36 



tincture of the plant to dress their dogs previous to starting on an expedition. 

 It has a strong and pungent odour and when chewed leaves a peculiar deadening 

 sensation on the tongue. It undoubtedly possesses peculiar properties, and well 

 deserves the examination that is now being given to it. Cruger, a former Botanist, 

 collected specimens of the plant, and Purdie in 1S48 affixes to a specimen the 

 following note : — 



The root of the plant dried and powdered is used as a remedy for glanders 

 and hydrophobia in horses and dogs. 



It is said to be remedy also for the bite of venomous snakes. 



As stated in the report referred to, the matter was first 

 brought to my attention by the late Prof. Macarthy in 1888, and 

 again by Mr. G. F. Bourne in 1890 — and to the latter I was indebted 

 for the collection of the first material sent. Later on a large batch 

 of material was collected by Mr. C. W. Meaden at my request, and' 

 some was procured from hunters. 



107.-SIMABA CEDRON. 



This tree flourishes well in the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, growing 

 to a height of 50 feet. It produces seed annually. The seeds are 

 said by some writers to be useful as a febrifuge and we have 

 on several occasions had enquiries for seeds in small quantities 

 for medicinal purposes. Young plants grow rapidly from seed and 

 can be planted in the open in ordinary soils. It is said to have beert 

 brought from the mainland by "Purdie" many years ago. 



108.-SPATHELIA SIMPLEX, L. 



This tree also grows well in the Gardens. It is known in Jamaica 

 as " Mountain Pride," being very common on the sides of hills com- 

 posed of the white limestone. It takes some 8 or 10 years from the 

 seed to the flowering stage, but its large and handsome panicle of lilac- 

 coloured flowers, once seen is not easily forgotten. The leaves are 

 simply pinnate from 2 to 4 feet in length, and fern -like in appearance. 

 When young, the plants are very useful for decorative purpt)ses, owing 

 to their fern -like appearance. "When of mature size the plants reach, 

 to the height of 30 to 35 feet. They are seldom branched, and generally 

 die away after ripening seeds from the first flowers produced. Seen 

 on the hillside in their season they form a glorious mass of delicately 

 tinted flowers essentially tropical in character. Those now growing 

 in the Trinidad garden were raised from seed sent from Jamaica 

 by myself, when in charge of the Botanical Department of that. 

 Island, in 1886. 



