and cones. The age of young trees
can be determined by noting the successive whorls of branches. In this
way also the age of the leaves may be determined. On some trees the
leaves persist for seven or eight years. Evergreens are frequently used
as Christmas trees and their branches for house decorations. On which
species do the leaves persist longest? How do they compare with the
pines? The leaves are always as old as the wood upon which they grow.

Have the pupils notice how the small leaves and horizontal branches
resist the clinging of snow in winter. Each branch bends down enough to
cause the snow to slide off on to the one next below, and so on, until
it reaches the ground. The conical shape of the tree also facilitates
this action of dislodging the snow. They will also notice that these
trees are well adapted to withstand wind, as the top part, which is most
exposed to the wind, is much smaller and more pliable than the part next
the bottom. The gum, or resinous covering, of the buds protects them
from injury by rain or snow. Some kinds of pine, such as the pitch pine,
have a great abundance of gum and turpentine. Resin and pine tar are
made chiefly from this species. Heat a piece of pine wood--a knot or
root is best. The gum will be seen oozing out of the wood. Pine torches
were much used in the early days of settlement in Canada. Examine the
gum "blisters" in the bark of the balsam tree. From this source the
"Canada Balsam" gum of commerce is taken. The gum and resin in the wood
and bark help to preserve the wood from decay.

COLLECTION OF WOOD SPECIMENS

During the winter months the boys may prepare specimens of wood for the
school collection. These specimens should be cut green and dried. They
should be uniform in length--not more than six inches--and should show
the bark at one side. The side showing the bark should be two inches
wide at most, six inches long, and running in a V-shaped, radial section
toward the pith. A tangential section also shows well the annual layers.
A piece of slab as cut lengthwise off a round stick is tangential. Also
visit wood-working factories for specimens of rare or foreign woods. In
securing these specimens, care should be taken not to mutilate trees.

RELATED READING

Winter is nature's quiescent period. Continuous active observation
out-of-doors among the plants of the forest and garden gives place for
a time to indoor work and reflection. Pupils need time for reading a