CHAPTER VII 

 CONTROL OF EROSION IN THE MOUNTAINS 



French Policy and Summakt op Rbpohestation (p. 140). Introduction, His- 

 torical Summary of Legislation, Law of 1882, Statistics of Reforestation. 



The Damage (p. 147). Erosion and Precipitation, Rocks and Soils Easily Eroded, 

 Definition of a Torrent, Formation of Torrent Gorges, Causes of Torrents in Mountain 

 Forests, Damage Caused by Torrents. 



Corrective Measures (p. 153). Policy and Summary, Technique of Dams, 

 Walls and Protection Against Avalanches, Rock Drains, Paving Channels, Tunnels and 

 Aqueducts, Wattle Work (Garnissage), Forestation, with examples. 



TrpicAii Reforestation Areas (p. 168). Regions. 



FRENCH POLICY AND SUMMARY OF REFORESTATION 



Introduction. — According to Daubree, the Minister of Agriculture : 



" The Waters and Forests agents charged with the appUcation of the laws which affect 

 to such a high degree the national safety and property wiU, in the performance of their 

 duties, continue to use the most absolute devotion and will show, as in the past, that 

 they are worthy servants of the republic." 



The Minister thus emphasized the responsibility and efficiency of the 

 officers on reforestation work because he realized the direct bearing of 

 forestation in the mountains of France on the future prosperity of the 

 rich valleys many miles from the watersheds now being forested. 



Moreover Huffel remarked: "The case of the forest is special because 

 the abuse can continue a long time before the consequences become 

 evident." According to an official report:' 



"The opinion of the (local) population is profoundly modified; confidence has taken 

 the place of enmity. Communes, of whom a large number were formerly refractory, 

 struck with the advantages of reforestation, assured, moreover, by the moderation and 

 by the spirit of broad conciliation of the Forest Service, ask for the execution of work 

 (in this locality) at home. This is an omen of happy augury which cannot but encour- 

 age the admmistration to persevere in the way outlined in order to regenerate the moun- 

 tains and assure the safety of the rich valleys." 



The necessity of forested mountains has always been recognized, 

 states an official report. Bernard Palissy (1510-1590) advocated the 

 protection of forests; he paved the way for Surell, Cezanne, Gras, Breton, 



'The material on reforestation is taken mainly from "Restauration et Conserva- 

 tion des Terrains en Montagne," Volumes I and III, 1911, and from D6montzey's 

 treatise on "Reboisement." 



140 



