752 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



FORESTRY. 



The influence of forests in preventing floods, P. Vkssiot (Rev. Eaux et ForSts, 

 40 {1901), Xo. 19, pp. 590-593). — The influence of forests on the humidity of soil and 

 drainage, upon infiltration, upon subterranean waters and the outflow of springs, 

 and upon floods is treated in separate cha])ters, together with a review of a recent 

 publication by p]berniayer. It is claimetl that the leafy cover of the forest prevents 

 to a great extent the violent downfall of water and retains an important amount of 

 the precipitation. It also pnjtects the soil from the drying action of the sun, as well 

 as from nocturnal radiation, and prevents wide variation in the maxima and minima 

 of temperature such as result in late frosts. The humus, moss, and other ground 

 covering absorb a great amount of water, which slowly percolates through it and in 

 this way checks to a great degree the erosion which takes place in unprotected 

 regions. The network of roots acts materially in holding the soil in place. The 

 forest cover is said to retain from 20 to 40 per cent of the atmospheric precipitation. 

 Much of this is given off by the transpiration of the plants. This reduces the tem- 

 perature and increases the humidity of the surrounding region. As to the influence 

 on precijiitation, the author claims that observations made at Nancy, France, from 

 1867 to 1872 showed that 24 per cent more water fell u])on timbered regions than in the 

 open in the months from May to October, and about 12 per cent in the remaining 

 6 months of the year. This difference is believed to be due to the forest cover as 

 reacting iipon the atmosphere. 



The upper limits of forest vegetation on mountains, C. Flahaut {Rev. Eaux 

 et Fonts, 40 {1901), Noii. 18, pp. S8.'>-401; 14, pp- 4 17-439). —The forest vegetation of 

 the mountains of France is described at some length, particular attention being paid 

 to the alpine and subalpine zones. The principal species which characterize these 

 regions are described. The forest vegetation does not appear to extend beyond the 

 subalpine limits, which are determined by a number of climatic and other conditions. 

 The alpine and subalpine meadows are described and notes given iipon their dis- 

 tribution. The subalpine zone is characterized in France by coniferous trees, and is 

 determined by climatic conditions which coincide with the upper normal limits of 

 woody plant growth. The alpine vegetation is herbaceous, or small shrubs. The 

 reforestation of portions of the subalpine zone upon which the timber has been 

 destroyed is possible, and suggestions are given whereby it may be carried out, but 

 the attempt to introduce forest growth in the alpine regions is considered futile. 



Important Philippine woods, G. P. Aiiern {Manila, 1901, pp. 11-2, pis. 43). — 

 This work consists mainly of a compilation of notes on the most important timber- 

 tree species of the Thilippine Islands, giving information concerning the Philippine 

 forests, characteristics of the leading timber-tree species, value of the same (present 

 and future) , and methods of procedure to secure licen-ses to cut timber. Extracts are 

 given from the forestry regulations, stating the conditions under which timber may 

 be cut. The timber trees of the country are divided into 6 groups, the stumpage 

 price per cubic foot of the State timber varying from 1 to 14 cts. per cubic foot. Of 

 the more valuable groups it is not permitted to cut any for fuel. The different 

 species of trees are arranged according to groups in which the popular and scientific 

 names, so far as known, are given. The State forests are estimated to comprise from 

 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 acres. In some places the cuttiiigs have been very small, 

 while in other jirovinces most of the readily accessiljle timber has been cut. The 

 present forestry regulations enumerate 396 species, in addition to which a number of 

 others are known, so that at present there are 665 native tree species listed. On 

 account of the lack of means of communication and the character of laborers to be 

 obtained, forest exploitation will be exceedingly difficult. There are no pure forests 

 of any one species, and in order to obtain a cargo of any particular timber it would 

 be necessary to secuie the same from different sections. The local and oriental mar- 



