1 ( 2 )
2 (4.)—And as you point out, a good deal has been done in framing
3 and publishing Rules, gencral and special, for the management and protec-
4 tion of Forests—more particularly of the unreserved tracts—and for the taxa-
5 tion of their produce. To use your own words, “ each district has now
6 been provided with its own special rules suited to its own particular require-
7 ments, and steady advance in District Forest management may conse-
8 quently be looked for.”
9 3. The financial results of the year are satisfactory, notwithstanding
10 the decrease shown in the gross and net revenue as compared with last year.
11 The explanation given in paras. 116 and 117 shows, that but for an extra-
12 ordinary charge for the purchase and repair of two Forest Bungalows at
13 Chickulda and the erection of a third at Bassim, coupled with the omission
14 from the accounts tillafter the year had closed of a large sum on the credit
15 side, there would have been an increase in both gross and net revenue.
16 This result is the more hopeful when it is remembered that the Government
17 was obliged to protect the unreserved forests in the Mailghat by interfering
18 with the unrestricted cutting of all timber which, up to the end of 1870, had
19 been permitted. In paras. 91 to 96, you describe the origin and purpose of
20 this interference and its effect both on the Koorkoos and on the revenue.
21 The cutting of teak being prohibited, the inhabitants of the plains refused
22 at first to buy the unreserved woods and so the Koorkoos suffered till
23 employment in plantation and thinning operations was found for them.
24 “The temporary closing of teak has nevertheless been of great benofit, in
25 that it has opened a market for the unreserved woods which have never had
26 a fair trial till the past year and as the prices offered for them have lately
27 risen considerably, it may safely be inferred that they are becoming more
28 appreciated.”
29 4. As regards the future capabilities of the State Reserves, you rightly
30 observe that there being no mature timber in any of them, “ the chief
31 revenue to be derived from them for some time will consist of the proceeds
32 of sales of thinnings.’’—Thinning having been defined as the clearing out
33 of old stems from which young poles are growing at too great distance
34 from the ground ever to mature into timber. These stoms are relics of
35 former times when persons in want of a pole had no hesitation in meeting
36 their requirements from the upper portion of a standing tree, cutting it 10
37 and 12 fect from the ground.”
38 The Officiating Resident notes with interest your remark that the
39 fevenue to be expected from this operation “ ought nearly to suffice to
40 cover all expenditure, more especially in the Mailghat, and by the time the
41 thinning operations have been carried on over the whole area of the forests,
42 much of the timber now standing will probably have arrived at a stage when
43 it can be felled with advantage.”
44 5. The area covered by State Forest is 646 square miles, 400 of which
45 are comprised in the Northern Division, which consists of the Byragurh
46 Forest. Mr. Saunders’ expectations in regard to tho completion of the
47 demarcation of every tract sclected do not appear to have been altogether
48 realized, as the work of demarcation is still going on in the Woon District.
49 The area of the Ghat Boree reserve has boen doubled, it is observed, by
50 taking up a portion of the adjoining jungle in the Akolah and Bassim
51 Districts.
52 6. It is requested that in future reports, the cost’ of demarcating cach
53 reserve may be shown soparately.