Bamhusa.] LXXVIII. GRAMINE^. 567 



but not conspicuous without removing the flowering glume ; 7 prominent 

 ::::nerve8 between the keels. Scales cuneate-oblon|, obliquely truncate, 

 irregularly cut and fimbriate with broad subulate te6th, base thickened 

 particularly on one side, edges and upper part transparent, no distinct 

 nerves, the third lodicule generally long, linear. Anthers glabrous, con- 

 dee rSfid * ^^^''' ^^*^ obovate-oblong, hirsute; style 



The common Bamboo of Bengal. Not uncommon in the deciduous forest of 

 Pegu, generally occupying lower and mbister stretches of ground in company 

 with litiwa (Cephaiostachyum pergradle, Munio), the dry hffla surroundmg 

 being covered ynthDendrocalanms strictus. Also associated with Bambum 

 polymorpha, Munio, Kyathounwa. FL May. Generally used for roofs and 

 scaffolding, found more durable if soaked in water previous to being used. The 

 youi^ shoots are pickled. Used largely to make mats for the waUs and roofs 

 of cottages. Baskets, fans, and wiadow-blinds are made of it. 



B. nutcms, WaU. ; Munro 1. c. 92, of Nepal, Assam, Kasia hills, and Silhet, 

 agrees with B. Tulda in all essential characters ; the leaves are of medium size, 

 pale benea,th and with slight soft pubescence, the spicules are long, with elon- 

 gated distinctly articulate clavate joints of the rachis, terminating in a hairy 

 disc under the flowering glume, the fimbriate edges of the palea are not con- 

 spicuous on the face of the spikelet, the connective of the anthers terminates in 

 a blunt glabrous point, and the lodicules are cuneate, with a thick base and 

 without prominent nerves. Munro states that it is a much smaller plant, with 

 a slender and nearly solid stem, the leaves whiter below, and few fertile spike- 

 lets. Nepal, SLtkim at 5000 to 7000 ft. (vem. Mahlo), Assam {BidhMli Bam, 

 Mukial Bans), Kasia, Silhet, and, according to Dr Stewart, in the Siwalik tract, 

 probably extending west to the Ganges. 



3. B. Balcooa, Eoxb. Fl. Ind. ii. 196 ; Munro I c. 100. — Vern. Balku 

 Bans, Beng. 



Steins tall unarmed, stouter and ciften taller than of B. Tulda. Leaves 

 oblong-lanceolate, with a large rounded subcordate base, 6-12 in. long 

 and 1-2 in. broad, glabrous, green on both sides, edges scabrous; se- 

 condary nerves 7-11 on either side of midrib, not very prominent; trans- 

 verse veins distinct but distant ; sheath truncate at the base of the short 

 petiole ; ligula membranous, broadly triangular. Spikelets \-^ in. long, 

 ovoid-lanceolate, 4-6-flowered, conspicuous by the fimbriate keels of paleae, 

 sessile, in compact haJf-whorled clusters on long interrupted spikes. 

 Empty glumes 2, unequal. Flowering glumes thin, irienibranous, with a 

 broad concave base, and a wide membranous edge, cUiate near the top, 

 with prominent longitudinal nerves. Eachis not distinctly articulate, 

 joints short, glabrous, not much thickened below the flowering glume. 

 Palea as long as flowering glume, flmbriate at keels and hairy at edges; 

 nerves indistinct ; lodicules ovate or obovate, with longitudinal branch- 

 ing nerves, each branch terminating in a long subulate ciliai or tooth. 

 Anthers glabrous, connective terminating in a short dark point. 



Bengal, Assam {Bara Baluka), Cachar. Beckoned the best Bamboo in Ben- 

 gal for building, scaffolding, and other works requiring both size and strength. 

 Long immersion in water tends to make it firmer, and proof against the 



