THE FOREST AS A WIND-BREAK 63 
rubbish, and the water aerated to such extent that 
trout and other fish are benefited. This is of benefit, 
however, only in forested districts, where destructive 
erosion is prevented by the presence of trees. 
The effects produced by a forest cover are evident 
in the least degree as to the amount of water which 
flows off during the year; in a higher degree as to 
the rapidity of the flow-off; and in the greatest de- 
gree as to the amount of earth and débris which it 
earries with it. 
5. Tue Forrest as a Winp-BrEAK 
All who have lived in windy countries know well 
the advantage of a wind-break. It affords a vast 
amount of comfort to man and beast. There is noth- 
ing more destructive to young succulent plants than 
a strong dry wind. In several of our Western States, 
a fine crop of grain may be ruined in a single day by 
a hot, dry wind. Every washerwoman knows the 
drying effects of a strong wind. It sucks up moisture 
from the soil, and beats and lashes crops in merciless 
fashion. Nothing is more wearisome than constant 
wind, and nothing is more efficient in checking it than 
belts of forests. 
