21 



the temperature of the air. While the reason for the equalising effect of the for- 

 ests on the temperature has not been fully explained, it would seem to be due to 

 the blanketing effect of the branches and tips, which shelter the soil from the heat 



of the sun. If temperatures are taken from the ground upwards to the crowns of 

 the trees, then the effect of the forest is more noticeable near the ground than in 



