150 FIREWOOD. 



to various rules in the different eollectorates. and the question is 

 frequently asked by private individuals, " "What is the best kind 

 of tree to grow for firewood?" There can be no doubt that, in 

 the neighbourhood of large towns, along the lines of railway, in 

 the vicinity of iron foundries, sugar factories, engineers' work- 

 shops, &c, this necessary of life is more scarce and expensive 

 than formerly, owing to the greater distance from which it is 

 brought, and the unrestricted license with which it is cut. 



4. The marvellous changes which are taking place will pro- 

 bably render new regulations necessary for the continuance of 

 the supply. The consumption of fuel is very great near some of 

 the works alluded to. It is not far from the truth, that four 

 sugar factories (Astagram, Aska, Chittavalsa, and Eajamandri) 

 burn from 10 to 20,000 tons each in the working season ; and 

 the railway demand for sleepers requires 20,000 tons for every 

 fifty miles under construction, besides other factories and great 

 works hastening the clearance of the jungles. 



5. One thing seems evident, that in future incorporated bodies 

 must plant quick-growing trees * for their own use, and begin 

 early, so that no time may be lost, and the trees be coming on 

 whilst' the preliminary operations are in progress. It would be 

 well if such companies take up so many acres of land at each 

 station where they have a European officer. 



6. So great has been the demand for wood and fuel in the 

 vicinity of the railways, that zamindars have raised the Kuti 

 kanam or stump-money, and have levied a tax on every cart of 

 firewood, seldom less than As. 2, and very soften As. 4. On the 

 other hand, the Board of Eevenue, Pro. 19th June 1858, No. 

 2131, recommend a liberal policy, laying down " the principle of 

 leaving the fuel of the inhabitants of a district untaxed," unless 

 the collector can show special reasons for the restriction ; and 

 more recently the Government abolished the jungle rents in 

 several districts (petty items of Pullari). The natural effect 

 is, that the consumption of fuel is greater in Government jungles 

 than it has ever been. I cannot but think that the Government 



* Acacia arabica. Acacia speciosa. Cassia javanica. 



„ Uucophlea. Cassia florida. Inga dulcis. 



