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Synopsis The appointment of Sir Dietrich Brandis as the first Inspector General of Forests in 1864 is seen as the begining of scientific forestry in India though forestry activities had begun in some provinces in the early part of the nineteenth century. In those days forests were taken only as a source of revenue. Over the last 150 years, there has been a major transformation in the forestry prespective of India. Today, their indispensable role in survival of the human race is well known to policy makers, planners and even the layman. The Manual of Indian Forestry, running into several volumes, covers the entire spectrum of forestry in India. This is the first volume which encompasses general forestry, locality factors, succession, forest influences, forest types, natural and artificial regeneration, tending and silvicultural systems pertaining to India. Other topics have been dealt with in subsequent volumes. The author has consulted a vast quantum of literature and put into use, his rich experience of writing books, while writing this manual which is meant not only for foresters but also for ecologists, naturalists, botanists, zoologists, environmentalists and even the layman.