An Average Slope Map of Southern New England

Abstract

RIVING along one of the wide valleys of New England one cannot escape noting how distinctly does the slope of the land control land utilization. Plowed fields occupy the flat bottoms, and as the slopes become steeper on the flanks of the valley we find in succession hay fields, stony pasture, and forest (Fig. I). The lines of separation are distinct and can be followed for miles. The angles of slope separating the cultivation types vary somewhat under the pressure of farming population-steeper slopes are cultivated in more densely settled areas-but within limits these angles can be determined. It should be noted, however, that most of New England's land is not utilized to its limits; in many places even the best bottom lands are left in forest. The absolute elevation above sea level is of slight direct influence on cultivation in southern New England; it is otherwise with relative relief, which varies greatly and does not depend on absolute elevation. Anyone who is familiar with the rugged relief of the granitic ledges near Gloucester or even the Middlesex Fells near Boston will realize that steep slopes are possible where even the highest peak does not rise over 200 to 300 feet. The problem of defining quantitatively the average slope of the land, or its relative relief, has been discussed by many European authorities, and lately in the United States new attention has been called to the subject by the map of the relative relief of Ohio by GuyHarold Smith.'