( 22A ) 







Again, the afforestation of the ravines would undoubtedly check 

 erosion and retard or prevent altogether the inland extension of 

 the ravines. Further, the usual methods adopted for the afforesta- 

 tion of such places, namely, the erection of numerous small dams, 

 will result in the retention of water and the formation of water 

 tanks which are so urgently required for the cattle. 



But although the afforestation of the ravines would be the 

 most obvious duty of an agricultural branch of the Forest depart- 

 ment, this would be by no means its only or even its most import- 

 ant duty, at any rate at the beginning. The first duty of an agri- 

 cultural forest officer in Etawah would be to improve the growth 

 of the grass itself, with a view to the supply of out-fodder and 

 the improvement of the pasture. How this can be done will be 

 shown in a later paragraph. The improvement of the fodder must 

 result in an improved breed of cattle. The Deputy Director has 

 described the supply of good fodder as being the root of the whole 

 question oi cattle-breeding. At present weak, under-fed cattle 

 breed with their like and produce even weaker calves, which are 

 starved and neglected and grow into undersized and useless 

 animals. 



As I have summarized the present evil state of affairs in the 

 Etawah district, I will also briefly recapitulate the benefits which 

 an agricultural branch of forestry can confer on the population : 



(1) A plentiful supply of wood fuel releasing the cowdung for 



the fields. 



(2) As a result more cattle fodder from the fields. 



(3) Consequently better cattle, more ghi, better cultivation, 



greater profits from cattle-breeding, more general pros- 

 perity. 



(4) Improved pasture and a plentiful supply of out-fodder, 



bringing the same general increase of prosperity through 

 the cattle. 



(5) Improved conditions of grazing resulting from the] supply 



of shade : this will result in less mortality among the 

 cattle. 



(6) Increased water-supply from the formation of numerous 



small tanks. 



(7) Cheap supply of building timber. 



(8) The employment of a large number of villagers as foresb 



guards, patrols, etc., and a general inorease in the 



demand for casual labour. 



It needs no argument to prove that such achievements must 

 conduce greatly .to the increase in the general prosperity of the 

 district. 



