THE CENTRAL PROVINCES AND OUDH 263 
within view of completion, but the results were 
eminently satisfactory, for the minimum wage of the 
subordinates was raised by about 40 per cent., and 
the establishments were regraded so as to afford 
earlier promotion ; while numberless small concessions 
were granted, such as free uniforms, local allow- 
ances, etc., that did much to raise the status of the 
subordinate, and so encourage the recruitment of a 
better class of men. One portion of the Service 
was, however, still left without relief, the most 
important provincial branch; its claims had not been 
overlooked, but unforeseen hindrances arose in the 
final issue of the orders that were designed to 
ameliorate the lot of these hard-worked officers. 
This delay was most regrettable in every way, but 
here, too, matters have since been satisfactorily 
settled. 
In thus writing of the interests of an Inspector- 
General of Forests at Simla and Calcutta, it must be 
understood that he is entrusted with no powers of 
administration ; his duty is to advise when called 
upon to do so, and, though he may be permitted to 
make suggestions on his own initiative, the fate of 
such advice or suggestions rests entirely with the 
Government of India. Thus, though an inspecting 
officer may enjoy the satisfaction of working in 
accordance with his own convictions, and on lines that 
he personally ardently desires to follow, this may be 
due rather to good fortune than to merit; he may, 
for instance, be both enthusiastic in his profession 
and persuasive in argument, yet have little oppor- 
tunity of using these important administrative 
talents. For myself, I had the good fortune to be 
