Morphologically and biochemically the
species of tree vary, one from another.This
means that the total forest environment is
very complex. The shapes of trees create
different electrostatic fields around them ;
they attract statistically different amounts
of lightning, and react differently when
struck ; they modify airflow in ways
depending on trunk, branch, and leaf form.
Local variations in the mix of gases in the
air around certain trees have been recorded.
Different tree species also have different
aesthetic and psychological effects upon
humans. To what extent these effects may
be due to associated ideas, superstition, or
folk-lore, and to what extent to some more
direct influence springing from the tree
itself, is hard to judge.
For instance, yew trees, which were often
planted upon sacred ground, can give off
a toxic vapour which lingers in the air and
it is said can sometimes cause hallucinations
and out-of-the-body type of experiences.
There is a slight possibility that people
who work the wood may also experience
such effects.
Perhaps the yews came first, and people,
noticing the effects, then declared that
vicinity sacred. Yews have such a dignified,
sombre presence. It is not easy to isolate
which quality of their character might be
responsible for their mystique.
The scent of woods certainly has a distinct
and evocative effect upon many people,
which is why pine aroma is a popular
air freshener. I have a plane made from
pear wood which produces a pleasing
fruity whiff of the fragrance of pears
every time it is used.It is quite surprising
how that olfactory trigger lifts my spirits
as I become aware of it.
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