From the text...'Because studies in the natural succession of forest trees in the Ozark region of Missouri have been based largely upon site-to-site comparisons it is felt that this work, founded upon actual observations of the same area over a ten-year period, will give a better understanding of forest tree succession in the northern Ozarks region. Considerable attention has been given to both the rocks and the soils, since these have been observed to play important roles in the distribution of certain tree associations which may obtain only in similar areas. The history of land use of the area is reviewed, since the activities of man, in his pursuit of a livelihood in forestry and agriculture, may have altered the natural succession of forest trees. This time-lapse study indicates a rapid invasion of valuable timber species such as Red Oak, White Oak, and White Hickory. The Black Jack Oak-Post Oak, and White Oak-Sugar Maple associations have been invaded by these vigorous species and will be dominated by them, indicating a future invaluable source of high-grade timber species in this area.'