Cedrus.] LXXVI. CONIFEKjE. 523 



in mind that most of the northern forests, from the Jhelam to the Sutlej, had 

 been worked excessively during the last 25 or 30 years, and that in the Panjab 

 those localities only were included in the estimate which were situated on slopes 

 immediately overhanging the river or its main tributaries, whereas a large por- 

 tion of the south-eastern forests on the feeders of the Jumna and the Ganges 

 rivers were intact, and that here forests situated at a distance from the main 

 river were included in the estimate. In addition to the quantity mentioned, 

 there are extensive forests containing Deodar in side valleys, on small tributaries, 

 and in places difficult to work, which it is hoped may be found to contain twice 

 or three times the quantity estimated to stand in the vicinity of the main 

 rivers. Nevertheless it is evident from these data that the quantity of Deodar 

 growing in the N.W. Himalaya is limited. The natural regeneration of this 

 valuable tree by self-sown seedlings is good when the climate is moist, the 

 soil ample, and the slopes not too steep, save where a complete clearance has 

 been made, for then herbs, brambles, and brushwood occupy the ground and 

 prevent the growth of seedlings. And this is noticed equally where the clear- 

 ance has been effected by felling and where the forest has been cut down by 

 avalanches. Deodar requires shelter while young, and does not come up with- 

 out it. Most forests, however, contain a large proportion of young trees. In 

 the Bhagirati forest (area 11,500 acres), excluding the Nilang, the number of 

 trees of the different classes was reported as follows : 



First class above 6 ft. in girth, . . . 116,700 trees. 



Second class 4 ft. 6 in. to 6 ft. girth, . . 53,660 



Third class 1 ft. 6 in. to 4 ft. 6 in girth, . . 127,536 



Fourth class below 1 ft. 6 in girth, . . 213,281 



and the proportion is similar in other forests. Speaking broadly, the trees which 

 now belong to the two first classes must be made to last until a sufficient number 

 of the younger classes and planted Deodar shall have attained a marketable size 

 that is, for a period which will be found to vary in the different forest tracts 

 between 50 and 100 years. 



As compared with other Conifers of the tribe of Abietinece, Deodar has a 

 great power of reproduction, and its branches often show a tendency to form 

 straight leading shoots. In many parts, particularly in the outer ranges, the 

 tree near villages is lopped of its branches to a considerable height. The naked 

 stem reclothes itself with side branches in a short time. Trees are often found 

 with the main stems, instead of running up straight, dividing into numerous 

 branches, each forming a separate leader. This division sometimes takes place 

 near the ground, sometimes at a height of 10 ft. or more. These leaders form 

 tall and well-shaped tops, so that at a distance the forest has a deceptive appear- 

 ance. The trees appear to be tall and well formed, whereas on approach they 

 are found to be worthless for timber, being only the candelabrum-like branches 

 of a short stem. Forked stems also are not rare, with two parallel leaders in- 

 stead of one ; and when young trees grow up isolated, with branches down to the 

 ground, it sometimes happens that one of the lower branches sends up a straight 

 leader at some distance from the stem. This tendency to form secondary leaders 

 sometimes shows itself in Deodar planted in England ; in the Himalaya it is 

 particularly marked where the main leader has been cut or mutilated, or crushed 

 by snow, or where avalanches have passed through the forest. In the vicinity 

 of villages, and particularly near the edge of the arid and treeless tract, the 

 Deodar is much cut to furnish material for building and fencing ; and in places, 

 e.g.) in upper Kunawar, it is customary to cut the upper part of the stem only 

 (the top of the tree answering the purpose with less labour), upon which the 

 side branches left on the stem lower down repair the damage by taking the lead 

 and forming straight ascending secondary stems. The Deodar has so great a 



