FIREWOOD. 155 



trees marked by the Conservancy Dept. at a fixed rate, varying 

 from As. 8 to E. 1-8-0 per tree for house-building. 



30. In Salem lately, with the concurrence of the collector, and 

 in accordance with the Bombay rules, E. I per cart was charged, 

 at the outlet of the Kotapati and other valleys, for wood exported 

 for building purposes. I found, on inquiry at Vaniambadi and 

 Vellore, that the average value of such cart-loads of timber is 

 Es. 5 to 6 ; the charge, therefore, seems reasonable, and is readily 

 paid. I consider that a similar charge will be necessary for the 

 protection of all Government forests along the line of the rail- 

 ways, more especially as zamindars have increased their imposts 

 on all wood from their forests. 



31. Palmyrahs. — In regard to these, I am of opinion that their 

 preservation and increase should remain in connection with the 

 Abkari department. 



32. The Palmyrah grows well on all the barren ground of the 

 coast at present unproductive. The sandy soil is congenial to it. 

 The seeds buried in drifting sand often take root, and make their 

 way to the surface. This palm also grows well in the stiff black 

 mould near the backwaters, where the seed should be planted eight 

 inches deep, when the soil is moist. 



33. Bamboos. — Bamboos for exportation are allowed to be cut 

 below ghat at a charge of Es. 5 per 1000 for all sizes ; and those 

 granted above ghat (independent of those taken for exportation) 

 are divided into four classes, according to size. 



34. Bamboos are valuable according to their position (vicinity 

 of large towns) ; sometimes they are of no value, and it would 

 not be just to fix a common rate. In Gumsur and Kimadi, it has 

 been considered desirable to get rid of the bamboo jungles. In 

 Salem and N. Arcot they are rapidly becoming scarce within ten 

 miles of the railway, and the question of subsequent management 

 has been under the consideration of the collectors and myself. 

 Bamboos are exported largely from the Shevarai Hills to Trichin- 

 opoly and Madura, and the trade is said to be lucrative. 



35. In conclusion, it will be seen that vast changes take place 

 in a few years, and that it is impossible to lay down absolute 

 rules for general application. The subject of fuel requires close 

 attention, both as regards household requirements, climatic 



