949 BATTLES OF PLANTS IN THE WORLD 
is flat and the salt winds blow directly on to the trees. 
Here the trees incline landwards and are practically 
branchless on the windward side. This is due to the 
pruning action of the wind, which shrivels up the tiny 
buds as soon as they appear on the tree. As every 
branch begins life as a bud and these are cut off m their 
youth, it stands to reason that no branches will be 

Fic. 293. Willows permanently bent by sea-wind. 
developed on that side of the tree. It is interesting 
to compare oak trees growing in a sheltered locality 
and oaks growing where the prevalent wind comes 
from the salt sea, as in Figs. 290, 291, and 292. 
You should try to compare other trees, such as elms, 
willows, poplars, pines, etc., and notice how they differ 
in shape and size in different localities. 
