PLANTATION OP AUSTEALIAN TEEES, 

 NILGIEI HILLS. 



Much has been written on the subject of planting the Nilgiri 

 Hills, chiefly by the gentlemen named below,* who have suc- 

 cessively recommended the establishment of tree plantations. 

 It is scarcely necessary to dwell upon the advantages to be 

 derived from promoting this desirable measure ; but they may 

 be briefly stated : — 1. Plantations create and improve the soil, 

 and secure the permanency of the springs ; 2. Plantations 

 shelter from the violent winds and modify the climate ; 3. They 

 furnish material for house-building, furniture, &c. ; 4. They fur- 

 nish fuel, fencing materials, &c. ; 5. They are ornamental. 



Private individuals are planting* largely near their dwel- 

 ling-houses, through the instrumentality of the well-furnished 

 arboretum existing at the Govt. Gardens ; but the experiment 

 recommended in the first instance, and superintended in its pro- 

 gress by Capt. Campbell, is the only attempt at forest planting 

 in the Nilgiri Hills on a considerable scale on the part of Gov- 

 ernment. Having in my first visit been pleased with the general 

 arrangements and the healthy appearance of the young trees, I 

 requested Capt. Campbell to favour me with a summary of the 

 progress of his operations, specifying, 1. The establishment em- 

 ployed ; 2. The method of procedure and number of trees planted ; 

 3. The sum of money received and expended ; 4. The prospects 

 of the plantations, and his own wishes in regard to its future 

 management. The annexed memo., 10th August 1857, furnishes 

 these details. 



* Honourable J. Sullivan, '• Agri-Hort. Socy.'s Proceedings ;" Capt. Al- 

 lardyce, Dr Wight, and Capt. Ouchterlony, in " Madras Journal of Litera- 

 ture and Science ;" E. B. Thomas, Esq., Capt. 1, Campbell, and Mr 

 W. G. M'lvor, " Official Reports." 



