50 THE CLIMATOLOGY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



of our already rapidly decreasing forests ; and localities, 

 which I then had in mind, have since been denuded of 

 their timber, and the changes, above mentioned, to a cer- 

 tain extent, have been the result. The destruction of 

 forests could not cause all the varied and unusual mete- 

 orological phenomena which we have been considering, yet 

 a corresponding influence is contributed to exaggerate all 

 abnormal weather changes. The "arbor days," instituted 

 of late in a number of our states, are the result of excel- 

 lent ideas, and if they are generally observed will be of 

 great benefit in creating an interest in the subject. 



I think many would find a source of recreation in the 

 subject if their interest were once aroused. It is not only 

 important from a climatic and sanitary point of view, but 

 it is a very instructive and interesting study in other ways ; 

 and the organization of local societies, composed of both 

 sexes, devoted to the study of forestry in all its branches, 

 including botany, with the intention of making practical 

 use of the knowledge thus gained by means of united 

 work, would eventually bear as much fruit as many of the 

 other societies organized for various purposes in our dif- 

 ferent cities and towns. But the subject of forestry is too 

 vast to be considered at any length within the limits of 

 the present discourse, and as I have been expected to con- 

 fine myself to meteorology I have not digressed from that 

 subject, and I will close with the hope that the questions 

 which I have endeavored to explain have been made 

 clear. 



