14 
CLIMATE AND VEGETATION OF THE HIMALAYAS. 
The larger wliite-flowered sub-arboreous species prevail on the banks of the river, while the small 
purple-coloured variety was alone observed in the interior during Dr. Hooker’s previous route. In 
appearance the species are distinct enough, but they are extremely difficult to recognise when gathered. 
The properties and nomenclature of the plant are not yet definitely ascertained; and the purple is alone 
employed by Dr. Irvine, who alleges that the white is inert. The natives, however, use it; and Mr. 
Davis of Entas has cured with it eighty cases of leprosy. 
The Doctor’s course was next down the river to Darjeeling. On the 1st of April he arrived at 
Monghyr, which he describes as a very pretty town, backed by a long range of wooded hills, and 
noted for the drunkenness of its inhabitants, and them skill in manufacturing muskets. The abun¬ 
dance of Toddy Palms is here quite remarkable. 
A few miles south of the town of Monghyr, are the Sita-kund (wells of Sita), hot springs. The 
water is pure, clear, aud tasteless, with a temperature of 140 degrees. A precocious Sagittaria, and 
Pontederia were observed, irrigated by the warm spring as it passes through a meadow. Lemna and 
Azolla abounded at a temperature of about 90 degrees, and with them, Banunculus sceleratus, and 
Humex Wallichii. In the vicinity, and typical of dry rocks, were a columnar Euphorbia, Olax scan- 
dens, Guilandina Bonduc, Cardiospermum Halicacabum, a Tragia, and such like vegetable thermometers. 
On the 5th of April he arrived at Bhaugulpore, where he went over the Horticultural Gardens, 
founded by Major Napleton. They extend to fifteen acres, and are well situated; give employment 
to fifty men, and are the means of distributing annually a great many plants and seeds. Of the trees 
used for shade and for ornament, the most conspicuous are the Tamarind—a superb specimen stands 
near the seed room—Tecoma jasminoides, Erythrinas, Adansonia, Bombax, Teak, Banyan, Peepul, 
Sissoo, Casuarina, Terminalias, Melia, Bauhinias. Of introduced species, English and Chinese flat 
Peaches, (pruned to the centre to let the sun in,) Mangoes of various sorts, Eugenia Jambos, various 
Anonas, Litchi, Loquat, and Longan, Oranges, Sapodilla; Apple, Pear, both succeeding tolerably; 
various Caubul and Persian varieties of fruit trees ; Figs, Grapes, Guava, Apricots, and Jujube. Grapes 
were flourishing, but difficult of cultivation; suffering much from easterly winds, blight, and the 
ravages of insects. 
The ornamental shrubs are Oleander, Bougainvillea, Tabernsemontana, Ituellia two species ; Lan- 
tanas, Passifloras sixteen species and varieties; Verbenas, Ixora, Dracaena, Durantas, Quisqualis, Pergu- 
laria and Convolvuli, Hiptage, Plumbago, eleven kinds of Boses, Jatropha, various Euphorbias, Crotons, 
and Poinsettia, Thujas; Abutilon, and other Hibisci; Cassia Fistula, Jasminum, Lagerstroemia, Buddlea, 
Clerodendrons, and such like. Of what we should call hardy perennials, annuals, and bulbs, the Doctor 
saw Maurandia, Lophospermum, and Thunbergias, fine Petunias, Sweet William, Mignonette, Pelar¬ 
goniums, Pentas carnea, several Aristolochias, Eschscholtzia, Lupines, Clarkia, Schizanthus, Balsams, 
Violets, Clematis, Cannce, Strelitziae, and various Marantacece, numerous Amaryllidese and Lilies, 
Erysima, Iberis, Stocks and Wallflowers. 
Numerous Cerealia, and the varieties of Cotton, Sugar cane, &c. all thrive extremely well; so do 
many of our English vegetables. The Cabbages were sadly hurt by the green caterpillars of a white 
Pontia ; as are also Peas and Beans. Strawberries were only in flower on the 5th April. Baspberries, 
Currants, and Gooseberries will not grow at all. Excellent Coffee is grown here, and Arrow-root equal 
to the best West Indian. The seed room is a perfect model of its kind; and, from the collection it 
contains Dr. Hooker was promised samples for the garden at Kew. The gardens at Bhaugulpore 
enjoy a high character, and furnish a model-school for gardeners. 
Continuing his passage down the river Dr. Hooker visited Mirzapore, and, after encountering a 
severe storm on the 8th, he was en route for the Caragola Ghat. Approaching it the air became more 
moist, and the vegetation more verdant and bright. He was within the Himalaya range, and 
anxiously watching every change in the vegetation. The first indication he noticed of this was a 
Fern growing on the roadside, and the absence of several plants he had hitherto followed in his 
journey, especially the Zizyplii. 
At Purneah, the road passed through some pretty lanes, with large trees of Eriodendron, groves pf 
planted Guava and Anona bushes, a few Phoenix Palms, and a Calamus, the first our traveller had 
seen. Qdina and Spondias with the Tabernsemontana were in abundance. Acacia arabica was rare. 
Castor Oil plants, and Calotropis he did not see. Mosses appeared on the banks, and Ferns were noticed 
sprouting above ground, though the hills were fully 100 miles distant. 
Dr. Hooker here met with a Bamboo he had not before seen. It formed groves of straight trees, 
some fifteen to twenty feet high, thin of foliage, with a narrow erect coma not unlike Poplars. At Kislien- ro 
gunje, thirty-six miles from Purneah, only small pasture plants were observed affecting clamp ditch ^ 
banks:—Hydrocotyle, Sphseranthus, Cotula and Machlys, a small Hypericum, Gratiola, some Acan- A 
O 
