16 FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE. 



there is a certain and very considerable loss in the natural 

 process of maintaining the atmosphere in proper condition, 

 The climatic influence of a greatly increased area of 

 woodlands is also well worthy of consideration. The 

 benefits to be derived by agriculturists from the shelter of 

 woods are by no means negligible. Sir Walter Scott, in a 

 review of a book on forestry, remarked : ' Indeed, it has 

 always seemed to us not the least important branch of this 

 great national subject that the increase and the proper 

 management of our forests cannot but be attended with 

 the most beneficial effects on the population of the country, 

 Where there lies stretched a wide tract of land, affording 

 scanty food for unsheltered flocks, the country will soon, 

 under a judicious system, show the scene most 'delightful 

 to the eye. ... In numerous places we are surprised to 

 see the marks of the furrows upon plains, upon bleak hill- 

 sides, and in wild moorland. We are not to suppose that 

 in the infancy of agriculture our ancestors were able to 

 raise crops of corn where we only see heath and fern. 

 But in the former times, and while the hills retained their 

 natural clothing of wood, such spots were sheltered by the 

 adjacent trees, and were thus rendered capable of producing 

 crops. There can be no doubt that, the protection being 

 restored, the power of production would again return.' 



CHAPTER IV. 



FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE. 



THERE seems to be a suspicion in some quarters that 

 forestry operations are prejudicial to the interests of 

 agriculture. A careful study of the needs of both in- 

 dustries will rid the mind of any such fallacy. Forestry 

 and agriculture are allies, not enemies, and eacli stands to 



