THE RATE OF OVULATION IN THE DOMESTIC FOWL DURING THE PULLET YEAR

The rate of ovulation of the domestic fowl may be expressed by the equation of an autocatalytic chemical reaction. This is not surprising in view of the fact that the rate of growth may also be expressed by such an equation, and that the rate of ovulation is probably an index of the growth of the eggs. This brings the phenomenon of ovulation in the hen under the general subject of growth, and substantiates the generality and the probability of the hypothesis that growth, or at any rate the limiting factor of growth, is an autocatalytic reaction.     

THE RATE OF GROWTH OF THE DAIRY COW : V. EXTRAUTERINE GROWTH IN LINEAR DIMENSIONS.

Barring fluctuations due to the cyclic phenomena, the extrauterine course of growth in linear dimensions and in weight of the dairy cow follows an exponential law having the same form as the law representing the course of monomolecular change in chemistry. This suggests the interpretation that the general course of growth is limited by a monomolecular chemical process, and that the cyclic phenomena are due to subsidiary processes in the fundamentally exponential course of growth. The fact that growth follows or tends to follow an exponential course may be stated more simply as follows: if the unit of time is taken sufficiently large so that fluctuations due to the cyclic phenomena are balanced or eliminated, then the amount of growth made during the given unit of time at any age tends to be a constant percentage of the growth made during the preceding unit of time. Thus, the growth in height at withers made during any year is about 34 per cent of the growth made during the preceding year. Similarly the growth in weight made during any year is about 56 per cent of the growth in weight made during the preceding year. This is in accordance with expectations if it is assumed that each animal begins life with a definite endowment of limiting substance necessary for the process of growth, and that this endowment is used up at a constant rate (or percentage) of itself.     

Effect of liana cutting on water potential and growth of adult<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Senna multijuga</Emphasis> (Caesalpinioideae) trees in a Bolivian tropical forest

Lianas, or woody climbing plants, are a major constituent of seasonally dry tropical forests, and are thought to impact negatively their host trees. In this study we evaluated whether liana presence was associated with reduced leaf water potentials and growth in adult Senna multijuga trees during the dry season in a lowland Bolivian forest. We used leaf water potentials in trees as a first approach to assess trees’ water status, under the assumption that leaf water potentials become more negative when water losses (via transpiration) exceed gains (by uptake). We measured relative growth in girth at 1.5 m height (gbh) to quantify tree growth. At the beginning of the 1996 dry season (early June), we selected 20 S. multijuga trees 10–20 cm dbh, and measured their gbh. We also recorded pre-dawn and mid-day leaf water potentials in these trees. In ten experimental trees all lianas were then cut, while the remaining trees were used as controls. Pre-dawn and mid-day water potentials were re-measured 1 day after liana-cutting, and then every week in all trees for 1 month and then at 3 and 5 months, until the beginning of the next rainy season (November); gbh was measured again in July 1997 to estimate relative growth rate. Liana removal was associated with less negative pre-dawn (–0.3 vs –0.4 MPa) and mid-day (–0.5 vs –0.7 MPa) water potentials in trees during the dry season. This difference appeared as early as 1 day after cutting, and disappeared once the rainy season began. Liana-cut trees grew more (0.4 mm/mm year) than liana-uncut trees (0.2 mm/mm year). These findings suggest that lianas may interfere with water availability to these trees during the dry season, and may also hinder tree growth. Received: 16 November 1999 / Accepted: 23 March 2000     

Effects of warming climate on early-season carbon allocation and height growth of defoliated mountain birches

Tree carbohydrate reserves are usually compromised following insect outbreak, which results in a delay in leaf emergence and a reduction in growth, especially in cold environments. However, in recent times, severe defoliation of subarctic mountain birches (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) by the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) has not induced such responses. This may be the result of a warming climate stimulating plant primary metabolism. We examined if increasing thermal sum (sum of daily mean temperatures above +5 °C, d.d.) and complete foliage loss affected the concentrations of carbohydrates in sap, juvenile leaves, and fine roots of mountain birches in northern Finland and Norway. The sampling was conducted at the beginning of the growing season, two years after the insect outbreak. We also investigated the morphologic properties of mature leaves and the shoot growth of the trees. Our results showed that the carbohydrate concentrations in leaves and roots (averages 67.8 and 12.5 mg g^?1 DW, respectively) decreased in defoliated trees with increasing thermal sum (>400 d.d.), whereas the response in intact trees was the opposite. The carbohydrates in the sap were unaffected by defoliation or thermal sum accumulation. The leaf area of mature leaves and the height growth of long shoots were greater in trees at warmer sites, irrespective of defoliation. However, defoliation increased the leaf weight per area (SLW: specific leaf weight). We conclude that under warmer growing conditions, low early-season leaf and fine root carbohydrate concentrations of previously defoliated trees cannot be used as indicators of aboveground growth.     

长白山红松不同树高处径向生长特征及其对气候的响应

利用长白山红松不同树高(0.3、1.3、4、10、15、20、25 m)处的径向生长资料,分析各树高处径向生长特征,建立红松生长与气候因子的相关关系,以期完善红松种群对气候变化的响应机制。结果表明:(1)红松不同树高处年径向生长量变化趋势基本一致,除在1980年前后,20 m处径向生长量出现异常增加外,其他各高度径向生长均出现下降趋势,红松基部和顶端(0.3、1.3 m和20 m)处径向生长年际变化更明显。随着树高增加,各处年径向生长率有所降低,0.3m处生长速率最大,且与10 m和15 m处径向生长差异显著(P < 0.05)。(2)不同树高处径向生长对气候因子的响应存在明显差异,10 m树高是红松径向生长对温度和降水响应差异的分界线。10 m以下红松径向生长主要受到生长季温度的负作用,尤其是4 m处,与当年生长季初期(4月和5月)温度显著负相关(P < 0.05)。0.3 m和1.3 m处径向生长分别与上年9月平均温度显著正相关(P < 0.05),当年6月平均和最高温度显著负相关(P < 0.05)。随着树高上升,降水对径向生长的促进作用增强,而温度对径向生长的作用也发生改变。10 m(含)以上则受到温度和降水的共同作用。10 m处径向生长对气候因子响应最敏感,受到当年生长季高温的抑制作用,还与上年和当年生长季末(9月)降水显著正相关(P < 0.05)。15 m处径向生长与上年9月最低温度和降水显著正相关(P < 0.05),而与当年5月月平均温度显著负相关(P < 0.05)。20 m处径向生长与当年3月月平均、最低和最高温度,当年7月月平均温度以及当年5月降水显著正相关(P < 0.05),而与当年1月降水显著负相关(P < 0.05)。     

Climate‐diameter growth relationships of black spruce and jack pine trees in boreal Ontario,Canada

To predict the long‐term effects of climate change – global warming and changes in precipitation – on the diameter (radial) growth of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) trees in boreal Ontario, we modified an existing diameter growth model to include climate variables. Diameter chronologies of 927 jack pine and 1173 black spruce trees, growing in the area from 47°N to 50°N and 80°W to 92°W, were used to develop diameter growth models in a nonlinear mixed‐effects approach. Our results showed that the variables long‐term average of mean growing season temperature, precipitation during wettest quarter, and total precipitation during growing season were significant (alpha = 0.05) in explaining variation in diameter growth of the sample trees. Model results indicated that higher temperatures during the growing season would increase the diameter growth of jack pine trees, but decrease that of black spruce trees. More precipitation during the wettest quarter would favor the diameter growth of both species. On the other hand, a wetter growing season, which may decrease radiation inputs, increase nutrient leaching, and reduce the decomposition rate, would reduce the diameter growth of both species. Moreover, our results indicated that future (2041–2070) diameter growth rate may differ from current (1971–2000) growth rates for both species, with conditions being more favorable for jack pine than black spruce trees. Expected future changes in the growth rate of boreal trees need to be considered in forest management decisions. We recommend that knowledge of climate–growth relationships, as represented by models, be combined with learning from adaptive management to reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with forest management decisions.     

水杉原生种群核心种质资源的繁殖特性

水杉(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)原生种群天然更新困难, 为探究其原因是否与繁殖特性有关, 本文以其核心种质资源(40株个体)为对象, 通过对生境、母树个体和种子性状的调查, 并结合田间播种试验, 分析其繁殖特性。以方差分析检测不同母树个体间种子性状、发芽率和幼苗生长特征的差异; 采用相关性分析和多元线性回归模型分析个体性状对其种子、发芽率及幼苗生长的影响; 通过Logistic模型拟合, 分析幼苗生长的节律参数。结果显示: (1) 40株母树个体仅有7株产种, 产种率仅为17.50%, 且不同母树个体间产种量差异显著(P < 0.05)。(2)不同母树个体间的种子千粒重、种子发芽率、幼苗存活率和基径生长量均存在显著差异(P < 0.05)。(3) 7株母树个体种子的平均发芽率为19.73%, 幼苗平均存活率为73.42%, 不同母树之间差异显著(P < 0.05)。(4)母树个体的胸径与种子千粒重、种子发芽率呈显著负相关(P < 0.05), 种子发芽率与幼苗存活率呈极显著正相关(P < 0.001), 树高与幼苗存活率呈显著正相关(P < 0.05)、与幼苗基径呈极显著正相关(P < 0.001)。(5)母树树高对幼苗存活率有显著正效应(P < 0.05), 胸径对种子发芽率有显著负效应(P < 0.05)。(6)苗高、基径的生长符合“S”型生长曲线(R ² ≥ 0.928)。水杉原生种群产种量低, 种子发芽率低、幼苗存活率较低, 且不同母树之间差异显著可能是造成其天然更新困难的原因。     

Height growth rate tradeoffs determine northern and southern range limits for trees

Abstract. Identifying the biological determinants of range limits of trees is an unsolved problem of critical importance for predicting the effects of climate change on forests. Data showing that many boreal trees can grow in temperate climates indicate that southern range limits do not necessarily result from excessive temperature per se. A growth tradeoff could exist between freezing tolerance and height growth rate if adaptations to tolerate cold climates interfered with growth. Analysis of height growth rate versus freezing tolerance for twenty-two North American trees provided evidence for such a tradeoff. Provenance trials of numerous tree species also showed that a tradeoff exists within species, indicating a genetic basis for these traits. The result of this tradeoff is that at their southern range margins most species do not suffer from too much heat but rather face competitors with a faster growth rate. The implication for future climate change is that forests will not suffer catastrophic dieback due to increased temperatures but will rather be replaced gradually by faster growing types, perhaps over hundreds of years.     

哀牢山中山湿性常绿阔叶林木径向生长季节动态及其对气候因子的响应

研究采用树木生长环在哀牢山中山湿性常绿阔叶林持续9年(2009—2017年)监测了2个常绿树种(厚皮香,Ternstroemia gymnanthera;南亚枇杷,Eriobotrya bengalensis)和2个落叶树种(西桦,Betula alnoides;珍珠花,Lyonia ovalifolia)的树干月生长量,采用逻辑斯蒂生长模型(Logistic model)模拟树木径向生长量和物候参数,并分析了年、季尺度上径向生长与主要气候因子的关系。结果表明:1)4个树种年平均生长量为6.3 mm,落叶树种年平均生长量(10.6 mm/a)显著高于常绿树种(3.0 mm/a);2)雨季(5—10月)是哀牢山中山湿性常绿阔叶林树木生长的主要时期,4个树种雨季平均生长量为5.9 mm,占全年总生长量的93%,其中落叶树种雨季生长量占全年的96%,而常绿树种雨季生长量占全年的86%;3)常绿树种生长季长度为169天,长于落叶树种(137天),而落叶树种最大生长速率(0.14 mm/d)显著高于常绿树种(0.03 mm/d),最大径向生长速率能很好地预测树种年生长量;4)低温、雾日和光合有效辐射是影响哀牢山亚热带常绿阔叶林4个研究树种径向生长的重要环境因子,其中温度对常绿树种径向生长具有显著影响,而雨日、雾日与空气湿度等水分因子对落叶树种径向生长更为重要。常绿树种年生长量对旱季气候因子的响应相比落叶树种更为敏感,树木旱季生长量除了受低温限制外,也受到水分供给的影响。气候变化可能改变不同物候类型树种在哀牢山中山湿性常绿阔叶林中的生长状态与分布格局。     

INFLUENCE OF NEIGHBORS ON TREE FORM: EFFECTS OF LATERAL SHADE AND PREVENTION OF SWAY ON THE ALLOMETRY OF LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA (SWEET GUM)

Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum) saplings were open grown (control), guy-wired to prevent wind-induced sway (constrained), or guy-wired within open-topped shade cloth cylinders to simulate shading by neighboring trees (shaded). Mechanical stability was assessed after 2 years of growth by field measurement of whole-tree flexibility and with the critical buckling height predictions of five allometrical models. Data from this experiment are supplemented with measurements of sweet gum trees growing in a 9-year-old pine plantation; individuals crowded but not overtopped by pines are compared with similar-aged trees growing in openings within the plantation. Changes in aboveground architecture were stimulated by both prevention of sway and lateral shade but the effect of the latter was most pronounced; shaded saplings approached or exceeded their calculated critical height and buckled under their own weight when the shade cloth cylinders were removed. Rates of aboveground biomass acquisition, total leaf area, wood density, and wood elastic moduli did not differ among the three treatments; changes in stem allometry accounted for most of the observed differences in tree stability. Sweet gum trees growing in a pine plantation responded similarly to neighbors; crowded trees had larger height: diameter ratios and more closely approached their calculated critical heights than did trees growing in the open. Sweet gum saplings growing in dense stands of similar-sized plants may surmount their neighbors by allocating relatively more wood to height growth than to girth increment.     

THE ANALYSIS OF THE GROWTH OF THE NORMAL WHITE MOUSE INTO ITS CONSTITUENT PROCESSES

1. The several growth-cycles which are distinguishable in the growth of an animal or plant are mutually independent in that they do not share a common catalyser. 2. The growth of the white mouse has been shown to consist of three autocatalytic processes and one "linear process" of weight-accretion. The parameters of these processes have been evaluated for one strain and generation of mice. 3. The first and most extensive autocatalytic process is asymmetrical, being defined by an equation of the type: See PDF for Equation The second and third cycles, which are more rapid and do not begin to affect the growth of the animal until a later stage of development, are symmetrical, being defined by equations of the type: See PDF for Equation 4. The amplitude of the first autocatalytic growth-cycle in the mouse is almost the same in males and females, but the moment of maximum growth-velocity in the female anticipates that in the male, the velocity constant is smaller in the female, and the asymmetry estimated by the magnitude of the constant B, is greater in the female than in the male. 5. The amplitude of the second cycle is almost the same in males and females, but data are as yet lacking which would enable us to ascertain whether the velocity-constant and moments of maximum growth-velocity in this cycle differ in the two sexes or not. 6. The amplitude of the third cycle is much less in the female than in the male, and this difference of amplitude almost wholly accounts for the difference of adult weight in the two sexes. The velocity-constant of the third cycle is, however, greater in the female than in the male. Maximum growth velocity due to this cycle is attained at very nearly the same age in both sexes. 7. The origin of asymmetry in autocatalytic growth-processes is discussed. It is pointed out that asymmetry might originate in a progressive diminution of the velocity-constant. If this is the origin of the asymmetry of the first growth-cycle in the mouse, then it is shown that the velocity constant of autocatalysis in this cycle must be very nearly proportional to the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, as estimated by the chemical method of Le Breton and Schaeffer. 8. It is pointed out that no reliable measure of senescent loss of weight is available at present. It is shown that removal or decay of those conditions which initially maintain the separability of the growth-cycles which collectively constitute the growth of the white mouse would necessarily result in loss of weight.     

不同树高对荷木液流密度、整树蒸腾量和时滞的效应

人工林面积不断增大,这不仅能解决由于森林砍伐引起的一系列社会问题,而且还对解决水土保持、二氧化碳减排等环境问题起到重要作用。了解人工林的生长特性和蒸腾效率,对植被生长、恢复和管理有着重要意义。为此,该研究连续监测了华南地区12棵不同高度荷木人工林的液流密度,对样树以高度划分等级,采取错位相关法分析不同高度等级胸高处液流与冠层蒸腾的时滞效应。结果表明:气候环境相同时,所有样树胸高处液流日格型相似;荷木林蒸腾量优势木中间木劣势木,所有树木湿季月蒸腾量大于干季月蒸腾量;不同高度等级之间时滞差异显著,劣势木时滞50min,优势木和中间木时滞20min;所有样树干湿季时滞差异不显著,同一高度级两季节时滞差少于10min。这些说明:在干季华南地区土壤水分仍然相对较充足,植物输水阻力没有受到土壤水分降低和长距离水分传导的影响;中间木和优势木时滞短,水力阻力小,蒸腾量大并占据着林段的有利资源;劣势木长势低矮,时滞长,导管阻力大,蒸腾量少,光合作用需要的水热资源少,所以回馈根部的营养物质少,不均衡的营养循环使得林段分化愈明显,劣势木将逐渐从林段中被淘汰。该文指出在荷木人工林生长后期,对于长势低矮,生命力极弱的劣势木应定期砍伐,这样能增加优势木和中间木对光照及水分等有利资源的分配,提高林分质量,增加林地生产力。     

Tree allometry of Douglas fir and Norway spruce on a nutrient-poor and a nutrient-rich site

Research related to the allometric relationships of tree height and projected tree crown area to diameter at breast height was conducted to look at the biological suitability and timber production potential of Douglas fir under the conditions present in central Europe. The dependence of allometric relationships on soil nutrient conditions were described in forest stands of Douglas fir and Norway spruce. The studied sites were climatically similar but differed in soil nutrient availability. A significant difference was found in the allometric relationships of Norway spruce trees from the nutrient poor and nutrient rich site. In contrast to the Norway spruce, there was no significant effect of site fertility on allometric relationships for Douglas fir suggesting that its allocation patterns were less sensitive to site nutrient conditions. Stem growth increment, which was measured weekly during two consecutive seasons for both species, was related to the weather conditions and available soil moisture. Stem growth of Douglas fir began about 2 weeks earlier than in the Norway spruce at both sites. At the nutrient rich site, most of the stem growth of both species occurred at the beginning of the season, while growth at the other site was more evenly distributed throughout the season. Data obtained in this study will be useful for modeling stem growth and analysis of water use efficiency of these two tree species.     

ROLE OF ALLELOPATHY AS EXPRESSED BY DOMINATING TREES IN A LOWLAND FOREST IN CONTROLLING THE PRODUCTIVITY AND PATTERN OF HERBACEOUS GROWTH

Low productivity rate and relatively bare areas occur under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees, even though several herbaceous species may grow well under elm trees in the same community which cast just as dense shade. No significant differences were found in amounts of most mineral elements and pH sampled under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees as compared with control soils under elm trees in the adjacent plots. Percent soil moisture was consistently higher under all test trees than under elm trees throughout the growing season. Thus the low productivity rate and relatively bare areas under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees were not due primarily to the factors stated above. Decaying leaves, leaf leachate of all four test species, and soil collected from under test trees significantly reduced seed germination, radicle growth, and seedling growth of selected herbaceous species. Several growth inhibitors, chiefly phenolics, were isolated and identified from sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak leaves and the soils under them. Thus it appears that the low productivity rate and destitute growth under test tree species are due to allelopathy. Ecological significance of allelopathy in a community is discussed.     

Effects of nitrogen fertiliser on tree/ pasture competition during the establishment phase of a silvopastoral system

The establishment phase of an upland silvopastoral system was studied to examine the growth and nutrition of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees under different nitrogen fertiliser treatments. High rates of nitrogen fertiliser exacerbated competition between trees and pasture in a dry year when low fertiliser treatments produced faster tree height growth. When herbicides were not used to control grass growth after the third growing season, tree growth was significantly reduced showing that below-ground competition may be a significant factor on stony upland soils. Tree growth was correlated with foliar nitrogen concentrations and not soil water, suggesting competition for soil nitrogen reduced tree growth. The importance of the interaction of fertiliser use with competition is considered in relation to successful establishment.     

对双歧杆菌DM9227株的实验研究——Ⅰ.双歧杆菌DM9227株的试管内生物拮抗作用的研究

本文对由健康婴儿分离的双歧杆菌DM9227株进行了试管内的生物拮抗试验。将双歧杆菌DM9227株分别与金黄色葡萄球菌、产毒性大肠杆菌及侵袭性大肠杆菌以一定的比例等量混合接种于PYG液体培养基中进行厌氧培养。试验证明双歧杆菌DM9227株能明显抑制上述3种细菌的生长繁殖,显示出较强的生物拮抗作用。拮抗机制可能与双歧杆菌DM9227株能产生一定量的醋酸和乳酸,降低培养基的pH,从而抑制该3种菌的生长有关。     

Tree dimensions: Maximizing the rate of height growth in dense stands

Summary To determine the effect of tree dimensions on the rate of height growth a model was constructed relating tree weight to total height and R, the ratio of crown weight to trunk weight. The model is based on the assumption that the trunk buckling safety factor is constant. If trees also maintain a constant R as they grow then the rate of height growth is maximized by R=0.17. In addition, the height growth rate increases as the buckling safety factor decreases. These predictions of optimal form for height growth are appropriate for shade intolerant, successional species growing in dense stands. Dimensional measurements of self thinning Populus tremuloides indicate near optimal dimensions for height growth. Trees ranging from 7 to 19 m in height had trunks which were only 50% thicker than the minimum required to prevent them from buckling under their own weight, and had a mean R of 0.13. This ratio of crown weight to trunk weight is significantly lower than the optimal value, but the predicted height growth rate for R=0.13 is 99% of that predicted for R=0.17.     

The trace and major element composition of the leaves of some deciduous trees

Summary The contents of 21 trace and major constitutents in the leaves or leaf blades of three species of deciduous trees, sycamore, horse-chestnut and beech, have been studied at regular intervals throughout the season. The various elements can be grouped into three categories: (A) Co, Ni, Fe, V, Ti, Cr, Pb and Al, (B) Mn, B, Si, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Mg, and (C) Cu, Mo, Zn, P, K, and Na. The Group-A elements, including most of those whose essentiality has not been established, together with Fe, show a fall in concentration in the leaf early in the season, probably as a result of dilution due to increase in dry weight as the absolute amount per leaf rises slightly, followed by steady rise until senescence, when a further fall occurs. In Group B, in which Si Sr, and Ba are considered non-essential, there is a continual rise both in concentration and absolute content until late in the season. In Group C, all the elements of which, except possibly Na, are essential, there is generally a gradual fall followed by a period when the content remains relatively constant, although Na and Zn, together with Pb from Group A, show an unexpected increase at senescence.Group-A elements show a decrease in concentration with height, which can only partly be explained by dilution due to increase in dry weight with height, while Group-B and -C elements are relatively constant at all heights. Results are also presented for some petioles and inflorescences. There does not appear to be any systematic transfer from leaf to inflorescence at any stage of growth. The only elements whose contents could be used systematically for diagnostic purposes appear to be those in Group C, during the midseason period of constant concentration.     

广东黑石顶南亚热带常绿阔叶林树木生长研究(英文)

用测树器和年轮解析法 ,测定了广东黑石顶南亚热带常绿阔叶林的立木和幼树的径向生长和高生长。年轮解析法测得立木的年直径生长量在 0 .1～ 0 .5cm之间 ,一些立木的直径生长呈现出生长快的年份 ( 1～ 3a)和生长慢的年份 ( 1～ 3a)交替的节律。测树器测得立木 5a的年平均直径生长量为0 .0 74cm,5年期间测得有 1 7.6%的个体直径为零增长或负增长。立木的年高增长量为 1 0～ 50 cm,高生长高峰期通常在 1 0～ 30年龄。在树木生长的早期 ,高度的生长优于直径的生长 ,而在树木生长的中、后期 ,直径的生长逐渐优于高度的生长。用游标卡尺和卷尺测得幼树 (通常 1～ 3m高 )的直径和高度 5a的平均生长量分别为 0 .1 0 7cm和 4.76cm。 5a间没有幼树的直径生长为零增长或负增长 ,但约有 9%的个体的高度生长为零增长或负增长。     

Response of young<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Tsuga heterophylla</Emphasis> to deer browsing: developing tools to assess deer impact on forest dynamics

We used dendroecology to describe and understand the consequences of deer browsing on regenerating western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). We compared tree shape, growth rate, height and age at four different sites in Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada) that had trees representative of the range of deer impact on trees: (1) trees showing no sign of browsing, (2) escaped trees which were still browsed below the browse line and (3) stunted and heavily browsed trees. Repeated and intense browsing resulted in the small size, compact heavily ramified shape of stunted trees and in the short compact and ramified lower branches of escaped trees. These contrasted with the shape of non-browsed trees, a shape that was also found in escaped trees above the browse line. Before release, all browsed trees experienced stagnation in growth characterised by narrow rings (0.3 mm/year) and a small annual height increment (2.5 cm/year). At release, growth rate increased and stabilised: rings were wider (1.3 mm/year) and annual height increments were greater (10.5 cm/year). Non-browsed trees had a mean ring-width of 1.3 mm/year and an annual height increment of 22 cm/year. Delay in tree recruitment caused by deer varied from site to site. It had been about 15 years for the escaped trees and is estimated at 30–40 years for the stunted trees. Spatial variation in deer impact may reflect spatial variation of browsing pressure resulting from local differences in the availability of preferred forage or to differences in tree chemical defences/nutritional values.