Fodder. According to the Rev. A. Campbell cattle and goats eat the leaves of this plant. Structure of the Wood.-Light-brown, hard, very tough. Dalchini, see Cinnamomum Tamala, C. 1183. Dalima, a name given in Orissa to a hard stone employed for making utensils, &c. Damasonium indicum, see Stratiotes alismoides, Linn. Dammar. A trade generic name for a series of resins separately recognised by specific appellations. Of these the following may be specially mentioned, the reference being given for each, to further passages in the present work, where fuller details will be found : DAMMAR. FODDER. 96 TIMBER. 97 98 99 1st, East Indian Dammar.—Also known as "Singapore" or "White" East Indian. Dammar, This is the true Dammar and is obtained from the species of Dammara described below, the best known of which is the Amboyna pine (D. orientalis) a native of Malacca, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, &c. 2nd, Kauri or Cowdee Dammar.-A fossil resin derived from Dammara australis, the chief supply of which is obtained from New Zealand. An extremely fine yellow amber-like resin. 3rd, Sal Dammar.-Known in Indian commerce as rál. This is the stalactitic resin obtained from Shorea robusta, which see. 4th, Black Dammar.-The resin obtained from Canarium strictum, Roxb., which see, Vol. II., C. No. 285. Some interesting commercial facts regarding this and other Indian gums were published by the Public Works Department of the Government of India in a special report derived from correspondence with the Local Governments. This report appeared in 1871, and the following pages deal with Black Dammar :-2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 23, 30, and 69. 5th, Rock Dammar.-This is obtained from two species of Hopea, viz., H. odorata, a native of Burma, and H. micrantha, a native of Malacca, Borneo, and Sumatra, &c. -- (See Hopea.) 6th, White Dammar or Dhoop resin. This name is often applied to the first Dammar enumerated above, but also to the resin derived from Vateria indica, which see. 7th, Green Dammar.- A term given to the resin of Shorea Tumbuggaia, which see. 8th, Pwenyet (or Poon-yet) Dammar.-A resinous or waxy substance obtained from certain trees in Burma. It is the hive of a peculiar bee, but much doubt exists as to the true nature and source of the substance. See Pwenyet in this work, and also Dr. Forbes Watson's account of it in the report on Gums and Gum-resins published by the India Office (1874), page 95. In the countries where they are obtained, the dark-coloured and impure dammars are used for caulking boats and other such purposes. The purer qualities are exported to Europe and America, where, according to their specific properties, they are used for various purposes. Nearly all are, however, employed as varnishes, the purer qualities being employed to give a gloss to cotton and other fabrics. The less pure forms are used as varnishes by coach-builders and painters. The finest quality of all is that known in the trade as Kauri or Cowdee resin. This is a fossil dammar derived from Dammara australis, the supply of which mainly comes from New Zealand. The exports of this substance from New Zealand average between 2,500 and 6,000 tons annually, the larger quantity either going direct or via London to the American market. 100 Amboyna Pine. ΙΟΙ Kauri. 102 Sal. 103 Black. 104 Rock. 105 White. 106 Green. 107 Pwenyet. 108 DAMMARA orientalis. 109 RESIN. III RESIN. 112 The Pines. DAMMARA, Lamb.; Gen. Pl., III., 436; Fl. Br. Ind., V., 650. Dammara australis, Lamb.; Genus Pinus, t. 54. Syn. AGATHIS AUSTRALIS, Salisb. References.-Gordon, Pinetum, 108; Gamble, Man. Timb., 394; Indian Habitat.-A native of New Zealand, now confined to the North Island, but formerly more extensively distributed. Cultivated in most tropical and sub-tropical countries. The tree is being experimentally cultivated in India, but apparently not with the vigour which the importance of the subject deserves. Royle alludes to a consignment of 353b of seed of Dammar having been consigned to India in 1796, and in Mysore the descendants (presumably) of this stock may still be seen. Beddome alludes to Dammara as represented on the mountains of Madras. Resin. In the above remarks regarding Dammar resin some of the main features of the trade have been indicated. In Lambert's work, quoted above, is reproduced Rumphius' interesting article on the subject, one of the most important which has as yet appeared. Some idea of the value of the resin may be obtained from the fact that the imports into Great Britain are stated to have been worth £200,000. The tree is rapidly being exterminated in New Zealand, as its timber is of great value, and it is problematic how long the supply of fossil resin will continue to meet the growing demand. The tree attains a height of 120 to 150 feet, with a circumference of 24 feet. D. orientalis, Lamb.; Genus Pinus, t. 55. THE AMBOYNA PINE. Syn.-D. ALBA, Rumph.; AGATHIS LORANTHIFOLIA, Salisb.; Fl. Br. Vern.-Theet-men (according to Mason), BURM. Habitat.-A large tree, native of Amboyna, and Ternate, of the islands of Molucca, Java, Borneo, &c. Mason, in his list of the plants of Burma, enumerates this species, but Kurz makes no mention of it. Wallich states that it is found in Tavoy, and the Flora of British India that it is a native of Penang and Perak. Resin. The timber is of little value, but the tree affords large quantities of a transparent resin known as Dammar. This is conveyed to most parts of the world, being used in India as incense and for medicinal purposes. In Europe it is largely used like the resin of the above species for purposes of varnishing and for waxing or polishing fabrics. (O'Shaughnessy, Beng. Disp., p. 617.) The Nepal Paper Plant. (G. Watt.) DAPHNE It seems probable that this species might with great ease be grown in Damson; see Plum, and also Prunus communis, Huds. Dana-a grain, and especially gram, but the name is also given to many plants, such as the Anardana, Ramdana, species of Amarantus; Shakar- dana, Colebrookia oppositifolia; Behdana, Cydonia vulgaris; Hazardana, Euphorbia thymifolia; Kaladana, Ipomoea hederacea, &c. Dandelion; see Taraxacum officinale, Wiggers; COMPOSITE. Dandy, Banghy and Palanquin Poles, Woods used for- These woods are elastic and capable of bearing a considerable weight. They might, accordingly, be employed for cart shafts. Dandy poles are DAPHNE, Linn.; Gen. Pl., III., 190. Daphne cannabina, Wall.; Fl. Br. Ind., V., 193; THYMELEACEÆ. POPULARLY known as the NEPAL PAPER PLANT. Syn,-DAPHNE PAPYRACEA, Wall.; D. ODORA and BHOLUA, Don; D. Vern.-Set barúwa, satpúra, HIND.; Dunkotah, gande, kaghuti, bhullu References.-Brandis, For. Fl., 386, 577; Gamble, Man. Timb., 315; Cat. of Trees, Shrubs, and Climbers of Darjeeling, 67; Stewart, Pb. Pl., 188-9; O'Shaughnessy, Beng. Dispens., 7, 531; Baden Powell, Pb. Pr., 515; Atkinson, Him. Dist., 378, 574, 795-97; Drury, U. Pl., 178; Koyle, Ill. Him. Bot., 321; Christy, Com. Pl. and Drugs, VI., 13; Royle, Fib. Pl., 311; Spons, Encyclop., 947; Bal four, Cyclop., I., 888; Treasury of Bot., 383; Kew Off. Guide to the Mus. of Ec. Bot., 47; Special Report on Nepal by Dr. Gimlette; Stewart's Report of a tour in Hazara (in Four. Agri.-Hort. Soc. India, XIV., p. 13; Hodgson, Jour. As. Soc. Beng., 1., 8; Madden, Four. As. Soc. Beng, XVIII., 610; Asiatic Res., XIII., 385; Trans. Agri.- Hort. Soc. India, V., 220-231; Conservator of Forests, Assam, in a recent report states that the plant is wild in the Khasia hills; Conservator of Forests, N.-W. P., reports that though the plant is common in the Jaunsar Division, it is not used for paper-making; Simla Gazetteer, 12. Habitat.-A large shrub or small tree found on the Himálaya from The Nepal Paper Plant. the Khásia and Naga Hills; one of the most abundant bushes on the hills between Manipur and Burma. Gamble remarks that this species blossoms from November to February, and that the fruits ripen and become red in May. He adds that the flowers are "exceedingly sweetly scented" (List of Darjeeling Trees, &c., p. 67). Brandis says it flowers in March and April, also in autumn," but he makes no mention of its being sweetly scented. The synonym D. odora, Don, would most probably imply that the flowers were scented. In the Simla district this species flowers from the middle of December to the end of February or middle of March, but the flowers are then devoid of any smell. It is probable that under certain circumstances it may have two seasons of flowering, in one of which it may be scented. Most authors describe the plant as "a large shrub," and Brandis says it attains a height of seven to eight feet. In Simla it is one of the most abundant plants, with Skimmia Laureola and Sarcococca pruniformis forming the forest under-brushwood, but none of these plants much exceed three feet in height. Fibre.-The well-known Nepál paper is said to be made from the BARK of this and the other species of Daphne, and of the allied plant, Edgeworthia Gardneri. European interest in this paper may be stated to have originated in Lord Auckland's enquiry regarding it in the year 1837. It was of course known to the natives of India for several centuries prior to that date, and official records, on daphne paper, dated 1817, were submitted to His Lordship for inspection. Very little has since been added to our knowledge of the subject, and the reports quoted below were first published about the beginning of the present century. "The process of making paper from this plant is thus described in the Asiatic Researches. After scraping the outer surface of the bark, what remains is boiled in water with a small quantity of oak-ashes. After the boiling it is washed and beaten to a pulp on a stone. It is then spread on moulds or frames made of bamboo mats. The Setburosa, or paper shrub, says the same writer in the above Journal, is found on the most exposed parts of the mountains, and those the most elevated and covered with snow throughout the province of Kumaon. In traversing the oak-forests between Bhumtah and Ranigur, and again from Almorah to Chimpanat and down towards the river, the paper-plant would appear to thrive luxuriantly only where the oak grows. The paper prepared from its bark is particularly suited for cartridges, being strong, tough, not liable to crack or break, however much bent or folded, proof against being moth-eaten, and not subject to damp from any change in the weather; besides, if drenched or left in water any considerable time, it will not rot. It is invariably used all over Kumaon, and is in great request in many parts of the plains, for the purpose of writing misub-namahs or genealogical records, deeds, &c., from its extraordinary durability. It is generally made about one yard square, and of three different qualities. The best sort is retailed at the rate of 40 sheets for a rupee, and at whole-sale 80 sheets. The second is retailed at the rate of 50 sheets for a rupee, and 100 at wholesale. The third, of a much smaller size, is retailed at 140 sheets, and wholesale 160 sheets to 170 for a rupee (Drury, U. Pl., 178.) Another early account of Daphne paper and the process of its manufacture is that given by the late Mr. B. H. Hodgson (Jour. As. Soc. Beng, Vol. I., 8, then Resident at the Court of Nepál. In describing this industry (which differs but little from that pursued with ordinary paper-making in India), it may suffice to indicate briefly the main features of Mr. Hodgson's account of the process, materials, and manipulation. The reader, however, will find Mr. Hodgson's complete article reproduced in Atkinson's Himálayan Districts, page 795, also in the Trans. Agri.-Hort. Soc. Ind., V., 228-231. Mr. Hodgson says a stone mortar is required and a mallet or pestle of hard wood, proportioned to the mortar and the quantity of bark it is desired to pulp. The alkali employed is the ash of oak-wood. This is placed in a basket of close wicker-work and water allowed to percolate through; the fluid thus obtained is the alkali used. The freshly-peeled bark is then placed in an open metallic vessel (the heat necessary being too great to allow of the employment of earthen boilers), and over these is poured the alkali. Four seers of oak-ash, through which five seers of water have been slowly poured, afford the alkaline solution sufficient to do a large handful of the bark. After the solution has reached the boiling point the bark is placed in it to the extent of as much as will float in the alkaline solution. The boiling is then continued for half an hour, when the alkaline juice will be found to be nearly absorbed and the bark quite soft. This is now carried to the stone mortar and beaten with the mallet until reduced to a pulp. It is next freely stirred in another vessel containing pure water, until it loses all stringiness and will spread itself out in the water when shaken. The pulp is now ready for the frame. This has stout wooden sides, so that it may readily float, and a bottom of cloth the meshes of which are so regulated as to retain all the pulp but allow water to pass through easily. In throwing the pulp on the frame it is passed through a sieve so as to remove the lumpy portions and impurities. The sieve is of the same size as the frame. It is placed on the top of it and both are allowed to float on the water of the cistern. When sufficient pulp has passed through to cover the frame with a layer of the desired thickness, the sieve is removed, and while holding the frame in the left hand, a dexterous movement of the water and pulp with the right causes it to diffuse uniformly over the surface of the frame. The frame is then raised carefully from the water so as to allow of drainage without disturbing the film of pulp. The paper thus made is partially dried on the frame by being exposed edgewise to a fire. It is then removed, and if desired is polished by means of a conch shell, while placed on a flat board. A peculiarity of Daphne paper consists in the fact that it may be polished until it can be used for writing on without the aid of any sizing material. Mr. Atkinson adds in his more recent account of this paper that it is "manufactured exclusively by the tribes inhabiting Cis-Himalayan Bhot, known as Murmis, Lepchas, &c., or generically as Rongbo, in contradistinction to the Sokpo, the name given to the inhabitants of Trans-Himálayan Bhot. The manufactories are mere sheds, established in the midst of the great forests of the upper ranges, which afford an inexhaustible supply of the material as well as of wood-ashes and good water, both of which are essential to the manufacture of the raw material into the blocks from which the paper is made." Dr. Royle (Fibrous Plants) mentions that at the Great International Exhibition of 1851 a sample of Nepál paper was exhibited of such size as to occasion universal surprise. He continues: "This paper is remarkable for its toughness, as well as its smoothness; some of it, in the form of bricks of half-stuff, was sent to England previous to the year 1829. As the quantity was not sufficient for a complete experiment, a small portion of it was made into paper by hand. An engraver, to whom it was given for trial, stated that "it afforded finer impressions than any English-made paper, and nearly as good as the fine Chinese paper which is employed for what are called Indian paper proofs." Dr. Campbell (see Agri.-Hort. Soc. Trans., V., 222) repeats Mr. Hodgson's statements and describes the paper made by the Bhoteahs as strong and almost as DAPHNE cannabina. FIBRE. |