TEAK PLANTATIONS. 319 



I was happy to find that the three daffadars, as well as the 

 sub-conservator, were fully acquainted with the details of the 

 system of planting, and any one of them is capable of carrying 

 it out in other localities if required. The important point of 

 rearing teak plantations being now fully established, it is my 

 hope that the Conolly system of planting may be extended to 

 the Anamalai Hills and to N. Canara. 



Considering the age of Chatu Menon (58), and the serious 

 loss which would be occasioned if he found it necessary to retire 

 from service, it seems desirable that an assistant should be 

 appointed to share the duties of the charge, which have increased 

 much, as the plantation has yearly been added to, and is now too 

 much for one individual. 



The blackwood (biti) Dalbergia latifolia being at present 

 almost" equal in value to teak, and the available supply being 

 also much exhausted, I would propose that an experimental 

 sowing of this should take place. The seeds might be sown in the 

 same manner; and at the same season as the teak. It appears 

 to be very hardy, and grows freely in almost every soil and situa- 

 tion on both aspects of the Western G-hats. 



I have requested the sub-conservator to draw up and for- 

 ward a statement of the work usually done in each month of the 

 year, and I shall feel much obliged by your forwarding to me a 

 translation of the document. I do not intend to make any 

 alteration in the system of management ; and propose that the 

 sub-conservator and his establishment remain under the collec- 

 tor or his assistants, trusting that the same supervision will be 

 exercised as heretofore.* I would feel much obliged by the 

 favour of your supplying me with an outline sketch of the 

 Beypur Kiver, showing the patches of land along its banks which 

 which have been planted, thereby serving as a forest chart." 



These plantations were visited by Lord Dalhousie, and after- 

 wards inspected by Lord Harris, who expressed, in a minute, 



* Subsequently the charge of these plantations was transferred to the 

 Forest Department. An annual visit is paid by Mr M'lvor and Mr Hall to 

 carry out thinning and pruning to the required extent — in accordance with 

 the wishes expressed by Lord Tweeddale and Lord Harris in their respec- 

 tive Minutes. 



