For there is no tree that affords so poor a shelter, especially on the high open downs, where the foliage is scantier than in other situations and lets in the wind and rain in full force upon you.
"Afoot in England"
W.H. Hudson
One thing was in his favor: The grass upon the hillside was scantier than on the level upland, and here and there were patches of yellow soil absolutely bare of vegetation, where a fire would be compelled to halt and creep slowly around.
"Lonesome Land"
B. M. Bower
Part of it will probably remain for him, for as I experienced to-day, my strength is already scantier than I had imagined.
"The Dead Lake and Other Tales"
Paul Heyse