120 POUEST TRiSfiS. 



Cultivation.— Easily propagated from seed, and 

 attaining the largest growth in moist situations 

 near tanks and rivers. Coppices well. 

 247 Acacia catechu, Willd. Kan. Kagli, Kacliu, Tara, 



Tere. 



Yig—Bot. Plates Lal-Bagh Collection. 

 References.^Z)^ci. ofJEcon. Prod, oflnd.; Brand. 

 For. Fl. 



A deciduous tree growing throughout the maidan, 

 and on the outskirts of the Mahiad proper. In the 

 stony -hill tracts it is often reduced to the size of a 

 large bu.sh ; but otherwise it is a tree of compact 

 growth and medium size rarely exceeding 50 feet in 

 the best situations. 



Sapwood yellowish-white ; heartwood dark red, 

 hard, durable, seasons well and takes a fine polish ; 

 not subject to the attacks of white ants. Weight 

 60 — 70 lb. per cubic foot. Extensively used for fuel 

 and charcoal, which is regrettable considering the > 

 superior quality of the timber. Also used for agri- 

 cultural implements, oil mills, sugar-cane crushers, 

 bows, and handles to native arms. 



Catechu, or cutch, the most important product 

 of the tree, is obtained by boiling down a decoction 

 afforded by the chips of the heartwood. " Acacia 

 catechu for use with pan-supari is largely prepared 

 about Surat. Value Rs. 20 per inaund of 37^ lbs.'' 

 Cutch fetches from Es. 4 to 5 per maund, and is 

 prepared in many parts of India by wild forest 

 tribes." Pharmacographia Indica. 



Catechu is not extensively made in this province, 

 although it is in general use for masticatory, medicin- 

 al and industrial purposes. There are two kinds, 

 the dark and pale, of which the latter only is used 

 for chewing. • The tree is easily propagated from 

 seed, and coppices well. It is much too valuable to 

 be cut down lor fuel. 



