1850.] Report on the Statistics of Banda. 105 



52nd. In one estate Manpur-barye, Pergannah Seonda, there are 

 extensive Pan gardens, the irrigation is derived from some ravines dam- 

 med up, which form a large pond of most irregular shape. It is shel- 

 tered on the north by a lofty hill. 



53rd. In addition to these regular crops the Mowha tree must not 

 be omitted. This most valuable tree (Bassia latifolia) is both culti- 

 vated extensively in the low lands, and grows wild in the hilly tracts 

 of this district. In March and April, after the leaves fall it produces 

 an abundance of fleshy, sweet-tasted, nauseous-smelling, top-shaped, 

 pale yellow flowers at the end of the branches ; these falling during 

 the night, early in the morning the women and children go out with 

 baskets to collect them, picking them off the ground from which the dry 

 leaves are previously swept : the leaves are used to put under heaps of 

 grain in the granaries and khatas. 



54th. In June and July, the fruit ripens, the flesh is eaten, and the 

 kernel yields abundance of very valuable oil, which is used both as food 

 and for burning. It is frequently used to adulterate ghee. The tim- 

 ber is likewise excellent. 



55^. The hills to the south of the district afford a variety of 

 timber, but this comes principally from the independent states. Among 

 the more useful timbers I may enumerate Bambus, Tendoo (Diospyros 

 melanoxylon) , the heart wood of which is ebony, Kem (Naaclea), 

 Haldu (Nauclea cordifolia), Khawa (Pentaptera Urjuna) produc- 

 ing a dark-coloured wood, Akol (Allangium hexapetalum) the hard 

 wood of which is very beautiful, and Gantha (Schrebera suritenoides) a 

 very hard tough timber. 



56th. The teak is found both in the hills and plains ; a consider- 

 able wood of it, in the lands of Khundeh Khas, is now growing up 

 and merits attention. It was entirely cut down some years ago, and 

 young trees are springing up from the roots ; but no particular care is 

 taken of them. 



57th. Among scarped and overhanging sandstone rocks great 

 abundance of honey is found, which is taken by a low caste named 

 Khaticks, who build up a frail scaffolding of bambus among frightful 

 precipices and after smoking the bees carry off the comb. 



58th. The Chironji (Buchanania latifolia), is very abundant on the 

 hills and the fruit is exposed for sale in great quantities in every bazar, 



p 



