90 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



of townships, except in cultivated districts, were vaguely 

 defined. But now that life and property are secure, and the 

 population has confidence, the cultivated area has greatly 

 increased, and it has been found necessary to have all bound- 

 aries accurately laid down. 



When the Survey was establishod, village maps did not 

 exist, and the village accountants merely had rough books, 

 containing vague and unsatisfactory entries regarding the 

 tenure and rent of the lands. 



A very large proportion of the best lands was alienated 

 from the state, and held by individuals on old grants, subject 

 generally to certain payments. 



The rents paid to Government were excessive, and much 

 land lay waste. 



Moreover, on wells being dug, or other improvements 

 effected by cultivators, they were at once subjected to an 

 increased assessment on the improved value of their holdings. 



For the correction of these matters the Kevenue Survey 

 was established. 



The Guzerat Branch consisted of 



1 Superintendent ; 



6 Measuring Assistants ; 



2 Classing Assistants. 



In the early days of the department these were all officers of 

 the army, or gentlemen of the uncovenanted civil service. 



The superintendent directed the whole, and assigned his 

 work to each assistant. 



The measuring assistants had each under him twenty 

 native surveyors and eight learners. 



The native surveyors were appointed to survey the various 

 villages about the country ; and they conducted their work 

 with chain and cross-staff. 



