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world having a climate similar to the Straits, and have been lodged in the Experimental 
Nurseries. ( Vide para. 12.) 
Forest Legislation. 
73. The preparation of a Forest Ordinance has been for the present postponed, 
in the belief that, so far, no case has occurred which cannot be dealt with by laws al- 
ready in force in the colony. I would beg to point out, however, that what gives most 
trouble is the inveterate habit which most men have of looking upon forest as “ every 
man’s" or “ no man’s"' property, hence the temptation to the acts of mischief and 
trespass complained of. To check such offences it is desirable the public should be 
quite clear what may not be done in a forest. 
73. What is wanted is a simple mode of dealing with petty forest offences. All 
modern nations recognise the difference between small forest offences and crimes of a 
graver sort implying criminality of character in the perpetrator, and I hold that it 
is but fairness to the public and to those who have to administer the Department that 
clear and simple rules for guidance should be catalogued by law. 
Summary . 
74. In conclusion, I would briefly summarise the more important works carried 
out, during the year, as follows :• — area demarcated, 16,117 acres ; length of boundary 
line opened, 100 miles ; maintained of previous years’ demarcation, 95 miles ; total 
length of boundary and coast line now under protection, 254 miles ; area protected, 
42,708 acres; average per watchman employed, 1,256 acres ; cost of protection per 
acre, 6 cents; area planted, 38 acres; area weeded, 104 acres ; cost of planting per 
acre, |>20 ; number of plants propagated about 100,000; planted, 65,000 ; herbarium 
specimens collected, 3,000; quantity of §eed collected, 200 lbs.; number of kinds of 
seeds received, 250 ; number of prosecutions, 18; convictions, 16; amount of fines 
imposed, $281. 
75. The annexed comparative statement shows the progress of the principal 
works since the commencement of the Department in 1884, exclusive of erection of 
quarters and purchase of lands. 
76. Appendices detailing the progress of economic plants, the distributions of 
Reserves, the contents of the Experimental Nurseries, and the Revenue and 
Expenditure of the year, are also annexed. 
Singapore, 4th July , 1887. 
N. CANTLEY, 
S uperintendent . 
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