38 FOREST TREES. 



and as the plant thrives well in Mysore, it is sug- 

 gested that more attention might be given to its 

 Special cultivation. Seed can be supplied from the 

 Botanical Gardens, as also instructions for proper 

 treatment. 

 82 Guazuma tomentosa, Kunth. Kan. Rudrakslii. 



Fig.— Bot. Flutes Lal-Bagh Collection. Bedd. 

 Fl. Syk. t. 107 ; Wight HI t. 31. 



References.— Z)i(?i. of Econ. Prod, of Ind.; Econ. 

 Fl. Jamaica. 

 This forage tree of the West Indies and tropical 

 America, is spreading rapidly in this country Natura- 

 lised in Mysore, but mostly found in gardens and 

 near habitations. The leaves and fruit are much 

 relished by cattle and the possession of village topes 

 of the tree would be of great utility in times of 

 drought or famine, when the surface herbage is con- 

 sumed. 



The ' Rain Tree' Pithecohbium saman, should be 

 included in such topes, as also the ' Atti,' Ficns 

 glomerata, and other species affording nutritious 

 food in times of scarcity. The tubercled capsule, the 

 size of a gooseberry, becomes purplish-black when 

 ripe, and falls from the! tree in great numbers. 

 The writer has seen his own cows running for half a 

 mile to secure this fallen fruit. Medicinal proper- 

 ties are attributed to the bark. 



In the West Indies the tree is called the ' Bastard 

 Cedar.' The timber of old trees is said to be dur- 

 able, although it is light and apt to split." "Weight 

 32 lb. per cubic foot. Not commended for avenue 

 planting as the clean trunk is usually very short, 

 while the average height of the tree is not more 

 than 35 feet. 



Cultivation.— When liberated from the woody 

 capsule the seed germinates quickly, but buried -with 



