Bambusa. hexandria monogynia. 195 



serted. Inner valve concave on the inside, where it press- 

 es on the rachis ; this concave portion is surrounded 

 with a sharp ciiiate margin. Nectary of three, broad, 

 cuneate, ciiiate 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 all over Bengal, for 

 covering the houses of the natives, scaffolding, &c. &c. 

 If soaked in water for some weeks previously to their be- 

 ing used, they last much longer, and are stronger ; if not 

 they are soon devoured by a small species of Bostrichus. 

 It is notwithstanding deemed inferior to Balkooa (Bat- 

 koo bans) of the Bengalees. 



This species, Tulda bans, so far as I am able to judge 

 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, and a most excellent 

 one they make, when properly prepared. 



Jowa Bans of the Bengalees, is only a large variety of 

 this species, 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 yoimg brahmin, when invested with the sacerdo- 



Y 2 



