1923.] Ecology of Riverine Tract of Burma. 99 
bushes are often many yards apart, the intervening ground 
may be almost bare or covered with short grass, especially 
Aristida adscenscionis. The other succulent plants which 
one associates with the Dry Zone of Burma (Opuntia sp 
and the Prickly Pear) are largely planted, especially 
hedgerow plants 
UNCLASSIFIED FORMATIONS. 
mbretum Hedgerow Community. ‘There are various 
plants which are widely spread in hedgerows and which tend 
to reappear also by the banks of streams. Combretum apeta- 
lum Wall (Nabu) is especially typica 
Iverside and Village Parkland. The spt cngbbirae 
of villages is usually marked by large stately trees of sach 
species as Tamarindus indicus Linn. (Magyi), ‘Shinde mala- 
baricum DC. (Letpan), Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Tan or 
Toddy Palm), Fwus religiosa Linn., and, in damper places. 
Cocos nucifera Linn. (Coconut Palm). When the intervening 
ground is covered with short turf—as frequently happens 
n stretches of Irrawadian—the effect is very pleasing and 
parklike. Whilst scarcely a type of natural vegetation, the 
selective human control which, in course of centuries, has 
produced it, is largely sub-conscious 
12. Kaing Grassland. The traveller up the Irrawaddy 
River is usually struck by the sometimes extensive reer 
wamps. Tru mps are rare in this part of 
Burma but small areas  ehataiieiied by Nymphaea or by 
Bedabin may be observed. 
V. Tar Connexion senda ee FoRESTRY 
p Ecoroey. 
ust as the gett hat of natural vegetation is largely 
controlled by the soil, is that of the crops. Despite te the 
backward agricultural esiolopeush of the country, this is 
apparent from the official crop-returns and is, of course, a 
matter of everyday knowledge to the Burman cultivator. 
If one takes a “charge” situated wholly on Irrawadian 
(eg. No. 16 of the Thayetmyo District) one finds that only 79% 
of the area is cultivated, that sesamum is the principal sty 2 
pea 6) followed by ground-nuts 19%. Another charge (No. 1 
of the Thayetmyo District) situated wholly on Pegu Ricks 
shows that only 7:2% of the area is cultivated—there is much 
‘ 
