5 z MYSOIZI' DIs1'Ri-C l;
and large masses of a rock composed of a highly ferriferous enstatite,
with magnetite and iron-alumina spinel or bercynite.
The trees in the extensive forest tract along the southern and
western boundary are not only rich in species, but attain a large size.
Of teak (Teclona grandis) there are several large plantations. Other
trees include Shorea Talura, Pterocarpus Marsupium, Terminalia
tomentosa, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, and Anogeissus latifolia, which are
conspicuous and very abundant in the Muddamullai forest. In
February most of these trees are bare of leaf, and represent the
deciduous belt. In open glades skirting the forests and descending
the Bhandipur ghat are plants of a varied description. I3ambusa
arundinacea occurs in beautiful clumps at frequent intervals. There
are also Helicteres Isora, Hibiscus Abelmoschus, and many others.
Capparis grandijYora is most attractive in the Bhandipur forest, and
there is also a species without thorns. Clusters of parasites, such as
Viscum orientale, hang from many trees. On the Karabi-kanave range
farther north the grasses Andropogon pertusus and Anthisliria ciliala
attain an abnormal size, and are often difficult to penetrate. Ferns,
mosses, and lichens are abundant in the rainy season. There, are also
a few orchids. The heaviest forest jungle is about Kakankote in the
south-west. The BILIGIKi-RANGAN range in the south-,east possesses
an interesting flora with special features. The growth includes sandal-
wood, satin-wood (Chloroxylon Swielenia), Polyallhia cerasoides, and
others. The babizl (Acacia arabica) attracts attention by the road-side
and in cultivated fields. Hedgerows of Euphorbza Tirucalli, Jatropha
Curcas, and Vitex Negundo are not uncommon. In the poorest scrub
tracts Phoenix farinzfera is often gregarious. The growth in the parks
at Mysore city is not so luxuriant as at Bangalore, where the soil is
richer; but in the matter of species it is much the same. The flora
of Chamundi, which is a stony hill, is limited in species and poor in
growth. Clinging to the rivers and canals are found such plants as
Crinum zeylanica, Salix tetrasperzna, and Pandanus odoratissimus.
The mean temperature and diurnal range at Mysore city in January
are 73° and 25°; in May, 8r° and 23°; in July, 75° and r6°; in
November, 73° and r8°. The climate is generally healthy, but inter-
mittent fevers prevail during the cold months. The annual rainfall
averages 33 inches. The wettest month is October, with a fall of
8 inches; then May, with 6 ; and next September, with 5 inches.
The earliest traditional knowledge we have relating to this District
goes back to the time of the Maurya emperor, Chandra Gupta, in the
fourth century s. c. At that time a State named
History. Punnata occupied the south-west. After the death
of Bhadrabahu at Sravana Belgola, the Jain emigrants whom he had
led from Ujjain in the north, Chandra Gupta being his chief disciple,
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