Indian Forest Management. 



Bt D. SYM SCOTT, Ballinacourte, Tippeeary. 



Many readers of this Journal have probably read with interest the 

 sensible remarks which have lately appeared on the conservation of 

 forests in India, and as comparatively few understand what is meant 

 by " [Forest Department in India," a few remarks on the subject may 

 command sufficient interest for British foresters to merit insertion in 

 the Journal. Many probably know that an examination is held annually 

 to select young men, above seventeen and under twenty-one years of age, 

 natural born British subjects, to be trained as foresters for our Indian 

 forests. Those found qualified are sent for two years' training to 

 France. It must not be omitted here that it is a great recommenda- 

 tion if such applicant have had an opportunity of .passing some time 

 pro^ahly not less than a 7iionth, with one or more approved Scotch forester . 

 The branches of knowledge required from candidates for appointment 

 consist of the three " E's," algebra, geometry, freehand drawing, sur- 

 veying, also some French ; and a preference is given to those having a 

 knowledge 'of the elements of mechanics, physics, chemistry, botany, 

 geology, and mineralogy. The candidates accepted by the Secretary 

 of State must undergo a regular course of training for two years ami a 

 half in the tmnagement of plantations, the science of forestry , sw^ey - 

 iny, road-making, and of course all the concomitants connected with 

 forestry. All this is to be learned abroad at a cost, according to 

 estimate, not to exceed £600. At the end of " two years " they pro- 

 ceed to India as junior assistants in the " Forest Department." Such 

 being an outline of how Indian foresters are produced, I pause to 

 contrast such a course of encyclopaedic training with the thorough 

 practical system followed out among home foresters. No doubt the 

 training received on the Continent is theoretically elaborate enough 

 in "fours right," "about," "left wheel," and "forward," for a picnic ! 

 technically called a " botanical excursion." No rule ever devased by 

 man yet made a poet, so in kindred the influence of climate never 

 will make a practical forester. I say injiitence of clirnate, for what 

 amount of practical knowledge of the technics of forestry can, 

 &ven with the acquisition of a month under a^ Scotch forestei'i 



