The Cecil Whig., 1870-08-06
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
DO Trees Bend iowa rd the East!

In the last number of Nature there is a
report OF some observations by Mr.. l..
Trouvelot on tree-growth, which are at the
least curious, and worthy of attention.
Can our American readers confirm what
he says respecting the growth of the cherry ?
what he says respecting the failure in
transplanting the latter, we have had con-
firmed by numerous examples under our
own observation:
While in the country, if we observe at
tentlvely the tree-tops, we shall soon per-
celve that many species seem affected by a
steady wind, though there is not the least
breeze to be felt. Soon we notice that the
branches OF great many trees have gen.
erai tendency to obey an unknown force
which bends their extremities toward the
east, or, perhaps more correctly, in direc-
tion perpendicular to the magnetic meri
dian. This bending of small branches can
not be observed so plainly upon all kinds of
trees; some species have it well marked in
every instance, while other species have it
less visible, and even some others not at all
noticeable. Most prominent for this pecu-
| liar1ty is the cherry-tree, sometimes bend
ing its branches toward the east from head
to foot. Next to this come the maple, the
buttonwood-tree (Platanus,) then the pear
tree, then the oak, etc. In the last named
it is not always noticeable, though if the
tree is isolated from others it is very plain
in every instance. With the cherry-tree
it is so certain, that one could almost in
variably determine the cardinal points by
looking at the direction of it's branches
At first l thought that this might be due
to the action of the prevailing winds, but
this hypothesis was somewhat shaken
when saw in many instances cherry-trees
sI npts ts,a1x,
high blocks of houses within few feet of
them exhibiting the same phenomenon
Whether this direction of the branches of
trees is to be attributed to the prevailing
winds, or to the rotation of the earth upon
it's axes, or to the heat or light of the sun,
or, again, to terrestrial magnetism, shall
not inquire at present, not having sufficient |
data to establish any theory. 1t would be |
OF value, l venture to say, if observers |
would direct attention to this subject, and |
see if the direction is the same all over the |
globe, or if it is local phenomenon, and |
also ascertain what species of trees obey |
this unknown force.
at is not only in a theoretical point of |
view that this observation has some value;
there is in it practical lesson for the cul-
tivators of shade and fruit trees. Soon
after my observations, it struck me that
this truth. All country people know by
experience sometimes dearly bought
that the transplantation of trees does not
always succeed, and especially when the
transplanted trees have arrived at certain
age. Fruit-growers tell us that the cherry
tree is one of those least likely to live when
transplanted, while the apple-tree will al
most invariably succeed. My observations
OH many thousand cherry-trees have shown
me that this tree is very sensitive to the UNI
known force, while the apple-t tree is a great
deal less SO, and it is very seldom that an
indication of bending will be seen. Has
not this anything to do with success in
transplanting? If, without regard to the
direction Of the branches Of cherry tree,
we set this tree in position contrary to
now bending toward the west, then it is
plain that the force which gave it tho bend
is acting In an opposite direction, in conse
quence of which the tree is suffering. But
with the apple-tree it is different, as this is
far less sensitive; therefore it will not suf-
fer much. Ten years ago l bought a fine
cherry-tree and transplanted it to my gar
don, of course without regard to direction;
the tree is now living; it has not grown a
particle; there has not been one inch of
wood added to the length of its twigs since
it was put there; the branches have no
bend. Five years ago another cherry-tree
from the same place was also transplanted
in my garden; the tree Is now treble the
size of the other, it's branches are strongly
bent east. Why this difference? Was the
one set in a suitable position and the other
not? could not tell.
.'But here is something more positive
Three years ago l saw in Maiden twery
beautiful pear-trees transplanted with che
greatest care; all these trees were of petty
good size, being some years old, and they
all bent very strongly. They were Sc with
out regard to direction; five or six'f these
happened to be placed in about tn position
which they must have had when, rowing
the remainder were set in all objections. l
went many times that way to watch the
success of that small orchard The very
nrSt year, about one half wer completely {
dead The second year to@ five more
which had been languishing Ill the sum Z
mer, and now five out of th twenty are a
living and in good condition, and, strange .
to say, these five arc those which were set Il
with their branches dipping east. Do we ,
owe their life to the fact that after being ]
transplanted they occupied the same rela-
tive position with regard to the points OF
the compass as before, or is it only Curl
GUS coincidence? 1t is more than l can
tell. My experience is not sufficient to al
low an opinion in this matter; time will
throw light upon the subject
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