21 
ratively worthless at present, having only a crust of forest around 
its boundary. To make this a good forest, its interior must be 
planted with useful young trees artificially. At the same time 
I would propose adding to it about 2,000 acres on the town side 
marked M ; as this portion contains already some good trees. 
The position of this reserve is good, and every effort should 
be made to stock it with the trees most in demand. 
9(3. The reserve at Merlimau contains at present an 
area of 2,000 acres of good forest, but this is milch too small 
and the reserve should be doubled, and should cover, if pos- 
sible, the portion marked N, on annexed map ; but, if that 
be impracticable, it should be extended in the direction O and 
run back as far as the river. Both these portions contain good 
timber, and one or both should be reserved. 
• 
97. The Grading reserve is also comparatively worthless in 
its present state and position. It should take in Bukit Panchor 
Hill range, which is covered by .forest to some extent, and the 
spontaneous growth on which should be encouraged as much as 
possible. Good water is scarce in this district, but, with the 
re-adjustment of the reserve as mentioned, it is hoped that 
springs of good water will be created near the foot of the hills, 
and that the sanitary condition of the district will be thereby 
improved. 
98. The Sungei Siput reserve only requires protection, and 
I would propose adding to it the land marked V, which contains 
some good forest, and also that marked J, some of which is at 
present under tapioca cultivation, but which, looking to the 
natural configuration of the country, would be better retained 
under wood, as it contains many hills not shewn on the map. 
This reserve should be extended over the land marked I, and 
also for about half a mile over its north boundary to cover 
some valuable timber .in that direction, and in the former to 
utilize the waste lands which lie on its western boundary, and 
to give the reserve a better sea-frontage for water carriage of 
timber. 
99. Notwithstanding all that has been accomplished in the 
way of establishing convenient and useful forest reserves in 
Malacca, inconvenience is experienced in having to bring timber 
for the supply of town wants from long distances, but this would 
be remedied by the presence of a suitable reserve near town. 
I am of opinion that such a reserve must have existed at 
one time,, and, if so, it must have covered the Bukit Bruang 
range, as it is scarcely possible that such a favourable and 
useful position for a reserve could have escaped the Dutch. 
Xu any case I would recommend the formation of a town 
reserve here, as it is only about three miles from the chief 
town, and covers an area of nearly 2,000 acres or thereabouts. 
This laud appears £0 have been lately under cultivation, hut 
it is fast becoming re-wooded by the spontaneous growth 
of young trees, especially over the Hill range which covers 
its interior. On the more level portions young trees are less 
numerous and would have to he assisted by planting to some 
extent to give the forest the necessary compactness and to 
fully utilize the land. 
100. The rivers and principal streams should have a bor- 
der of forest left along their banks or be planted to a breadth 
of from 25 to 50 feet according to the size and importance 
of the streams. 
ipl. Many of the waste lands in Malacca will re-wood them- 
