The American was designed to strike at the trunk of the tree several feet from the ground, the English axe is always directed to the great roots at the base.
A dexterous woodman can swing his tool alternately left hand or right hand uppermost.

The difference looks trifling; but try it, and you will be astonished at the difficulty.

The blows echo and the chips fly, till the base of the tree, that naturally is much larger, is reduced to the size of the trunk or less.

Now a pause, while one swarms up to 'line' it--_i.e._ to attach a rope as high as possible to guide the 'stick' in its fall.
It is commonly said that in climbing it is best to look up--a maxim that has been used for moral illustrations; but it is a mistake.

In ascending a tree you should never look higher than the brim of your hat, unless when quite still and resting on a branch; temporary blindness would be the penalty in this case.