Remarks on the Vegetation 



[July' 



appear to have this peculiarity. It is clear from this, that, in studying 

 the geographical distribution of plants, the outward habit must be 

 taken into consideration, as well as affinity of species*. By this rule, 

 the plants of the Neilgherries will be found to approach nearer to 

 those of Sumatra than any other. 



An enumeration of the Hill plants is not intended, but the notice of a 

 few may be here permitted. In ascending the Goodaloor ghaut, the 

 first intimation we have of an approach to a temperate climate, is the 

 occurrence of the Mysore raspberry, Rubus lasiocarpus by the way 

 side. This species is common in many of the hilly parts of India, and 

 must be familiar to most travellers. It is of trailing, or ascending, 

 growth, like a bramble j the branches are covered with a white down 

 and the berries are black. Two other species are found at a greater 

 height ; the R. Wallichianus and Rugosus, both also ascending shrubs, 

 and the latter has a lobed leaf like a vine. At the summit of the pass 

 the jungle assumes a new character. The trees are small and robust, 

 different altogether from those of the plain, and the ground is covered 

 with herbage that has an appearance quite alpine ; the grass short and 

 verdant, with mosses in abundance. 



Among the herbaceous plants that first attract attention, are the 

 Anemone and Viola Wightiana, the Hedyotis Leschenaultiana, with the 

 Polentilla, Exacum, Orchis, &c. It is not until half way to Ootaca- 

 mund, that the Rosa Leschenaultiana makes its appearance : it is a 

 large climbing shrub, showy when in flower, but not of much value as 

 a rose. Another sort, with red flowers, is found near Avalanche, but it 

 can only be considered a variety, or sub-species. The young shoots 

 are short, and the bark is not coloured as in the other, but it differs in 

 no material point. 



It is not likely that useful plants will be discovered; more may be ex- 

 pected from introducing the plants of other countries to the Neilgher- 

 ries. Ornamental flowery plants are not numerous ; but the evergreen 

 trees are most remarkable objects. They have been whimsically, though 

 not inaptly, called cauliflower topped; a term which exactly expresses the 

 appearance of their foliage, terminating in a defined surface, either con- 

 tinuous, or broken into masses. Their economical value is not yet ap- 

 parent, but, as ornamental evergreens, they are well calculated for the 

 improvement of the scenery in Europe, where verdure, during the 

 winter months, is so great a desideratum. Few of them would endure 

 the climate of Britain, but the south of France would nearly suit them. 

 As a general character, their blossoms are small and inconspicuous ; it 



* Distribution with regard to latitude and longitude is here intended; the other depart- 

 ment of Vegetable geography— the " physical distribution" or situation as to soil, mois- 

 ture, elevation and local temperature is almost a separate study. 



