WORK OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL 213 
General could only visit these Provinces by special 
invitation of their Governments, and he received 
their silvicultural and other reports for information, 
and not for orders. 
Provincial Governments showed marked jealousy of 
any restriction, real or imaginary, of their authority 
by the Supreme Government, and the visits of 
Inspectors were, therefore, not always welcome. 
There was the fear that the local staff might be 
tempted to look past its own Government to the 
Government of India; that it might perhaps accept 
from the representatives of that Government sug- 
gestions and opinions that would be repugnant to 
the provincial policy. Especially with regard to 
State Forestry, it was evidently considered that 
forest policy should be interpreted solely by pro- 
vincial officials. Again, the relations of the inspect- 
ing officer with the members of his own Service 
were capable of presenting serious difficulties. The 
individual opinions of scientific experts are a most 
valuable asset in the decision of any new policy, and 
the presentment of the arguments in favour of or 
against such policy affords scope for much enthu- 
siasm ; but, on the other hand, acquiescence in, or 
opposition to, new proposals may not be entirely 
dependent on opinions on technical matters, and 
formidable obstructions may be raised by those who 
are impatient of outside initiative or of criticism 
that may be interpreted as interference with local 
authority. The foregoing remarks are introduced to 
exhibit the duties and difficulties incidental to the 
life of an inspecting officer. His pleasures consist in 
gaining experience in his profession by visiting new 
