146 FORESTRY IN BRITISH EAST INDIA. 



commercial purposes, without, however, excluding the supply of 

 the requirements of the surrounding population. Classes (c) and 

 (d) contain the areas which are managed chiefly, or entirely, for 

 the production of the forest produce necessary for the local 

 population. In some parts of India these latter forests are the 

 most important, inasmuch as the supply to the agricultural 

 classes of the necessary produce is a paramount duty of the 

 State, whenever the supply from private forests is not sufficient. 

 The activity of the Indian forest department should not be judged 

 from the revenue point of view only, but also, and frequently 

 chiefly, by the degree of efficiency in supplying the population 

 with the necessary forest produce. This is of special importance 

 in a country like India, where frequent periods of scarcity, if not 

 of famine, occur. At such times the classes (c) and {d) of forests 

 are essential to the very existence of the people and their cattle. 

 Unless the latter are in fair condition, the fields could not be 

 ploughed for the next food crop. Even in ordinary years very 

 large quantities of produce are given free of charge from the 

 State forests or at reduced prices, whenever necessary, so as to 

 assist the local cultivator. 



It has been stated above that in many parts of India dried 

 cow dung is used as fuel, and thus taken away from its legitimate 

 use as manure. In the year 1873 the author of this book suggested 

 the formation of fuel reserves in the Province of Behar, so that 

 cow dung should be used for manure. No action was taken on 

 this suggestion, but, some 20 years later, Dr. Voelker, the agricul- 

 tural expert, brought the matter forward as one of great 

 importance in the improvement of agriculture. Then more 

 attention was paid to the establishment of fuel and fodder reserves 

 by means of afforestation, wherever the existing forests were not 

 sufficient to yield the necessary quantities. 



4. Organisation, Administration and Staff, 



As already mentioned, the organised Indian Forest Department 

 dates from the year 1864. The forest administration is placed 

 under the Local Governments, which in future will be presided 

 over by Governors in Council. Their action is, however, con- 

 trolled by the Government of India. What shape that control 

 will take in the future is as yet somewhat uncertain, as great 



