ABSTRACT
Erosion may conveniently be regarded as of two kinds. One kind occurs along streams as a result of either normal or flood flow and may be called stream erosion; the other kind occurs over all other parts of drainage basins and may be called general surface erosion. Though forest tracts in the southern Appalachians are, under natural conditions, subjected to relatively little erosion, yet man’s activities are causing destructive erosion. The clearing of graded forest-clad surfaces destroys the slowly reached adjustment between slope and erosive power and gives great impetus to erosion. On flood-plain areas the most important thing that can be done to the area itself to prevent erosion and flood damages is to maintain by all possible means a deep, straight channel for the rapid removal of flood waters and waste. The agricultural lands of the Appalachian Mountains are generally fertile, and if wisely handled will support safely and permanently a much greater population than inhabits the region.
