126 FOREST PRODUCTS. 



Piper nigrum. Wild pepper is abundant in all the 

 evergreen forests, and is collected to a small extent. 



Chavica Betel. This vine grows wild in the deep ravines 

 of the Chenat Nair Forests. 



Chavica Hoxburghii. The Pipli or long-tailed pepper is 

 very common in the forests of Nilambur ; it grows wild 

 everywhere along the foot of the Ghats. 



Acacia Concinna. The pods of this thorny scandent 

 acacia form one of the most important of our forest pro- 

 ducts. They are eagerly sought for, and collected. 

 Natives use the fruit for washing their heads. 



Deer horns, Ivory } Sec, The former are picked up, and 

 sold to merchants in February and March when the grass 

 has been burnt. Ivory is but rarely found, and is then of 

 but little value as it is more or less damaged from exposure 

 and the gnawing of porcupines. 



FIBRES AND PAPER MATERIALS. 



Agave Americana grows fairly well in Pal ghat ; but 

 does not occur further west. Yields a strong fibre which is 

 manufactured into twine, hammocks, &c. It ought to yield 

 a valuable paper stock. 



Agave Vivipara. This species replaces the former in the 

 moisture regions of the West Coast. It fu-rnishes an 

 excellent fibre, closely resembling that of A. Americana; 

 but the staple is not so long, the leaves being shorter. 



Ananassa Sativa grows wild in parts of Wynaad, and 

 the Western Coast. The leaves furnish a strong and beauti- 

 fully silky fibre, which is not however utilized in any way. 



Artocarpus integrifolia furnishes a strong fibre. 



Bambusa Arundinacea. The young shoots of this bamboo 

 yield excellent paper stock. All the other species of 

 bamboos also yield paper stock. The young shoots o 

 Bheesha rheedii, and Bheesha Travancorica yield a superior 

 paper stock. 



