244 Dr. H. F. C. Cleghorn 'on the Hedge Plants of India. 



it is a native. It is now frequently met with, being much em- 

 ployed as a fence, particularly below the Ghauts. I have observed 

 a thriving hedge at Shemogah, which was an excellent substitute 

 for prickly pear in enclosing a compound. I have seen Inga 

 hedges at Bangalore and in Capetown. The pulp of the cu- 

 riously twisted seeds is sweet and nutritious ; hence the specific 

 name. 



Acacia arahica, Willd. 



Babool, Hind. Karijalee, Can. 



The most common indigenous tree, known to all travellers — 

 often the only visible tree, thriving in every soil. Seeds and pods 

 of great value to the shepherd in the hot season as food for his 

 flock. Dr. Gibson suggested some years ago that the waste parts 

 of the Deccan should be planted with this tree, as it grows ra- 

 pidly, and requires no water. The timber is used for tools and 

 tent-pegs, the bark for tanning, and the gum as a substitute for 

 wafers in the public offices. When covered with its globose heads 

 of yellow flowers it gives a smiling aspect to the arenaceous waste -, 

 and Moore aptly introduces it in an Arabian scene : — 



" Our rocks are rough, but smiling there 

 The Acacia waves her yellow haii- 

 Lonely and sweet, nor loved the less 

 For flowering in a wilderness." 



Acacia concinna, DC. 

 Mimosa saponaria, Rox. 

 Shigai or Shikakai, Can. 

 A large climbing plant with numerous aculei. Some villages 

 and cofiee gardens are surrounded with strong hedges of this 

 plant, which are rented annually in Nuggur, the thick sapona- 

 ceous legumes being articles of trade, and sold at the rate of three 

 for a pice ; used as soap for washing the hair, &c. (Buchanan, 

 i. 38.) 



Vachellia Farnesiana, W. & A. 



Kalee Kikur, Hind. 



A small tree common everywhere in hedges and fields. The 



branches are lopped off for fuel, and for repairing the fences. This 



is a most useful tree, affording timber for ploughs, bandies, and 



other agricultural implements. 



All these Mimosea and Casalpinea are of easy culture. Cut- 

 tings of them root freely. 



Bambusa arundinacea, Willd. 



Arundo Bambos, Linn. 



The Common Bamboo. 



Bans, Beng. 



This arborescent grass is capable of forming an excellent fence. 



