eagerly. The price of it was very variable, but generally between 4 and 10 annas per bottle, and at one time it rose to a rupee for the same quantity. The sap was more or less bitterish in taste, with a slight and peculiar aroma of the nîm tree and was never known to ferment or possess any intoxicating property. The word toddy is, therefore, not correctly applicable to this liquid drug. I have already mentioned the diseases which were most benefited by its use, under the heading of ' Therapeutic Uses.'
" The nîm trees which yield the sap artificial^ seem to be more rare, for I have heard only of three or four of such plants. All these are said to have been pretty young and large trees, and were found near water or on the banks of nullas or water- courses which were constantly wet. The air passing through nîm trees is thought to be highly beneficial to health, and hence the practice among the natives of planting nîm trees near their dwelling-houses. Many Europeans even believe in this, especially in the North- Western Provinces and Oudh, and frequently cite villages surrounded with nîm trees as proverbially free from fever, while adjoining villages have suffered severely. Dr. C. Macnamara advocates the use of the watery extract of dry leaves in leprosy (MOODEEN SHERIFF)."
The seeds are eaten as a substitute for almonds (Trimen.)
The dried leaves powdered are applied locally to the anus of children suffering from intestinal worms (B. D. Basu).
The Therapeutic uses of Neem— By Major D. B. Spencer, I. M. S.—
I have used the leaves, bark, and oil of Neem. All parts of the plant are medicinal.
1. Leaves. A handful of leaves, crushed and flattened, will make an excellent poultice for boils and sores ; its action is stimulant and antiseptic.
The dried leaves I have used to preserve books and clothes from vermin.
Internally, two ounces of fresh leaves, made into an infusion, with a pint of boiling water, form an exceedingly useful bitter vegetable tonic and alterative. It has a marked action upon the liver— the stools often become brilliant yellow in colour after its use.
This infusion is also valuable in chronic malarial fever, although not so efficacious as the oil. In chronic syphilitic affections it acts as a powerful alterative. I have used it also in leprosy, but, except perhaps in one case, it had no specific effect upon the disease.
