Bambusa.] LXXVIII. GRAMINEjE. 567 



but not conspicuous without removing the flowering glume ; 7 prominent 

 nerves between the keels. Scales cuneate-oblong, obliquely truncate, 

 irregularly cut and fimbriate with broad subulate teeth, base thickened, 

 particularly on one side, edges and upper part transparent, no distinct 

 nerves, the third lodicule generally long, linear. Anthers glabrous, con- 

 nective with a short blunt apex. Ovary obovate-oblong, hirsute ; style 

 deeply 3-fid. 



The common Bamboo of Bengal. Not uncommon in the deciduous forest of 

 Pegu, generally occupying lower and moister stretches of ground in company 

 with Tinwa (Cephalostachyum pergracile, Munro), the dry hills surrounding 

 being covered with Dendrocalamus strictus. Also associated with Bambusa 

 polymorpha, Munro, Kyathounwa. Fl. May. Generally used for roofs and 

 scaffolding, found more durable if soaked in water previous to being used. The 

 young shoots are pickled. Used largely to make mats for the walls and roofs 

 of cottages. Baskets, fans, and window-blinds are made of it. 



B. nutans, Wall. ; Munro 1. c. 92, of Nepal, Assam, Kasia hills, and Silhet, 

 agrees with B. Tulda in all essential characters ; the leaves are of medium size, 

 pale beneath and with slight soft pubescence, the spicules are long, with elon- 

 gated distinctly articulate clavate joints of the rachis, terminating in a hairy 

 disc under the flowering glume, the fimbriate edges of the palea are not con- 

 spicuous on the face of the spikelet, the connective of the anthers terminates in 

 a blunt glabrous point, and the lodicules are cuneate, with a thick base and 

 without prominent nerves. Munro states that it is a much smaller plant, with 

 a slender and nearly solid stem, the leaves whiter below, and few fertile spike- 

 lets. Nepal, Sikkim at 5000 to 7000 ft. (vern. Mahlo), Assam (Bidhuli Bans, 

 Mukial Bans), Kasia, Silhet, and, according to Dr Stewart, in the Siwalik tract, 

 probably extending west to the Ganges. 



3. B. Balcooa, Eoxb. Fl. Ind. ii. 196; Munro 1. c. 100. Vern. Balku 

 Bans, Beng. 



Stems tall unarmed, stouter and often taller than of B. Tulda. Leaves 

 oblong-lanceolate, with a large rounded subcordate base, 6-12 in. long 

 and 1-2 in. broad, glabrous, green on both sides, edges scabrous; se- 

 condary nerves 7-11 on either side of midrib, not very prominent; trans- 

 verse veins distinct but distant ; sheath truncate at the base of the short 

 petiole ; ligula membranous, broadly triangular. Spikelets J- J in. long, 

 ovoid-lanceolate, 4-6-flowered, conspicuous by the fimbriate keels of paleae, 

 sessile, in compact half-whorled clusters on long interrupted spikes. 

 Empty glumes 2, unequal. Flowering glumes thin, membranous, with a 

 broad concave base, and a wide membranous edge, ciliate near the top, 

 with prominent longitudinal nerves. Eachis not distinctly articulate, 

 joints short, glabrous, not much thickened below the flowering glume. 

 Palea as long as flowering glume, fimbriate at keels and hairy at edges ; 

 nerves indistinct ; lodicules ovate or obovate, with longitudinal branch- 

 ing nerves, each branch terminating in a long subulate cilia or tooth. 

 Anthers glabrous, connective terminating in a short dark point. 



Bengal, Assam (Bara Baluka), Cachar. Beckoned the best Bamboo in Ben- 

 gal for building, scaffolding, and other works requiring both size and strength. 

 Long immersion in water tends to make it firmer, and proof against the 



