420

30. Mainly, I believe, to the male sex.

32.  I believe some sect of Hindus take it on
religious grounds.

33.  I believe it is generally regarded as
baneful.

34. To habitual consumers of the drug its
prohibition would be a privation for a time at least,
but would be beneficial to them eventually, I
think.

35.  It would, I think, be feasible to prohibit to
a certain extent.

36.  I do not think so.

38. I believe they have different effects, but
have no precise knowledge on the subject.

41.  I do not think so.

42.  Certainly not harmless.

43.  I think they are offensive to their neigh-
bours who do not indulge in the drug, though
probably not to any appreciable extent.

44.  1 believe it does intoxicate.

45.  I believe it injures the constitution
generally, but I do not know in what way, or to
what extent.

47. I do not think it to be a hereditary habit.

49. I believe it is, but I do not know to what
extent. Prostitutes are said to use it freely.

51. Bad characters generally have the reputa-
tion of being habitual consumers of these drugs.

53.  I believe it does to a very great extent.

54.  They are said to use them for such purposes.

55.  I believe so to some extent.

56.  Bad in moderation, and excessively so when
in excess.

57.  I have no experience about it.

58.  I am not well acquainted with the present
system of excise administration.

62. It should, and I think could, be controlled.

69. I doubt if the people are consulted, but
have no certain knowledge of the subject.

193. Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari,
                                                              Dumur Factory, Purnea.

1.  Having occupation for over 23 years in the
Purnea and Bhagalpur districts in zamindari and
indigo, and always dealing with the natives.

2.  Ganja flat, and ganja broken, and bhang
that grows wild all over near villages and rich
soil.

3. The wild hemp bhang in Purnea and por-
tions of Bhagalpur.

4. Bhang, not ganja.

6.  Generally dense, and in places grows to over
six feet high.

7.  None.

11 and 12. No.

14.  Bhang, wild hemp.

(a) No.

(b) No.

15.  Bhang (wild hemp) leaves are sometimes
dried and kept, but by very few, and a drink is
made by pounding the leaves, mixing the same in
water, and adding sugar. This is very intoxicat-
ing.

The pounded leaves are also mixed with water,
adding some pounded round pepper. Not very
intoxicating.

The juice extracted from the green leaves
is also used in making the same drinks as above.
This is intoxicating.

16.  Bhang is always prepared by those who
want the drink in their houses or anywhere. Do
not know and have never seen ganja or charas
prepared from the wild hemp.

17.  By Hindus and Muhammadans, mostly
men from the west and north-west (called up-
country men in these parts).

18.  It does not deteriorate. I hear bhang is
dried and tied in a bundle and kept in a dry
place.

19.  Ganja is only used for smoking.

20.  All men, mostly Hindus, and of the

poorer class, and over 40 per cent. It is less
used to the east and north-east of this district.
21. Whatever is to be had.

23.  Not known to me.

24.  By all castes, and mostly by the higher
class all over the Purnea and Bhagalpur Districts.
By few under two per cent. of men.

25.  None on the increase, and a wonder bhang
is so little used, though not taxed.

27. Ganja.—By hermits, travellers, and the
poorer class of workmen, who say it is a relief
after work and keeps hunger away.

Bhang.— By the better class, mostly up-coun-
try men, Brahmins and Rajputs especially; they
say it is a cooling drink.

29.  See No. 14 answer. Dhatura is very seldom
used by consummate bhang drinkers to encourage
intoxication. I know of no bhang massala pre-
pared and sold for mixing.

30.  Ganja is used in company, especially among
the poorer class, and in solitude by the higher
class and by the male. Not known of children.

Bhang drink is seldom taken in company, as so
few take it, and by only men. Not women or
children.

32.  Excessive ganja-smoking is injurious.

33.  Hemp plant is not worshipped.

35. No; if so, would be consumed illicitly, and
prohibition would cause grumbling among consu-
mers. It would not cause political danger.