THE GOLD COAST. 



31T 



Ashanti, which is well wooded and rich in perennial streams. 

 Beyond that plateau the dense forest gives way to open savannah 

 with a poor water supply during the dry season ; the country is 

 comparatively flat with isolated hills. The geological formation 

 is very diversified. 



Climate.— The average rainfaU is said to vary between 21 and 

 78 inches, and the average temperature between 91 and 58 degrees, 

 the relative humidity between 70 and 86 per cent. There are two 

 periods of rainfall, from mid-May to the end of July, and from 

 the beginning of September to mid-October. 



2. Main Types of Foeest Growth. 

 These are practically the same as those of Nigeria. 



3. Area and Ownership of Forests. 

 The area is estimated as follows : — 



nities, and individual ownership is also recognised. The native 

 authorities have alienated some 25,000 square miles, chiefly for 

 mining purposes, for periods extending to 99 years. Of that area 

 only 1,084 square miles were actually validated by the Courts. 



4. Relationship of the State to the Forests. 



Ordinance No. 20 of 1907 deals with the Forests. Under it 

 Rules were issued regulating the export of timber. It is hoped 

 that the Chiefs will proclaim suitable areas as Reserves. The 

 Government encourages the Native Authorities to co-operate with 

 the work of the State Forest Department by passing bye-laws for 

 the protection of the forests. Forest offences are dealt with by 

 Native Tribunals. 



