1 3
2 PLANTATIONS.
3 15, The work under this head has been limited to the planting up of about 80 acreg
4 in the Kirmad and Kutampole teak-plantations, and the clearing of 40 acres in the
5 former, and 25 in the latter, for the plantings of the current year.
6 The progress in the latter work in the Kutampole plantation is stated to have been
7 arrested by sickness amongst the coolies employed ; and considering its proximity to the
8 Western Coast, none but laborers from the latter should be entertained for it.
9 The computed area of both plantations at the close of the year was about 400 acres,
10 of which about 330 acres were planted up. The total cost incurred was about Rs.
11 12,200, of which Rs. 4,070 was expended during the year under report.
12 Both plantations are in fair condition, and promise to be successful ; but their exten-
13 sion has not progressed as rapid)y as could be desired.
14 16. Sandalwood Reserves—One reserve was established during the past year, and
15 a considerable quantity of seed sown in it has fairly germinated.
16 17. The proposal to mark off portionsof the State-forests for reserves of this valu-
17 able wood, appears to be a judicious measure; and it should be carricd out, wherever
18 suitable plots can be found for the purpose, without delay. The ground so selected
19 might be planted up gradually ; but it is most important that a commencement should
20 be inade with this work as soon as possible.
21 18. The question of the establishment of fuel-reserves should receive due attention,
22 in communication with the Superintendent ; but if the State-forests arc worked success-
23 fully, it is probable that they will yield a sufficient supply of fuel to meet the require-
24 nicnts in this respect, of a considerable portion of the Province.
25 FIFTH SECTION.
26 ANNUAL YIELD oF Forests, Disposat or Trier, &c.
27 19. The fellings were limited, owing to the stock in store at the commencement
28 of the year being large.
29 They consisted of )34 teak logs, and 721 jungle logs.
30 The collections at the depots aggregated 366 teak, and 159 jungle logs; 21,850
31 bamboos, and 62 tons of sandalwood.
32 20. The sales of timber at the depots realized Rs. 13,168; and on licenses Rs.
33 3,433. Wood cut by the Public Works and Forest Departments in clearings, yielded Rs.
34 1,546, Timber and bamboos of the value of Rs. 2,671 were supplicd without payment
35 for the new lines of the 8th Regiment, Native Infantry, at Mercara.
36 21. The sales of sandalwood realized Rs. 27,400, against Rs. 22,351 in the previous
37 year ; 60 tons having been disposed of against 64 in the latter. The costs of collection
38 wero Rs, 36—5—2 per ton, or Rs. 4—7—0 less than in 1870—71, while the price rea-
39 lized was Its, 456—10—8, against Rs. 349 per ton in the latter year.
40 The report states that no explanation can be given as to the cause of this singular
41 riso in the price cbtained.
42 The right to collect old sandal roots for one ycar realized Rs. 7,500,