Birch Tree Blog                                       
      Day 16 : 12-Feb-09 

                  Another unexpected occurrence! Over the last week or so we

        have noticed a gradual build up of clear liquid that looks like water
        in the Birches. At first we suspected that it might be rain water or
        melted snow leaking through the seals, so we doubly sealed all of the
        sap collectors and pipes.

                 After a couple of days however, it was clear that the Birches

        were still collecting this liquid. Today there was a full half litre of
        liquid in birch 2. Birch one had less in each jug 1&2, but if combined
        would also amount to about 0.5 litres. Birch 3, on the peat soil, only
        has a very small amount of liquid compared to 1&2 , but it is still
        evident.

                 If this liquid is indeed water, then a possible explanation for
        this is that the Birches are preparing for their Rising Day by ‘drinking’
        up all the rain water through their roots and using it to somehow get
        ready for the sap rising. We will send a sample of the liquid collected
        off to the lab for testing to find out if it is pure water or if some sap
        is in there too.

      Day 20: 16-Feb-09

                  Whereas last week was wet and snowing, the past few days

        have been dry and mild, and it shows in the Birches jugs. The pipes

        are bone dry inside and out, and there is no extra liquid in the jugs

        since day 16. As we have already ruled out possible leakage into the

        jugs from anywhere but the cambium layer, this suggests that the

        Birches are only absorbing the water when there is excess amounts

        of it and certainly not at a continuous rate. We will wait until we have

        more data on this particular aspect of Rising Days before we consult

        others for possible explanations.