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2. The condition of the forests is, for the most part, lamentable, and the result of past 

 abuses ; their destruction is proceeding apace, and the following measures are recom- 

 mended to ensure their preservation and utilisation to the best advantage. 



(a) The survey and demarkation of the principal forests. 



(&) Their protection from fires, from depredations, from destruction by Natives or 

 cattle, by means of suitable measures such as the clearing of fire belts, the establishment 

 of small Wattle plantations, the prohibition of wattle cutting and cattle grazing, with the 

 aid of proper supervision and special legislation. 



(c) The closure of the forests pending survey, demarkation and settlement. 



(d) The adoption of sound methods of forestry to secure a steady yield, improvement 

 of the forest, and most profitable management. 



(0) The utilization of Colonial woods for railway sleepers. 



3. Plantations of conifers and hard woods, designed to supply the future require- 

 ments of the country, can be made profitably along railway lines in the Upland and the 

 Midland districts. 



4. The most urgent work of a Forest Department in Natal would be to save what is 

 left of the Native forests, and plantation work should be deferred till it can be undertaken 

 without detriment to the progress of survey and demarkation. 



H. G. FOURCADE. 



