This page needs to be proofread.
Chap.XLVI.]
SUTRASTHANAM.
485

The Parna-Mriga Group:—Animals such as the Madgu, the arboreal Musika, the Vriksha-Shayika, Avakusha, Puti-ghasa and the Vanara, etc. belong to the family of Parna-Mrigas (lit : tree-dwelling arboreal animals).

Metrical Texts:—The flesh of animals of this group is sweet, spermatopoietic and heavy of digestion. It is invigorating to the eyesight and beneficial in cases of consumption. It is laxative and diuretic and cures cough, pile and dyspnoea.

The Vileshaya Group:—Animals such as, the Shvavit, Shalyaka, Godha, Shasha, Vrishadansha, Lopaka, Lomasha-Karna, Kadali, Mriga-Priyaka, Ajagara, Sarpa, Mushika, Nakula and Maha-Vabhru belong to the group of Vileshaya (hole-dwellers).

Metrical Texts:-The general properties of the flesh of animals belonging to this species are to increase the consistency of stool and urine. They are heat-making in potency, sweet in digestion as those of the preceding group. They subdue the Vayu and generate the Pittam and Kapham. They are demulcent and beneficial in cough, dyspnoea and cachexia. The flesh of the Shasha is sweet and astringent in taste. It reduces the Pittam and Kapham and neither produces nor subdues the Vayu owing to its moderately cooling potency. The flesh of the Godha is sweet of digestion and has a pungent, astringent taste.