XXX11. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



The following synopsis shows the method of treatment 

 of this subject which is of considerable importance to us 

 in New South Wales. 



SYNOPSIS. 



I. Introductory. 



II. The Historical Method. 



a. General observations. 



b. The case " Forest destruction does diminish the rainfall." 



c. The case " Forest destructiou does not diminish the rainfall. 



III. The vastness of rainfall conditions. 



IV. Clouds may strike against tress and deposit moisture. 



V. Not merely a question of large trees. 



VI. Rainfall Measurements in forests and open country. 



VII. Physiological action of trees — transpiration. 



VIII. Some uses of forests : 



a. To temper floods. 



b. To conserve springs and to aid in the more even distribution of 



terrestrial waters. 



c. To prevent evaporation of water. 



d. To give shelter to stock, crops, etc. 



e. The leaves of forest trees etc., afford manure and mulch. 



I bring before you the subject which is often conven- 

 tionally known under the title of "Forests and Rainfall," 

 and in regard to which it may be fairly said that there still 

 exists, in New South Wales at least, a considerable amount 

 of misapprehension. Even the clear cut statements of Mr. 

 Russell, our Government Astronomer, that forests do not 

 increase rainfall, have failed to carry conviction to some 

 people, for the reason, I take it, that the broader subject of 

 the effect of vegetation on the conservation of moisture has 

 not been fully considered in some of the public discussions 

 that have taken place. The term "Forests and Rainfall" 

 has been adopted by many writers because of its com- 

 pactness, but if its use becomes misleading then it should 

 be amplified. We want to carefully separate two issues. 



1. The effect of forests and other vegetation in increasing 



the rainfall. 



2. The effects of the same in conserving moisture. 



