Section 17. Every appeal under section sixteen shall be made by petition in writing, and may be delivered to the

17. Every appeal under section sixteen shall be made by petition in writing, and may be delivered to the Forest-Settlement-officer, who shall forward it without delay to the authority competent to hear the same. If the appeal be to an officer appointed under section sixteen, it shall be heard in the manner prescribed for the time being for the hearing of appeals in matters relating to land-revenue. If the appeal be to the Forest-court, the Court shall fix a day and a convenient place in the neighbourhood of the proposed forest for hearing the appeal, and 62 Forests. [ACT VII and shall give notice thereof to the parties, and shall hear such appeal accordingly. The order passed thereon by such officer or Court, or by the majority of the members of such Court, shall be final, subject to revision by the Local Government. Pleaders.