3fi2 



[November, 1912 



In addition to the above points the author suggests that the colour 

 glumes and awn, colour cf stem and leaf, length of flower, number of 

 ovaries, form of panicle, colour of stigma, &c., might be made use of as 

 marks of distinction. 



In the classification according to utility we find the following sub- 

 divisions— (1) non-glutinous and glutinous, (2) long grained and short 

 grained, (3) large, medium and small grained, (4) white and coloured, and 

 (5) scented rice. 



We hope in an early issue to give an enumeration of the recognised 

 varieties of rice in Ceylon, classifying them according to their age or 

 length of growth. 



FORESTS AND RAINFALL. 



Nature of August 29th has an interesting article on the above subject. 

 Sir W. Schlich defines a forest as " an area which is for the most part set 

 " aside for the production of timber and other forest produce, or which 

 " is expected to exercise certain climatic effects, or to protect the locality 

 " against injurious influences." 



The strongest arguments in favour of the supposed influence are based 

 upon observations at so-called " parallel " stations : i.e. meteorological 

 stations are established within a forest area and in the open country 

 round the forest and a series of simultaneous observations are made at 

 all the stations. An appreciable difference exists between the rainfall 

 measured inside the forest and that measured outside, in all localities 

 where such observations have been carried out; the forest station having 

 an excess precipitation over the " parallel " station. Schubett has shown 

 that a forest station in West Prussia and Posen has from 2 to 10 per cent., 

 and in Silesia from 2 to 6 per cent, more rainfall than a parallel station in 

 the open country. From this it is argued that inasmuch as a forest 

 increases the rainfall over its own area, it may be expected to produce 

 some effect of the same kind in the surrounding districts, as the wind 

 would carry forward the rain-bearing clouds condensed by the forest 

 influeuce. 



American Opinion. 



Certain American meteorologists have, however, strongly criticised 

 the observations derived from parallel stations. Professor Cleveland 

 Abbe has urged that the results are vitiated on account of the fact that a 

 rain gauge exposed in a forest clearing is not subjected to winds as strong 

 as those that pass over a gauge at a parallel station in the open couutry; 

 and in consequence the forest gauge may be expected to record mote rain 

 although the real fall my be indentical in both places. As a result of this 

 investigation Professor Abbe is of opinion that there is no appreciable 

 difference in the rainfall outside and inside a forest. 



Professor J. von H-mu's opinion on the subject is that the question 

 cannot be definitely answered at present and Dr. G. T. Walker, of the 

 Meterological Office. Simla, is of the same opinion. He further states that 

 if forests have any influence on the rainfall, it is probably not greater in 

 India than 5 per cent. 



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