ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE. 153 
in waste ground, as if introduced. Sesamum indicum is 
sparingly cultivated. 
The Verbenacez afford, among many others, the valuable 
Milla (Vitex altissima), which is generally plentiful. I am 
inclined to doubt if var. alata can be sustained, as I repeatedly 
obtained examples of “‘ broadly-winged ” petiolated leaves on 
the same tree that bore normally petiolated leaves. This 
“winging ”’ of the leaf stalk appears to be a matter of maturity, 
as in very young shoots the “wings” are often markedly 
pronounced. JV. leucoxylon is common about tanks. Gmelina 
asiatica is moderately common in waste ground near habita- 
tions. Premna tomentosa and P.  serratifolia are both 
abundant, the leaves of the latter being eaten. Avicennia 
officinalis is common in wet ground near the coast. 
Passing to the Lauracee, the most useful is the well known 
“ Ranai ” (Persea semecarpifolia), fairly common in the forest 
areas, especially south of Kallu Obba and below Degalhela. 
Of the Thymeleacez, I repeatedly obtained Gyrinops walla, 
its value as a cordage being known to the Sinhalese Veddas. 
With a rapid glance at the Euphorbiacez and the Urticaceze 
I must conclude my notes on the plants of the Vedda 
country :— 
Euphorbia antiquorum is frequently to be met with, but it 
does not attain the proportions so marked in the Hambantota 
District. 
E. tortilis, if I may accept a 4-winged branch as indicating 
this species, I observed near Buddama. 
E. tirucalli is common as a hedge plant, especially near the 
coast. 
Bridelia retusa. Rather common. 
Phyllanthus emblica. Occasional, more common towards 
Monaragala. 
Fluggea leucopyrus. Very common in land that has been 
cleared. 
Hemicyclia sepiaria. Exceedingly abundant. Its fruits 
are much relished by the Veddas, and, I might also add, by 
bears and monkeys. 
Mischodon zeylanicus occurs sparingly by the rivers, but is 
not generally distributed. 
