TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19880, 8 May 1936, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Trees in W inter How much truth is there in the statements that plants “ die ” in winter?” asks Dr.'Raoul France, a European scientist. When summer nears its end most plants have completed their cycle and borne fruit, so that they can begin to prepare for the coming season. Part of them cast off the worn out leaves and begin to sprout and bud vigorously. Then again there are plants with the evolution of which winter does not seem to interfere at all; they must go on growing. The observer of plant life knows that all plants adopt a number of measures intended as a protection against frost. It is amazing wlmt low temperatures some plants will stand. Birch, larch, Scotch fir and others thrive in the coldest regions of Siberia. During many months the temperature of their wood and buds stays below zero. They do not freeze, provided they contain no water. And this is the plant’s first precautionary measure; it must drain itself of its water contents. Towards the end of summer the plant begins to absorb less and less water, and the small, originally white sucking roots shrink and become brown. The second protective measure against the inclemency of the season is the formation of buds. Just watch the trees closely. Their new spring outfit of leaves and blossoms is all ready, but it is carefully packed away in several layers of a cork-like substance, as bad conductor of heat as the walls of a thermos flask.. A coat of wax and resin protects it from moisture. The buds of the horse chestnut arc so thickly coated with resin that they look varnished, while apple, willow, ash, and a few more, pull thick furs over their buds. This is how trees and shrubs equip themselves for the cold season.