Julie Schafer, age 13, of Bennington, Vt., for her question.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE BLACK FOREST?

The famous Black Forest is a wooded mountain region in southwest West Germany. The region, called Baden Wurttembers, is about 100 miles long and varies in width from about 14 miles to 38 miles. Its name refers to the heavy stands of fir on the upper slopes, especially above the 2,000 foot level.

The Black Forest occupies an area of about 2,000 square miles. Growing below the heavy stands of fir are extensive forests of oak and beech.

A number of rivers, including the Danube and the Neckar, rise in the Black Forest and on its east slope are many lakes. Mineral springs are abundant. In the region are such well known health resorts as Baden Baden and Wildbad. The upland plains are suitable for farming and cattle raising. The region is noted for the production of cuckoo clocks and toys.