Part III. J Witt: Sylviculture oj Hardwiclda hinata. 
113 
experiments carried out, that the explanation for the present dearth of 
natural reproduction is not far to seek, and of more importance still, 
that the conditions necessary for the successful reproduction of the 
species are by no means difficult of attainment. 
(b) Existing Theories to account for Absence of Natural Regeneration. 
Various notes, on the sylviculture and treatment of Anjan, have been 
written at different times in the Indian Forester, from several of which 
we have already had occasion to quote. 
None perhaps have gone so much into detail on the subject as 
Mr. E. E. Fernandez, retired Conservator of Forests. As Forest 
Divisional Officer in Nimar, and later as Conservator of Forests, Berar 
Circle, he had unique opportunities of studying this species from all 
aspects, and he specially went into the important question of the lack 
of natural reproduction and its causes. His opinions and observations 
therefore deserve full consideration. It is easy to pull a theory to 
pieces. It is more difficult to substitute another in its place. 
At the same time we are quite unable to agree with Mr. Fernandez’s 
very decided views. If in criticizing we thereby destroy these views, 
it will be in the endeavour to substitute an alternative and, it is hoped, 
more satisfactory theory. 
In order to fully understand Mr. Fernandez’s views, it is necessary 
to peruse carefully his article entitled “The Treatment of Hardwickia 
binata ” in the Indian Foiester, Volume XXIX, pages 517-527. It is 
unnecessary to quote the whole article here. IVe shall content ourselves 
with extracts to give the general idea. On page 525 of the above- 
mentioned article Mr. Fernandez writes : — 
“ As already explained above, we have still to devise a means of 
saving a sufficient proportion of the myriads of seedlings 
that make their appearance at each periodic fructification 
of the species. 1 here is no doubt uhatsoever that the death 
of the seedlings is due to their inability to force their long 
slender tap-root down deep enough through the matting of grass 
roots, occupying the soil everywhere to a depth of 1-2 feet.’’’' 
♦ ***♦♦ ;^ 
