BY J. H. MAIDEN. 279 



and G. peruviana, Linn., plants belonging to the Scrophularinese, 

 which are often used in domestic medicine. 



Lobelia purpurascens, R.Br. N.O. Campannlacese. 



This plant was sent to me (July 1889), from Port Macquarie, as 

 " a newly discovered antidote to snakebite." Mr. Hamlet 

 (Government Analyst, Sydney), and I have both found the oily 

 alkaloid Lobeline in it. Dr. T. L. Bancroft kindly informs me 

 that this species "contains the same active properties as L. injlata, 

 and might be used as a substitute for it." The chemical experi- 

 ments ai"e thus confirmed by physiological ones. The North 

 American L. injlata is collected after the seed-capsules have become 

 inflated. It is emetic and expectorant, and its chief use is in asthma. 



Petalostigma quadriloculare, F.v.M. N.O. Euphorbiacese. 



" Quinine tree, &c." 

 Dr. T. L. Bancroft informs me that the bark of this tree is 

 physiologically inert, or practically so. He makes a similar obser- 

 vation in regard to the Pittosporums, and in regard to the well- 

 known bitter bark of Taberncemontana orientalis, R.Br., belonging 

 to the Apocynese, 



