THE FOREST REGION.—Several natural regions are marked out by differences in physical and geological structure, climate, and vegetation. In the north is the Forest Region, comprising the territories of Formosa and Chaco, along with the neighbouring parts of the provinces of Santa Fe, Salta, Santiago del Estero, and Entre Rios. This region presents the appearance of a vast plain of low elevation, sloping on the whole from west to east, and forming part of the ancient bed of the Pampean Sea. With it may be included for present purposes the territory of Misiones, a volcanic spur of somewhat greater elevation, extending from the Brazilian massif. The mean summer temperature ranges from about 77° F. to 85° F., and that of winter does not fall below 58° F. The pre cipitation, except in Misiones where it is somewhat greater, decreases from about 45 inches in the east to between 20 and 25 inches in the west.
The whole region is covered with forest to a greater or less extent, and, although much of this forest is inaccessible, its products are valuable. Two species of quebracho are found in it, and from one of these—Aspidosperma quebracho—tannin, used in the manu facture of leather, is obtained ; large quantities both of tannin and quebracho wood are exported annually, and the timber itself is much in demand for railway construction and other purposes.
Quebracho is in fact at the present time the chief basis of industry over a great part of the forested area. Other trees producing hard timber are also found in abundance. Yerba mate flourishes on the volcanic soils of Misiones, but there seems no reason why its cultivation should not be extended into the territory of Chaco and elsewhere, as at present large quantities of it have to be imported into Argentina from Paraguay.
The Forest Region is inhabited chiefly by Indians ; the facili ties for communication are limited ; and economic development has been slow. It is said that much land in the less densely forested parts, away from the rivers, is suitable for grazing purposes ; and it is not impossible, therefore, that the future may see a con siderable movement of white settlers from the south, when the vacant places there have been filled up.