364 



THE HOME WOOD LOT 



Benefits to the State. — The reason for these laws is that the 

 state is benefited in a number of ways. 



The forest carpet of twigs, leaves, etc., prevents the rapid 

 run-off of water and thus springs and streams are kept constantly 

 supplied from the rainfall of such forested areas (Fig. 264) . Where 

 forests have been cut off streams frequently go dry during the 

 summer. The water power of mills and factories is thus weakened 

 or exhausted. The water supply of homes, villages and cities is 

 often reduced to the danger point. Large streams which should be 

 navigable the year round are too low in dry weather, and too high 

 in wet weather. 



Forests often break or interrupt heavy winds and thus prevent 



Fig. 264. 



-Where streams are bordered by trees and the fields covered with grass or other 

 protection the water is clear and soil is not being eroded. 



serious damage to property. The drying out of soil is prevented by 

 the mulch of leaves and twigs, and the soil is not badly beaten 

 down by heavy rains. The flow-off from such areas is very gradual 

 and freshets are prevented. 



The temperature of the soil is controlled and somewhat equalized 

 by forest growths. At night and during cold snaps trees retard the 

 loss of heat from the ground under them. The shade of the trees 

 also prevents the intense heat of mid-day. 



Wind breaks tend to conserve the water in the area near them. 

 Of course the trees take considerable water in the soil reached by 

 their roots, but the breaking of the wind saves soil water in wide 

 strips on the lee of the trees. 



