CH. III.] REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. 31
cultivated variety of hemp, which suggests that he is talking of some plant in
which the distinction between wild and cultivated forms is more marked than is
the case with Cannabis. He was unable to procure specimens of the plant in
June in reply to the request of the Commission reporting that the plant was
not in growth at that season. Under these circumstances, this evidence must be
regarded as falling far short of proof. The Commissioner of Pegu (2) had the
plant pointed out to him growing outside three villages in Upper Burma among
the rubbish heaps. He would not have known the plant if it had not been point-
ed out to him. The Commissioner of Akyab mentioned the scanty and scattered
growth in his division of a plant which the Chittagonians call boil ally, and which
he supposed to be a species of wild hemp. He has kindly sent specimens of
the plant in answer to a request from the Commission, and they are found to
belong to two species of Sida, viz., Sida spinosa, L., and Sida carpinifolia,
L. These plants have no narcotic properties. The Commissioner of the
Eastern Division, Upper Burma, who has been at some pains to make
enquiries, and the Deputy Commissioner of Mandalay can give no informa-
tion of the wild growth, though both have apparently come across cultiva-
tion of the plant. The Deputy Commissioner of Toungoo mentions the
wild growth as existing, though not abundant, in Prome and Shwebo. The
Inspector-General of Police in an expedition north-east of Bhamo found that his
men were getting some kind of ganja from the Kachins, who gathered it in the
jungles. A specimen of the ganja from these hills has been examined, and con-
sisted merely of leaves and tops of the plant rolled into balls, and showing no
signs of cultivation or preparation. A District Superintendent of Police states
that in Upper Burma the plant is often seen growing near villages.
No wild growth in the settled
districts, but probably exists in the
northern mountain ranges
75. The evidence cannot be accepted as showing more than a casual growth
in the neighbourhood of villages, which could easily
be accounted for. It can neither be extensive in any
particular case, nor can the cases be very numerous.
Except the doubtful report from Mergui, there is no evidence of any tendency in
the growth to reproduce itself and spread. These remarks apply to the settled
districts only. The plant probably has run wild in the Kachin country and in
the mountain ranges adjoining China, Assam, Manipur, Lushai, and Tippera.
Mysore.
76. The report of Mr. McDonnell, Special Assistant Excise Commissioner,
shows that hemp sprung from chance seed is often
found in all the eight districts of the Mysore State;
but it does not appear to be abundant anywhere or more frequent in one district
than another. The seed thrown away on dust heaps finds its way with the man-
ure into fields and gardens. It is reported both from Mysore and Bangalore
that when such plants are discovered they are uprooted, and that prosecutions
are instituted if there is evidence of their having been cultivated. One informant
states that abundant growth is to be found in three districts; but, with this excep-
tion, the official account is generally confirmed, and may be accepted as correct.
Rajputana.
Kerowli.
Kotah.
Alwar.
Jhallawar.
Dholpur.
Jeypore.
Jaisalmir.
Jodhpur.
Kishengarh.
Jaisalmir.
Jodhpur.
Bikanir.
Bundi.
Tonk.
Serohi (only table).
Shahpura.
77. Memoranda have been received from the States of the Rajputana Agency
named in the margin. The wild hemp is
only mentioned as occurring in four of
them, viz., Jhallawar, Jeypore, Kishengarh,
and Alwar, and that in very small quantity.
The information leaves a decided impres-