316 FORESTRY IN THE CROWN COLONIES. 



think that supplies would probably be sufficient at the past rate 

 of cutting for an indefinite period, but the probability is that the 

 demand will increase, resulting in a reduction of the supplies of 

 the more valuable species. 



The following steps should be taken : — 



(a) The reservation of much larger areas for timber production. 



(6) The prohibition of shifting cultivation in the reserved areas, 



or, if that is not practicable, an efficient regulation of it, 



so as to reduce the damage to a minimum. 



(c) An efficient examination of the more important forests at 



any rate, so as to obtain a proper knowledge of their 



contents and yield capacity. On the basis of that 



knowledge the maximum yield which the forests can 



stand should be determined, until more accurate working 



plans can be drawn up. 



{d) A gradual improvement and extension of the road system 



and other means of transport, 

 (e) The introduction to the market of a larger number of 



indigenous timbers. 

 (/) A staff sufficient to carry out such a programme. 

 When sufficient progress has been made in these directions, 

 research and other matters can be taken up. 



R. THE GOLD COAST COLONY. 



(See sketch map on page 203.) 

 1. General Notes. 



The general conditions are approximately the same as in 

 Nigeria ; hence, the following short notes will suffice for the 

 present purpose : — 



The Colony is situated between the 5th and 11th degree north 

 latitude and the 1st and 3rd degree west longitude. The area, 

 including Ashanti and the Northern Territory, amounts to about 

 80,000 square miles, with a population of 1,400,000, averaging 

 17 per square mile. 



Topography. — Along the sea shore the ground is undulating ; 

 in the eastern half of it is an extensive plain with dry savannah 

 forest ; in the western half low hills come down close to the sea 

 The interior is very hilly up to the central plateau of Northern 



