THE STRUGGLES OF A SCOTCH PINE 25 | 
way of the weeds now. In fact, they never feared the 
weeds. They were grateful for the shade, perhaps, 
while they were young. Now the young oaks and 
beeches, elms, etc., are more sturdy and dangerous com- 

FIG. 282. Conifers overtopping broad-leaved trees in the forest. , 
petitors. They do not die at the end of the season. 
They grow larger and larger. During the summer 
their broad leaves make a great deal more shade than 
the pine leaves do. Some of the pines get covered and 
crowded as time goes on. Some of the smaller ones 
