180 PLANTATION OF AUSTRALIAN TREES. 



out the ground, great effect might be produced with little trouble, 

 and with a fair prospect of ultimate profit. Much might be done 

 in this way, where the advantages of climate are so great, and a 

 Government arboretum already exists. Taking this view, I 

 consulted Mr M'lvor, and visited with him several localities in 

 the immediate vicinity, which seemed particularly eligible for 

 ornamental planting. I also called upon him for an estimate of 

 the expense of planting 10,000 trees, which is annexed, for the 

 favourable consideration of Government. I formerly ventured to 

 suggest (Memo., 6th August 1857), that Mr M'lvor having now 

 served the Government for ten years without increase of salary, 

 might reasonably be allowed an addition so as to raise his allow- 

 ances from Es.125 to 200 per mensem, on the express condition 

 that he devotes his whole time unreservedly to Government service. 

 L would respectfully renew this suggestion. In addition to his 

 regular garden duties, Mr M'lvor may be required to conduct the 

 experimental planting of 10,000 trees, in accordance with his 

 estimate, and to supervise the renovation of sholas within five 

 miles of Utakamand. 



Dr J. Maitland writes — " I have the honour to acknowledge 

 the receipt of your letter, and proceed to give my opinion on the 

 subject of tree planting on the Nilgiri Hills, with reference to 

 health, price of firewood, &c. The subject I consider to be one 

 of great importance, both in a sanitary and economic point of 

 view. 



" (1.) With reference to its bearing on health. Let us take, for 

 example, Wellington. That station may be said to be entirely 

 destitute of trees. Having had frequent opportunities of obser- 

 vation during the last three years, I am strongly impressed with 

 the opinion that the larger proportion of disease at Wellington 

 than at the neighbouring station at Kunur, is due, in a great 

 measure, to this circumstance, viz., the want of wood ; as, in 

 all other respects, height, temperature, exposure, &c, there is 

 scarcely any appreciable difference between the two places. I 

 think, therefore, that, by planting trees judiciously, great benefit 

 would be derived, not only from the shelter they would afford, 

 but from the good effects produced by a moderate quantity of 



