GROWING GOLD. 29 



impossible for them to stand in rough weather, 

 when the wind caught them from the opening 

 which had been made. When growing trees 

 are closely surrounded by others, they have 

 comparatively little roots or top, but as soon 

 as those which screen them are removed, they 

 generally cease to grow higher, and commence 

 throwing out large horizontal branches ; the 

 head also becomes much thicker of leaves and 

 twigs ; this, in addition to the length of stem, 

 gives the wind irresistible power over them. 

 The stem of course nearly ceases to increase 

 in circumference under these circumstances. 



The account of the evergreens is copied to 

 show that the force of the wind near the 

 ground is so considerable, that dwarf plants 

 may be more severely injured than has been 

 generally supposed. 



This fact strengthens the opinion that 

 plants in young plantations ought to stand 

 closely together. It is no uncommon thing to 

 see, on the exposed peaks of hills and small 



