BY R. T. BAKER. 387 



them with Parsonsia, or for the matter of that with any Apocy- 

 naceous plant. 



The tubers are known locally as "Native Yams," a very good 

 descriptive name as they (particularly the larger ones) very much 

 resemble in shape and outward appearance the " Yam " of the 

 South Sea Islands, obtained from species of the famil}' Dioscorideje. 



The " skin " is of an earthy colour, similar to that of a jwtato 

 or a native truffle. The interior is composed of a whitish sub- 

 stance, for the chemical analysis of which I am indebted to my 

 colleague, Mr. H. G. Smith, F.C.S. 



The root fibres are distinctly seen in a transverse section, and 

 in the smaller yams are arranged in bundles in concentric circles 

 similar to the protecting wires in a submarine telegraph cable, 

 whilst in the larger ones these are distributed irregularly. As the 

 tubers are eaten by both colonists and aboriginals, it was thought 

 advisable to place on record a chemical analysis. The results are 

 disappointing, as it was hoped that it would be possible to 

 announce the discovery of a more nutritive article of diet. How- 

 ever, it is of some importance if in these tubers the inhabitants 

 of the dry interior have a vegetable "standby" in times of 

 drought when it is impossible to grow the ordinary domestic 

 vegetables. Under cultivation they would probably improve in 

 quality. 



In a raw state they have not that glutinous character which is 

 oflfered by an Island yam when freshly cut. They taste very much 

 like a turnip, both in the raw and cooked condition. The colour 

 and consistency of the largest specimens resemble those of the 

 common mangel-wurzel. 



Mr. Paddison, writing to me about these tubers, states: — "As 

 you are interested in the abo\ e, perhaps a few words relative to the 

 manner of growth and locality of this plant may not be out of place. 

 As 1 have before remarked, it is a vine, generally found growing 

 at the foot of and twisting itself around some small tree, and that 

 tree in nine cases out of ten a ' wilga,' Geijera jjarvifiora, Lindl. 

 After receiving your letter, a Mr. A. S. Read of this town and 



