270 EDGEWORTH's ACCOUNT OF THE SIKH STATES, 
between the river called in the map ‘Khanpur hi naddi, 
and the most western branch of the Ghagar. It is inter- 
sected with numerous streams, rising either in the outer range 
of hills, as the Ghagar, Markhanda, Begiek Baliala, Tangrie, 
and Rhone, or in the high ridge which separates this tract 
from the Subcolline Khadir, as the Ombla, Charmari and other 
nameless streams enjoying the generic names of chhoa when — 
depending on rain, or ogal when fed by small springs. The 
soil is generally sandy and salt, which latter characteristic is 
shown by the abundance of fras (Tamarix Fras) which will 
flourish only in such a soil. The bébé or kikar ( Acacia 
Arabica) is the natural product, everywhere springing up 
and often forming extensive groves, ‘he general appear- — 
ance of this tract is pretty, the level of the plains being fe 
quently diversified by gentle slopes towards the numerous 
rivers and their tributary ravines. 
* The horizon is generally bounded by groves of adil 
trees, which are also abundantly scattered through the fields. 
But what gives a peculiar feature to a considerable portion 
of the country, especially between Ambálá and Patidla, are 
the numerous hedge-rows of fras, which near the. villages 
often form beautiful shady lanes, reminding one of English 
: scenery. This very useful tree is planted from cuttings 
about a foot long; they are covered at the top with cow-dung 
to prevent the moisture from rotting the wood, and are 
planted in little banks raised along the edges of the field or 
road, at the first commencement of the rainy season; in à 
week or two they begin to sprout, and by the following year 
are frequently six or seven feet high, and in seven of 
years form middling-sized trees. From each cutting there 
are usually several . stems, and as soon as any of these have 
attained a sufficient size to render them available for small 
rafters, ploughs or other agricultural. implements, they are 
felled, the smaller ones, if any, being left; if not, thes root 
throws out a new crop for a future supply, —  — 
Fras delights. especially in sandy and somewhat salin 
t is Schale vada in dy weather the outside 3 
