216 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVII. 



or cigar boxes, but requires to be carefully loft-seasoned, 

 otherwise it rots quickly. Makes most excellent lining pegs. 



The gum obtained from the bark is a strong astringent. 



[Occasionally, in dry forests.] 



223. — Myristica Horsfieldia. 



Ruk, S. di%$. 



Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III., p. 435. 



A moderately large tree, with straight cylindrical stem, 

 dark brownish-gray bark, finely furrowed. 



Leaves large, about ten to twelve inches, oblong-lanceolate, 

 tapering to both ends, rather thick, glossy green above, 

 rather hairy below, on stout hairy stalks, conspicuously 

 veined. 



Flowers (male) in thick close heads on large axillary 

 panicles. Female flowers larger. Both sexes yellow and 

 very strongly scented, often pervading the air with their 

 strong perfume. 



Very common by water in both Provinces up to 2,000 feet 

 in the wet forests. Often found on the edges of paddy fields. 



The wood much resembles the last, but has a pinkish 

 tinge and is lighter, — 15 lb. per cubic foot, — and is suitable 

 only for tea boxes or temporary packages, 



[Moist low-country up to 1,000 feet ; common.] 



224. — Myristica Irya. 



Iriya, S. &da. 



Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III., p. 435. 



A tall slender cylindrical-stemmed tree, with pale 

 brownish-gray smooth bark, branching rather closely at the 

 top. Leaves long, about twelve inches, alternate, lanceolate, 

 tapering to extremities, smooth, rather pale green, attached 

 by very short stalks. Easily recognized by the large clusters 

 of reddish-brown hairy fruits, which are pink within, 

 exposing a circular seed entirely covered by a bright scarlet 

 aril (mace). 



