X PREFACE. 



imperative is it in the tropics, -where the supplies of water, 

 and consequently of food and other produce, are in a great 

 measure dependent on the existence of forests, especially 

 in all the elevated parts of that vast country. If the facts 

 which prove the value of preserving forests, and regulating 

 the cutting of timber on certain fixed rules, were gene- 

 rally known, every official in India would cordially co- 

 operate in the work of conservation. 



A code of forest regulations for all India is much wanted. 

 If this was drawn up and sanctioned, the rights of Govern- 

 ment (which are in some districts in a confused state) 

 would be placed on as equitable and sound a basis as the 

 rights of the people themselves. 



The present volume was prepared at the instance of 

 Government, principally for the purpose of furnishing a 

 continuous view of forest conservancy in the Madras 

 Presidency during the four years that the department 

 has been in operation. One of the objects contemplated 

 was to supply a manual to enable the forest assistants 

 to act intelligently, and with good results to the State, 

 in positions of responsibility. The want of such a hand- 

 book has been frequently felt, not only in this depart- 

 ment, but more or less by all who are practically in- 

 terested in the natural products of India, and in their 

 employment by different departments of public works. 



To the railway engineer, it is hoped that, even in its 

 present form, it will prove of service, enabling him to 

 acquaint himself with the various indigenous timbers, 

 and their adaptation to the requirements of engineering 

 in Southern India. The authorities of the several rail- 

 way companies have repeatedly adverted to the want of 



