356 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1889. 



4. Gladiolus sp. 1 



In gardens. 



The Iris root is purgative and emetic and is used in preparing 

 orris. 



Order VII. AMARYLLIDEAE. 



1. Agave Americana, Linn. 



American Aloe, from Continent; American Agave, Century 

 Plant, Maguey, Magaly, Spiked Aloe, Mexican Maguey, Flower- 

 ing Aloe, Pita. 



2. A. Mexicana, Lam. 



Mexican Aloe, Pita, Manilla plant, from Mexico ; Sisal hemp. 



3. A. variegata, Hort. 



In gardens. Partridge Breast Aloe. 



4. A. striata, Luc. 

 In gardens. 



5. Eucharis Amazonica, Lindl. 



Eucharist Lily. In gardens, from Brazil. 



6. Narcissus Jonquilla, Linn. 

 Ill Gardens. Jonquil. 



7. Pancratium sp. T 



Spider Lily. Old and new world in gardens. 



8. Amaryllis Atamasco, L. 

 Atamasco lily. Gardens. 



9. Crinum sp. ? 

 Essequibo lily. Gardens. 



10. Crinum erubescens, Herb. 

 Squill lily. 



Most of the members of this order are ornamental plants, but 

 some are of great economic value. Agave Mexicana and others of 

 the o-enus yield a fine fibre, known as Pita, Sisal or Manilla fibre. 

 The efforts of Governor Blake and one of the authors to promote 

 the cultivation of these fibres in the colony long appeared unavail- 

 ing ; but now (Feb. 1889), it appears that the cultivation has 

 been begun in earnest. The soil is well suited for these plants, 

 but the want of energy and of capital among the people must make 

 the issue of the experiment doubtful, as yet. A Mexican Agave 

 yields the drink called Mescal. The flowering stalk is used for 

 corks and for razor strops. The juice of the leaves is sometimes 

 used as a resolvent for scrofula and cancers. 



