.'308 PINUS EXCELSA. 



Cheer wood is extensively cut in the Kangra country on the 

 jagheer of Sirdar Lena Sing Majeeta into timbers 20 feet long, 1| 

 broad, and 6 to 8 inches thick, and exported, during the rains, by 

 the small river Dipte to the Beyas, from whence they are floated 

 to Bhyrowal. 



As already stated, this timber is liable, if exposed to the weather, 

 to rot ; but on the other hand, if protected, it is well adapted 

 to building purposes, and is extensively used, particularly in the 

 western hills. I mention this circumstance, as this kind of wood is 

 available in large quantity from the Kohistan of the Punjab, for 

 the stations in the Punjab, Loodiana, Ferozepore, Scinde, &c. 



For ship-bnilding and for spars this wood is almost useless, as it 

 resists so badly the corroding effects of the weather, and is so soft. 



3. Plnus Excelsa. — This species, the Kuel or Koel * of the 

 natives, is of more limited occurrence than the former, and it 

 is only met with at much greater altitudes, viz. from 7000 feet to 

 13,000 feet. It is characterised \>y itslengthened tapering, drooping 

 and persistent cones, long, thin and pointed leaves, which occur in 

 bundles of two or three together in the same sheath. In appear- 

 ance the foliage of this tree is much more open and drooping than 

 that of the Cheer, and in colour of a more lively green, which at 

 once distinguishes it. Towards the latter end of November, the 

 cones shed their seeds, but remain for many months afterwards 

 hanging to the branches. 



Uses. — As the wood is very soft, it is seldom used for building 

 purposes, wheii the other kinds are available. It, too, being seldom 

 found in places where it can be used for practical purposes, it is 

 unnecesary to notice it at length here. We may, however, state in 

 reference to its geographical distribution, that it occurs throughout 

 the Himalayahs at heights varying from 7000 to 13,000 feet. At 

 Neetee in Gurwahl, it occurs at the limit of arboreal vegetation : 

 viz. about 13,500 feet, and there it is dwarfish owing to the great 

 altitude. In no locality to our knowledge in the Kohistan f of 

 the Punjab is it met with, though at Khoti in Kooloo it is associated 

 with Khursoo (Quercus semecarpifolia) and Mokoo Oaks (Quercus 

 dilatata). 



4. Plnus Gcrardlana. — In noticing this other species of the 

 Genus Pinus we may be equally brief, as it is but sparingly 

 met with in the British Himalayahs. It is characterised by its 



* It is probably the Beir or Banjeir of Hazara. 

 + The characters assigned to the Beir or Banjeir of Murrie, by Dr. 

 Fleming, apply to this species. See Report of Agri-Horticultural Society. 



