405 
insecticide, vermifuge, &c.) but the experimental proof is wanting 
in most cases. There is also a C. venenifera, Rodsch. (= C. hirsuta, 
L.), which still remains to be examined. 
Castanospermum (Leguminosae-Papilionaceae). 
The leaves of C. australe, A. Cunn. et Fraser, contain saponin, 
readily recognised by the strong frothing of an extract ; I could not 
detect any saponin in the seeds. 
e seed is edible but rather indigestible. Observations in 
Australia had already shown that the leaves are harmful to cattle. 
he saw-dust from the wood of Castanospermum greatly irritates the 
mucous membranes (saponin!), The roasted seeds are eaten as 
“ Australian chestnuts.” 
Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae). : 
In the laboratory at Kew, I examined the leaves of four species, 
viz., C. azureus, Dest., C. integerrimus, Hook. et Arn., C. thyrsi- 
Horus, Eschw., and C. velutinus, Dougl. They all contain saponin, 
most of all the two last mentioned. The young leaves, especially 
of the first two species, have an aromatic odour, owing to the 
presence of methyl salicylate ; the leaves of C. integerrimus gave 
a mucilaginous extract. Saponin is also present in small quantity 
in the seeds of C. americanus, L., and C. ovatus, Desf. 
Various species are used medicinally in America ; thus the bark 
is used as a febrifuge. The root of C. americanus, L., is an 
antisyphilitic. In the species C. reclinatus, L’Hérit. (= Rhamnus 
venosa, Lam.), L’Hérit. earlier investigators found an alkaloid. 
According to Engler and Prantl, the 
L., are Bilt as salad and the buds 
as capers. 
Cercocarpus (Rosaceae). _ 
‘ The leaves of C. parvifolius, 
dro i id. : signe ie 
y Ta abtien ef this genus (all from Mexico geome oe nes 
previously been investigated in a laboratory. a ae 
doubtedly be henceforth reckoned among polsonous plallts. 
Choisya (Rutaceae). 
he fe oe leaves of C. ternata, cay ine —. 
closer chemical investigation, for they contain nid he get fred by 
oil, and a little saponin. The ery — . ome 
caustic soda and can then be extracted with ether. 
Ch i ifrawaceae). ‘ ‘ in. 
ha alge of oppo, Zn connie le spin 
C. alternifolium, L., is considered poisonous to sheep. 
Cinnamomum (Lauraceae). 
It may here noted that the fresh leaves la * Laivasail 
were found at Kew to contain much loon ‘frothing extract. 
they contained much mucilage, and they yield a 
Nutt., were found to contain much 
Tamala, Nees, 
