SACKED PLANTS OF INDIA. BARBOUK. XXX111 



smooth leaves. Flowers white and it is often seen as an ornamental 

 shrub in gardens. A strong smelling yellow gum exudes from its 

 shoots and from this an ointment is made which is called by its 

 Hindu name. This ointment I may add is used for foul ulcers 

 and to keep flies off sores. The flower is rather a pretty -one and 

 is a valuable addition to the ornamental shrubs of the country. 



Michela cliampaca, Vern. "Champaka." No English equiva- 

 lent. A fair sized tree, more or less evergreen with long ovate 

 pointed waved leaves. Flowers a delicate pale yellow and very 

 fragrant. Fruit is a spike of carpels. It is a rather curious 

 looking tree and gives, when the leaves are fully expanded, a good 

 deal of shade. The wood is very soft and easily broken. The 

 flowers are used by the native women as ornaments in their hair 

 and are much offered in their temples to Siva. Shelley speaks of 

 the tree thus : 



"The champak odours fall 



Like sweet thoughts in a dream." 



The pale yellow flowers have a sweet oppressive odour which is 

 celebrated in Hindu poetry, and from the wood images are made 

 of Buddha for temple uses. 



Ficus religiosa, Vern. "Pipal." The Peepul tree or sacred 

 fig. A large, smooth handsome tree, spreading somewhat, with 

 leaves long and pointed much. It looks rather like a wide graceful 

 poplar tree. Fruit is size of a black cherry. It is common over 

 India, in the jungle and near temples and places of habitation. 

 It lias been known to live for 2000 years. It is found often near 

 where Brahmins perform the ablutions, and the rustle, of the leaves 

 in a breeze has been compared to the sounds of a cithara. Under 

 this tree Vishnu is supposed to have been born by some. No one 

 is allowed to cut it down or lop off branches. Leaf-pulling is 

 only allowed for acts of worship. Each tree springing from an 

 unpreceived source is emblematical of the body which really springs 

 from, and is one with the godhead. It is also said to typify the 

 universe. Sometimes this tree is invested like a Brahmin with 

 that great honor the "triple cord" which only Brahmins among 

 the castes of India can aspire to. Sometimes it is solemnly 

 married, as other trees and plants are to each other in India. In 



