144 POBEST TEEBS. 



is more frequently found in the plains ; both, varieties 

 are popularly known as the ' Jamoon, ' and are exten- 

 sively planted as avenue trees at the sides of the 

 provincial roads. Being large, evergreen, or rarely 

 subdeciduous trees, they are well adapted for the lat- 

 ter purpose. "Wood whitish, changing^ to reddish 

 brown in the heartwood, hard, tough, durable in 

 water, and fairly lasting otherwise. "Weight 45 lb. 

 per cubic foot. 



The wood of var. obtnsifolia , is supposed to be 

 somewhat superior to that of the other variety ; but 

 both are liable to warp in seasoning. Locally used 

 for buildings, agricultural implements, and grinding 

 mills, &o. Medicinal properties are attributed to the 

 fruit, leaves, seeds, and bark ; and the last named 

 product affords material for dyeing and tanning. 

 The fruit, which is very abundant in the rainy sea- 

 son, is sold in the bazaars and commonly eaten by all 

 classes. Eaten in quantity, it is said to cause fever. 



One variety of the Jum nerale, which is only found 

 in certain localities, attains the size of a damson plum, 

 and being produced in large clusters, is a very at- 

 tractive fruit. When the berries are falling from 

 the tree, the ground underneath is stained blue- 

 black. M. Venkatnarnappa reports that " thfe tend- 

 er portions (sic) dried and powdered constitute a very 

 good substitute for coffee, though it does not possess 

 the same properties," 



Another substitute for this important beverage is 

 prepared from the roasted seeds of Cassia occiden- 

 talis. Kan. Kol tagaci. 



Cultivation-— The Jamoon is self-productive from 

 seed, the latter being often favourably deposited by 

 flying foxes, squirrels, and birds. In good soil, the 

 tree attains a large size and is said to bft a suitable 

 shade for coffee cultivation. In such a position, full 

 grown trees would occupy a diameter of 100 feet. 



