v WOODS AND FIELDS 183 
that of the taller independent trees. Some 
were twisted in strands like cables, others had 
thick stems contorted in every variety of shape, 
entwining snake-like round the tree trunks or 
forming gigantic loops and coils among the 
larger branches; others, again, were of zigzag 
shape, or indented like the steps of a staircase, 
sweeping from the ground to a giddy height.” 
The reckless and wanton destruction of 
forests has ruined some of the richest countries 
on earth. Syria and Asia Minor, Palestine 
and the north of Africa were once far more 
populous than they are at present. They wera 
once lands “flowing with milk and honey,” 
according to the picturesque language of the 
Bible, but are now in many places reduced to 
dust and ashes. Why is there this melancholy 
change? Why have deserts replaced cities ? 
It is mainly owing to the ruthless destruction 
of the trees, which has involved that of 
nations. Even nearer home a similar process 
may be witnessed. ‘T'wo French departments 
—the Hautes- and Basses-Alpes—are being 
gradually reduced to ruin by the destruction 
of the forests. Cultivation is diminishing, 
