forests may be realized. The first distinction is between ordinary public forest land and reserved forests. The second is between reserved and unreserved trees. It will be convenient briefly to deal first with the latter distinction. Certain trees of species which have an economic value are classed as reserved. These may not be cut on public forest land except under license. Teak, most valuable of all trees, is placed on a lonely eminence, its extraction being safeguarded by stringent rules. Wherever it is found, growing teak is the property of the State, and may not be cut down without permission. But, except in the case of teak and of trees in reserved forests, much liberty is allowed to the people to use forest produce, even of reserved kinds, for domestic purposes. For trade, reserved trees can be utilized only under permit and on payment of forest dues.
Public forest land, which is estimated to cover 146,165 square miles, included at the end of 1919—20, 30,000 square miles of reserved forests. These reserved forests are tracts set aside normally for the production of timber or fuel, or in exceptional cases for protective reasons such as the maintenance of the water-supply. The settlement of a reserved forest is effected with extreme care. The intention to constitute a reserve is publicly notified. In due course, a civil officer, called the Forest Settlement officer, specially appointed for the purpose, aided by a Forest officer as adviser, makes a local investigation; hearing and adjudicating on all objections and claims to rights and privileges preferred by people living in or near the proposed reserve. His orders are subject to appeal to a higher civil officer. On the Forest Settlement officer's report, Government finally determines whether or not the proposed reserve is to be constituted. If the decision is in the affirmative, a final notification is issued, declaring the reserve constituted, defining its boundaries, and specifying any rights and privileges assigned to the neighbouring villagers. These rights and privileges consist for the most part of rights of
