ILLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY. 3 
herbaceous forms, I formerly remarked (Madras Journal No. 11) that when found within the 
tropics they almost invariably occupy the highest hills, where reduction of temperature, con- 
sequent on great elevation, compensates for low latitude; that the shrubby forms partake 
more of the tropical character, since they are found, sparingly it is true, in most tropical coun- 
tries. I thence inferred, and have as yet seen no reason to alter my opinion, that wherever we 
meet with the former within the tropics, we may feel well assured, we have attained an 
elevation sufficient to place us beyond the influence of what has been called the ‘ fever zone’ 
or range of jungle fever,so commonly met with in the belts of jungle, which embrace the 
more elevated slopes of all our high hills ; and that their absence on the Shevaroys, were we 
otherwise unacquainted with the fact, might be adduced as an evidence, that they had not at- 
tained that degree of elevation, and ought therefore to have been carefully examined, before their 
perfect salubrity and suitableness for a sanatarium was proclaimed. 
liage, but it also will require for its successful culture, a very rich and dee vegetable soil, with 
abundance of water. The former may perhaps, prove of easier culture while its more nume- 
rous, clustered, flowers might compensate for their smaller size. . 
Remarkable as the family likeness existing among these plants, as traced in their geogra- 
it is even 
18) 
few he knew, to their botanical description. To the Natives of this part of the country, they 
seem utterly unknown, as I have not been able to trace even a name, appertaining to any one 
species, among them, 7 : 
It would however beinjudicious to infer from this general silence regarding the Indian represen- 
tatives of this curious tribe of plants, that they are inert, while nearly all the other members 
of the family are so remarkable for the active properties with which they are endowed. ‘ Aori- 
medicinal agents; Hellebore being almost the only one of the evacuants retained, and that, 
from the uncertainty of its operation, is seldom used. The roots however, of Hydrastis cana- 
