THE WILD PLANTAIN (MVSA SUPERBA, ROXB). 593 



The Patel of Dahisar in Bassein states he has used this remedy with consid- 

 erable success. It would be interesting to ascertain whether there is 

 any real virtue in the seeds in this respect. 



The fruit of the cultivated plantain is said to be also eaten during an 

 attack of small-pox to hasten maturation of the disease. 



From the midrib of the leaf of the wild plantain fibre is extracted 

 which is obtained after the leaf is well dried. This fibre is utilized locally 

 in Bassein in the preparation of well ropes. 



In the Wada Taluka it is used by shop-keepers to tie up small parcels 

 and also in the preparation of floor matting. Fibre from the outer 

 sheaths of the subarborescent stem is also extracted and utilized as cordage, 

 etc., but this latter of course is a negligible quantity. 



It can be gathered in conclusion that the wild plantain is an extremely 

 interesting subject for study from an economic point of view ; and 

 that it is a very handsome plant and one which would be an ornament 

 to many a lawn for several seasons is evident from the excellent photo- 

 graph accompanying this paper, which Mr. W. S. Millard obtained of 

 the specimen which he brought down from Khandalla, and which burst 

 into flower in October last. Alas, now it is no more. 



