" SARTAGE " 1$ INDIA. 89 



that the system works well ; and I may remark that the 

 same amount of timber would not have been available for 

 railway purposes, had it not been for this precaution. 



' 9. Result in Belgam. The result of the rules in Belgam 

 (noted at foot of the Pros, of Government, p. 136), will be 

 found clearly given in Captain Anderson's letter, and 

 appears to be very satisfactory. 



' 10. Sanitary considerations. In regard to the result of 

 Koomaree cultivation, in a sanitary point of view, I can 

 affirm, from personal observation, and consultation with 

 my professional brethren, that " permanent clearings are 

 of unmixed advantage j " the dense thorny scrub, which 

 succeeds a deserted Koomaree, is decidedly more injurious 

 to health than lofty forests open below, and harbours 

 destructive animals to a greater extent. 



' 11. Punam of Malabar. The enclosure B. of Mr Grant 

 shows that the Punam culture of Malabar is identical with 

 the Koomaree of Canara j the soil, however, of that district 

 is generally richer, and the results more profitable. The 

 lands of Malabar being private property, I have never 

 interfered. I may refer to Mr Beaumont's letter showing 

 the effect of excessive Koomaree on the operations of the 

 iron company j and I may add, that I hope, with Mr 

 Grant, that the enhanced price of timber will lead the 

 Jenmakars to stop Punam cultivation in many jungles. 



' 12. Punakad of Salem. This is an erratic system of 

 rude cultivation, carried on by the Malaiails, a hill tribe 

 inhabiting the Shevari and Chitteri Hills of Salem col- 

 lectorate. Mr Fane, C.S., lately directed the attention of 

 the Revenue Board to the injurious effect of this upon the 

 future prospects of coffee planting 



' 13. Value of a Koomaree. In conversing with different 

 revenue officers I have heard many opinions as to the 

 profit realised by Koomaree cultivation. In a minute by 

 Lord Harris, late Governor of Madras, dated 9th March 

 1857, in E.M.C., No. 235, Rev. Dep., par. 1.71, it was com- 

 puted, on the authority of Mr J. D. Robinson, at Rs. 3 per 

 acre, which seems to be rather low. I accordingly in- 



