NIGERIA. 311 



The greater part of the forests has been entered as at present 

 " unprofitable," and even of the merchantable forests only a 

 small part has so far been exploited, owing to the primitive 

 methods of extraction, the radius of exploitation being limited 

 to 3 miles from the main waterways. 



4. Ownership of the Forests. 



Practically all the forests belong to the native tribes and 

 communities of Nigeria ; there is no individual ownership. Some 

 forests have been given to Government, others have been con- 

 stituted reserves by agreement with the Emirs or paramount 

 chiefs. All forest reserves are under State control and 

 management. 



Per cent, of 

 Square Miles. Total Area. 



Areas belonging to the State . . 3,144 . . 1-43 

 Areas belonging to Corporate Bodies 215,256 . . 98-57 



Total .... 218,400 .. 100-00 



5. Important Produce. 

 Timbers. 



The so-called " Protected Trees " are entered in a schedule 

 issued under the Forestry Ordinance, arranged into a number of 

 classes. Those of the first and second class are the following : — 



Class I. — Khaya spp. (Mahoganies), found in the tropical 

 evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. No tree under 11 feet 

 girth is allowed to be cut. 



Entandrophragma spp. (Scented Mahoganies) grow to a larger 

 size than the Khayas found in the same localities. Minimum 

 girth for cutting, 11 feet. 



Chlorophora excelsa (known as Iroko or African Teak) is one of 

 the best Nigerian timbers. Weight about 49 lbs. per cubic foot. 



Gaurea Thompsonii and other species (Cedars) are found in the 

 moist evergreen forest producing good timber, of which small 

 quantities are exported. 



Lovoa Kleineana (sold as Walnut), a tree of the moist evergreen 

 forest, a good timber, obtainable in large sizes. 



Sarcocephalus esculent us, a large tree, used for canoes ; a 

 valuable timber, durable. 



