UGANDA JOURNAL.


 Soil Erosion and Agricultural Planning&


 Veterinary Research Laboratory,
 Entebbe.
 2nd June, 1939.


The Editor,
 The Uganda Journal,
 Kampala.

Sir,
 When I speak of understocking in most parts of Uganda, I mean that the
possible carrying capacity of the land is by no means satisfied. I certainly
agree with Mr. Ap Griffith, that there is also space for further afforestation on a
scientific basis.
 If it is decided to use a certain area for afforestation, it will plainly be
necessary to protect it from fire. This is, however, no argument against burn-
ing as a system of pasture control in places where there is no intention of,
systematic afforestation.
 Control of pasture for stock presents similar problems to those of shifting
cultivation. Where land is adequate they are both unattended by harm, and are
probably the most economical forms of husbandry. As soon the land becomes
inadequate under these methods for the production of food and economic crops
and for feeding the stock, the changes of agricultural or pastoral methods are
drastic and involve considerable expense; the present situation in parts of Teso is
abundant proof of this. There appears unfortunately to be no adequate
compromise between nomadic methods of husbandry and permanent settlement.
 In the long run, the added benefits of permanent settlement are undoubted.
But in a land of infrequent water supplies, the cost of developing these alone is
prohibitive, except where the population is heavy. These problems are being faced
by Government in Teso and are proving to be exceptionally costly. It is plainly
out of the question to adopt them generally. What other form of pasture manage-
ment can be advocated?


 I am, Sir,
 Yours faithfully,
 R. N. FIENNES.