180 MOZAMBIQUE 



used once, and as it has to be cut before it can 

 be used, no object is gained in deferring that 

 operation. It matters not in the end whether 

 the tree is cut this year or next. Trees in a 

 forest reserve would naturally be protected in 

 order that when the reserve is closed the species 

 may be reproduced, but the reproduction of the 

 species of one particular tree is extremely im- 

 probable if the destruction of its sheltering com- 

 panions round about is permitted. Forest areas 

 rich in trees that produce valuable commercial 

 products should be reserved in toto, not the 

 valuable trees only in them. 



Forests it is believed exercise an influence upon 

 the rainfall of a country, but this is an aspect of the 

 question upon which too much importance should 

 not be attached in the Tropics, because the trees 

 that are cut would, to a great extent, be replaced 

 by other trees planted. Many of the economic 

 products of tropical countries are produced by 

 trees ; far more so than is the case with those 

 from temperate climates. Again, the planter re- 

 quires shade and shelter belts both for himself and 

 often for his plantation, so that in one way or 

 another tree growth in fertile tropical lands pro- 

 ceeds rapidly ; indeed is not easily kept down. 

 At the same time the reserves of natural forest 

 would, as a rule, consist of loftier trees, and might 



