1 4
2 ing at the same time a moderate income, will be the best to adopt.
3 If it is found that it threatens the forest with extermination, as it is
4 very likely to do, the remedy is to have a sufficient area reserved and
5 divided into a sufficient number of blocks to admit of each block
6 getting rest in its turn, and the first few years of rest should be com-
7 plete, fires being if possible excluded and cattle entirely kept-out.
8 The point in which District Officers have most failed in their forest
9 management has been that they have not recognized the necessity of
10 giving each block of forest land complete rest at intervals, so that
11 young shoots and seedlings may get beyond the stage at whicli cattle
12 and goats would destroy them.
13 17. The financial results of the year’s operations are not less
14 favourable than those of the preceding year, though at first sight
15 they appear so.
16 18. There is little timber that is ready for cutting in the Cen-
17 tral Provinces, and we cannot expect any large or any increasing
18 revenue from that source. The Unreserved forests have been until
19 recently thrown open by annual leases, and the whole area has thus
20 been thrown open and no reserves kept for renewal. Grazing the
21 Unreserved forests bare and expending a minimum on protection we
22 have got a large revenue and are still gctting a large one, because we
23 have improved on financial management; but there is but little
24 economy practised as yet, and the large revenue will probably fall off
25 in the future, or if raised will represent the higher price paid for an
26 article become scarce.
27 19. The Officiating Chief Commissioner is glad to recognize the
28 services of the officers mentioned in your 121st para. More work has
29 been done during the past year and the Forest Staff has done well.
30 Colonel Keatinge would also acknowledge the services you have your-
31 self rendered, and the interest you have taken in the important work
32 that your Department has to perform.
33 T have the honor to be,
34 Sir,
35 Your most obedient Servant,
36 J. W. NEILL,
37 Offg. Secretary.