237 



And it is necessary that, before anyone be allowed to put an 

 axe to a tree, they should know what will be the result of 

 misconduct and damage to the forests, and interests of 

 Government. 



The suggested regulations are in a crude state, and will 

 required to be put into legal language and form by the Crown 

 solicitor. It is evident that it will not do to allow people to 

 work " their sweet will " in a forest ; that might cause more 

 injury to the forests, and the Government interest in them, 

 than could be repaired in a hundred years. 



I also annex a clause which, until a forest ordinance come 

 into operation, should be added to the suggested conditions 

 under which a permit may be granted. After the forest ordi- 

 nance becomes a law of the land one of the articles and 

 several clauses provided for the law being duly observed by a 

 permit-holder. 



The price per tree has not been mentioned, for, obviously, it 

 will vary according to kind and where the tree may be 

 growing. However, before the tax inspectors were authorised 

 to issue permits, it would be well to give them a general idea 

 of the value of the different kinds, i.e., the sum which the 

 Government expects to receive for each tree of each kind. 



I have, &c. 



John Horne, 

 Director of Gardens and Forests.. 

 Mauritius. 



