127 



JErample.—The Iwge size of the few old trete still remaining would of itself be 

 suttoient to prove that a fine forest growth at one time covered at least the more 

 tavonrably situated areas, and there is besides clear evidence that nearly all the old 

 growth has disappeared through yAwmm^. The fact is that the level tracts, which 

 typify these hills, nttracted settlers at an early date after the pacification of the 

 country under British Mile; and, although ^7<oomi»9 did not extend far up the hill- 

 sides which are generally too steep for this mode of cultivation, tlie trees did not 

 escape injury. The best Itinds were exported to the plains, being generally felled 

 four or hve feet from the ground, and young shoots were similarly hacked ofE as 

 Boan as they attained a saleable size. The inferior species were lopped to provide 

 fuel or fodder, -while the entire area was oveiTun by herds of cattle and was subject 

 to annual fires^ The evidences of this ill-treatment are very visible on the crop which 

 now remains. 



Injuries to which the crops are liable.— It is only necessary, 

 as a rule, to explain those causes of injury, such as breaches 

 of the forest regulations, fires, grazing, climbers and other 

 injurious growths, depredations by noxious animals, etc., 

 which in practice may be prevented or restrained, and 

 which have an important direct bearing on the forest 

 management. Purely scientific information with regard to 

 fungoid growths or insect pests, however interesting or even 

 useful it may be, is generally out of place in a working- 

 plan. The injuries may be conveniently classed under two 

 main heads, vis., those due to natural causes, and those 

 caused by man. 



Example. — The chief preventible causes of injury are grazing and fires. Many 

 other injurious customs formerly prevailed, such as tapping for resin, taking large 

 strips of bark ofE the trunks of fir trees for roofing temporary huts, and liacking 

 green deodar and other oonifers-for fuel oi torches ; but these malpractices have been 

 altogether put a stop to. 



The bad condition of the forest as regards reproduction is largely due to the very 

 Irregular manner in which grazing is allowed. The cattle graze all the year round 

 at a few favoured spots near the villages. There are thus numerous congested 

 grazing centres scattered throughout the forests, whilst there are also considerable 

 areas where grazing is veiy slight or scarcely takes place. The closing and opening 

 in regular rotation of difFerent blocks, and the consequent distribution of the grazing 

 -over the entire area would, in a great measure, mitigate this evil. 



The chief cause of injury is, however, fire. With the exception of the protected 

 blocks, only some damp, shady hollows, covering an insignificant area, escape, and the 

 general effect on vegetation is deplorable. The quality of the trees is inferior, a large 

 percentage of the stems is hollow, and saplings are often burnt down to the ground. 

 The greater portion of the stock is really derived from coppice shoots ; while in other 

 respects reproduction is almost entirely checked owing to the seeds and seedlings 

 being destroyed. The density of the crops is also sensibly affected, the formation of 

 large blanks is increasing, and the spread of bamboos and grasses, such as bab'ar, has 

 been encouraged rather than retarded by these fires. Considering that there is a 

 certain demand for wood of all kinds in the Eange, it is of course important to 

 extend fire-protection over a larger area, and this may gradually be done without 

 causing hardship or even local discontent. . , 



Climbers in the upper forests, unlike the maljdn and others in the sal areas, do 

 little or no damage. The commonest of the climbers and creepers are ivy, vines, 

 particularly Vitis himalayana, Schizandra ffrandiflora, a,iiA Fiats scandem. 

 Tbese perhaps do more good than harm by keeping the trunks moist and by killing 

 off the lower branches. No measures are, therefore, necessary with regard to them. 



Past and present systems of management. — The system or 

 systems of management which have been followed in the 



