[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR:]
Sin,—In India there is a rise in the water level of wells in the hottest weather, which is analogous to the flow of water in dew ponds described in your article on this subject in last week's Spectator. Though trees are often found near wells, it is impossible that this supply can be derived from the dew which drops from the overhanging trees, for the increased flow of water is not confined to wells under trees. It is evident that the trees and grass absorb the moisture from the dew-laden atmosphere and discharge it into the soil through the roots, and this cause may be seen in operation any day after a night of heavy dew or fog. The villagers are in the habit of excavating clay from any convenient bank and exposing the roots of trees and grass which grow above. A drop of water will be found at the end of every little rootlet and a small puddle below, showing what has been discharged during the night. The quantity of water thus supplied must be very great, for small streams invariably dry up when the jungle is destroyed, a fact which shows the importance of forest preservation as a preventive of famine and failure of
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