208 HEDGES. 



The inflorescence only occurs in rich, moist situations, and in 

 these the thorns are sometimes absent. In times of scarcity, the 

 seeds of the bamboo, mixed with honey, are eaten like rice by 

 the poorer classes of natives (Buck. Jour., ii., p. 341) ; and in 

 Orissa (Stirling in Asiat. Res., vol. xv. p. 205. 



The bamboo is easily propagated by means of suckers, which 

 strike root in moist soils. An interesting notice on the rapid 

 growth of the bamboo, by Mr E. Scott, is published in the Trans. 

 Bot. Soc. Edin., vol. iv. p. 25, 1849. 



C«salpinia sepiaeia (Boxb.), Mysore thorn. 



Eoxb. M. Ind., 2, p. 360 ; W. and A. pr. p. 282 ; Wight 

 Icon., t. 37 ; Grah. Cat. Bom., pi. p. 61 ; Voigt. Hort. 

 Calc, p. 244; Eoxb. in E. I. C, tab. 1240, Hyder ka 

 jar, Hind. Chillur, Duk. 



This plant possesses a historical interest, Hyder Ally having 

 directed it to be planted as a means of defence around his strong- 

 holds. In the territories of Mysore, the mud fortifications which 

 surrounded all the villages in the days of plunder and rapine 

 are rapidly disappearing ; but hedges of this plant (with Ptero- 

 lobium lacerans) still remain to attest Hyder's skill in the art of 

 defence. C. sepiaria is indigenous in Mysore ; but is now gene- 

 rally diffused over our Indian possessions, and known as the 

 Mysore Thorn. It is employed as a fence in the Baghyat lands 

 of the Dekkan, and possesses the twofold advantage of beauty 

 and durability. 



Immediately the shoot appears above ground, it separates into 

 numerous lateral branches, which are strongly armed with re- 

 curved prickles. In the cold season, the yellow racemes of 

 flowers which spring from the higher branches form a striking 

 and beautiful object. For general use as an enclosure, it is one 

 of the best plants with which we are acquainted ; it is easily 

 raised from seed, and grows vigorously both above and below the 

 Ghats, (vide p. 174.) The hedge requires little care beyond 

 occasionally trimming the side branches, and perhaps the in- 

 troduction of a few dead stakes at intervals to steady and 

 strengthen it. 



