409 
Dirca (Thymelaeaceae). 
The leaf of D. palustris, L., contains saponin. The species in 
question has for a long time been suspected ; the acridity of its 
taste was noted as equal to that of Daphne ; the plant is described 
as an emetic and narcotic. 
Discaria (Rhamnaceae). 
The leaf of D. serratifolia, Benth. et Hook., contains much 
saponin. On account of the supposed remedial action in fever an 
American species has been called D. febrifuga, Mart. The allied 
plant Colletia spinosa, Lam., is said to contain saponin. 
Drimys (Macnoliaceae), 
In May, 1909, I found that the leaves, and especially the flowers 
of D. Winteri, Forst., received from the University Botanic 
Gardens at Leiden, contained hydrocyanic acid. Afterwards I was 
able to confirm this with material from the gardens at Amsterdam, 
and at Kew. In the latter gardens [ also had at my disposal a 
small branch of D. aromatica, F. Muell., it contained considerably 
more HCN than the first-mentioned species. The leaves of both 
species of Drimys, have an exceedingly acrid taste and cause a 
burning sensation on the tongue, the extract bo A of DP, 
aromatica), froths strongly and contains much tannin. The odour 
of the ethereal oil resembles that of fennel and of cinnamon. 
It is the source of the long known “ Cortex Winteranus. 
Drosera (Droseraceae). 
The leaf of D. binata, Labill., attracted my notice at Kew, on 
account of its acrid bitter taste. On investigation, a fairly 
commended some years ago as 
s, asthma, cough and whooping 
Erythronium (Liliaceae). 
i is oe of E. purpurascens, ile Se tage Pepa 
saponin. I afterwards obtained at Sarees a 1g ornamental 
nurseries of van Tubergen, fresh bulbs of the fo vn 6 diflorum 
ne : E, Dens-canis, L., E.g ” ee : crown 3. Wats. 
t ak: 4 . "a 2 “ 
Seyi ier pn strongly _but are only slightly“ polsonous 
judging by the feeble haemolysis. 
