RliPORt ON A BOTANICAL TOUR IN KASHMIR, 1893. 
47 
The genus Astragalus (Nat. ord. Leguminosae) is abundantly repre- 
sented in this district ; several of the species are very prickly, and are 
therefore not eaten by animals. They are, however, capable 
adding to the nutritive value of silage. 
The cultivation of fodder crops, — Owing to the scarcity of 
water available for irrigation, as well as to the scarcity of labour 
throughout the Gilgit district, the extent to which cultivation can 
be carried out is limited. The numerous remains of deserted villages 
between Bunji and Gilgit show how much the population of this 
valley has decreased. Until these village sites become reinhabited, 
it will not be possible, owing to lack of labour, to increase the 
culturable area to any great extent. Wherever water for irrigation 
does exist, efforts should be made to encourage the growth of 
plant.s likely to be useful as fodder. 
Shortly after my return from Kashmir in 1892, a large quantity 
of grass seed \about seven maunds), of kinds specially selected for 
the Gilgit climate, was despatched from Saharanpur through Captain 
Yielding, the Commissariat officer on special duty in Kashmir. ( 
have not yet been informed as to the results of the sowings. 
In the following year ten pounds of Robinia seed, imported 
direct from Italy, were forwarded to Captain Yielding. Sowings 
have been made at various places in the neighbourhood of Gilgit, 
as well as at Chiles, and the seedlings are now, 1 hear, two feet high 
and thriving, except at Bunji, where they were destroyed by mud 
floods. The successful growth of this tree in the Gilgit and Indus 
valleys would prove to be an immense advantage. It is a quick- 
growing plant, and is said to prefer open and barren situations. 
Several packets of seeds of the Australian Salt-bush (A triplex 
nummularia) have also been sent from Saharanpur for trial sowings 
Being a desert plant it may possibly find a congenial home in the 
Gilgit district. It is much valued in Australia as fodder for sheep, 
especially during seasons of drought. 
In addition to the above, a consignment of twenty maunds of 
lucerne seed [Medicago sativa) was sent last cold weather to Captain 
Yielding for sowing at various localities along the Gilgit route. 
J. F. DUTHIE, 
Director, Botanical Department, 
Northern India. 
Saharanpur, 
The 6th August i8g4. 
Govt, of India Central I rintin^ OHice.— No. 415 R. & A. — 20-12-94. — 266.— ii. R. 
