30 FIRST REPORT ON FOREST OPERATIONS 



19. Introduction of Saw Machinery. — Par. 28. The Government 

 concur with the Conservator as to the propriety of deferring the 

 introduction of saw machinery to the little frequented forests. 

 This expensive plant can only be desirable when operations are to 

 be conducted for a length of time on a large scale at the same 

 place. At the depots, the saw machinery might advantageously 

 be introduced, the timber being conveyed thither entire ; mean- 

 while every endeavour should be made to abolish the use of the axe. 



20. Para. 30. Will be communicated to the chief engineer, 

 with a request that he will direct his subordinates to follow the 

 course suggested. 



21. Par. 33. The principle here laid down is fair and highly 

 proper, and collectors should give their aid in securing its ob- 

 servance. 



22. Par. 34. The Government fully concur in Dr Cleghom's 

 views, as enunciated in this paragraph ; which may be stated in a 

 few words to be, that while it is desirable to give every encourage- 

 ment to the extension of coffee cultivation, the destruction of 

 timber must be prevented, by restricting grants of coffee land to 

 places where the shrub can be grown with advantage ; and, at the 

 same time, the denudation of the higher ridges and slopes of 

 hills, which if allowed may result in a serious diminution of the 

 rain fall, should be absolutely prohibited ; while those intending 

 to occupy land containing fine timber, should be compelled 

 to take the land without the timber, or take the latter at a 

 valuation. 



The Government are aware that the (late) collector of Coim- 

 batore, Mr Thomas, was fully alive to the importance of the prin- 

 ciples laid down ; but they desire that the Board of Eevenue will 

 communicate to the present acting-collector their wish, that the 

 views expressed in the letter quoted should be adhered to in 

 every way. 



23. With reference to par. 35, the Government notice with 

 much interest the successful attempt by a private individual to 

 introduce the tea plant. Dr Cleghorn will be good enough to keep 

 them informed of the progress of an experiment so creditable to 

 Mr Mann. 



The Government would be glad to see the general instruc- 



