128 



past should be briefly discussed, with a view to prevent- 

 ing a repetition of such mistakes as may liave been made, 

 and so that the present condition of the crop and the sys- 

 tem of management actually in force may be better under- 

 stood. This may necessitate some historical remarks brief 

 enough to render the explanation intelligible. 



Example. —During the first three years of Eritish rule all forest dues were 

 leased ont to contractors with the transit dues on merchandise, and snhseqnently 

 they were farmed out to the zamindars of the parganas in which-they were collect, 

 ed. In 1844, in consequence of the difficulties regarding honndaries that had occur* 

 ed, the collection of these dues was entrusted to the anthorities of the district ; but 

 two years later the duty of collecting them was restored to the zamindars. In 1866 

 t)ie reservation of the lands was reoommended, and a proclamation was issued pror 

 bibiting the cutting of sal within these areas ; and thus the system of Government 

 protection commenced. Since that time the following systems of management have 

 been attempted, with, as will be seen, varying results. — 



Leasing out for one yenr definite areatfo'- the extraction of produce. — This 

 system saved the establishment much trouble, as the lessees issued their 

 own passes and exercised their own check ; and, since they understood the 

 requirements of the local markets better than the forest officers, they pro- 

 bably paid Government a larger sum than would have been colleoted in 

 detail by the Forest Department direct from petty purchasers. But the 

 method led to collusion between the lessees aT)d tbe subordinatos intended 

 to supervise them : trees were killed standing, and timber of forbidden 

 descripiinns was removed. The system has now been abandoned. 

 Semoval of produce under passei issued at revenue stations. — Generalized 

 too far, this system — which was enforced during some years after the 

 abolition of the first — leads to the vei-ysame defects; but, restricted to the 

 removal, under passes valid for a short period, of small fallen wood and 

 of marked and girdled trees fit only for fuel, is a very desirable adjunct to 

 other methods of workings. 

 Sale of standing trees hy the Forest Officer hy pnhlic auction or hy private 

 agy-eemenl. — This has been found by far the best system in disposing 

 of large quantities of valuable produce and should be extended as fai as 

 circumstances will permit. 



It will generally be necessary to explain fully and to 

 criticise the system of management in force, pointing out 

 defects observed in it in just&cation of any changes that 

 may be proposed. 



Example. — Under the system of working in force — 



Green standing trees may only be cut after marking and with the previous 



sanction ot the Divisional Officer. An exception to this rule is sometimes 



made in the case of inferior species. 

 Fallen green trees may only be removed under the pass and mark of Foresters 



in charge of ranges or beats. 

 Bamboos may only be out in specified areas and under permits issued by 



Bange Officeis. 



Purchasers are allowed to enter the forests and to remove the produce they require 



on taking out a pass at any of the revenue stations and on paying the dues according 



to a fixed taritf. The general rule is, however, subject to the following restrictions :— 



That permission to work be obtained before the forest is entered, and that the 



forest rules be observed. 

 That cattle shall not be brought into the forests without the grazing dnes 

 having first been paid) or remain in the forests save at authorized cattle- 

 stations. 



