, 1875-01-16

The explanation he gave of the phenomenon was, tina
the clouds were condensed into rain on the cool tops
of the trees. This is a remarkable illustration of the
influence of trees in condensng the vapour OF the
atmosphere.
The influence of woods upon springs of water is
also remarkable. AS an instance, Boussingault re.
laes that the WoIf-Spring, in the Commune of Con-
bay, did not exist a few years ago. AT the place
where it now rises, q small thread OF water was
observed after very long rains, but the stream disap-
peared with the rain. This spot is in the middle ola
very steep pasture, inclining to the south. Eighty
years ago, the owner of the land, perceiVing that some
frs were shooting up in the upper part OF it, determln-
ed to let them grow, and they soon formed a t1ourlshing
grove. As soon as they were well grown. a fine
spring appeared in place of the occasional rill, and
furnished abundant water in the longest drought.
For forty or fifty years this spring was considered the
best IN CIos-du-Doulis. A few years ago this grove
was felled, aud the ground again turned to pasture.
The spring disappeared with the wood, and is now as
dry az it was ninety years ago. Again, the present
sterility of the once fertile, but now deserted and
desoIate region Of Syria, Barbary, and Chaldea, are
familiar instances of lorest-clearing. Similar results
arc being brought about by clearing in Canada.
In early times when Britain was a country of
forests, the So asons were more marked and regular
than now, under drainage and cultivation.
Most calamitious effects could be instauced, especial
" in foreign countries, from the reckless sweeping
away Of forests, whereby destructive inundations are
frequent, and the country around has become a waste.
There can be no doubt that the want of a due proper
ton of a country under a tree crop is certain to cause
Ilrregoiarity Of temperature, violent storms and
dryncss.
On the other hand, a country may be. over-clothed
with wood, 50 rs tobring about Just the opposite effects,
which besides their more immediate results, are well
known as generators of diseases. Indeed, the history
OF. all nations reveals the effects of cutting down
their woods and forests, and it is a daily one. In re-
viewing a French work, in May last, the Pail Mall
Gazette has the following -
"In travelling through Spain and the centre
of France, there is nothing sadder than
to draw Il contrast in the Imagination between
the present treoless tracts and the vast forests
which once covered the land. In Spain, miles
and miles Of tawny monotonous country go by
for hours, as you sit in the railway carriage,
telling of baking suns md freezing winds,
dangerous floods, sudden and violent changes,
destructive t. human life
E" Tho great question of replanting forests is
now very much considered i'll Europe and it
is q most important question. Not only does
the vast quantity of wood which is consumed
in modern civilized life make it SO, tho ques-
ton also involves climate and health. Those
great mundations which cause such terrible
suffering in France would be much mitigated,
IT not prevented altogether, If the hills and val~
loys were covered with forests. The seasons
Themselves would be less intense-the summers
less burning, and the winters less freezing. To
those who know the north coast of Africa, it
IS clear that there is nothing more likely to
rouse genuine enthusiasm than the prospect Of
clothing tho hills VITA vegetation, and thus
mitigating the terrible effects of sirocco, rem
dering that beautiful country moro healthy in
the plains, giving it the shade which it requires,
absolutely producing r%ainfalls, and increasing
the supply of water from the springs in ono
word, changing the meteorological phenomena,
and adapting it for mon and civilization. DR..
Bodichon insists that Africa has a deterioratiog
effect upon men, principally owing to tho irri-
tating effects of tho dry air and of the sirocco.
And he, moreover, adds in his book that there
the ground has done its part, and that the tree
must now begin its work.
ITO be c0ntinued.)