352 
appearance in the bands and outer line that shows the mud is 
not being retained on the shore. The big rise and iall of the 
tides produce a distinct hollow round each clump, whereby the 
young shoots mostly perish before reaching across to take root 
in the mud. The scattered clumps nearer the bank suffer in a 
similar way and do not join up. 
‘Close to the mouth of the River Kenn there is an increase 
in the number of separate clumps, but they were washed to that 
part originally, and the first severe storm is likely to carry all of 
them away. 
‘‘ Over the remainder of the flats to the South West for over 
a mile there is scarcely a clump left, except a few in the three 
sheltering bights, and as this is the stretch which it was intended 
chiefly to benefit by the planting of Spartina for shore raising 
purposes, the experiment must be regarded as a failure. 
Malay Poisons and Charm Cures.*—The greater part of the 
recent edition of Dr. Gimlette’s book deals with methods of 
poisoning, oi hatha medicine men and the origin of poisons 
from animal and inorganic sources. Chapters VIII. and IX. 
and Appendix II. are devoted to plants. In Chapter VIII. 
nineteen of the principal jungle plants and trees are described 
with notes on their administration as poisons and, in many 
cases, the effects actually observed. The best known of these 
are the Rengas tree (Stagmaria and Melanorrhora spp.), so often 
noticed as the solitary standing tree on jungle clearings, and 
whose juices are reported to have a blistering effect similar to 
that of the “ mustard gas ” used in the war; the Upas climber, 
species of Strychnos, and the Upas tree, Antiaris toxicaria, both so 
well known as furnishing the principal poison for darts and arrows. 
Chapter IX. contains descriptions of twelve groups of plants 
cultivated in and around villages for their medicinal and poisonous 
properties. The uses of Datura and Tuba, in particular, are 
described at length and amongst the others used in compounding 
poisons it is interesting to note the F apes: PPP Pinang, 
Pineapple and Ginger. 
The value of the book as a work of reference to be consulted 
is considerably impaired by the abbreviation of the Index in 
which botanical names and economic uses are only occasionally 
a 
should find a place in every scientific library, as so many sciences 
are reviewed in connection with the practices of an interesting 
people well versed in jungle lore, and from whom we may we 
expect to learn some of the secrets of nature. 
* Malay Poisons and Charm Cures, by John D. Pease ag M.R.C. S, " 
L.R.C.P. J. and A. Churchill, London, 1923. 2nd Ed., 
