IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. 37 



bushes, there being almost a total absence of forest trees. In 

 sueh localities, the cost of conveyance, and the difficulty of pro- 

 curing wood, is in some cases excessive. Small poles are not to 

 be obtained even for the rafters of huts ; the lower fallen leaves 

 of the American aloe come into great use as a substitute for fuel, 

 for which it is not well adapted, containing little combustible 

 matter. The seignorage on firewood varies in different districts ;* 

 and the general regulations also differ "with reference to the 

 natural supply of fuel, which is more or less abundant all over 

 the country. After watching the eflect of the local rules, which 

 are to a certain extent experimental, we will be able, I hope, 

 hereafter, to generalise principles, and to arrange the manage- 

 ment of fuel — charcoal and bamboos — upon something like a 

 uniform system. In illustration of what is doing in this respect, 

 I have inserted in App. H. the rules of the Coimbatore district, 

 finally passed by the Board of Eevenue, the collector, and myself. 

 An addition has yet to be made in regard to charcoal. 



Peat. — On the Mlgiri Hills, turf fuel is now used more than 

 formerly, and it is very desirable that this economical material 

 should be utilized as much as possible, so as to lessen the demand 

 for wood and charcoal. The peat of the Nilgiris. is different from 

 that of Europe, as regards the producing plants. Several speci- 

 mens were lately forwarded to Dr Percy, School of Mines, Lon- 

 don, for analysis. The only other sample which has been sub- 

 mitted to chemical examination, so far as I know, was brought 

 from Thibet by Dr Falconer. 



31. Charcoal. — This subject was alluded to in last year's sum- 

 mary ; it is one of great importance, and again demands special 

 notice. There is great necessity for insisting on the strictest 



for which purposes it answers well. "When thoroughly ignited, the heat 

 given out is intense. It is in general use among natives, being more eco- 

 nomical than any other fuel. 



* Trichinopoly, 4 ans. per cart load of about 750 pounds. 

 Coimbatore, 5 do. do. do. 



Bellary, 4 do. do. do. 



South Arcot, 4 do. do. do. 



Utakamand, 8 do. do. do. (cut by the de-. 



partment). 



