188 'POTEST TMES. 



much prized for its large handsome flowers, which 

 are offered at the shrine of Siva by Hindus, on 

 account of their beauty and fragrance. Highly 

 poisonous properties are found in the root, bark, 

 and leaves, but a paste prepared from the root 

 is a popular external remedy for several skin diseases. 

 Being a powerful heart poison, the roots of the 

 oleander are not infrequently used to commit suicide . 

 Reduced to a fine powder, the bark and leaves are 

 fatal to small vermin. The wood is practically of 

 no value. 



Cultivation. — The oleander affects depressions 

 and ravines, where the water-level is near th@ surface, 

 and where there is an accumulation of alluvial silt. 

 In such positions, the species grows rapidly, and 

 yields a profusion of fine flowers, in double and 

 single varieties of several distinct colours. When 

 the seeds are imperfect, which is often the case in 

 Mysore, propagate by cuttings, layers, and offsets. 

 The shrub is much cultivated in some parts. 



381 Beaumontia grandiflora, Wall. 



An extensive woody climber. Cultivated in gardens 

 for its handsome white flowers. The latter are large, 

 bell-shaped, and very useful for decoration. B. Jer- 

 doniana, Wight, is somewhat rarer in cultivation, 

 but equally effective while in flower. Both plants 

 contain a thickish milk-sap, and the young shoots 

 afford a fibre. A fine silky floss is also attached to 

 the seed. 



Cultivation^— Being mostly from the Eastern 

 Himalaya, the genus requires a cool position and 

 some protection from the sun. Beaumontia does 

 well when planted in deep soil near a stream, and 

 under the partial shade of large trees, over which it 

 will subsequently cast its giant arms for support 

 and protection. Propagate from seed and layers . 



