1 ( 6 )
2 of 14 square miles. The Karens it appears are induced to co-operate with a
3 view to protecting their own foungya grounds from the jungle fires.
4 SECTION II.
5 UNRESERVED OR DISTRICT FORESTS,
6 1. AREA AND BouNDARIES.
7 30. Nothing has to be recorded in addition to that noted in last year's
8 Administration Report.
9 2. REQUIREMENTS OF THE SURROUNDING POPULATION.
10 31. Cutch Tracts. During the year the attention of the Local Govern-
11 ment has been drawn to the rapid exhaustion of the Cutch producing localities
12 in the Prome and Thayetmyo Districts, by reason of the absence of all restric-
13 tions in the felling of this valuable tree (Acacia catechu), either for the manu-
14 facture of Cutch or for fuel purposes.
15 32. This subject has been repeatedly under the consideration of Govern-
16 ment within the last few years; but the Deputy Commissioner, Thayetmyo,
17 having, in November 1870, reported at length upon the present wastcful sys-
18 tem and the urgent need for the adoption of protective measures, the matter
19 was referred for opinion to the Conservator; and, in accordance with his pro-
20 posals, the Local Government has sanctioned the demarcation of all the more
21 valuable Cutch Tracts for treatment and protection as Reserved Forests.
22 83. The extent to which the manufacture and export of Cutch are carried
23 on, and how matcrially the interests of the people are involved in their mainte-
24 nance, may be readily understood from the following data culled from Colonel
25 Li. Browne's exhaustive Memorandum, dated 5th November 1870.
26 The trade Returns for 1869-70, shew that out of 3,01,889 maunds of
27 Cutch, valued at Rupees 19,36,020, exported from the province, no less than
28 135,142 maunds representing 2 market value of Rs. 13,538,308, were the pro-
29 duction of Cutch producing Tracts in British Territory.
30 Of this latter quantity it is estimated that 2,000,000 viss was the outturn
31 of 1,594 Cutch manufactories of the Prome and Thayetmyo Districts, which
32 found employment for about 4,000 persons with their families,—or means of
33 subsistence to a total population of about 16,000.
34 The local market value being Rs. 15 per 100 viss of Cutch, the average
35 earnings of each Cutch manufacturer during the scason, which lasts usually
36 from November to March, will be about Rs. 70.
37 During the year 1869-70, the total number of Cutch trees folled is stated
38 to have been 284,198, which fixes the average produco of each tree at only
39 7 viss, consequent doubtless on the manufacturers being tempted of late to fell
40 small, undersized trees.
41 A Cutch tree is considered to have attained maturity, and to bo in the
42 best condition to yiold Cutch, when 3 feet in girth at the base. According to
43 the naturo of the ground a period of 10 to 20 ycars is required for a tree ta
44 attain this size.