130 ASPECT OF THE HILL COUNTRY. 



worked successfully, although, of course, virgin forest 

 soil is much preferred, and less risky. These jungles, 

 when not planted, have an undergrowth of the common 

 Bracken (Pteris aquilina), and generally patches of date 

 grass, used for thatching ; the latter grows to a height 

 of three or four feet and is very strong ; its yellow fruit, 

 of the size of a small cherry, the natives are fond of. 

 Also many useful trees and shrubs are found here, 

 as the 



Emblic myrabolans [Phyllantus officinalis) : Bearing 



a little, semi-transparent, green fruit like a 



gooseberry ; it is very acid, and no native 



curry is complete without it. 

 The Tamarind {Tamarindus indica) : A pod, used 



similarly, also preserved in sugar. 

 The Indian laburnum {Cassia fistula) : The pulp of 



its seed used medicinally, and the bark for 



tanning ; flower, bright golden cluster, and 



a great many others. 



On reaching the summit the view is singularly 

 beautiful, first the forest-clad hills, in many places 

 precipitously cut into ravines, beyond, wide rich 

 undulating plains watered by silvery streams, and in 

 the distance a magnificent chain of mountains, being- 

 part of the Western Ghauts, the most beautiful spur 



