# File lib/log4r/outputter/outputter.rb, line 90
    def validate_hash(hash)
      # default to root level and DefaultFormatter
      if hash.empty?
        self.level = Logger.root.level
        @formatter = DefaultFormatter.new
        return
      end
      self.level = (hash[:level] or hash['level'] or Logger.root.level)
      self.formatter = (hash[:formatter] or hash['formatter'] or DefaultFormatter.new)
    end