68 
EASTERN SHADE TREE CONFERENCE 
Taken in connection with dendrographic studies, it became apparent 
that the flaring bases of trunks and the abruptly enlarged basal por¬ 
tions of attached roots constituted a distinct physiological unit, or well- 
defined region so far as period of seasonal growth, activity of the cam¬ 
bium and concentration of growth promoting substances were concerned. 
Its individuality becomes more marked with age and it is to be noted 
that it is this mass of woody material which undergoes maximum stresses 
from the flexion of trunks swayed by the wind. Some of these features 
are reflected in the results of tests for specific gravity, crushing strength 
and modulus of rupture in the engineering laboratory. 
Of the estimated million trees reputed to have fallen in the great storm 
in New England, it seems highly probable that a few hundred or a few 
thousand representing several species have been uprooted in such man¬ 
ner as to render possible studies of the development of root-systems with 
respect to 
a. Corresponding stage of the crown. 
b. Nature of the substratum or soil-formation. 
c. Character of stand and associations. 
d. Extent and volume of root-system. 
Systematized information as to the above features would constitute 
a contribution of permanent value in the physiology of trees, in forestry, 
horticulture and in all kinds of silviculture and ornamental planting. 
Definite schemes of measurement should be formulated, in which the 
principal part of the work would be done in the field. Whatever 
anatomical studies were seen to be important could be carried out in the 
laboratory in connection with pathological work. A committee to make 
out a working plan and to supervise its execution should be set up as a 
necessary first step in the movement. 
THE BROADER ASPECTS OF HURRICANE DAMAGE 
By E. P. Felt, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, Stamford, Conn . 
It is by no means easy to express in a few words just what the hurri¬ 
cane has done to the shade trees in the storm swept area. The damage 
was by no means uniform throughout the territory. It is more than 
probable that the interpretation of one man may vary from that of 
another and that a reasonable measure of fact may be true of both 
accounts. It is possible to find exceptions for almost any statement in 
regard to storm damage. The area affected is large and the force of 
the wind varied greatly even within short distances. 
