124 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. VIII 
the development of similar demonstration areas in other parts of the 
province. The experiment would appear to have greatest chances of 
success if the areas thus taken up could be notified as Reserved 
Forest. The chief difficulties will arise from theft and also from the 
scarcity of labour, but these will doubtless be overcome by the pro¬ 
vision of forest guards and other adequate staff, and by the selection 
of sites where labour is available. The existing Government Forests 
are extensive, but are remote from more populous areas, so that 
labour is scarce, and they would not be so suitable as centres either 
for demonstration work or for the supply of brood-lac. 
Ranchi. 
Lac is found over the whole of Ranchi district and is brought 
into small bazaars throughout the area. The district, which is situat¬ 
ed on a plateau about 2,200 feet above sea-level, enjoys an equable 
climate and comparative immunity from severe frost. It is thus in 
every way suitable for lac cultivation, while at the same time there is 
plenty of scope for development. Kusum trees are common through¬ 
out the district, although at a rough estimate probably not more than 
five to ten percent, of them are at present cultivated. Ber is also com¬ 
mon and so is Palas, particularly around Muru on the Chaibassa road. 
The principal markets are Ranchi, Bundu, Lohardaga, Khunti 
and Mananghatta, while a considerable part of the crop in the north¬ 
east of the district finds its way direct to Jhalda and Balarampur in 
Manbhum district. 
Good crops under present conditions would be :— 
Maunds. 
Kusmi ... ... ... ... ... 20,000 
Jethwi *** ... ... ... ... 10,000 
Baisakhi ... ... ... ... ... 35,000 
Katki • •• ••• ••• ••• ... 20,000 
excluding that portion which goes direct to Jhalda. These figures 
have not been reached within recent years. The possibilities of the 
district are great, however, and there is no doubt that, if conditions of 
price and weather are favourable, the above figures could be doubled 
without much difficulty. 
The relations between zamindar and cultivator are the same as 
in Manbhum, and cultivation is practically always by small holders. 
Manufacture is not highly developed as yet, and most of the stick-lac 
is exported to Jhalda and Balarampur in Manbhum for manufacture. 
[ I2 4] 
