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individual who, under the circumstances, might decline to recognize it. In view of 
the fact that nearly 70 per cent, of the total revenue of the Dindings (apart from 
licences) is derived from its forests, it seems neither politic nor reasonable to stint 
the Department in such matters as these which, though they call for a most moderate 
outlay, are yet indispensable to. the proper organization of forest conservancy. 
The timber revenue here has more than trebled during the last four years, the 
figures being as follows: — 
1895 
$ 3 > 99°' 2 6 
1896 
^ 7 i 1 79 - 5 ° 
1897 
9,824.67 
1898 
" * 5 , 075-83 
The Tanjong Burong Firewood Farm, which had been closed in 1897 in conse- 
quence of the Farmer persisting in cutting down trees of a diameter less than that 
permitted by his Agreement, was re-let early in the year to a new holder under much 
stricter conditions than before. Under the previous contract, the rent was $60 per 
month and the Farmer might employ 100 coolies: the present contract fixes the 
monthly rent at $80 and reduces the number of coolies to 60, the minimum diameter 
of the trees which it is now permitted to cut is 8 inches. 
The contract expires at the end of 1899, and I understand that it is not the in- 
tention of Government to renew it. « 
In accordance with instructions issued last year, the dates on which the several 
Reserves were personally inspected by me are attached, vis. : — 
Lumut. 
June 25th. 
July 16th. 
October 10th. 
P angkor. 
May 2 1 st. 
June 23 rd. 
September 16th. 
October 15th. 
December 13th. 
Tan jo ng Ha ntu. 
January 14th. 
January 19th. 
January 20th. 
September 23rd. 
December 21st. 
Telok Sera. 
June 2nd. 
July 13th. 
July 27th. 
August 17th. 
September 28th. 
October 13th. 
November 16th. 
November 23rd. 
December 7th. 
Buk it Segari. 
May 22nd. 
July 27th. 
August 17th. 
Sept. 28th and 
November 16th. 
November 23rd. 
December 7th. 
Gnnong Tunggal . 
July 9th. 
October 1st. 
T a n jo ng Bit rong. 
July 22nd. 
December 12th. 
(and brief inspec- 
tions weekly). 
In addition to the above, numerous casual visits were paid to every Reserve, 
except Gunong Tunggal, the isolated position of which makes it very difficult of 
access. 
A shelter-hut was built for the Guards at Sungei Panchor in September, and a 
sampan has also been provided for use in the same locality. 
Lumut, 6 th March , idpp. 
R. P. GIBBES, 
Acting District Officer, Dindings. 
