River Wood Earrings

The growth rate of the tree is recorded in the earrings.  The upper 3/5 has very tight, close together growth rings making it almost impossible to count.  The lower 2/5 seems to have about nine growth rings, which are more the norm.  The tight rings could indicate a series of dry years.  More likely they tell a story of the tree being suppressed in the shade of older and larger trees.