WIDE DIFFUSION OF THE PLANT. 351 
Chi M4, and consequently its value having been proved, it 
is important to find that it is a plant very widely diffused in the 
East. Dr. M‘Gowan writes from Ningpo (‘ Agri-Hortic. Soc.,’ 
vi, p. 241), that ‘the Chad Ma is found at the base of hills from 
Cochin China to the Yellow River, and from Chusan to the 
farthest west that researches can for the present extend.’ 
We find that it is known in Celebes and Borneo, cultivated 
in Java and Sumatra, and many other of the islands of the Hast, 
where it seems to be known chiefly by the names Rami and 
Caloee. It is known in Siam and at Singapore; the string 
made of it is called ¢alt rami, and the fishing nets manufactured 
with it are conspicuous for their elegance and strength. Col. 
Burney, in 1836, obtained it from Pivela and Youkyouk, in 
the Shan province of Ava, where it is called Pan, and where 
Mr. Landers afterwards found it. Plants sent by the Colonel 
to Moulmein and to Tavoy succeeded well, but required much 
water. It has long been known as cultivated by fishermen in 
the Bengal districts of Rungpore and of Dinagepore, where it is 
called Kunkhoora. Col. Jenkins first sent it from Cochin in 
1836; and it is found in different parts of Assam, where it is 
called Rheea, and from whence specimens have frequently been 
sent to the Agri-Hortic. Society of Calcutta, and whose 
‘Journal,’ vols. iii to viii, contain numerous notices respect- 
ing it. 
“In Assam, Rungpore, and Dinagepore, this plant seems to 
be very generally cultivated, though only in small quantities, 
by the Dooms or fishermen, near their huts. The climate of 
Assam, and of these districts, being moist, is very suitable to 
the plant. Manure is useful, moisture essential for quick 
growth, as well as shade and protection from storms to allow it 
to grow to the height of eight feet, from which a six-feet fibre 
may be extracted. Hence it is most common in the districts 
along the foot of hills. It is grown from the separated roots, and 
may be cut down several times, so that four or five crops may 
easily be obtained during the year, and the aggregate produce 
of an acre of ground be about twelve maunds. The different 
crops vary in strength and fineness. All the officers of the 
district state that the culture is perfectly understood, and 
though cultivated only in small quantities by the fishermen for 
their own use, it is susceptible of easy and rapid extension, if 
