PROPERTIES AND USES, 387 
Polystichum coriaceum. 
This is common to many countries. In Chili it is one of 
the plants termed Calahula, and like the others is reputed 
for the cure of syphilis. 
Nephrolepis tuberosa, 
This is a native of Nepaul It produces underground 
tubers like small potatoes, which are used for food by the 
natives, 
Alsophila excelsa, 
A native of Norfolk Island, which when first discovered, 
abounded in examples of this Fern, averaging in height 
from 25 to 50 feet, or even, it is said, 80 feet, The centre 
of the stem contains a white pith, in consistency resembling 
a yam, which is greedily eaten by hogs; it is also common 
to the Fiji and other islands of the Pacific. The stems are 
. much used for building purposes, being hard and fire-proof, 
and lasting an incredibly long time; it is also cat into 
= ornamental forms, and placed round tombs. 
| ic As üusfralit iùn native of Tasmania ; it grows in gullies 
“on Mount Wellington at an elevation even reaching the 
Snow.-line; its stems are used in the same manner as the 
preceding. 
Cyathea medullaris. 
and Pacific Isles. The interior of its trunk contains a soft 
 mueilaginous pulp, which may be compared to sago; it is 
extensively used as an article of food by the natives, to 
. obtain which fine trees are cut down. 
| 
| 
3 A fine tree Fern ; a native of New Zealand, Queensland, | 
