1 10
2 as it does more or loss under the direct rays of the sun, loses a large percentage of
3 its organic matter. Thus not only is the deposit smaller in more open forests,
4 but the proportion of that deposit which is rendered to the soil is less. Under
5 these circumstances it is not a matter for surprise that the results as regards the
6 regeneration of teak in Bori should be more satisfactory than elsewhere. ‘The
7 soil is undoubtedly superior, and the vegetation is far more luxuriant. One great
8 drawback to the natural reproduction of teak is the size of the seed, which pre-
9 cludes the possibility of its obtaining one of the first essentials to germination
10 (viz., the exclusion of light), except under circumstances more than usually favour-
11 able. In really well wooded tracts with moderate slopes this would be provided
12 for, by the annual deposit of leaf mould, which would covor the seed to a
13 sufficient depth before its vital properties are lost, and thus a good crop might be
14 expected ; but where the forests are more open and naturally less productive, |
15 fear that many years must pass away before anything like a crop of teak scedlings
16 of natural growth will appear.
17 55. The number of cattle permitted to graze in the reserves kept open for this
18 purpose is shown opposite each tract in the State Forest
19 Return (No. 4 A) appended. During the year under
20 report endeavours have been made to ascortain the number of cattle that may
21 be grazed without injury to the forest ; it is, however, a difficult question to deal
22 with, and more extensive observation is necessary before any satiatactory conclu
23 sion can be arrived at. In the tract referred to in para. 34 of the Chicf Com-
24 missioner’s review on the Report for 1870-71, it is found that 1,137 head of cattle
25 were permiticd to graze. ‘The area of the tract is 4,397 acres, which gives 33
26 acres per head of cattle for that year. With the view of throwing light on this
27 important subject three blocks of forest have been sct aside in which cattle have
28 been allowed to graze at+the rate of ono head to 6, 8, and 12 acres respectively.
29 The results of this measure will be reported horeafter.
30 Grazing of cattle.
31 56. In the Bori forest the cutting and removal of creepers has been carried
32 out in three sub-divisions, and 49,700 trees have been thus
33 cleared at a cost of Rs. 162-6-0. In the Bowergarh forest
34 these operations are also in progress, the forest being taken up by blocks defined
35 by the natural features of the country. In the Garhakota reserve 1,394 acres are
36 reported to have b2en cleared of creepers, but details regarding the cost of the
37 operation and the number of trees cleared are not piven separately.
38 Removal of creepers,
39 57. Owing to the exhausted condition of the Punassa forest, it has been
40 determined to stop all felling gradually, to close the forest against grazing, and to
41 exclude fires, Existing roads divide the rescrve into ten compartinents, of which
42 one 1s to be closed in each year until the whole forest shall have been brought
43 under a strict system of protection. A very large portion of this tract is of the
44 poorest description, and will probably never be brought to the condition of pro-
45 ductive forest, but the inferior lands are so intermixed with those of a more pro-
46 inising character, that to separate them would only render the boundaries more
47 intricate, and protection more diflicult.
48 58. In the Western Division it will be necessary to enforce a stricter
49 aystem of conservancy in the reserves, especially those of Rajaburari, Sowligarh,
50 and Kalibhit, the resources of the more eae Oe portions of which will some
51 day be heavily taxed. The too general application of the License system at pre-
52 sent in force is not desirable, though it may be the means of increasing the pre
53 sent revenue.
54 PLANTATIONS.
55 59. During the rains of 1871 the Baka-Barda plantation was extended by
56 tele ec: 20 acres, of which 2 acres were planted with seeshum,
57 and 18 with teak. The number of trees transplanted
58 was 18,222, of which 1,253 have died, leaving a balance of 16,969 transplants of