The development of the lateral branches is as surprising as its 

 perpendicular growth. 



George C. Potter, Esq., of Oakland, informs me that specimens 

 upon his grounds nine years old, show a diameter of twelve inches. 



Of the large plantation of Eucalyptus of the Blue and Red species 

 made a few years ago by Mr. J. T. Stratton,* of Alameda, I hear 

 indirectly that the trees have done well. I hope at a future meet- 

 ing to be able to learn from Mr. Stratton, and inform the Academy 

 more definitely of the success thus far, and prospects of this highly 

 commendable and important enterprise. f 



The many valuable properties of the Eucalyptus attracted the 

 attention of the French Government several years ago. A speci- 

 men in the Jardin d' Acclimation at Algiers, excited the admiration 

 of the Emperor while on a visit to that place, and upon measuring 

 the tree it was found, according to the Paris 31oniteur, to have 

 made " a height of 30 feet and a diameter of six inches in two 

 years." Since that time it has been extensively cultivated in 

 Algiers, and of late it has been stated that it " is making rapid pro- 

 gress in the south of France, Spain and Corsica, especially on 

 account of its alleged virtues as a remedy for fever. It furnishes 

 a peculiar extractive matter, or alkaloid, called Eucalyptine, said 

 by some to be as excellent a remedy against fever as quinine. 



In Spain its efficacy in cases of intermittent and marsh fevers 

 has gained for it the name of " fever tree." It is a powerful tonic 

 and diffusible stimulant, performs remarkable cures in cases of 

 chronic catarrh and dyspepsia, is an excellent antiseptic application 

 for wounds, and tans the skins of dead animals, giving the fragrance 

 of Russia leather. The tree prefers a marshy soil in which it grows 

 to a great height very rapidly. It dries the earth under it by 

 evaporation from its leaves, and shelters it from the sun, thus pre- 

 venting the generation of marsh miasm. ":|: 



Of the medicinal properties of U. globulus we have acklitional tes- 

 timony in a recent number of the Practitioner, § where Dr. M. 0. 



* Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, 1870, p. 23-2. 



1 1 do not refer to other forest plantations made in California, bv Mr. Aiken or Mr. 

 Edwards, and wliich I sincerely wish mny be successful, for the reason that in this 

 paper the chief object lias been to call public attention to certain Australian forms. 



t Harpers Magazine, March, 187:2 ; Scientific Record, p. 630. 



$ No. XLI, p. i>68, Nov., 1871. 



