72 THIRD REPORT ON FOREST OPERATIONS 



necessary, and the expense forbids its use except in large public 

 works. 



Little or nothing is on record regarding the many insects 

 which prey upon Indian forest trees. The subject is most im- 

 portant ; they perhaps effect more injury than all the other 

 sources of decay. The only one who has paid particular atten- 

 tion to this branch of science, and who is able to supply in- 

 formation, is Mr S. JT. Ward, C.S. By means of his beautiful 

 figures, I hope to interest the subordinates of the department in 

 this part of practical forestry. If any meet with pieces of timber 

 attacked by wood-boring beetles, I should be glad to receive spe- 

 cimens showing the burrows, especially if they contain the larvae. 



14. Extension of System. — I. Ossur and Denkindkota. — Steps 

 have been taken towards the appointment of an overseer for the 

 conservancy of the sandal-wood jungles in Ossur and Denkina- 

 kota. It was thought desirable to extend the system of con- 

 servancy to these forests, it being necessary to provide against 

 the theft of the sandal trees, and to prevent the young plants 

 from being destroyed by strong creepers which grow everywhere 

 around. The progress of the Bangalore Branch Bailway, more- 

 over, pointed out the propriety of having a subordinate of this 

 department, to number and register the trees available for 

 sleepers, &c. 



II. Madura. — In compliance with a recommendation made by 

 His Excellency Sir C. Trevelyan, in par. 33 of his Minute, dated 

 8th Feb. 1860, an overseer has been appointed to the Madura 

 Forests, to prevent the reckless cutting of timber, and to mark 

 from year to year the trees which arrive at sufficient maturity 

 and are fit to be felled. His attention will be particularly di- 

 rected at first to the slopes of the Pulny Hills and Cumbum 

 Valley, which are reported to contain valuable timber. 



III. Guddapah. — This district has hitherto been inadequately 

 explored and conserved. It has now become necessary that the 

 jungles there be brought under strict surveillance. The railway, 

 which is to run through the whole length of the district, is ad- 

 vancing, and the demand on these forests for sleepers and other 

 timber will soon become pressing. An efficient assistant has 

 been appointed for this duty. 



