AGRICULTURAL VALUE OF. 619 



2. Cases ivhere Forest Litter is Indispensable for Agriculture. 



The condition of agriculture is so variable in different 

 countries, and the intensity with which land is farmed differs so 

 considerably even in one and the same district, that to answer 

 the above question requires a special consideration of each case. 

 The main factors of general application are ; — the natural pro- 

 ductiveness of the soil, climate and season, area of farms, density 

 of population and comparative knowledge of agriculture by the 

 farmers. If any special case is considered under each of the 

 above heads, a decision may be formed as to the indispensabihty 

 or otherwise of forest litter. 



Within certain well-defined limits forest litter may be con- 

 sidered indispensable to agriculture : — in the case of inferior soils 

 and unfavourable climates ; in years of scarcity of straw and fodder ; 

 in over-populated districts where landed property is much sub- 

 divided and garden-husbandry or the cultivation of potatoes 

 extensively followed; or where, in fairly productive localities, 

 the land is being over -cropped. 



In all other cases, and especially where bad farming prevails, 

 and the farmer from obstinacy and indolence declines to adopt 

 improved agricultural methods, there can be no real necessity for 

 concessions of forest litter. 



This is a question which must be considered from both points 

 of view, that of the forester as well as the farmer. To the 

 former, the removal of litter may involve the destruction of his 

 forest, and he is clearly entitled to ask whether the farmer 

 has thoroughly utilized all the resources of his land before 

 making demands on the forest, for experience shows that he is 

 justified in mistrusting the statements of the ordinary farmer as 

 to the actual necessity of litter for his land. It is also a well- 

 established fact that many officials and authorities on agriculture 

 adopt very one-sided views on this question, attaching little 

 importance to the maintenance of forests, Avhilst they make no 

 really serious eflbrts to improve agricultural practice. Provided, 

 therefore, the opinion of unbiassed experts has not been expressed 

 in favour of an increased concession of litter, forest officials, who 

 can easily acquaint themselves with the local bearings of any 

 case, should deal with every application for forest litter on its 

 own merits. 



