EFFECTS OF DESTRUCTION OF FORESTS. 415 



First, that forests hold a most important place in the economy 

 of the earth's surface ; that they have a powerful influence in the 

 production of rainfalls ; that they protect the soil from the great 

 heat of the sun, and distilling water from fogs and mists, they give 

 a constant supply to the springs and ponds, which in their turn 

 supply the streams and rivers ; that without trees the whole earth 

 would be a parched and barren waste ; and that according to the 

 present laws of nature the forests are among the very first causes 

 which render the earth habitable. 



Next and lastly, that the progress of the present immense 

 destruction of our forests ought to be checked ; and that the 

 necessary losses should be repaired by a system of replanting, 

 supported perhaps by proper and wholesome legislation. 



