the winter snows piling so 

 deeply that the covered trees were not un- 

 covered by the warmth of the following sum- 

 mer. The trees suspended in this enforced 

 hibernating sleep lost a summer's fun and failed 

 to envelop themselves in the telltale ring of 

 annual growth. 



Snow and wind combined produce acres of 

 closely matted growth that nowhere rises more 

 than three feet above the earth. This growth 

 is kept well groomed by the gale-flung sand, 

 which clips persistent twigs and keeps it closely 

 trimmed into an enormous bristle brush. In 



57 



