( 7(1 ) 



upwnrd-frrowingr Btems CftTi,in the tropics, only be npplierl to evorprroons, or to leafshoddere 

 when ^rown together with evergreens. Leafshedders of one and the same species only, if not 

 very densely planted out, will clear their branches normally, i. e., the stems will grow just 

 as high as the quality of the substratum prescribes. Therefore a teak-tree in deep alluvium 

 will never reach the size of one grown in shallow alluvium, and still less that which grows in 

 an upper mixed forest. But if various trees are grown together of different light-loving 

 qualities and rates of growth, competition is fully established, and the growth of a tree may 

 thus 80 far be improved, that a deep alluvial tree may equal a shnllow-alluvial tree. 



It is also quite probable, and theoretically sustainable, tliat teak may be grown to a 

 noble size, if bamboos of large size are grown on the same soil. Hence, several Bengal 

 bamboos, like bauka bans, or even the ISurmese Kyellowa and Wiibo, might produce a beue- 

 fioial effect upon the length of the teak stem, provided they are sown together, and that the 

 teak is not planted in bamboo groves already existing. That this may be attained, one cau 

 judge from the better growth of trees in villages thau those in the opou country. 



Leafshedders can then in my opinion, only be advantageously grown together in a com- 

 pact block, if there is a suitable under-growth, aud, iu Pegu, the most valuable undergrowth, 

 for permeable strata and alluvium is bamboo, the species of which should be selected accord- 

 ing to the nature of the substratum. Tlie gist of all the above remarks may be stated in 

 a few words : C<rteri8 paribxa* the suh-soil rules the groicth of a tree, while competition umongst 

 the frees themselves, or their tindergrowth, improves their growth within certain limits fixed by the 

 capacity of the substratum itself. 



No amount of arboricultural skill, therefore, will raise a well sized and well shaped teak 

 tree on pure laterite or impermeable calcareous sandstone. But on the other baud, the 

 quality of the timber of such a stunted and crooked tree, may be, and I strongly suspect is 

 really, superior to that of a lofty grown tree on highly permeable strata. Before M'e cau 

 judge of such matters, and all the important practical bearings depending upon them, we 

 first require a thorough knowledge of the laws according to which the quality of timber 

 is affected by soil. Towards a settlement of this question, I shall introduce hereafter a scheme 

 for studying the quality of wood according to soil and climate. 



To return now to the poonzohs or deserted touugyas, we must keep in mind that hardly 

 any advantages can really be derived from them, except when they are occupied immediately 

 after desertion. It is then that measures can be taken to prevent the springing up of coarse grasses 

 and weeds, which are so injurious to the free development of tree growth. The natural course 

 would seem to be to sow bamboo seeds and teak together, instead of (as is done now) to sow til, 

 cotton, rice, brinjals, chillies, and such like crops. Indeed, I do not see what direct influence 

 these crops can exercise upon the growth of the j'oung teak trees themselves. They are in verdure 

 during the rains when shade is not required, aud become just dry enough in the hot season 

 to give additional food to the juugle-iires. The small profits, derived from the sale of the 

 outturn of these crops, cau hai'dly counterbalance the necessary consequences of want of 

 competitive vegetation, viz. the bad growth of the teak-trees themselves. Bamboos would 

 perform this service, but surely not such annual crops as these. If sliade is actually required, 

 we must look out for other substitutes, which will not only furnish shade, but at the same 

 time cause the young trees to compete together for an upward-growth. Such shade plants 

 must at the saine time be of such a kind as will suppress the upward-growth of coarse weeds 

 and grasses, and for this reason, they should neither be leafshedders nor very finely leaved 

 evergreens. They ought to be broad-leaved, but very loosely crowned plants. I would sug- 

 gest for the present, castor-oil and papaya trees (and the Chinese tallow-tree ?) ; I cau for the 

 present note only these few trees as suitable for permeable sandstone formations. It has already, 

 I hope, been made clear from my previous remarks, that the same trees do not grow at the same 

 rate on different substrata ; it is necessary therefore that their selection should be regulated 

 upon this principle, that a tree will grow fastest on very permeable, and slowest on impermeable 

 rocks, and one has to study the different rates of annual growth of every tree, before one cau 

 advantageously provide for a good competition among leaf-shedders. The abovementioned 

 trees will, however, suceessfuUj' keep out wild sugarcane and other coarse light-loving grasses, 

 while weak soft grasses and herbs will spring up, and will have rather a beneficial eti'ect, 

 because they will remain green the greater part of the hot season, aud will thus be less sub- 

 ject to jungle-fires. 



If the immediate planting together of bamboo and teak seed would not be preferred, I 

 would suggest the following plan of operations, as an experiment : 



1st. liainy season, bow teak and castor-oil or papaya-seeds together. 



2nd. Ilaiuy season. Sow Bamboo-seeds at proportional distances. 



3rd. Rainy season. Statu quo. 



* Much depends also upon the quality of the seeds themselves, and weak seedlings often succumb altogether, 

 or remain sickly on a soil otherwise most favourable for their growth. 



