50 



BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN MEMOIRS 



observed near the edges of the woods confirms the point. True forest- 

 grown specimens of oaks are found only toward the center of the woods 

 or in hollows. 



The evidence along the eastern edge of the Hither Woods that they are 

 gradually spreading still more eastward seems conclusive to the writer, 



Figure 17. Wind clipping at the edge of the oak forest on the windward side of 

 Hither Woods. Photo January, 1923. 



and the explanation also appears to be indicated that this encroachment 

 over the grassland can be accomplished only to leeward, which means gener- 

 ally to the eastward. Perhaps the best illustration of this wind control of 

 the invasion of grassland by woods is furnished by the south side of the 

 Hither Woods at Montauk. Facing the sea, they are subject to the violent 

 southwest winds of summer, and the forest wall is abrupt (Fig. 17). No 



