, 1874-12-16

sands of pounds. 1t is thus evident that
every class suffer RS from the ruin of the
climate, and all are interested in taking
the steps needful for its improvement.
Having yentured to point out in what
respects the inhabitants have gone astray,
it may be expected that some method
should be indicated for regaining and re-
tanning the right path, and though the
writer is little familiar with this branch
of the subject, the following suggestions
are offered -
/. The very first step to be taken is
to ascertain the facts. To this end the
Governor might appoint a carefully Sc
lected Commission composed of practical
and scientific men.
Q. If the report of this Commission
should agree with the opinions quoted
in these articles the next step would be
to impress all classes with the deep i'm
portance Of the subject. Among other
methods of influencing public opinion the
following suggest themselves:-Th Gov
ernor, by speeches and Proclamations
should press the question on the attention
of the inhabitants. The editors of news
papers and their correspondents should
ventilate the subject. The ministers of
religion, some of whom have already be-
come honourably distinguished by their
wise, practical teachings, may very pro-
perly employ their great influence in shew-
ing the effects that will follow the denu-
dation of the land of trees. When they
have prayed that the kindly fruits ofthe
earth may be given and preserved for their
use, so that in due time they may enjoy
them, it may not be without profit to
teach that such a petition offered when
the laws, the observance of which is es-
sential to their production, are systemati-
cally broken, is vain, if not actually sinful.
The teachers of schools, those on Sunday
as we'll as on other days of the week,
should inculcate similar lessons, and
those who have to provide books for
The use of schools, might properly intro
duce reading lessons, conveying some
such information as has been copied
into these articles. Tt will be needfuI
to satayatc the minds of those whose
practice and tradition have been opposed
to the new lessons about to be taught.
3. Legislative action. First.-ln the
direction of removing all obstacles to
the use of coal.
Secondly encouraging the private
cultivation Of wood, by exempting all
land so planted, from taxation.
Third.-By initiating the French, IN
planting trees as much as possible in
the city. And by planting trees along
all the public roads.
F~ourth.--By seeing that the highest
portion of the mountain land, the crests
of all hills, the steep hill sides, and the
main, water courses are planted. The
offer of some small reward might be sufi-
Gent to secure this, but if not, legislative
provision should be made for the ac-
quirement by the Government for the
purpose Of planting of all the upper
portions of the mountains.
Filthy the appointment Of a saito-
Die officer for Conservation of Forest and
Meteorological. The duties of such Off
Ger would comprise the supervision of
the public forests in order that they
should, remain uninjured; he would see
that the laws for the preservation of timber
were enforced, and that the groves along
the roads were preserved. He would
furnish a meteorological report, especially
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