23-4 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
Ether takes up a portion only, leaving behind a resinous substance 
coloured more intensely red than that which it dissolves ; turpen- 
tine exercises no solvent action upon it, and the drying oils but 
very little.” (Report on Indigenous Vegetable Substances, Victorian 
Exhibttion, 1861.) 
Tasmania and Victoria. 
20, Xanthorrheea hastilis, &. Jr. N.O., Juncacex, B.FI., 
Vii., I15. 
“ Grass Tree.” 
A sample ‘of resin of this species is in the Technological 
Museum. It is in almost spherical pieces, and represents the 
substance in its purest form. It possesses a sweet odour similar 
to that of benzoin, which is much increased on powdering the 
substance. It breaks readily with a shining fracture, and is 
reducible with the greatest facility to an impalpable powder. No 
substance bears a greater resemblance to it than powdered 
gamboge, although that pigment is perhaps a shade darker. 
Exposure to the light causes the resin to change its colour to 
Indian red, which is the external colour of masses of the pure 
“gum.” This colour is quite superficial. 
New South Wales and Queensland. 
21. Xanthorrheea Tateana, /.v.47,, in Muell Cens., (Suppt. for 
1885); N.O., Juncacez. 
‘** Grass Tree.” 
The author is indebted to Mr. J. E. Brown, Conservator of 
Forests of South Australia, for a quantity of the exceedingly hand- 
some resin of this new species. It is obtainable in large pieces free 
from woody matter. It is more or less vesicular, and powders 
with the utmost facility. The fresh fracture is very bright, and of 
a rich, pure ruby colour; the powder is dead, and of the colour 
of the best chrome orange. The colour of the lumps readily 
becomes dulled by the friction of the masses against each other, 
and so is generally seen of a liver-colour to chrome orange. 
Neither in lump nor in powder has the resin any odour at 
ordinary temperatures. 
Kangaroo Island (South Australia). 
