^ "and are able to give data on local conditions that ice cores simply can't."
But once again, that "tree sample" is very small, both geographically and geologically.
And, once again, even when we talk about, say 2000 years, it's too small a sample.
As I've said before (not referring to you, Mike or Ben*), "It's your sample size, stupid."
Damn, it's 2° warmer today than yesterday. Therefore by the end of the year it will be 444° warmer.
Ridiculous? Boiling it down, guess what?
It's the sample size, stupid !
Terry
* PS: and Hawkmoon