KUMARI CULTIVATION. 139 



9. Result in Belgam. — The result of the rules in Belgam (noted 

 at foot of the Pros, of Government, p. 136), will be found 

 clearly given in Captain Anderson's letter, and appears to be 

 very satisfactory. 



10. Sanitary considerations. — In regard to the result of Kumari 

 cultivation in a sanitary point of view, I can affirm, from personal 

 observation and consultation with my professional brethren, that 

 " permanent clearings are of unmixed advantage ;" the dense 

 thorny scrub which succeeds a deserted Kumari is decidedly 

 more injurious to health than lofty forest open below, and har- 

 bours destructive animals to a greater extent. 



11. Punam of Malabar. — The enclosure B. of Mr Grant shows 

 that the Punam culture of Malabar is identical with the Kumari 

 of Canara ; the soil, however, of that district is generally richer, 

 and the results more profitable. The lands of Malabar being 

 private property, I have never interfered. I may refer to Mr 

 Beaumont's letter* showing the effect of excessive Kumari on 

 the operations of the Iron Company ; and I may add, that I hope, 

 with Mr Grant, that the enhanced price of timber will lead the 

 Jenmakars to stop Punam cultivation in many jungles. 



12. Punahad of Salem. — This is an erratic system of rude 

 cultivation, carried on by the Malaialis, a hill tribe inhabiting 

 the Shevarai and Chitteri Hills of Salem collectorate. Mr Pane, 

 C.S.,f lately directed the attention of the Eevenue Board to 

 the injurious effect of this upon the future prospects of coffee 

 planting. 



13. Value of a Kumari. — In conversing with different Eevenue 

 officers, I have heard many opinions as to the profit realized by 

 Kumari cultivation. In a minute by Lord Harris, late Governor 

 of Madras, dated 9th March 1857, in E. M. C, No. 235, Bev. 

 Dep., par. 171, it was computed, on the authority of Mr J. D. 

 Robinson, at Bs. 3 per acre, which seems to .he rather low. 

 I accordingly instructed Mr Miiller to ascertain the actual gains 

 as nearly as possible. He reports as follows : — 



* Ex. Min. of Cons., 30th March 1859, No. 425. 



t Pro. of Board of Bevenue, 7th July 1859, No. 2663. 1 understand 

 that the same matter has attracted much attention in the Coffee districts 

 of Ceylon. 



