In the nature of the land, however, around Maldonado, no such reason is apparent; the rocky mountains afford protected situations; enjoying various kinds of soil; streamlets of water are common at the bottoms of nearly every valley; and the clayey nature of the earth seems adapted to retain moisture.

It has been inferred, with much probability, that the presence of woodland is generally determined by the annual amount of moisture (3/2.

Maclaren, article "America" "Encyclopedia Brittannica."); yet in this province abundant and heavy rain falls during the winter; and the summer, though dry, is not so in any excessive degree.

(3/3.

Azara says "Je crois que la quantite annuelle des pluies est, dans toutes ces contrees, plus considerable qu'en Espagne."-- Volume 1 page 36.) We see nearly the whole of Australia covered by lofty trees, yet that country possesses a far more arid climate.