EFFECT OF FORESTS UPON CLIMATE. 5 



2. Effect of Forests upon Climate. 



I shall draw attention only to a few points. It is well 

 known how beneficially woodlands act in giving protection 

 against strong winds. Indeed, many woods were created so 

 that they might act as shelter belts for the benefit of fields 

 and pastures, as well as to man and beast. An incidental 

 further benefit of such woods consists in the fact that they 

 act as breeding . and resting places for useful birds, the 

 great insect destroyers in agricultural districts. I need 

 hardly point out that woods serve as excellent game coverts, 

 and it is chiefly for this purpose that a great portion of 

 the existing woodlands are maintained in this country. 

 As regards the effect of forests on rainfall we need not 

 trouble ourselves. In the first place that supposed effect 

 is as yet very doubtful, and, secondly, we have in this 

 country, I think, quite enough rain, and frequently a good 

 deal to spare. 



3. Effect of Forests upon the Stability of the Soil. 



Forests assist in preventing erosion, landslips, the silting up 

 of rivers and low lands, and they arrest shifting sands. The 

 rain water, which falls on bare hill sides, rushes down, 

 denuding the soil and carrying it into the water channels, 

 which generally deposit it on lower ground, and often on 

 fertile fields and meadows. This effect has not yet done 

 irretrievable damage in Britain, but the commencement of 

 such detrimental action can easily be seen. Anyone who has 

 travelled to Scotland must have seen dozens of places in 

 Northumberland where the water has cut into the hill 

 sides and produced indentations, which certainly will go on 

 increasing, if nothing is done to arrest such action. The 

 same may be seen, and in a more aggravated form, on 

 proceeding from Chester to Holy head. Unless such mischief 

 is stopped in time it may afterwards necessitate the construc- 

 tion of costly works, such as embankments, darns, and weirs. 



