222 MADRAS EXHIBITION. 



had the dotibt been mentioned, inquiry might have been made, 

 and the error, if it were one, detected at the outset. In all cases, 

 therefore, writers ought to state whence the information has been 

 obtained, and how far it can be depended upon. Every effort 

 should at the same time be made to test the intelligence given 

 by one individual by inquiries from others, &c. 



The jury trust that their remarks will not deter parties from 

 sending good specimens merely because all the information above 

 required cannot be furnished. Their intention in giving these 

 hints will be misunderstood, if such is the case ; for these remarks 

 owe their origin to the fact, that above 200 specimens, collected 

 with much labour, time, and expense, are practically useless, to 

 the disappointment equally of the disinterested contributors and 

 the public. 



CLASSIFIED LIST OF WOODS, NATIVE, OE GROWN IN THE MADRAS 

 PRESIDENCY. 



1. Acacia arabica. Babul, Eng. Babula, Hind. Kar-vaila, Tarn. 

 Nalla tumma kara, Tel. — This hard tough wood is extensively 

 used, but cannot be obtained of large size, and is generally 

 crooked. It is used for ploughshares, naves of wheels, &c, and 

 generally for all purposes for which a bent hard wood is required. 

 It makes excellent tent pegs. The tree is found in every district, 

 and is worthy of cultivation on account of its gum, timber, and 

 its pods, which are a favourite food of sheep and goats. It is of 

 rapid growth, and requires no water, flourishing in dry arid plains, 

 and especially in black cotton soil, where other trees are rarely 

 met with. The bark is extensively used for tanning, and gives a 

 reddish tinge to the leather. (Wight, No. 19.) 



2. Acacia catechu. Kheir, Hind. "Wodahalle, Tarn. — The 

 wood of this tree is less hard and durable than that of the other 

 Acacias. The tree is small, and occurs more frequently in 

 the Dekkan than in the Carnatic. The watery extract (kut) is 

 largely manufactured. (Wight, No. 124; Coimbatore, Travancore, 

 Canara.) 



* See Dr Gibson on Babul preserves in " Trans. A. H. Soc, Bombay," 

 p. III. 1852. 



