42 



GROWING GOLD. 



are supported, so that few, if any of them, 

 receive injury even in the roughest gales. 

 This natural defence is a complete answer to 

 the system so generally practised by modern 

 wood agents, of admitting light and air to the 

 stems of trees : it is quite clear that such a 

 measure is not required. 



Let it be supposed that the average height 

 of the pine class and larch is one hundred 

 feet, when arrived at maturity, (and this is 

 much less than the length they grow to in 

 their native mountains and forests) ; and also 

 that the head of a tree, from the top of the 

 leading shoot to the lowest branch is fifteen 

 feet, this gives a clear eighty-five feet purchase 

 upon the roots every time the wind moves. 

 It is admitted by all planters and writers on 

 planting young trees for timber, that the trees 

 require shelter when they are set out, and a 

 greater number is therefore set than could 

 stand upon the ground should they grow to 

 half their natural size. If trees require shelter 

 when their tops are only three or four feet 



