MTSOHB AUD OOOEG. tW 



224 Hardwickia binata, lloxB. ^a». Karacti, Kammar, 



Asanagurgi, Kamr^. 



Fig.-Bedd. Fl. Syk. t. 26. 

 References.— Dtc^. ofEcoii. Prod, of Ind. ; Oamb. 

 Man. Tiinb. 



A deciduous tree of the maidan forests, but mostly 

 confined to the Tumkur and Chitaldroog Districts, 

 where it attains fair growth. Very abundant in the 

 Bukkapatna forest of the Sira Tahik. The maximum 

 height of 100 feet is rarely attained in Mysore, al- 

 though trees of that size are not uncommon in the 

 Salem and Ooimbatore districts. It is a reserved tree 

 affording one-of the most durable timbers in India. 

 Heartwood abundant, close-grained, dark-red tinged 

 Avith purple; soft and easy to work when newly cut but 

 subsequently becoming extremely hard and difficult 

 to manipulate. Weight, unseasoned, 80 — 82 lb, per 

 cubic foot ; seasoned wood is considerably lighter, 

 takes a fine polish, and is well adapted for cabinet 

 and artistic work. In the localities where it grows, it 

 is much used in the construction of bridges, houses, 

 and agricultural implements ; and being durable un- 

 derground, it is an invaluable timber for works of 

 mining and engineering. Other useful products are 

 afforded by the species in the shape of gum, tan, 

 fibre, and fodder. With regard to the last named 

 product, which consists of the young shoots and 

 leaves, some restrictions are necessary to protect 

 such a valuable tree from the rapacity of cowherds 

 and cattle. 



" Cattle being very fond of the leaves, the tree is 

 pollarded to a frightful extent wherever it grows. 

 It is heart rending to see the damage done in the 

 Cauvery forests. " Beddome. 



Cultivation.— This species is confined to the deci- 

 duous forests of South and Central India, where it is 

 found at intervals on sandstone, trap, and even gra- 

 nite. In the matter of soil and rainfall, it is some- 

 wlaat peculiar. Seeds germinate pretty well. 



