DECEMBER. 661 



almost uninhabitable, receiving the atmospheric currents from 

 the equator, turned aside by the intercepting mountains, 

 would be a land of perpetual spring, and the garden of the 

 world. 



Nature in these cases has presented us examples, from 

 which we might derive some useful instruction. Rules for 

 the improvement of the soil have been carried almost to per- 

 fection ; but little has been done for the improvement of cli- 

 mate, which is nearly as much under our control as the soil. 

 The laws that influence climate are the same in all parts of 

 the world, and the same proportionally on a smaller as on a 

 larger scale of operations. In a land of so much sunshine as 

 our own, we may economize it for our use and benefit, or we 

 may allow it to be lost, according as we adopt or neglect 

 certain contrivances for this purpose. Nature has shown, by 

 her own example, the effect of v/oods, of mountains and 

 ranges of hills, upon the weather in their vicinity. Let us 

 study these effects, learn the laws of climate, which are vast- 

 ly more important than the prognostics of the weather, and 

 we might soon be enabled to double our own comforts. 



This essay cannot contain anything beyond a few hints 

 that may lead to further investigation of these laws. In 

 many cases our farmers seem to have been governed by 

 them, and in general have located their houses on the south 

 side of a hill. But few of them seem to have considered 

 that still more might be done to secure the advantages of 

 climate. They have taken no more pains to preserve a wood- 

 lot on the north side than on the south side of their houses. 

 Yet, by securing all the advantages which a moderately good 

 situation offers, and by constructing proper barriers and rever- 

 berators, one might, in spite of the rigors of a New England 

 winter, create a comparatively pleasant climate within his 

 own enclosures. Many a farm is exposed all winter to the 

 bleak northwest wind, and in spring to the harsh breezes of 

 the ocean, which might be rendered comfortable by a planta- 

 tion of trees on its northern boundary, and be furnished with 

 an agreeable promenade all along under the edge of the 

 grove. 



VOL. XXI. NO. XII. 71 



