F011EST P110DU< 113 



Sapindus detergens occurs in Palghat; yields a gum. 

 The seeds are collected, the epicarp being used as a sub- 

 stitute for soap. 



Semecarpus Anacardium. A common tree. The bark, 

 and seeds, produce a black substance, which is exceedingly 

 poisonous to some people. I have obtained a black varnish 

 from the seeds by roasting and squeezing them. The 

 fumes are, however, during this process, exceedingly noxious, 

 causing swellings and partial blindness. It is dangerous to 

 stand under these trees at night or during rainy weather ; 

 for the drops from the leaves will produce swellings of the 

 face and body. 



The Semecarpus Travancorica, is equally dangerous. 



Shorea laccifera occurs only in the Beni tract of the 

 Wynaad forests. It yields an abundance of a fragrant resin 

 known as " Sambrani " burnt as incense by the natives. 



Spondias Mangifera yields a dark gum of poor quality. 



Sponia orientalis. Occasionally a little gum is to be ob- 

 tained from this tree; but it is of little or no value. The 

 bark yields a fibre. 



Sterculia Villosa yields a gum of no value. The bark 

 however yields excellent fibre, of which elephant drag ropes 

 are made in Malabar. 



Tectona grandis. The wood of the Teak tree yields a 

 tar, very similar to coal tar in appearance. It would be 

 of value for tarring timber where white ants are abundant, 

 and destructive, for they show a great dislike to the oil of 

 Teakwood, and will not touch it as long as the oil remains 

 in it. 



TerminaUa lellerica. A lofty tree, of the deciduous 

 forests, yields a quantity of clear gum which is not how- 

 ever collected. 



Valeria Malabarica. This species yield an abundance 

 of a clear green resin known as " Vellay Jcongilium" by 

 the natives, and is used by them as an incense. The 

 bark of the tree is notched when the resin flows and 



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