OF KAMAON. 9 



as the link of connection between Hindustan and Tartary, and the proxi- 

 mity of a still more sterile country in the latter, could alone induce cultiva- 

 tion in a tract where production is always precarious and never abundant. 



Turnips and leaks are the only vegetables raised in Bitot, but many 

 useful roots and herbs are spontaneously produced, among these are, the 

 wild garlic, celery, rhubarb, frankincense (Mari or Balchar) Laljari, 

 Chora, Bhothes, and Katki, objects of export to Hindustan. The rhubarb 

 is somewhat inferior in its color and properties to the Turkey, and the 

 Bhotias do not take it inwardly, though they apply the powder to wounds 

 and bruises : it is also used as an ingredient in the formation of a red dye, 

 in conjunction with Manjith and Potash. The Manjith is here extreme- 

 ly abundant; but, except for local consumption, is in no demand. 



The indigenous fruits are gooseberries, currants, red and white, rasp- 

 berries, strawberries, and pears, none of which receive culture. Apricots 

 and peaches have been partially introduced by the Bhotias, but attain 

 neither size or flavor. Walnuts and hazlenuts are common in the low 

 grounds ; the nut of the former contains little or no kernel, the latter is 

 small, but well tasted. 



The forests in the southern and least elevated parts of the Ghat, of- 

 fer many varieties of tree common to other parts of the province : the most 

 flourishing of these are the oaks and pines of different kinds. Specimens 

 of the " Deodar,'" pine, and of the " Suryl," or Arbor Vitae, with trunks 

 of from twenty to twenty-five feet in circumference, are by no means un- 

 common. 



With the increase of elevation, a gradual change in the com- 

 position of the forests takes place : to red Rhododendrons, Deodars, and 



d oaks, 



