THE BANIAN TREE . 
45 
together, and lets them fight it out. I would not be a 
laudator temporis acti , but it does sometimes seem as if 
they managed matters better in the old days when there 
was no Lokil Phund, nor even a P. W. D. 
How these Banian trees have thriven ! Over and 
through the crevices of the rough laterite rock their tor- 
tuous roots have sprawled like the feelers of a giant 
octopus, while overhead they streteh their arms and shake 
hands across the road, making a shade that never fails 
from sunrise till sunset. Some are older than others, or 
else they have found a kinder soil. Just in front of me, as 
I write, are two giants, patriarchs of their tribe, standing 
side by side. Their united shade covers a space of 200 
feet in length by 150 in breadth. Each stands on a central 
pedestal composed of many columns, some welded to- 
gether into a composite trunk and others grouped about 
it, while on either side a single, tall pillar props a great, 
over-weighted arm, like Aaron and Hur staying the hands 
of Moses. From other boughs slender roots hang down, 
seeking the earth, but never finding it, for their points are 
soft and succulent, and hungry cows bite them off as soon 
as they come within reach. 
Did you ever explore a noble Banian tree and make a 
