330 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



abrupt and severe. The duration of the seasons is affected. Spring is later; and in 

 the fall the Indian summer, once a characteristic feature of that season, is no 

 longer known. 



The lofty trees and tall forests also withdraw electricity from the clouds, and thus 

 prevent, in a large measure, violent atmospheric disturbances and hailstorms. The 

 long continued observations made in Europe indicate that hailstorms increase in 

 frequency with the disappearance of the woods; and that with the reforesting of these 

 districts the storms become less frequent and cease altogether. It was observed, 

 also, that hailstorms seldom occurred in the vicinity of forests composed entirely 

 of conifers. 



Forests exert in many ways a sanitary and healthful influence. They prevent the 

 sudden changes in temperature which are so destructive to both animal and vegetable 

 life. The masses of foliage absorb any miasmatic or noxious vapors that may exist in 

 the air currents that sweep over them. Within the forest the air is free from dust and 

 deleterious particles, its purity forming a natural sanitarium where invalids find 

 rest and invigoration. The balsamic exhalations of the evergreens have a healing 

 influence in pulmonary diseases, and many sufferers find in our Adirondack forests 

 restored health and a new lease of life. 



In our Northern woods there are large sanitariums for the relief of people suffering 

 from pulmonary disease or incipient consumption. From the annual reports published 

 by these institutions it appears that about fifty per cent, of the people who go there 

 for treatment are either cured or obtain permanent relief. In view of the terrible 

 scourge known as consumption, and the thousands who suffer and die each year from 

 this disease, how important it is that the great forest sanitarium which Nature has 

 provided should be protected and preserved. 



The supply of fish and game depends largely on the preservation of the forests. 

 Not only the fisherman and hunter find the woods necessary to their pleasure, but 

 also the many thousands who, attracted annually by the beautiful scenery of woods 

 and waters, find rest and recreation in its charming woodland homes. 



The dire effect of forest destruction is well known. In some countries fertile slopes 

 and plains have been changed to deserts and uninhabitable wastes. In our own land 

 we have ample warning in failing crops, diminished water courses, droughts and 

 calamitous floods that in many instances have ensued as the direct result of 

 deforestation. 



The disastrous effects of cutting down forests which clothe and protect mountain 

 slopes are plainly evident in many countries of the Old World. There are instances 

 where a country once noted for the fertility of its lands, and for the thriving, pros- 

 perous condition of its people, has become desolate and uninhabited through the 



