Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20): Wonders of Earth, Sea and Sky
Science
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20): Wonders of Earth, Sea and Sky
Science -- Juvenile literature
Other points that have been studied by Professor Bradley are, the
reason why there are so few young trees in the groves, and what is the
cause of the destruction of the old trees. To take the last point
first, these noble trees seem to be singularly free from disease or
from decay due to old age. All the trees that have been cut down are
solid to the heart, and none of the standing trees show any
indications of natural decay. The only apparent cause for their
overthrow is the wind, and by noting the direction of a large number
of fallen trees it is found that the great majority of them lie more
or less towards the south. This is not the direction of the prevalent
winds, but many of the tallest trees lean towards the south, owing to
the increased growth of their topmost branches towards the sun. They
are then acted upon by violent gales, which loosen their roots, and
whatever the direction of the wind that finally overthrows them, they
fall in the direction of the over-balancing top weight. The young
trees grow spiry and perfectly upright, but as soon as they overtop
the surrounding trees and get the full influence of the sun and wind,
the highest branches grow out laterally, killing those beneath their
shade, and thus a dome-shaped top is produced. Taking into
consideration the health and vigor of the largest trees, it seems
probable that, under favorable conditions of shelter from violent
winds, and from a number of trees around them of nearly equal height,
big trees might be produced far surpassing in height and bulk any that
have yet been discovered. It is to be hoped that if any such are found
to exist in the extensive groves of these trees to the south of those
which are alone accessible to tourists, the Californian Government
will take steps to reserve a considerable tract containing them, for
the instruction and delight of future generations.
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