FORESTRY IN BRITISH INDIA 



553 



tralization ; prior to this equal shares were allotted to the Imperial and 

 Provincial budgets. In the minor provinces (Coorg. Ajmer, Baluchis- 

 tan, and the Andamans) both forest revenue and expenditure are 

 Imperial. Working plans are brought into force after sanction by the 

 local government, and the same authority is required for any con- 

 siderable deviation from the prescriptions of plans approved. Forest 

 manuals have been published, or are in course of compilation, for 

 most of the major provinces; they contain rules made on the authority 

 of the forest law in force, notifications defining the powers of the 

 various forest authorities, and standing orders regulating forest ad- 

 ministration generally. Revenue and expenditure are audited by the 

 provincial accounts authorities ; Conservators or Chief Conservators 

 control the management of the forests and returns of forest produce. 

 "Divisional forest officers are responsible for carrying out the pro- 

 visions of working plans. Where a regular plan has not yet been com- 

 piled, they have to prepare and carry out an annual plan of operations. 

 They control revenue and expenditure subject to definite financial 

 powers. When on tour they check the works in progress, control pro- 

 tection of the forest, and demonstrate various silvicultural operations. 

 They have to initiate schemes for the development of their forests." 



In 190-5 there was practically no research work in India with the 

 exception of a few poorly laid out and ill-considered sample plots. 

 Today a $2,000,000 experiment station has been authorized and a com- 

 plete research staff has been organized. 



The criticism has been made that financial considerations have had 

 too much weight with many British India foresters. The rupee, it was 

 alleged, was put ahead of silviculture. According to Rogers : 



"Since the foundation of the forest department, fifty-six years ago 

 the revenue (both gross and net), expenditure, have risen continuously, 

 as will be seen from a perusal of the subjoined figures taking £l to 

 be $1: 



"The expenditure during the last quinquennium was curtailed on 

 account of the war. During 1918-19 it was 61 per cent and is becoming 

 normal. 



