mostly of _jand_ (Prosopis spicigera), a near relation of the Acacias, _jal_ or _van_ (Salvadora oleoides), and the coral-flowered _karil_ or leafless caper (Capparis aphylla). All these show their desert affinities, the _jand_ by its long root and its thorns, the _jal_ by its small leathery leaves, and the _karil_ by the fact that it has managed to dispense with leaves altogether. The _jand_ is a useful little tree, and wherever it grows the natural qualities of the soil are good. The sweetish fruit of the _jal_, known as _pilu_, is liked by the people, and in famines they will even eat the berries of the leafless caper. Other characteristic plants of the Panjab plains are under Leguminosae, the _khip_ (Crotalaria burhia), two Farsetias (_farid ki buti_), and the _jawasa_ or camel thorn (Alhagi camelorum), practically leafless, but with very long and stout spines; under Capparidaceae several Cleomes, species of Corchorus (Tiliaceae), under Zygophyllaceae three Mediterranean genera, Tribulus, Zygophyllum, and Fagonia, under Solanaceae several Solanums and Withanias, and various salsolaceous Chenopods known as _lana_. [Illustration: Fig. 19. Banian or Bor trees.] In the sandier tracts the _ak_ (Calotropis procera, N.O. Asclepiadaceae), the _harmal_ (Peganum harmala, N.O. Rutaceae), and the colocynth gourd (Citrullus colocynthis, N.O. Cucurbitaceae), which, owing to the size of its roots, manages to flourish in the sands of African and Indian deserts, grow abundantly. Common weeds of cultivation are Fumaria parviflora, a near relation of the English fumitory, Silene conoidea, and two Spergulas (Caryophyllaceae), and Sisymbrium Irio (Cruciferae). A curious little Orchid, Zeuxine sulcata, is found growing among the grass on canal banks. The American yellow poppy, Argemone Mexicana, a noxious weed, has unfortunately established itself widely in the Panjab plain. Two trees of the order Leguminosae, the _shisham_ or _tali_ (Dalbergia Sissoo) and the _siris_ (Albizzia lebbek), are commonly planted on Panjab roads. The true home of the former is in river beds in the low hills or in ravines below the hills. But it is a favourite tree on roads and near wells throughout the province, and deservedly so, for it yields excellent timber. The _siris_ on the other hand is an untidy useless tree. The _kikar_ might be planted as a roadside tree to a greater extent. Several species of figs, especially the _pipal_ (Ficus religiosa) and _bor_ or banian (Ficus Indica) are popular trees.