90 THIRD REPORT ON FOREST OPERATIONS 



by cabinetmakers. It is singular that this, tree was not con- 

 served under the native Government, whilst teak, blackwood, 

 and sandalwood were rigidly protected. Here it is proper to 

 observe, that we possess a very limited knowledge of the fancy 

 woods ; I believe that several varieties were displayed at the 

 Madras exhibitions, which, if better known in Europe, would be 

 largely employed, as high prices would be given, covering the 

 expense of transport. Their value, doubtless, will yearly increase, 

 as they become better known to foreign timber-merchants. 



34. Dyewood. — Sappan-tree. Some efforts have been made to 

 extend the growth of this plant, by sowing the seeds on the banks 

 of the Sidashegur river. A packet likewise was forwarded to 

 Scinde for trial on the banks of the Indus. Nearly all the straight 

 pieces are sent to England, and the crooked roots to China, the 

 latter, undoubtedly, produce more dye in proportion. 



35. Cinchona. — An attempt some time ago made to introduce 

 this invaluable plant into India failed. The Calisaya plants 

 brought by Mr Eortune died on their way from Calcutta to 

 Darjiling. The success of the Dutch in Java has been very 

 encouraging ; and if the efforts about to be made in this presi- 

 dency are attended with similar success, no ordinary benefit will 

 accrue to the country. The great expense of quinine, and the 

 rapid disappearing of cinchona trees in S. America, renders such 

 an experiment of the utmost interest and importance.* The 

 arrangements made by Mr Markham for the transmission of the 

 plants from Peru to this country have been completed, and ap- 

 pear to be judicious. Taking advantage of the experience and 

 success of the Dutch in Java, a careful comparison has been 

 made between the soil and temperature in which the cinchonas 

 have thriven there, and the climate and geological conditions of 

 various parts of the W. G-hatB. There are certain important 

 points connected with the growth of this plant, as the rain-fall, 

 of which we are ignorant ; but, so far as our knowledge extends, 

 sites have been proposed, so as to correspond as nearly as possible 

 with the soil and climate of the Java plantations. The prepara- 

 tory steps necessary for the safe transport of Mr Markham 's col- 

 lection from Calicut or Madras to the Nilgiris, have been taken 



* Dr Hooker brought this important matter before the Linnean Society. 



