THE STRUGGLES OF A SCOTCH PINE 225 
good seed which is covered by the soil and moistened 
by the rams germinates. Before all the roots are fixed 
deep enough in the soil the sun comes 
out and several days, perhaps, go by 
without rain. The surface soil dries. 
The seedlings which were lightly coy- 
ered perish. The few which have a 
good hold in the soil by being buried 
deeper than the others have plenty 
Fig. 275. At left wingea OL water and food. The crown of 
eto) inscenar leaves is<littes 4bove te soil, and 
ee eet the embryo case is cast off. The 
seedling has pushed its stem and leaves up to the hight, 
and its roots are spreading in the soil to 


secure 1t more firmly. There are others 
around it almost within touch. Troops a be 
of these more fortunate creatures are -_ 
scattered here and there. 
The struggle with other vegetation. 
Now begins a competition among the 
seedlings and other plants for mastery 
of the position. Weeds, grasses, bram- 
bles, perhaps young shrubs and oaks, 

cC oe. 
Artis PAN aN y 4 
< = : cas mart 
Bee aN arr) 
spring up, for the soil is thick with the mie. 276. seedling of 
pine just coming up. 
seeds of other plants as prolific in seed- 
bearing as the pine. Many of these grow faster now 
than the pine seedlings. The weeds and grass soon 
