LEGUMINOSZ:. : 481 
_ History and Collection.—the plant yielding these 
ands is a small under-shrub. Mr. Lawson, the Government 
otanist in Madras, who has studied the genus Flemingia, con- 
Bsione in 1867, remained unknown until 1884, when specimens 
were sent home by the British Resident at Aden. On the north- 
erly slopes of the Nilgiri plateau, the fruits ripen in Novem- 
are covered with the peculiar garnet-coloured glands. The 
drug is collected by cutting off the clusters of pods from the 
ends of the branches and laying them in the sun to dry for one 
or two days. They are placed upon boards or paper, as during’ 
the process of drying much of the powder falls, and would be 
_ lost unless.such.a precaution were taken. The pods are them 
pressed or rubbed together by hand over sieves. The powder 
is mixed with hairs, stones and pieces of stalk; itis readily 
from enquiries made of Canarese traders north of the Nilgiris 
powder was shown by a native dyer. 
Characters and Tests.—Wars is a granular, mobile powder 
a deep purplish-red colour, and without any marked odour 
in the interior. ‘The powder ignites like lycopodium — 
floats on the surface, and if left in contact, it slowly becomes 
wetted and sinks. If, however, it is rubbed up in a re 
before being added to the water, or if it Se baile. in it, the — 
hrown into the flame of a lamp. The specific gravity is 1°37, _ id 
It is insoluble in cold water; when mixed together it at. first. 
