160 FIREWOOD OF NILGIRI HILLS. 



(1.) That the tracts which are not reserved for Government 

 purposes, as above proposed, should be periodically rented out 

 by public auction to the highest bidder (as at Striharikota) ; the 

 timber to be cut close to the ground, and removed within a stated 

 period upon pain of forfeiture. After being thus cleared, the tract 

 to be replanted by my department with fast growing Australian 

 trees, which need little care or trouble. The auction proceeds 

 would admit of this being done, and would, I think, leave a 

 surplus to meet the general charges of conservancy, and admit 

 of further planting. The only objection to this plan is, that 

 it would overthrow the present custom of persons employing 

 wood-cutters. The result of the system would doubtless be, 

 that the renters would establish depots for the sale of timber 

 and fuel. 



(2.) Another plan suggested is, that woodcutters should be 

 required to take out a licence from my office, paying Es. 12 per 

 annum for a daily cooly load, and Es. 48 per annum for a cart- 

 load. This charge would in reality fall upon their employers, 

 and would add little to the price of fuel. The licensed cutters 

 would be provided with a ticket for production when required by 

 my subordinates. The cost of wood is now Es. 2J or Es. 3 per 

 cart load, and As. 3 per man's load, so that these charges are 

 light. 



13. I prefer the first plan, as the simplest and most effectual. 

 It would of course be my care to let a number of lots amply suf- 

 ficient for the requirements of the community, without trenching 

 on the supplies of future years, and to arrange the lots so as to 

 preclude a monopoly, — an object which could always be attained 

 by throwing fresh lots into the market. 



14. "With the funds thus procured, I expect to be able to en- 

 tertain one, if not two additional European foresters. The ex- 

 pense thus incurred will be Es. 35 for one forester, with six peons 

 at Es.5 = Bs.30; and for two foresters, with three peons each, 

 Es.35 + 65 = 100.* "Without additional aid of this kind it is 

 hopeless to attempt efficient conservancy. 



15. I further propose to notify to the collector, from time to 



* Proposed Establishment. — 2 foresters, Es. 70 ; 6 peons, Rs. 30 = Us. 100. 



