1 ( 18 )
2 the block during the first year. In the succeeding ycar, however, a special tem-
3 porary Establishment would be required for this purpose far five months, riz.,
4 from January to May inclusive. The above proposals have reference solely to the
5 three reserved varieties of wood, viz., 'cak, Tewus, and Sheshum.
6 I do not consider it necessary to muke any special arrangements regarding
7 the other descriptions of timber, of which there is a sufficient supply to meet any
8 demand that is ever likely to arise.
9 Besides Rule XXXII. of the supplementary Forest Rules, which provides
10 that every tree be cut within at least one foot from the ground, will be a
11 safe-guard against these trees evor assuming the unnatural growth now common
12 to teak.
13 1 would therefore allow unrestrictéd cutting of the unreserved woods to con-
14 tinue as hitherto throughout the entire area of the, forests.
15 93. This scheme met with the approval of the Resident, and the first block
16 of the unreserved forests will be opened for the cutting of the reserved trees from
17 October next, when the season for the export of timber again commences.
18 94. The stopping of the cutting of teak entirely for ono year has been
19 Effects of stoppage of Teak in Mail- severely felt by the inhabitants of the hills, as well
20 ghat. us by those of plains.
21 For some time, the latter absolutely refused to purohase the unreserved woods,
22 and the Koorkoos suffered much in consequence,
23 95. During this crisis, however, which only lasted for about a month, they
24 found ample employment in the Byraghur Reserve, where plantation and thinning
25 operations had already been started,
26 But even when the unreserved woods found a sale at the bazaars, the prices
27 offered for them only amounted to about half of what used to be paid for teak, su
28 that in any case the year has been a trying one for the Koorkoos, It has been
29 equally so for thig Department ina revenue point of view ; for the duty on un-
30 reserved woods being little more than one-third that on teak, the revenue of the
31 bazaars has fallen from Rupees 1,07,249-14-7 in 1870-71, to Rupees 57,676-4-6
32 during the past yoar. ‘his great decrease is, however, not due entirely to the
33 closing of teak, for the number of bazaars has also been reduced from 14 to 10
34 owing to the duty on wood imported from the Central Provinces haying been
35 abolished.
36 96. The temporary closing of teak has nevertheless been of great benefit in
37 one respect, viz., in that it has opened a market for the unreserved woods, which
38 have never had a fair tral till the past year, and as the prices offered for them
39 have lately risen considerably, it may safely be inferred, that they are becoming
40 more appreciated.
41 97, The requirements of this district as regards grass and firewood are met
42 for the most part from the hifly to the east. of the
43 station af Oomrawuttee, which are estimated to cover
44 an area of about 50 square miles.
45 District Oumrawuttee.
46 These hills contain nothing but scrub jungle, and this is worked on a rotation
47 of five years; all arrangements being made by the
48 Deputy Commissioner, who has a special ostablish-
49 ment to assist him.
50 Grass and Firewood.
51 98. The timber supply of the district 1s insufficient to meet the demand, and
52 it 18 therefore supplemented by importations from
53 Timber Supply. the Mailghit and the Central Provinces,