March I, 1890.] Supplement to the "Tvopical Agriculturist." 
659 
paokages, and at present are largely used in the manu- 
facture of tea-boxes. A gum resin exudes in consider- 
able quantity from this handsome tree and is sometimes 
used in making a varnish. It is said that the native 
medical praotitioners use the resin of this tree in cases 
of acute Gonorrhcea, and the oil obtained from the 
fruit and bark is locally applied in Eheumatism. 
Malvacea. 
9. Hibiscus Angulosu, Mast. (Abelmoschus moschatus 
Sing. Kapu-kinissa,) This is a low shrub found 
throughout the Island up to an elevation of 4,000 
ft. but not very oommonly met with. It generally 
grows wild in cultivated places or in rich open grounds 
in the vicinity of streams or ponds. The leaves are 
simple but divided into five lobes, having serrate mar- 
gins. They are dark green and hairy on both the 
surfaces. The prominent veins on the upper surface 
of the leaf are partly of a pink colour. The axillary 
flowers have yellow oorollas, which become reddened 
when faded. The sepals are five in number, but formed 
into one spathe, and the stamens form a tube aroand 
the style. The whole plant is covered to a more or 
less extent with fine hairs and possesses mucilaginous 
characters. The fruit is pointed and has angular sides, 
much in the form of Okro or Bandakkai, but smaller 
in size. The testa of the fully matured seeds is marked 
with yellow parallel lines. The fruit in its young state 
is used as a food material. It is made into curries 
and forms a mucilaginous vegetable of a rather 
peculiar taste much relished by some, but not in general 
favour. The whole plant is in repute amongst native 
medical practitioners as an aphrodisiac and a specific 
in Rheumatism. 
— — -#■ —• 
CEYLON TIMBER TREES. 
By John B. Dbiebbrg, l.r.c.p. & s., Edin. 
W. Ferguson's descriptive list of Oeylon timber trees, 
reprinted from "Ferguson's Ceylon Directory," is an 
exceedingly interesting and valuable pamphlet. The 
trees are arranged according to their natural orders, 
and besides the description of the wood, useful hints 
are given as to the best use eaoh oan be put to, with 
interesting local references to so ne of the best speci- 
mens that oan be yet seen in Colombo aid other 
parts of the Island. The information given regarding 
some of the more important timber trees cannot but 
be of interest and value to owners of large extents of 
forest land and to those who wish to know the best 
kinds of wood to be used for special purposes. 
Goda-para (Dillenia relusa) a common and useful 
wood, is used cbi' llv for rafters in the roofs of kitchens, 
where it is found to be the best wood for resisting the 
effects of smoke and heat. 
Wal-Sapu (Miohelia Nilagirica) a large forest tree- 
The wood partakes of tho colour and proporties o f 
Lance-wood, and is largely used by the coach-builders 
of Colombo for the shafts of carriages. It ia exceed- 
ingly strong and elastic. 
Katu-Kurundu (Piioberos Gcertueri) is the tree that 
produces an edible fruit — a variety of Oograssa. The 
wood is very strong and elastic, and the young shoots 
are tied round arms of outriggers of Csyloa fishin» 
boats to strengthen them. 
Suriyagas (Thespesi;i popolnea). — This is the best 
known timber tree in the Island, and thanks to Mr. 
William Ferguson, thf author of this pamphlet, and 
late Superintendent of Works in connection with the 
Municipal Department, some of the pretMest avenues 
in Colombo are of these trees. Some fine specimens 
oan yet be seen in the Fort, whioh have been planted 
from cuttings. The suriya trees when old are usually 
rotten in the centre — hollow-hearted — the result 
as a rule of "insidiom defuuciion," due to some 
fungoid attauk ; so that a squall of wind may blow 
a good many of them or their branches to the ground. 
Mr. Ferguson mentions an instance where a large 
branch of one of these trees came down in the Fort, from 
the mere concussion produced by a number of road- 
stampers at work. The wood of the Suriya is used by the 
carriage builders of Colombo for constructing the 
greater portion of carriages, so that it is in great 
requisition among this class. 
Hal-Mililla (Berrya Ammonilla) is one of the most 
valuable timber-trees of Ceylon. Large quantities are 
exported from Trincomalee to other parts of the Island 
and to Madras, in which latter place it is known as 
Triucomalee wood, and is used for the building of the 
well-known Masoola boats. It resembles the English 
ash, is light, straight-grained, and though slightly 
pliant, is toogh. It ia used for every purpose for which 
good wood is required. 
Bora-yaha (Dipterocarpus Zeylanicus) — " the thief 
tree" — is a very gigantic forest growth, but is much 
despised in the Island. Mr. Ferguson suggests that 
this wood may be used for railway sleepers, if harder 
and more durable woods become scarce. Major Skinner 
and Dr. Elliott had a section of this wood exhumed 
from a mass of damp earth where it was likely to be 
affected by white-anta or rot, having lain buried for 
two years, but it was found in a most perfeot state 
of preservation. 
Doon-yas (Doona Z a ylanica) — an excellent timber tree- 
Forests where the Doou tree grows present a peculiar 
appearance from the umbrella-like heads of the trees. 
The Doon yields an excellent clear resin, valuable as a 
varnish for furinture. 
Hal-gaha (Vateria Indica) yields the valuable piney 
varnish, gum resin. The wood is ohiefly used to make 
coffins of in Ceylon. Its bark is used to keep toddy 
from fermenting. 
Mendora (Isauxis Roxburghiana) is a well-known 
and valuable timber-tree. It yields a large quantity 
of gum-re6in. 
Diwul (Feronia Elephantum) a hard heavy wood 
yielding a gum equal to gum arabic. 
Beli (Aegle Marmelo.s). — The fruit useful in medicine, 
has laxative and astringent properties according to 
circumstances, 
