644 



XXXVI. SAPOTACEAE 



the Central Provinces and Central India, where the trees are killed off in 

 large numbers by this parasite, which itself dies after killing its host. Special 

 measures are urgently called for to deal with this pest and to prevent its further 

 spread. Systematic and repeated cutting of the parasite appears to be the 

 only practical method of dealing with it ; mohwa lessees should be required 

 to do this, and organized efforts should be instituted in the forest, in cultivated 

 lands, and generally wherever the Loranthus makes its appearance. 



Natural, reproduction. The seed germinates early in the rainy season, 

 soon after falling. For successful germination it is important that it should 

 become covered with earth or debris, otherwise the seed is liable to fungus 

 attacks, while the radicle is apt to dry up or to become eaten by insects if 

 exposed. Natural seedlings are thus found chiefly in slight hollows into which 

 earth is washed at the commencement of the rains. Tbeir subsequent growth, 

 which is comparatively slow, is favoured by the admission of abundant light. 



Artificial reproduction. The tree may be propagated either by direct 

 sowing or by transplanting from the nursery. For forest purposes direct 

 sowings in prepared lines or patches are preferable, as transplanting gives 

 trouble and is attended with much risk owing to the long and rather delicate 

 taproot developed by the seedling. In either case fresh seed should be sown 

 about July-August, and care should be taken to cover it with earth to a depth 

 of about half an inch. 



For transplanting purposes it is preferable either to soav the seed direct 

 in long pots or baskets, or to transplant the seedlings from nursery-beds into 

 pots or baskets during the first rainy season a few weeks after germination. 

 The plants may be put out in the forest early in the second rainy season. 

 While they are in the nursery watering should be somewhat sparingly carried 

 out, and the soil should be kept loose. Plantations should be protected from 

 cattle and deer. 



Rate of growth. Few reliable statistics are available regarding the rate 

 of growth of this important tree. The following measurements are recorded 

 in high forest sample plots : 



Bassia latifolia : girth increment in high forest sample plots. 



As regards copj)ice, measurements made in 1911 in the Gonda district. 

 United Provinces, in two coupes each two years old, showed an average height 

 of 4-7 and 10 ft. as compared with 7-6 and 10 ft. for sal. Coppice-shoots 

 one year old measured in Bhandara, Central Provinces, had an average height 

 of 4-25 ft. as compared with 7-1 ft. for teak. Coppice measurements made in 

 1910 by IVIr. C. M. McCrie in Gorakhpur, United Provinces, gave the following 

 results for Bassia latifolia as compared with sal : 



