Note 44 — PART IV. NOTICES OF AUTHORS RELATIVE TO TIMBER.

The climate of a country in regard to annual steadiness, can be pretty accurately determined by the appearance of the annual layers of trees, especially of the pine tribe; and in a new settlement where great difference of size of layer, and of resinous deposit is observed, we may be pretty certain the seasons are not steady, or that insect depredations or blights occur; and a reserve of food ought always to be retained. By careful inspection of the nature of the annual wood deposit, or of the locality with regard to moisture, it may be ascertained, whether the irregularity has been owing to difference of temperature, or of moisture. In warm climates the irregularity will generally depend on drought and moisture, and in cold climates on heat and cold; though sometimes the depredations of insects, such as locusts, or of blights, may be the cause.