XXXUl 



tlio branches of trees can be obtained and the leaves which consti- 

 tute their hot weather foliage. Slymni says, " My opinion is that 

 grass should form the principal kind of green fodder all the 

 year round, and that either on the march, or when the good 

 kinds are not obtainable, or as a kind of variation, its use may 

 bo substituted either by banian, jack tree, peepul, bamboo, 

 plantain leaves, fresh paddy straw, or sugar-cane. The plantain 

 leaves I would not recommend during cold or chilly weather." 



At the commencement of the rains when the grass springs up 

 very plentifully the ratib of grazing elephants may be reduced. 

 "With regard to the use of branches and leaves as cherrai it must 

 be remembered that it is easier work to break off large branches 

 than to select grass. Therefore the attendants prefer to give the 

 less nutritious branches ; however the latter must necessarily be 

 used in many places where a sufficiency of grass is not procurable 

 and they are best for food when the twigs snap rather than bend 

 under pressure, for branches are not relished when the sap runs 

 (Sanderson). To deal satisfactorily with the question of what 

 trees and grasses may with advantage be given to elephants would 

 require a more extensive acquaintance with Indian Botany and 

 vernacular names of plants found in the peninsula and also in 

 British Burma than we can bring to bear. We may enumerate 

 the following — quoting authorities. Bamboo (Forsyth) will not, 

 alone, be taken as food for long; the young shoots are very accept- 

 able and nutritious ; it is good in the cold season (Slynim). Kurhee, 

 millet stalks are useful for a short time but soon a change 

 to green food is required (Forsyth). It is not suited for new 

 elephants — which, for the first three months should be fed on 

 green cherrai (Johnstone) . Sugarcane is good in small quantities 

 and is a great treat (Foi'syth). 

 Fkesh Grasses — 



(1). Kusseelah or Kussalah (Gilclu-ist and Slymm). 



(2). Lavaho (Gilchrist); and Ghut lavaloo (Gilchrist and 



Slymm) ; and Chit lavaloo (Gilchrist). 

 (3). Puttairah (Gilchrist and Slymm) — or Gutaoloo. 

 (•t). Panee-Tca-Arecahe or Eakhsee {Poh, Hlapareahi) found 

 in tanks during the rains, mixed with a weed con- 

 sidered liable to purge and cause the disease known aa 

 LunguD. 



