238 PROCEEDINGS OP THE CALIFORNIA 



that the locality was upon nearly the highest ground in Petaluma. This tree 

 was occasionally, but only moderately watered during a part of the time. 

 Other trees of this species planted at the same time, also made a remarkable 

 growth ; specimens raised by me from the seed, whose growth I have noted, 

 show a gain of ten a half inches in twenty-one days, or half an inch per diem. 



The development of the lateral branches is as surprising as its perpendicular 

 growth. 



George C. Potter, Esq., of Oakland, informs me that specimens upon his 

 grounds nine years old, show a diameter of twelve inches. 



Of the large plantation of Eucalyptus of the Blue and Red species made a 

 few years ago by Mr. J. T. Stratton,* of Alameda, I hear indirectly that the 

 trees have done well. I hope at a future meeting to be able to learn from 

 Mr. Stratton, and inform the Academy more definitely of the success thus far, 

 and prospects of this highly commendable and important enterprise.! 



The many valuable properties of the Eucalyptus attracted the attention of 

 the French Government several years ago. A specimen in the Jardin d'Ac- 

 climation at Algiers, excited the admiration of the Emperor while on a visit to 

 that place, and upon measuring the tree it was found, according tp the Paris 

 Moniteur, to have made " a height of thirty feet and a diameter of six inches 

 in two years." Since that time it has been extensively cultivated in Algiers, 

 and of late it has been stated that it " is making rapid progress in the south of 

 France, Spain and Corsica, especially on account of its alleged virtues as a 

 remedy for fever. It furnishes a peculiar extractive matter, or alkaloid, called 

 Eucalyptine, said by some to be as excellent a remedy against fever as quinine. 



In Spain its efficacy in cases of intermittent and marsh fevers has gained for 

 it the name of " fever tree." It is a powerful tonic and diffusible stimulant, 

 performs remarkable cures in cases of chronic catarrh and dyspepsia, is an 

 excellent antiseptic application for wounds, and tans the skins of dead animals, 

 •giving the fragrance of Russia leather. The tree prefers a marshy soil, in 

 which it grows to a great height very rapidly. It dries the earth under it by 

 evaporation from its leaves, and shelters it from the sun, thus preventing the 

 generation of marsh miasm." J 



Of the medicinal properties of E. globulus we have additional testimony in 

 :a recent number of the Practitioner, g where Dr. M. C. Maclean relates the 

 ■results of his experiments on patients in the Hospital Wards at Netley, Eng- 

 land. He says in connection with certain cases of chest aneurisms and cardiac 

 asthma: "With the exception, perhaps of the subcutaneous injection of 

 ■morphia, I know no remedy so efficacious in allaying pain, restoring dyspnoea, 

 calming irritation, and procuring sleep in such cases, as to be compared to 

 E. globulus." He also refers to the use in Germany of a tincture made of the 



* Keport of the Commissioner of Agriculture, 1870, p. 232. 



t I do not refer to other forest plantations made in California, by Mr. Aiken or Mr. Edwards, 

 and ■which I sincerely wish may be successful, for the reason that in this paper the chief 

 > object has been to call public attention to certain Australian forms. 

 i Harpers Magazine, March, 1872 ; Scientific Record, p. G30. 

 § No. XLI, p. 208, Nov., 1871. 



