Note 63 — PART IV. NOTICES OF AUTHORS RELATIVE TO TIMBER. (continued 3)

There is a deposition from the atmosphere of saline matter going on at the surface of the earth, either evaporated from the ocean, and falling with the rain and dews, or formed by gaseous combinations—most probably both. In countries where the quantity of rain is insufficient to wash this saline accumulation away into the ocean as fast as it is formed, it increases to such a degree as almost to prevent vegetation, only a few of what are termed saline plants appearing. This saline accumulation in warm dry countries, bears considerable analogy to tannin deposit in cold countries.