[82] Toumey (Yearbook U. S. Dep’t Agr. 1903) states that in the San Bernardino mountains in southern California, the first rainfall (in December) was absorbed to the extent of 95% in forested areas, against only 60% in the non-forested; but that later, after the soil had been partially saturated, 60% only was absorbed in the forested land, against 5% in the non-forested. While it is generally admitted that forests diminish the runoff, Rafter (Relation of Rainfall to Runoff, U. S. Geol. Survey Paper, No. 80, p. 53) contends that in New York State the reverse is true. [Illustration: FIG. 40.—Erosion in Mississippi Table Lands, causing destruction of agricultural value both of Uplands and Valleys. (McGee, 12th Ann. Rept. U. S., 1890-91.)] _Washing-away and Gullying in the Cotton States._—Nowhere perhaps have these effects been so severely felt as in portions of northwestern and central Mississippi, and this case is so instructive as to deserve a more detailed description. In the regions in question the soil stratum consists of a yellow or brownish loam from three to seven feet in original thickness, constituting a very desirable class of gently rolling uplands, which at one time claimed to be the best cotton-growing portion of the State. It was originally covered with an open forest of oaks, with an abundant growth of grasses that afforded excellent pasture to deer and cattle; a natural park gay with flowers during most of the season.