HEDGES. 207 



elsewhere described. Of these, B. spinosa, from the number 

 and strength of its branches and spines, is said to form the most 

 impenetrable jungle in India. B. nana, introduced from China 

 into the Botanic Garden, Calcutta, makes beautiful close hedges. 

 Boxb. 



The Bambusese require a humid climate, and do not thrive in 

 dry or sandy soil, hence we seldom meet with flowering plants in 

 the Carnatic ; but they are abundant beside the water courses of 

 the "Western Ghats, and in all parts to which the influence of 

 the S.W. monsoon extends. 



The bamboo is extensively used as a fence for gardens and 

 fields in Coorg, the S. Mahratta country and Guzerat, where it 

 delights in the rich soil along the edge of the mountain streams. 

 It forms a dense and graceful underwood ; but unless its luxu- 

 riance is checked, it spreads into clumps, and has a tendency to 

 harbour vermin. The young thick shoots should be watched and 

 carefully removed, and the lateral branches only allowed to re- 

 main. It has been introduced into Jamaica ; and Macfadyen, in 

 an excellent account of the hedge plants of that island, already 

 quoted, states that " Bamboo fences are peculiarly adapted to pas- 

 ture-land, the cattle browsing on the young shoots keeping down 

 their growth, so that little additional care is required " (Hook. 

 Bot. Misc., iii. p. 83). Thunberg mentions, that the sugar 

 plantations in Java are fenced with bamboo {Travels, vol. ii. 

 p. 312). 



The town of Bednore (literally Bideruru or Bamboo-place), 

 was defended in Hyder's time by a deep trench filled with bam- 

 boos, which formed an additional means of defence, and hence 

 the name of the town (Buch. Jour., iii. p. 261). When we visited 

 the place in 1856, we found the trench still remaining with many 

 bamboos growing in it. 



Buchanan also mentions, that Mr Place, then collector of Chin- 

 gleput, caused each village to be surrounded by a hedge of bamboo ; 

 but few of these remain ; indeed, they are scarce and dear in the 

 Carnatic. It would be tedious to enumerate the great variety of 

 economic purposes to which the bamboo is applied ; but its use 

 is so extensive, that it might be introduced with advantage under 

 the bunds of tanks, or wherever a moist spot is obtainable. 



