228 ON FOREST SCHOOLS 



thinnings (firewood and minor produce, grazing dues, etc.). From 

 a careful valuation, and calculations made in 1873, it is estimated 

 that the expenditure up to 1881, when the capital account closes, 

 will be ,£97,000, and the value of the plantation be then £170,000. 

 In considering the above results, it must be borne in mind that 

 the rainfall in the district is under 15 inches, with great heat in 

 the summer, and sharp frosts in winter. The whole plantation 

 has to be irrigated from a neighbouring canal, being debited with 

 a charge of 4s. per acre per annum for the use of the water alone. 

 Another important fact must be mentioned, viz., that, whereas 

 the land on which the plantation stands was formerly almost 

 valueless, and would not fetch an annual rental of 2s. per acre ; 

 12s., and even 20s. per acre is now readily obtainable, and the 

 former has been offered for the whole or any portion when cleared. 

 The rents mentioned, of course, include the water-rate of 4s. per 

 acre per annum. This plantation is intended eventually to cover 

 30,000 acres, and will undoubtedly prove a great success, both as 

 regards direct financial profit, a supply of timber or firewood, 

 which is much required, improving the soil, and rendering it fit 

 for cultivation with cereals, and ameliorating the climate. The 

 Nelambur teak plantations, in Madras Presidency, cover 3000 

 acres, the oldest portion having been planted thirty years ago. 

 The total expenditure, including purchase and lease of some 19,000 

 acres of land from a native raja, has been £30,000, and the 

 receipts from thinnings, etc., £10,000. These plantations were 

 valued last year at minimum rates at £150,000, and Colonel 

 Pearson, lately officiating as Inspector - General of Forests in 

 India, estimated their value, when mature, at no less than two 

 millions sterling." 



An examination of the programme of study laid upon the table 

 will show that in most of the schools of forestry on the Continent 

 of Europe the course of study is similar, most of the modifications 

 being attributable to national or local conditions. It embraces, 

 besides, matters pertaining specially to forest economy, studies 

 which may be called preliminary or fundamental, and studies which 

 may be called accessory or supplemental. 



Amongst preliminary or fundamental studies are reckoned 

 Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Meteorology, Chemistry, and 

 Rural Economy, etc. Amongst special professional studies relating 

 to forest economy, Botany, the Structure and Physiology of Arbor- 

 escent Vegetation, Agriculture, Technical Properties and Uses of 



