IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. 69 



11. Auctions. — The system of periodical auctions is continued. 

 All sound timber which would otherwise be left to rot or burn is 

 collected and disposed of in this manner. The numerous heavy 

 indents and constant pressure on the forests disposed of most of 

 the wood as soon as it was arranged in the depots, so that the sales 

 are confined to the second and third classes of timber. It is 

 most important that this system should be continued, as, if we 

 do not enable the people to procure wood by purchase, illicit 

 practices will certainly spring up. 



12. Economical Working. — In my first report, allusion was 

 made to the system of slovenly felling and wasteful trimming 

 which generally prevailed throughout the country. I am not 

 able to state that these practices have been abandoned by the 

 forest tribes, who are notoriously improvident ; but wherever 

 Government is working the forest under the supervision of their 

 own officers, the rules laid down as to felling, squaring, and 

 seasoning are strictly attended to. The introduction of the 

 cross-cut saw in lieu of the rude woodman's axe made by the 

 village blacksmith, is a source of great economy, and the use of 



Fig. 6. Natives using the Saw. 



this implement is insisted upon wherever practicable. As it is 

 very expensive to bring gangs of trained sawyers from the towns, 

 it is found advisable to instruct the hill tribe (Malsars and Wud- 

 ders) in this occupation ; and by paying ready money for the 

 work done, a great improvement is taking place. Fig. 6 shows 

 the method of using the cross-cut saw, which may be purchased 



