146 FIREWOOD. 



formed along the coast, generally of the shape and appearance 

 shown in Fig. 7. The subsoil is indurated clay ; and at the edge, 

 where there is a considerable depth of loose sand, the Caldera bush 

 (Pandanus odoratissimus) grows in abundance, and fringes the line 

 of sandhills. There are some lower portions in which the waters 

 of the monsoon have collected, and given to the sand an admix- 

 ture of mould, which so far fertilizes the soil that millets may be 

 cultivated. I only saw one or two small patches of paddy (Oryza 

 sativa). The prospect of converting this waste tract into culti- 

 vated land is very distant, and, for reasons submitted, I think it 

 should be allowed to remain a jungle tract bearing underwood 

 for fuel and beams for housebuilding, and thereby of extensive 

 and important use to the community. 



A large town like Madras requires much fuel for daily con- 

 sumption ; the sources of supply cannot be exclusively confined 

 to mountainous or unculturable land. Difficulty is now expe- 

 rienced in supplying the market with timber and firewood, and 

 the scarcity of fuel has long induced the poorer inhabitants to 

 resort to Striharikota, where, in addition to stunted trees, under- 

 ground roots and stems, running along the loose sand, are pulled 

 up with ease ; and according to the statement of the Military 

 Board, at least one half of the fires in Madras are fed from this 

 source. The simple method of carrying the fuel from the jungle 

 to the cargo boats is shown in the accompanying sketch (Plate 6). 

 However convenient this supply of firewood is to the Madras 

 traders as well as the poor residents, the destruction of the shrubs, 

 roots, &c, will become hereafter a serious inconvenience to the 

 public and a source of detriment to the canal, as the isthmus 

 may revert to its desert state, the dry and loose sand be drifted 

 into the canal, and overspread the adjacent country. If an op- 

 posite system be pursued, and the growth of trees and shrubs 

 encouraged, the belt of wood will protect the soil from sweeping 

 winds and afford fodder for cattle. It appears to me, therefore, 

 that while conserving Striharikota, it would be important also to 

 commence the systematic planting and reclaiming of the sandy 

 flats or downs which lie along the coast between the canal and 

 the sea. There is no apparent obstacle to this being effected. 

 What has been done by nature at Striharikota indicates the pro- 



