270 



first period than during tiie second. 1910 was exceptional!}^ dry ; only 

 68 inches of rain were recorded. From the Klang records, which date 

 from 1885, it appears that during the second half of the period 1885 to 

 IQIO, the annual average was one inch more than during the first period. 



It can hardly be argued from these records that clearing of the 

 forest has affected the total rainfall. The effect of such clearing in 

 temperate climates is still a matter of discussion. It should also be 

 remembered that in almost all cases of clearing of forest the land is 

 only bare of tree growth for a comparatively short period. The 

 obvious exception is, of course, abandoned land upon which lalang 

 establishes itself. It seems probable that, although the clearing and 

 burning of forest may cause a diminution of the rainfall in the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood of the clearing, and for a short time, the factors 

 which regulate the rainfall in this country, surrounded as it is by the 

 sea, are too powerful to be seriously affected by such a cause. The 

 question would have a different aspect if there was any reasonable 

 probability of vast areas of land being cleared and becoming 

 permanently bare of trees, particularly if such clearings were made 

 on the hills. The Peninsula has not proved itself suitable for stock 

 raising. There would therefore seem to be no danger of large tracts of 

 country being cleared for grazing. It is this practice which in the past 

 wrought such havoc in parts of India which are far from the influence 

 of the sea, and which have a defined dry season. It would not be wise, 

 hov/ever, to presume upon our safety from drought. The records are 

 insufficient, and as far as I am aware, no expert meteorologist has 

 studied the subject. As long as there is doubt on the question, the 

 reservation of large tracts of forests is, for this reason alone, fully 

 justified. Particularly should the forest be maintained on the hills. 

 There are, of course many other reasons for forest reservation, but 

 they are outside the present subject. 



B. H. F. BARNARD. 



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