IN THE. MADRAS PRESIDENCY. 11 



will be a historical record of what can be effected by artificial 

 means. These plantations will be an important source of supply 

 in future years. They are under the immediate charge of Chatu 

 Menon, a Nair, who conducted all the preliminary experiments 

 under Mr Conolly's orders, and who has watched the young trees 

 from the day of germination. I propose that two Duffadars 

 should be sent, one to the Anamalais, and one to North Canara, 

 to introduce the Conolly system of plantation into those dis- 

 tricts.* 



19. Poon Spars.-\ — These are becoming very scarce, and, con- 

 sequently, are perhaps more valuable than teak. Young trees, 

 especially such as are in accessible places, are most carefully- 

 preserved. Strict orders on this subject have been given in Coorg, 

 Mysore, and Canara. In one case which came within my obser- 

 vation, several valuable spars were found in a bridge, the total 

 estimate of which was 250 rupees. J This incident will illustrate 

 the importance of officers in the public works and telegraph 

 departments, &c, making themselves acquainted with the descrip- 

 tion of timber available and suitable for their wants. I may also 

 mention that the superintendent of Coorg has received several 

 tenders for the supply of Poon spars and other timber at the dis- 

 tances of at least three miles from the Sulia River, showing the 

 scarcity of such wood, and the readiness of the Mangalore con- 

 tractors to carry it several miles to the nearest water carriage. 



20. Blackwood.^ — This valuable wood has risen much in price. 

 Indents were received during the year both from Madras and 

 Bombay gun-carriage manufactories, each for 5000 cubic feet. 

 This tree was formerly given to applicants at three rupees each ; 

 but, with the concurrence of the collector of Canara, I have dis- 



* Since writing this, I find that the Nair subordinates are unwilling^o 

 leave their native place. One has been found ready to proceed to the Ana- 

 mallais, but no one is willing to proceed to North Canara on any terms ; 

 therefore one of the Canara establishment will be detached for instruction 

 to Nellambur. 



t Calophyllum aingustifolium. (Eoxb.) 



% Several instances of the same kind have occurred. Poon spars, 

 although highly prized for shipbuilding, are ill suited for making bridges. 



I Dalbergia IcUifolia, L. 



