COMMITTEE ON COLONIAL BOTANISTS REPORT. 19 



average annual deficit 25 2s. 6d. The Zuurberg forest Dr.j.c. Brown. 

 in 1861 produced a revenue of 66 3s. lOd. (market value AugT^Tses. 

 of timber removed 492) ; and the expenditure was 140 ; 

 showing a deficit of 73 16s. 2d. In 1862, the revenue was 

 27 14s. ld. ; expenditure 183; deficit 155 5s. 10d. 

 In 1863, revenue 41 4?. ; expenditure 165; deficit 123 

 16s. In 1864, revenue 48 16s. 3d. ; expenditure 165; 

 deficit 116 3s. 9d. Deficit in four years 469 Is. 9d ; 

 average annual deficit 117 5s. 5d. From the statements 

 made, it appears that last year the total revenue from the whole 

 of the forests was 1,466 6s. 2d ; and the total expenditure 

 was 1,210. There was an excess of revenue over expen- 

 diture on the forests of the Knysna and Tzitzikama of 493 

 17s. 6d. ; but a deficit in the case of the forests of George, 

 Olifant's Hoek, Klein and Van Staden's Rivers, and Zuur- 

 berg, of 240 lls. 4d. ; leaving a clear excess of free 

 revenue of 253 6s. 2d. Two years ago the free revenue 

 was 750 ; and the average free revenue for the four 

 years reported was 584 15s. 2Jd. or 331 9s. above that 

 of the last year. The free revenue during the period 

 diminished year by year. 



94. Mr. van Breda.} Can you recommend any other mode 

 of taking care of the forests than what is now pursued under 

 the superintendents? Without disturbing existing arrange- 

 ments much might be done ; but to secure the full benefit of 

 the forests to the Colony, my belief is that very great changes 

 will be necessary. 



95. Will you give us an idea of the changes you would 

 recommend ? I consider it expedient that whatever changes 

 are made, the expense should be met out of the revenue to be 

 derived from the forests ; and to show what can be done by 

 simply appropriating the free revenue of the forests to the 

 improvement of the forest economy of the Colony, I would 

 submit for consideration the following measures : I. With 

 a view to the conservation of the existing forests against the 

 ravages of fire, I recomend : First, the publication and 

 enforcement of the law of the Colony in regard to bush fires. 

 And, secondly, the offer of a reward for such information as 

 may lead to the conviction of the offenders, to be paid to 

 forest-rangers and others alike. II. With a view to the 

 conservation of the forests against reckless and illegal dis- 

 truction of timber by wood-cutters, I recommend : First, 



