THE 
AGRK^ULTURAL mAGAZIOG, 
COLOMBO. 
Added as a SupiAemc.it Monthly to the ''TROPICAL AGBICULTUrJST." 
The following pages include the Contents of the AcjricuUural Macjazine for 
October : — 
Vol. XIV.] OCTOBER, 1902. [No. 4. 
THE TAMARISK. 
-HE Tamarisk {Tamarix galUca), 
known to tho Tamils ns kivi, i3 
described by Trimen as a large 
shrub or tree with slender branches 
occurring on the sea coast chiefly 
on the North-West, between Chilaw 
aud Jaffna. It is one of the few forms of 
■vegetation which are suitable for planting in 
exposed situations along the sea borde, with the 
special object of arresting drifting sands. 
In an article appearing in the August number 
of the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, 
Bome interesting facts relating to this Ceylon 
plant are given by the writer, Mr. W. S. Campbell. 
We read here ot the Tamarisk being planted in 
the most exposed situations on the coast, at 
the mercy of severe gales and strong winds 
with constant encroachment of sand, and yet 
growing from the start. Under favourable con- 
ditions tho plant is said to grow into an 
ornamental and shapely tree attaining some- 
times a height of 20 to 25 feet. Another name 
for it is the " flowering cypresf." 
In Dr. Hedin's book "Through Asia" the 
Tamarisk is referred to as the plant which en- 
croached furthest into the awful desert regiors 
traversed by the traveller. 
The specific name gallka indicates the fact 
that the plant produces galls which are some- 
times used in medicine and as deying agents 
•where astrigency is wanted. In medicine it is 
employed as a tonic, while it is a substitute 
for hops in making beer in Denmark. The 
ashes of the plant, when found growing near 
the sen, are found to csutaia a large prc- 
"I 
portion of sulphate of aoda, to obtain whicl)"- 
it may be profitably burnt. The abundance 
of this salt is said to explain the use of tho 
plant as a diuretic agent, 
Mr. Campbell mentions the curious fact that 
the Tamarisk produces a kind of manna when 
punctured by an insect known as Coccus majini- 
parus, but distinguishes this from the maniia 
of tlie Old Testament which is traced to a lichen. 
Tlie Tamarisk is mentioned by Homer and 
other ancient poets, and has been long held to be 
a celebrated medical plant by the Arabians. 
It is interesting to note the plants used in 
New South Wall's for planting along the sea; 
coast with the double object of serving as wi'd 
belts and arresting shifting sand. There are 
marram and spiiiifex grass (planted on tts- 
8"!i''y bank alono; the beiich) and (higher up)' 
Pinus maritima, Ficus macrophylla, Metrosi'^ero$, 
tomentosu, Lagunaria Pattersonia, Arundo donax\- 
Pampas grass, dc, 
Seeds of marram grass were not long ago dia-A 
tributed by the Botanical Department for 
trial. Ariindo donax is familiar enough ns 
an introduced plant, while spinifex squarrosue 
sometimes called " watet'-jjiiik " is that; quaint 
form of vegetation which rejoices in the quainter 
native name of " Mal'.a-rawanarewula " meaning 
"the great beard of Eavena or Rama." 
^ 
CURE FOR TAPE WORM. 
{To the Editor, " Agricultural Magazine'") 
Ratnapura, 30th Sept., 1902. 
Sib, — For the benefit of your readers I give you 
a better cure for tape worm in dogs than areca- 
nut, which often harms the dog. I got the recip^ 
from Dr. Carberry. It is powdered pumpkin seed. 
Give a teaspoonf ul or more with every meal, and 
have patience. It is tasteless and harmless. 
Watch for the head of the worm. — Yours fiiithfully, 
G. S. S.VXTON. 
[We are glad to learn of this very simple an4 
safe remedy —Ed. A.M.] 
