TREES AND TORRENTS 



77 



neighboring treeless area, have conclusively proved 

 that the wooded section receives more regular and 

 constant watering, while, at the same time, it is 

 reasonably free from the terrors of cloud-bursts. 

 Not only do the railroads and the towns beneath 



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The control of mountain torrents through the creation of forests 

 means a broad extension of irrigation and also of hydro-electric develop- 

 ment. 



the mountains need protection, but also the 

 meadows must be continuously watered and made 

 safe for farming and cattle grazing. What does the 

 expenditure of a few millions amount to if it will 

 mean an increase of many times that sum in a na- 

 tion's food production? The United States Gov- 



