84 



the largest sides of the annual rings of 

 wood will be found on the north-east 

 side. 



If it is attempted, by pruning out the 

 leeward growth, to give exposed trees 

 straight leaders, or to force them to grow 

 to windward, they will decay, from want of 

 head to return sufficient nourishment to 

 the root ; though, if it is gradually done, 

 trees may be very much helped on this 

 principle. Firs, being essentially single- 

 leadered trees, and not having the repro- 

 ductive powers of deciduous trees, stand 

 wind very badly. It is the common error 

 to believe that they will stand exposure 

 well, because they are found high up moun- 

 tains ; but this is only where they are 

 sheltered by the mountain side ; and they 

 will not bear well the exposure even of our 

 low bare plains, still less of the tops of very 

 moderate hills. 



In the shelter of woods, from want of 

 room for their roots, and from want of all 



