BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 21 



Attention might be drawn to one native nutmeg, Myristica 

 insipida, E. Br. This forms one of the most handsome trees of 

 our North Queensland scrubs, and bears an abundant crop of 

 fruit, which are more oval than the nutmeg of the shops and not 

 so aromatic, but may possess some of its medicinal properties. 

 The true nutmegs are said to contain a volatile oil which renders 

 them stimulant. In small quantities they reheve flatulence and 

 and allay colicky pains, but in large quantities they excite the 

 cii'culations and act as narcotics. The bark of some Queensland 

 trees belonging to the order LaurinecB is in use for flavouring, but 

 oils in large quantities could be obtained from the fruit of 

 Hernanclia hivalvis, Benth., a tall tree common to the Brisbane 

 Eiver scrubs. This tree is readily known by the black nut-like 

 fruit being enclosed in large inflated involucels which are often 

 of a rich red color, the fruit is ten-ribbed, and so full of oil that 

 a single fruit stuck on a stick and lighted will give a good light 

 for two or three minutes. 



Among our representatives of the dangerous order, EuphorhiacecB 

 or Spurgeworts there are fine timbers, useful fruits and some 

 which produce good dyes, and many of more or less use medicinally 

 Euphorlia Brummondii, Bois. ; a small, almost prostrate herb, 

 with oblong opposite leaves about a quarter of an inch long, 

 bearing small flower-heads in their axils, has lately been sent 

 from the Barcoo to P. E. Gordon, Esq., Chief Inspector of stock, 

 stating that several sheep had been poisoned from feeding on it. 

 And since then another gentleman has forwarded specimens of 

 the same plant to the Qiieenslmuhr newspaper, stating that an 

 infusion of the herb proves almost a certain cure in cases of chronic 

 dysentery and low fever. 



Several species of our Ant ides mas bear edible fruit of more or 

 less value. A. Ballachjanum, Baill., the Herbert Eiver cherry is 

 by far the best. The fruit which in size equals that of large 

 cherries, is of a sharp acid flavour resembling that of the red 

 currant, which it also equals in colour when made into jeUy, and 



