Bambusa. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 195 
serted. Jnner valve concave on the inside, where it press- 
es on the rachis ; this concave portion is surrounded 
with asharp ciliate margin. Nectary of three, broad, 
cuneate, ciliate leaflets. Filaments six, half the length 
of the valves of the corol.. Anthers linear, drooping, red- 
purple. Germ. obovate, obtusely three-sided. Style 
very short, Stigma three, long, feathering. Seed, they 
may best be described by comparing them to oats, which 
they exactly resemble, and are of the same size. 
This species is very generally used allover Bengal, for 
covering the houses of the natives, scaffolding,  &c. &c. 
If soaked in water for some weeks previously to their be- 
cad 
_ ing used, they last much longer, and are stronger; if not 
they are soon devoured. by a small species of Bostrichus, 
Itis notwithstanding deemed inferior to Balkooa C Bal- 
koo bans) of the Bengalees, 
‘This species, Tulda bans, so far as I am able to des 
at present, is not to be found on the Coast of Coroman- 
del. Its quick growth, size and universal commonness in 
Bengal, renders it one of the most variously useful plants 
in India. The young thick shoots, mentioned when 
describing the stem, ‘are when about two feet high, ten- 
der and very frequently pickled, anda most excellent 
one they make, when properly prepared. 
Jowa Bans of the Bengalees, is only a large sta of 
Nie cnocing and used chiefly for scaffolding, and build- 
ing the larger and better sorts of houses of the natives.» It: 
differs from Tulda in the greater length, and greater: 
thickness of the joints, _.Basini bans of the Bengalees, 
is another variety of Tulda. It has a larger cavity, and 
is used chiefly to make baskets. 
Behoor bans of the Bengalees, is of a small size, very” 
Solid, and strong, much bent to one side, and armed with 
numerous strong thorns, which renders it very fit for 
hedges. A staff of this species must be placed in the hand 
of every young brahmin, when invested with the sacerdo-— : 
Y2 ; 
