322 Transactions. — Botany, 



afford a nearly certain remedy. I have found that an infusion 

 of its dried leaves has little or no effect, but that a decoction 

 has ; from this, I suppose the active principle differs from 

 tannin. Mr. Fitzgerald, of Wellington, offers a preparation of 

 this useful plant, of which it is to be hoped the public will take 

 advantage. 



Kata [Metrosideros rohusta). 



The juice of the vine, obtained by cutting and inverting it, 

 affords a strengthening, slightly astringent, beverage ; very 

 wholesome. 



PoHUTUKAWA [Metrosidews tomentosd). 



The inner bark is reported to be useful for diarrhoea. 



EiMU {Dacrydium cupressinuvi). 



The gum of this tree is excessively astringent. The bark of 

 the young tree was used by Maoris as a styptic, to stop the 

 bleeding of wounds. 



The capsules of Manuka [Leptospermum scoparium), and the 

 gum of Cyathea meduUaris (Punga), are also useful in attacks of 

 diarrhoea. 



Stimulants. 



Kawakawa [Piper excelsum). 



Its effects are stimulating ; it excites the salivary glands, the 

 kidneys, and the bowels slightly ; it is aphrodisiack. The fruit 

 and seeds, ripe or unripe, are more powerful than the leaves, 

 although the latter are generally used. Mr. Fitzgerald has also 

 prepared an extract of this plant. 



Tonic. 



KoHEKOHE [Dysoxylum spectahile). 



The leaves and bark of this tree are intensely bitter ; it is 

 not eaten by cattle or sheep. A decoction of the leaves, if not 

 too concentrated, is agreeably bitter. I consider it a tonic, but 

 the opinion requires coufii-mation. 



It is not likely that a drug of specific value will bo obtained 

 from our plants ; but I think there is matei'ial for the prepara- 

 tion of some useful medicines, to which pharmacists, following 

 the example of Mr. Fitzgerald of Wellington, may find it their 

 interest to attend. 



