CHAPTER III. 
FAVORABLE INFLUENCES OF THE FORESTS. 
Among the advantages of a due proportion of 
woodland to that which is cleared, may be reckoned 
the diminution of the extremes of temperature. These 
extremes are greatest in countries destitute of wood. 
Land shaded by forests and covered with leaves, and 
snow undisturbed by winds, does not freeze to a great 
depth. The roots of trees penetrating to the unfrozen 
earth, act as conductors, and convey some portion of 
heat to the surrounding atmosphere. The advent of 
winds from colder regions is checked, and the still- 
ness of the air renders the cold more endurable by 
man and beast; and, doubtless, equally so by vegeta- 
ble life. The farmer, whose dwelling and outhouses 
are well sheltered by groves or screens, consumes less 
fuel in his house, and less forage in his stables and 
cattle yards, than he would if unprotected. In sum- 
mer the soil of a wide expanse of open country be- 
comes heated by the sun, and the temperature is 
