SANTALACEM ' 239 



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revenue In Mysore. It is a monopoly of the Mysore Government, 

 and, except by Government Agency, no sandal tree can be 

 uprooted or cut down even upon land wbich is private property* 

 The only exceptions are the Jahglrdar of Yelandur and the 



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of the sandalwood of their own Jahgirs, The tree is plentiful in 

 the Mysore country^ and occurs also, but in far less quantities, 

 in those portions of the Madras territory which border upon 

 Mysore ; for practical purposes, hoAvever, Mysore may be 



ipoly of the sandal supply. It is a 

 somewhat delicate tree, is killed outright by fire, is very im- 

 patient of injuries to the roots and bark, and requires shade 

 and protection while young. The value of the wood is depen- 

 dent upon a volatile oil which is_ contained in the heartwood 

 only, and in order that this oil may be developed in the highest 

 possible degree, it is necessary that the growth of the tree 

 should be slow, consequently sandalwood grown in arid 

 situations on poor stony soil is, though small, of far more value 

 than is that produced by large w^ell-grown trees growing in 

 moist situations and in richer soih The maturation period of 

 the sandal tree is variously stated at from 40 to 60 years. 

 Sandalwood is not eaten by white ants, and its contained 



ants, and its contained oil 

 preserves it from decay in a remarkable degree, of which the 

 present collection of old sandal roots left in the ground for 

 many years past is a conclusive proof. In former times it was 

 the custom not to uproot, but to fell, sandal trees, whereas for 

 many years past the trees have been uprooted, and the roots, 

 which contain a higher percentage of oil than the w^ood, are in 

 great demand and command high prices. 



Even in periods of depression of the sandal market, a fair 

 demand for roots has always been noticeable. The method of 

 preparation is as follows : 



" The trees having been uprooted are roughly deprived of bark 

 and of some of the sapwood on the spot, and are then carted 

 into the nearest of the sandal Kothis, of which nine exist in the 

 Mysore Province, 



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