92 THIRD REPORT ON FOREST OPERATIONS 



encroachments should take place ; boundary lines and trenches 

 ought in every instance to be carefully laid down, so as to avoid 

 subsequent misunderstanding. The Government is establishing 

 rules, which will enable every one clearly to understand the exact 

 limits of his property, and what penalties are incurred if they are 

 trespassed. 



38. Potato. — It is of great importance that the cultivation of 

 the potato be carefully attended to, and soils best adapted for its 

 healthy and vigorous growth selected. In Bengal, for the last 

 six or seven years, this esculent has been deteriorating ; and it 

 was found necessary to apply (Pro. Board of Eev., 7th May 1859) 

 to this presidency for a supply of seed potatoes, the tubers being 

 larger, firmer, and of better flavour on our mountain ranges than 

 in the Sikkim Himalayas. The cultivation is rapidly increasing 

 in Mysore and on the Nilgiris, and the demand for them is not con- 

 fined to the European, although at first they are not relished by 

 the natives, in a short time the taste is developed, and they are 

 prized, not only because they are palatable and nutritious, but 

 because they are profitable. 



39. Progress of the Department. — At the close of this Beport, 

 it may not be out of place to draw attention to the fact, that 

 since this department was instituted, three years ago, many 

 changes have occurred, and the field of operation has gone beyond 

 the original scheme. In this way difficulties have sprung up 

 which could not have been anticipated, and defects, therefore, 

 can be pointed out which, while matter of regret, are only 

 the natural consequences of circumstances . beyond our control. 

 The establishment is now too limited to embrace all the duties 

 which at present devolve upon it. The extent of country to be 

 conserved is out of proportion to the means placed at the disposal 

 of the department for its protection. Originally, it was not con- 

 templated that we should organise a police establishment, as it 

 was understood that the forests would be under the same protec- 

 tion as other public property. The number* of sanctioned peons is 

 quite inadequate, and the forests, consequently, are only partially 

 protected. It was not expected that the police should enter the 



* Fifty-three permanent for the whole presidency. 



