191 
The “ fruits’? had been collected in considerable quantity 
and stored as if for use as food or fodder. The deposits are 
of Neolithic age and an account of them has been published 
in the Annuaire du Musée National de Sofia, 1921, pp. 217-222, 
Sofia 1922. . 
Whatever may be the real history of Xanthium spinosum 
in the Old World this discovery would seem to indicate that the 
species existed in South Europe long before the dates (1700- 
1750) accepted by Thellung for its first introduction and 
establishment.—w. B. T. 
Plant Names.*—The admirable little book compiled by 
Dr. Lindsay for the gardener and lover of flowers who know 
“small Latin and less Greek” provides in a compact form 
explanations of the scientific names of flowers whose meanings 
must ordinarily be sought in bulky lexicons, and much informa- 
tion on the principles and history of plant naming with which 
the general public are little acquainted. It is for the horticul- 
turist and amateur gardener what Dr. Daydon Jackson’s 
“Glossary of Botanic Terms” is for the botanist, and, since 
Alcock’s “‘ Botanical Names for English Readers ’’ (1876) is now 
out of print, it is a welcome addition to the gardener’s library. 
The delightful manner in which the information is imparted 
will make it the more appreciated by the section of the public 
for whom the work is intended. The author must be congratu- 
lated on producing a book which every amateur gardener, 
horticulturist, and teacher of nature study will find of much 
interest and utility. _ 
Quebracho Colorado.—Quebrachia Lorentzii Griseb. (Anacar- 
diaceae), is an important forest tree abundant in the northern 
parts of the Argentine Republic and found also in Paraguay. 
It is described as of peculiar appearance, with small leaves 
and a trunk with a rough bark often covered with moss-like 
lichens of which cattle are stated to be very fond. The timber 
is extremely hard, close-grained and durable, light in colour 
when first cut becoming dark red on exposure to the light and 
air. The name Quebracho signifies axe-breaking as the wood is 
difficult to work and will soon turn the edge of the finest 
tempered tools. Formerly the chief application of the wood was 
for railway sleepers in South America, but during recent years 
it has become of first importance as a tanning material for 
* Plant Names. By T. S. Lindsay, B.D., London. The Sheldon 
Press, 8.P.C.K. House, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. 1923. pp. 93. 
28. 6d. . * : y a a 
