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302 On the Vegetation of the Jhelum District. [No. 8 



5th. The characteristic plants met with as weeds in fields. 



Early in March Oxalis comiculata, Anagallis arvensis, Lathy rus 

 aphaea, L., and Asphodehcs Jistulosus are seen springing up in im- 

 mense quantities over the whole of the fields, along with the spring 

 crops. The former are not very injurious, and hence are not weeded 

 out, but the last if allowed to proceed in its growth would undoubtedly 

 choke, at all events, wheat and barley. In some fields that have been 

 sown late and in which none of the corn crop is as yet up, the 

 Asphodelus at a very little distance may be easily mistaken for the 

 corn crop. This therefore, when it is large enough to be grasped by 

 the fingers, is carefully weeded out from the cultivated ground. 



Sesbania aeuleata is very common throughout the fields, and during 

 the months of August and September, it may be seen overtopping the 

 Bajree or other autumnal crops. 



Celosia argentea, L, grows amongst the Bajree and Jowar, and is 

 found as a weed from a few inches in height to a shrub of fully seven 

 feet, covered with a profusion of lovely pink flowers. The natives, 

 upon cutting down the crop, curiously enough always seem to leave 

 the plants of this, which remain conspicuous over the reaped fields. 



Baliospermum polyandrum. This seems to be one of the most 

 difficult shrubs to eradicate, from the large quantity of seeds that 

 one plant bears, and its readiness to germinate. It is not very 

 noticeable until the autumnal crop is cut. Immediately after this, 

 the plant rapidly produces a dark green foliage with flower and fruit, 

 assuming the characteristics of a shrub. It occupies a belt of land 

 half way between the Jhelum and the Eatian range of hills, from 

 which it does not seem to deviate. 



6th. Characteristic plants, met with on roads, &c, &c, &c. 



Calotropis procem, E. Br., " Ak Madar." This is to be found in 

 every part of the district, from the sandy wastes to the most cultivated 

 soil, from the plains of the Jhelum to the heights of the salt range 

 and Mt. Tilla. It is a rank weed, but being easily eradicated, does not 

 give the cultivator much trouble, except on the edges of the fields, 

 where carelessness permits of its growth. 



Adhatoda vasica, Nees, " Bansa and Bakoor." This also is a 

 disagreeable neighbour to cultivation, but is easily kept at a prpper 

 distance. It is to be found at an altitude of from 700 to 3,200 ft. 

 and on the Eatian range of hills forms a belt of vegetation pecu- 



