The author reconstructs a scholarly dispute about tree-ring climate evidence. Kaur's archive-based case rests on modern trees with measured rainfall deficits and leads to the claim that narrow rings show drought stress. Reed's comparative case rests instead on borer-damage scars in the same years and leads to the claim that ring width also reflects insect outbreaks. Mbeki is introduced only after both claims have been stated; Mbeki's point is that chronologies are strongest when cross-checked with lake sediments. Support: cores showing matching low-water intervals.