IT IS REMARKED that the whole of the eastern front of the range (of a mountain in Pinang) has within a few years been denuded of its forest. The greater part of it is too steep for any permanent cultivation, and in all probability after the fecundity of the fresh soil, enriched by the ashes of the trees, has been exhausted, it will be abandoned by the Chinese squatters.
It is not here alone that I was surpsrised to see the rapid progress which squatters and Chinese charcoal burners have made in destroying the jungles on the hills during the last two years. In Singapore the present zealous governor has, in an enlightened spirit akin to that which has for some time distinguished the government of India in reference to the same subject, absolutely prohibited the further destruction of forest on the summits of hills.
Representations have been often made to the local authorities in Pinang, urging the necessity to preserve the jungles on the summits and higher slopes, but hitherto without effect. The reply has generally been, if the forests are of so much importance as the agriculturalists insist, they must have a certain value to them and they are at liberty to purchase any tract they choose. But it is impractical for the holders of land to unite in making such a purchase, and, were it at all practicable, the majority, from ignorance and selfishness, would refuse to contribute. But climate concerns the whole community, and its protection from injury is one of the duties of Government. In Germany and France there are special laws and departments for the preservation and extension of forests.
