NATURE OF JUNGLE.
I have not much to say under this head. I have heard many opinions
as to the kind of trees and jungle that should exist in contemplated
clearances, but I attach little or no weight to them, at all events in
Bengal.
In the Himalayas it is somewhat different. There oak trees should be
sought for; their existence invariably makes rich soil.[12] Fir, on the
contrary, indicates poor soil. At elevations, however, the desideratum
of a warm aspect interferes, for the best oak forests are on the colder
side. I speak of course of elevations practicable, say three or four
thousand feet; above this it is a waste of money to try and cultivate
Tea.
In Bengal I do not think the nature of the jungle on land contemplated
signifies much. As a rule, the thicker the jungle the richer the
soil; but in seeking for a site large trees should not be a _sine quâ
non_. Much of the coarse grass land is very good, and large trees add
enormously to the expense of clearings.[13] It is not cutting them down
which is so expensive, it is cutting them up and getting rid of them by
burning, or otherwise, after the former is done.
I have discussed soil fully already, and need only add here that if the
knowledge to do so exists, it is better to judge of soil from the soil
itself than from the vegetation on it, though doubtless a fact that
luxuriant vegetation indicates rich soil.
FOOTNOTES:
[12] The oak tree leaves cause a rich deposit of vegetable matter.
[13] The Western Dooars are in many parts covered with this coarse
grass, and nowhere is there better soil.