1849.] 



exercised btj Trees on Climate, 



465 



The letter from the Reverend Mr. Mault of Nagercoil, I have mis- 

 laid, but its purport was, that he was not of opinion, that any clear- 

 ances of forest had taken place during his residence of near 30 years 

 in the south of Travancore, to an extent that could in any way affect 

 the climate — but he joined in the very general opinion, that forests 

 pj'omoted and preserved moisture. 



W. CuLLEN, Resident, 



Extract from Minutes of Consultation. 



Para. 1. The question at issue in the correspondence that has 

 passed upon the subject is, whether " the clearing of extensive forest 

 lands is not likely to cause a diminution in the quantity of rain and 

 thereby a failure in the sources from which the springs are supplied." 

 The report, which is otherwise important and interesting, does not 

 appear to supply any specific data on these points, and although 

 chiefly applicable to a peculiar region where rain is certain, it yet 

 presents some anomalies as to quantities in the same parallels inland 

 which do not appear to be accounted for. The Right Honorable the 

 Governor in Council finds much valuable matter which may be turn- 

 ed to account by those taking an interest in the subject, and he re- 

 solves in pursuance of the intentions declared in Extract Minutes 

 of Consultation, dated 8th September, 1848, No. 981, to have Major 

 General CuUen's report printed and distributed in the same manner 

 as the paper by Dr. Balfour, to induce those who have already writ- 

 ten to lay before Government any further suggestions which may oc- 

 cur to them, as well as to enable those who have not so written, 

 to avail themselves of the information it affords and mature their 

 views. 



2. As a copy of the Report is before the Board of Revenue, they 

 will be requested to notice it with the other communications they may 

 receive on the same subject. 



3. The Governor in Council resolves to furnish to Major General 

 Cullen a copy of the foregoing proceedings, and to convey to him 

 at the same time the thanks of Government for his valuable and in- 

 teresting communication. 



, A true extract. 

 H. C. Moi^TGOMiiKY, Secretary to Govt. 



