156 FIEEWOOD. 



changes and mercantile considerations ; and in remodelling the 

 rules of any particular district, the full concurrence of the col-, 

 lector should be obtained, and due respect be paid to private in- 

 terests. 



H. Cleghorn, 

 Madras, 5th April 1859. Conservator of Forests. 



Extract Order on the foregoing Beport. 



ith June 1859, No. 744. 



In the Memorandum, the Conservator of Forests replies to four 

 separate references made to him by Government on various sub- 

 jects. In pars. 18 and 19, Dr Cleghorn speaks of the Striharikota 

 firewood jungle in Chingleput. He thinks that the plan of 

 renting lately adopted has acted injuriously. The abuses noticed 

 should be stopped, and the Board of Eevenue will give their 

 attention to the subject. Future rents should stipulate that 

 trees should be cut down only to within two feet of the ground, 

 as suggested. In pars. 22 to 27, Dr C. treats of the best manner 

 of preserving light firewood jungles ; and the Board will use the 

 means at their command to make known the measures there de- 

 tailed, and give them effect. The suggestions for the preserva- 

 tion of the Striharikota jungle, and others similarly situated, 

 should be carefully attended to. 



"With these few remarks, the Government resolve to transmit 

 Dr Cleghorn^ report to the Board of Eevenue. As population 

 increases and cultivation extends, the subject of maintaining the 

 supply of firewood becomes very important. In more advanced 

 countries, it is recognised as one of the modes of employing 

 capital for profit, to maintain plantations for the purpose. India 

 has not yet reached that state ; but the time is approaching when 

 a commencement of that system will be necessary in the neigh- 

 bourhood of large towns and of extensive factories. The terms 

 on which land may be had for planting are so liberal as to offer 

 no obstacle ; but planting for this purpose is novel in this country, 

 and there is the usual backwardness to make a beginning. The 

 Board and the various collectors may be able to aid in removing 



