Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057352).pdf/78

 70 PAR litating influences, such as a trying exposure to alternate cold, damp and hot sun ; the constitutions of the poorer classes being at that season un- aided by sufficiently stimulating nourishment. Vegetation.--There is no lack of vegetation in this part of the country. Trees, both large and small, low brushwood and grasses abound. The fine umbrageous groves of the mango and mahua in this and the adjoin- ing districts, often the growth of centuries, cannot fail to impress the traveller with admiration. It was at one time apprehended that these old trees were in many places falling under the axe, without at the same time any attempt being made to replace them by fresh plantations. This led to the subject being taken up by distriet and settlement officers. The result of my enquiries in this district, extending over nearly three years, is highly re-assuring. The wooded area, so far from being dimin- ished, is gradually extending. The mango (Magnifera Indica). Of cultivated trees the mango largely preponderates. In the Kunda tahsil and the Ateha pargana mahua groves are numerous; but in the remainder of the district it is the exception to meet with a grove of any other tree but the mango. It is largely planted by all, and has bitherto been most religiously preserved by the Hindus. It is one of the five trees, which they are taught to regard as sacred. They are brought up to consider as a meritorious act the planting of a mango, but the cutting down or destruction of it as a species of sacrilege. This feeling is, however, losing force amongst them; several instances having recently come under my notice of high caste Hindus felling their mango trees, and selling the tirnber. The sale of maago groves also is far more common than it was a short time ago. Nevertheless, the propagation con- tinues to outstrip the destructive agency; and as the operation of the latter is very gradual, no very appreciable difference as regards the removal of the older trees will be apparent. The wood of the mango is of a light colour and soft. It is largely used for building and for fuel. It is also employed for a variety of coramon purposes. In building, the wood of the mahua is, however, greatly preferred by those who can afford it, being more lasting both in respect to the ravages of insects and the actiou of wet. The fruit of the mango ripens in May, and is in season until September. It is extensively consumed by all classes, and is so abundant as to be within the reach of the poorest. As a further instance of the gradual change of ideas in the Hindus of the present day, I may mention that the fruit of the mango, the sale of which was formerly almost unknown, has now become a regular market commodity. Zamindars and taluqdars aliko, many of them no longer entertain the slightest repugnance to turn their orchard produce into money. The mahua (Bassia latifolia).--As previously stated, the makua is principally found in the western half of the district. The flower withers in March and April and drops from the tree during the night. It is then collected and carried away in baskets. Of this tree Mr. King writes :-" There are found to be in the four tahsils the large number of 434,570 mahua trees. These represent a valuable pro-