of select Indian Plants. . 8098 
the diria of Silhet may be the same with the Tieuté or 
Chittk of Java. 
The Bengalese name, which is that of the Nua vomica. (euéhila) 
with a distinctive epithet (hár), shows that the natives of Silhet 
have remarked the affinity of these Indian species of Strychnos 
The specimen was received thence with the information that “the 
plant has medicinal virtues;" but without any intimation of de- 
leterious qualities in the bark or root. The leaves are used ex- 
ternally as suppurative; and the seed internally as a febrifuge. 
In a large dose, however, it is said to be poisonous. 
. In this, as in most, if not in all, the species of the genus, the 
wood, and stiil more the bark, are intensely bitter. This isemi- 
nently the case in the two species first known and described, 
S. colubrina and Nux vomica. They are employed in the Indian 
practice of medicine, especially the bark of the root; which is 
administered by native practitioners as a febrifuge. Their seeds 
are used singly, and in conjunction with opium as an adultera- 
tion of that drug, for their narcotic efficacy ; and are also em- 
ployed by venders of ardent spirits to augment the intoxicating 
power of the liquor vended-by them.  . 
In the Javanese species, a decoction of the bark of the root 
has been ascertained by Dr. Horsfield to be a most active poison. 
when internally administered. The soluble matter of the bark 
appears also to be the efficient part #3 it as a mortal venom in- 
troduced by a wound. | | : ff 
Notwithstanding the seeming contrast of faaliles between a: 
medicine and a poison, it is possible that the same substance, 
which is deadly in a greater quantity, may be salutary in smaller 
doses : the. presumption, therefore, is not conclusive against the: 
identity of the species indigenous i in Java and in Silhet. 
Another plant now submitted is a species of a genus named 
by 
