of the Himalayan Mountains and of Cashmere. 145 



the latter, and they can only be successfully cultivated in a 

 lower temperature than other species of the genus." (p. 192.) 

 Passing over numerous important observations respecting this 

 order, we stop to notice DaIberg/« Sissoo, one of the most 

 valuable of the Indian timber trees, and, except Shorea robusta 

 (called the saul tree), more extensively used than any other in 

 Northern India ; " but, like every other, subject to be speedily 

 destroyed by the unceasing ravages of the white ant. 



" It would be important to ascertain whether timber and vegetable 

 matter might not be defended from these destroying hordes by the same 

 process as employed by Mr. Kyan in so effectually preserving from the dry 

 rot, and of which so luminous a-n account was given by Dr. Faraday, in 

 his lecture, and subsequently in the (Quarterly Review. When in India," 

 Mr. Royle continues, " it was my intention to have prosecuted a series of 

 experiments on the subject. I commenced by dissolving corrosive sublimate 

 and assafoetida in strong spirits (articles, all of which are procurable in every 

 bazaar), and poured the solution into any place where the white ants were 

 beginning to make their appearance. The process was so effectual, that they 

 were always driven away from the point attacked ; and my servants were 

 afterwards in the habit of resorting to the same measure whenever occasion 

 required. I regret that my avocations did not allow me leisure to pursue the 

 subject; but I commend it to my ingenious friend Mr. James Prinsep. 



" While this is passing through the press, I have seen (March 14. 1835) 

 specimens, at the Royal Institution, of oak and deal, which had been sent to 

 and have returned from India, with a certificate from Mr. Kyd, stating that 

 both had been freely exposed in such situations as where timber is never known 

 to escape the depredations of white ants; but neither piece had been touched 

 and both were returned sound and uninjured. It is hardly possible to calculate 

 the benefit of which this may be productive. It remains to be ascertained 

 whether the preparation (ruskupoor) procurable in India is equally efficacious ; 

 as well as to ascertain the Indian woods in which the chemical combination is 

 most complete and effectual in resisting the destructive powers of the white 

 ant; powers second only, if second, indeed, they be, to the dry rot." 



^osdcecE. — This order is " chiefly confined to the cool parts 

 of the northern hemisphere, being found in the plains of high 

 latitudes, and in the mountains of more southern regions. Though 

 roses, peaches, and some of the apple tribe, are found in the 

 gardens, we do not meet with any of the iJosaceae in the plains 

 of India, with the exception of jRiibus, found, however, only in 

 hilly places in the southern parts of India, and a single Poten- 

 tilla." (p. 202.) 



" Two other species of Potentilla are found on the Neelgherries, with a 

 Cotoneaster Fragaria, and species of ^libus and Photfnia. Of this last genus, 

 species are also found in the mountains above Silhet and Pundua, and extend- 

 ing further north, with a species of Eriobotrya in Nepal ; making these genera 

 common to the Himalayas and to China. A Raphiolepis is also mentioned 

 in India, but it does not appear to extend beyond China or Cochin-China. A 

 species of Eriobotrya is said to be found in Persia. 



" In addition to these, in the northern as in the southern parts of the 

 Himalayas, there are numerous species of iZosacese belonging to such genera 

 as are found in Europe, Siberia, the Altai Mountains, China, Japan, and North 

 America; and from Caucasus to the Hindoo Khoosh, on the ramifications of 

 which, and in the valleys they include, some, as the Pomaceae and /Imygdaleae, 



M 3 



