Natural History. 315 



penter, Sir W. Jardine, Mr Hugh E, Strickland, Profesflor A. Fleming, 

 Professor Dickie, Profespor Daubeny, Dr Redfern, Dr Tilt, Professor Owen, 

 Dr Fowler, Mr R. Strachey, Professor Van der Hoeven, Mr J. E. Winter- 

 bottom, Professor Hyrtl, Messrs T. C. Eytyn, P. J. Selby, Prof. Buchanan, 

 Professor Sharpey, Mr C W. Peach, Dr D. Mackay, Messrs Joshua Clark, 

 Hamlyn Lee, Dr George Johnston. 



" On the Hedge Plants of India, and the Conditions which 

 adapt them for Special Purposes and Particular Localities,*' 

 by Dr Cleghorn. — The author first made some remarks on the 

 low condition of agriculture generally throughout India, and 

 stated that his remarks more particularly applied to the 

 south of that continent, in the district of Mysore. Having 

 referred to the importance of hedges in any well -developed 

 system of agriculture, he pointed out their especial import- 

 ance in a country infested with wild animals, and where the 

 crops needed especial protection. The following plants 

 were named as those which might be used with advan- 

 tage for hedges in various parts of India. Most of these 

 plants are characterized by possessing spines, prickles, 

 and thorns, which render them dangerous to animals. — 

 Opuntia Dillenii. This plant was originally introduced from 

 America, but grew very abundantly, was easily propagated, 

 and required little or no soil. It might be used for mili- 

 tary defences. Its fruit is eaten. It, however, harbours 

 vermin, and is to be used only when other plants can- 

 not be obtained. — Agave Americana, another introduced 

 plant. It is propagated by suckers, grows easily, and when 

 decayed the leaves may be used as fuel. — Euphorbia anti- 

 quorum. This, combined with other species of Euphorbia, 

 forms an excellent fence. Its juice is very acrid, and care 

 must be taken in pruning it. Several species of plants 

 belonging to the divisions Mimoseae and Csesalpinieae, were 

 also mentioned as thorny shrubs adapted for the purposes of 

 inclosure. Many of these have elegant flowers. — Acacia 

 Arahica yields gum, and the pods and seeds are eaten. 

 They are all plants easily cultivated. — The Bamboo {Bam- 

 busa arundinacea) is also a plant highly recommended for 

 forming inclosures. Several other species of Bambusa have 



