72 BOTANICAL TOUR IN THE LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM. 
carpus sterculiaceus^ with large fruits armed with long, closely 
packed, stiff spines which made progression through some patches 
of jungle a matter of difficulty and pain to the native collectors ; 
Prunus Jenkinsti ; Cordia Myxa^ abundant; Stereospermum 
chelonoides ; Castanopsis indica and citrihuloides ; Mangifera 
indica^ Artocarpus integrifolia and Eugenia Jamhos are common 
in groves (apparently of considerable age) which mark the sites o^ 
once prosperous villages. The mango seldom comes to perfection 
in Upper Assam as the young fruit is generally destroyed by grubs. 
Of the smaller trees prevalent in the scattered copses already 
mentioned there are P hyllanthus Emblica^ Glycosmis pentaphylla^ 
Lepionurus oblongifolius, Baccaurea sapida^ Gardenia companulatai 
Picus silhetensisy Micromelum pubescensy Randia fasciculata y 
Pavetta indtca^ Linociera macrophylluy Symplocos spicata and a 
few otheurs. 
At this season of the year, and probably all the year round from 
indications observed, there is but Scanty herbaceous vegetation in 
these groves. 
Some shrubs are common here which seem to be absent from 
Makum, such as Coff^ea bengalensisy Juiticia Gendarussay Desmod- 
ium laxiflorunty Lippia geminatUy Pogostemon parvifloruSy Adhu^ 
toda Vaslca (which has rece^’tly attracted attention by its virtues 
as an insecticide), Dracdsna an^ustifoliay Dracaena petiolatay Can- 
nabis indica and Physalis mtnima are common as escapes on 
cultivated land. 
Rubus rosaefolius with double flowers and Rubus lasiocarpus 
are both common. Of herbaceous plants we find some interesting 
examples. Veronica javanica grows on banks ; Viola Patrinii 
abounds in grassy fields; Potentilla Kleimana and Cynoglossum 
glochidiatum thrive on the sandy banks of the river. These three 
species are manifestly immigrants from the adjacent mountains. 
Comtnelina nudiflorUy Aneilema nudiflorunty Celosia argenteay 
Oldenlandia, Blumeay Rungtay Chenopodium. alburn^ Bryophyllum 
calycinum are a few more instances of the herbaceous vegetation 
which in all respects resembles that of other parts of the district. 
We know but little of the Botany of the surrounding mountains. 
The Abor tribe only cultivates the land lying on the plain at the foot 
of their territory. Their principal crops are Indian corn, irrigated and 
dry ground rice, Eleusine and various other millets, Job’s tears [Coix^ 
beans of various kinds, pumpkins, gourds, etc. 
I was informed by Mr. Needham, the Political Officer at Sadiya, 
who possesses an unique knowledge of the languages, manners and 
