( 25A ) 



be keen competition among the cattle-owners to graze their cattle, 

 on payment of dues in the improved areas as they are thrown 

 open. I think this is a very reasonable proposal. For the first 

 three years all grazing would be free. In the second period half of 

 the area would be open for free grazing and one-fourth would be 

 available for the restricted number of cattle belonging to owners 

 ready to pay the dues. After six years one-fourth of the area will 

 be open to free grazing, and only half will be open to grazing on the 

 payment of dues. After nine years there will be no free grazing at 

 all, but by that time the graziers will have realized the advantages 

 conferred upon them. 



la view of the urgent need of cut-fodder in the district as a 

 reserve against bad years I would also recommend the additional 

 closure of a second quarter of each grazing block for four months 

 from July to October, during which season the remaining half of 

 the area should afford ample grazing for the cattle of each village. 

 The grass would be out in October and the area would again be 

 open to grazing in November. Not only will this measure ensure 

 a large supply of cut-fodder, but it will also improve the grass for 

 grazing purposes. The importance of this can hardly be exagge- 

 rated. In the last fodder famine thousands of tons of grass were 

 cut in March and April ; much of this proved useless except as litter, 

 because it was cut at the wrong time of year. Even in good years 

 there is always a demand for cut-fodder in the hot season, so that 

 it is not necessary to wait until famine has established itself to lay 

 in a stock of cut-fodder. 



So far I have discussed only the measures necessary for the 

 improvement of the grass on the ravines, which, I repeat, is the 

 most important objective. Tbe restrictions which I have proposed 

 are not, I think, such as to cause much discontent, while I am 

 convinced that they will result in very material improvement to 

 the pasture. It must not be forgotten, however, that we have other 

 objectives, such as the supply of fuel and timber for the district. 

 Afforestation on a large scale would necessitate the closure of a 

 larger area than is advisable at present, in view of the poor charac- 

 ter of the grazing. If t he grass were as thick and abundant now, 

 as it would be in due course if properly preserved, I should have no 

 hesitation in recommending the establishment of large regular 

 plantations; for I have absolutely no doubt at all as to the capa- 

 city of the ravines for growing forests or as to the feasibility of 

 their establishment. But things being as they are, I would not 

 recommend afforesiation ou a large scale for the first twelve years. 

 On the other hand, I think a beginning should be made. 



The mere protection of tree-growth in the closed quarter of each 



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