Forest Society and Colonialism

Important Terms & Concepts

1. Deforestation.  The disappearance of forests is referred to as deforestation.
2. Sleepers.  Wooden planks laid across railway tracks; they hold the tracks in position.
3. Scientific forestry. A system of cutting trees controlled by the forest department.
4. Taungya cultivation. A system in which local farmers were allowed to cultivate temporarily within a plantation.
5. Swidden agriculture. A traditional agricultural practice in many parts of Asia, Africa and South America whereby parts of the forest are cut and burnt in rotation.