V 
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MYSORE, CANARA, AND MALABAR, 
187 
above a third of the diameter of the tree is of value * the remainder CHAPTER 
is white wood, totally devoid of smell. The wood is of the best 
quality in trees that have grown on a steep rocky soil , that which 
o-rows in low rich situations produces wood of little value. The 
trees were cut partly by the servants of the Rraliman , anci par tlv 
by woodmen hired on the spot. The branches and white wood were 
removed in the woods, and the billets were brought hither, and dried 
in the shade. Although the bottom of the stem, under the ground 
and immediately above the division into roots, is the most valuable 
part of the tree, no pains were taken to procure this, and the trees 
were cut above the surface of the soil. This want of economy is 
said to have proceeded from the stony nature of the soil ; but this l 
doubt. Every thing relative to the price, market, or customs upon * 
sandal-wood are here unknown; and the person who cut it was not 
under the authority of the Amildar . At two places in this hilly 
country the tree comes to great perfection; namely, at Jalaman* 
gala , between Magadi and Chinapatam ; and at J1 lutati Habigay , 
near Capala-durga. 
Jala, Shorea Jala , Buch. MSS. 
Here it utows onlv to a small size; but at Rama-giri, and many 
other places, it becomes large. It is said to take a polish, to be 
durable, and to be used for furniture. In Mysore it is on this tree Lac insects, 
only that the Lac insects breed. Formerly there were many trees 
near Rdma-giri that contained Lac , and paid a considerable rent ; 
but during the war carried on by Lord Cornwallis they were de- 
stroyed by the armies. Although there are now great numbers of 
the trees, none of the insects are reared. This is attributed to the 
want of leases. The Amildar was wont to let the trees for no longer 
than one year; it can therefore be no object for an individual to 
supply the trees with insects, as he would not be certain of enjoy- 
ing the fruits of his labour. Some settled bargain for a number of 
years ought to be entered into with those who are willing to intro- 
duce such a valuable article of cultivation. 
