110 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



of rocks, where the young seedlings were protected from the ravages 

 of stray animals, the old crowns and roots have survived and now 

 show signs of vigorous growth. 



A reference to the photographs already mentioned, though these 

 are not very clear, shows the composition of some of these natural 

 groups. Most of the species traceable are remarkable for their 

 deep rooting. Notable amongst these are two species of Capparis, 

 viz. the ' Karil ' and the ' His ' ; and the Carissa spinarum, or wild 

 ' Karonda,' which must have been repeatedly cut down to ground level 

 for fuel. The last species may take years to revive, but is springing 

 up in many places ; in fact, during the past two years some of these 

 plants have begun to fructify. Then we have the ' Pasendu ' (Dios- 

 pyros Montana), which has made a wonderful recovery. The ' Lohuri ' 

 (Tecoma undulata), which is a species difficult to raise under cultivation, 

 in this part of India is coming up freely. A species of ' Grewia ' (Phalsa) 

 has been traced, and not less remarkable is the recovery of the ' Dhak ' 

 (Butea jrondosa) and the 1 Amaltas ' (Cassia fistula) . With the advent 

 of this afforestation work and the proper warding of the area, it will be 

 possible in a few years to reconstruct the entire original flora of the 

 site. 



What Nature has already demonstrated. — Besides the wonderful 

 recuperative power of Nature alluded to in the revival of the original 

 flora of the ridge, it may not be out of place also to record the 

 newly-planted species that have already fructified. This will go a 

 long way to demonstrate the adaptability of certain species to these 

 environments. 



The following species have already fruited : 



Melia Azadarach ..... Bakain. 



Terminalia arjuna ..... Arjun. 



Prosopis juliflora ..... Mesquite bean. 



Acacia Farnesiana ..... Sweet-scented Babool. 



Dalbergia Sissoo ..... Shisham. 



Thevetia neriifolia ..... Pila Kanar. 



Dadonia viscosa ..... Rallia. 



Parkinsonia aculeata .... Christ Thorn. 



The tendency to fructify demonstrates their adaptability for the 

 purpose, and will lead to the introduction of allied species which will 

 greatly enhance the interest of the plantations. It will only remain 

 for us to read and to comprehend that wonderful book which Nature 

 provides us and to make use of its interesting contents. 



Owing to the impossibility at present of working out an annual 

 programme, it is extremely difficult to know in what proportion the 

 stock of plants is to be raised. Many of the species used have to be 

 planted out the first year, otherwise they become potbound, are 

 expensive to maintain, and when planted out they have lost their 

 first vigour. Let us hope that, now the great world conflict is over, 

 it will be found possible to adhere to a regular annual programme, when 

 we shall be able to give to our New Capital the dominating green 

 and restful horizon contemplated. 



