GROWING GOLD. 27 



oaks that had previously weathered many a 

 storm." — Standard, December ^\st, 1836. 



Now, if a plantation that is not very ex- 

 tensive, and in which the trees are not 

 sufficiently close together to protect each 

 other, should be bufFetted by a strong storm 

 but once in fifty years, there would be but 

 faint hopes of its thriving principle escaping 

 complete destruction. 



A light gale of wind, indeed, may not in- 

 flict any perceptible injury on a plantation if 

 it assail it but one day, or even one hour in a 

 year ; and yet such a check may be given to 

 its growth as shall afterwards be evidenced by 

 stem and branch being twisted and shaken 

 beyond all recovery. 



It is very common to see comments in the 

 newspapers on high winds and the consequent 

 prostration of trees, which for ages had 

 withstood preceding storms," and such com- 

 ments would lead many to infer that a storm 



