CiiAP. XXITT. THE DODABETTA SITE. 383 



The analogy between the flora of the Dodabetta ravine and 

 of the loftier parts of the chinchona region was another point 

 which influenced my decision. Within the ravine there are 

 nine species of cliinchonaceous plants, namely — 



Hedyotis Lawsonia'. 

 Hedyotis stylosa. 

 Lasianthus ventdosus. 

 Coffea alpestris, 

 Coffea grumelioidcs. 



Canthium umhellatum. 

 Oriimilea clongata. 

 Orumilea conyesta. 

 Fsychotria hisulcata. 



These are mostly ornamental pretty shrubs, from six to eight 

 feet high, with clusters of white or cream-coloured flowers. 

 The other genera of which the wood is composed are as 

 follows: — Vaceinium, Myrsine, Symplocos, Ilex, Michelia, Sa- 

 pota, Isonandraf and Cinnamon among the trees ; Eugenia, 

 Myrtus^ Jasminum, Osbeckia, Sonerila, Solanum, Viburnum, 

 and Acantlius among shrubs ; Lonicera, JPassiJlora, Ruhia, 

 and pepper-vines among the climbers ; with an undergrowth 

 of Lobelia, Begonia, Convolvulus, orcliids, and ferns. The 

 Osbeckias and Sonerilas represent the melastomaceous plants, 

 the constant companions of chinchonse in South America. 



It was no small advantage that this excellent site for a 

 chinchona plantation was close to the Government gardens, 

 and that it would thus be under the constant supervision 

 of Mr. Mclvor. It receives a supply of moisture during 

 both monsoons, and is, therefore, as good a position as could 

 have been selected on the higher plateau of the Neilgherries, 

 though there are many sholas wliich will be found equally 

 well adapted for the growth of the hardier chinchonas. These 

 precious plants will, it is to be hoped, before very long, form 

 large plantations on all parts of the hills, and become one of 

 the most important products of the Neilgherries. In the 

 mean while Mr. Mclvor, the Government Superintendent, 

 using the Dodabetta site as an experimental plantation, wiU 

 be enabled to demonstrate the successful results of cliinchona 

 culture, and to raise thousands of plants for the supply of 

 private enterprise. 



