WATER OF THE WATER-VINE. 30D 
Besides the diatoms noted by Messrs. Brittlebank, Stickland, 
and Shephard,* my own microscopical examination disclosed the 
presence of a few lepidopterous scales. Mr. L. Hart] states that 
he was able to microscopically identify crystals of amethyst and 
garnet. I have not, however, sufficient experience in this direc- 
tion to enable me to confirm the identification. 
There appears to be no feature connected with the fall, or in 
the nature and composition of the dust, to lead us to infer that it 
originated outside of Australia. 
No. 10.—ON THE WATER OF THE WATER-VINE. 
By W. M. Douerrty, F.C.S8. 
(Read Monday, January 10, 1898.) 
[ Abstract. | 
One of the sources from which the thirsty traveller in parts of 
tropical and sub-tropical Australia may allay his thirst is the 
water vine (Vitis hypoglauca?). This vine is often found of con- 
siderable dimensions, though it is more frequently met with from 
1 to 3 inches in diameter, hanging from and interlacing the sur- 
rounding forest like ropes or cables. The method for obtaining water 
is either to cut off several lengths of the vine and allow it to drain 
into a billy, or, if a large quantity of water is required, to select a 
fairly large specimen and cut it right through near the ground, 
then, by climbing as far up as possible, to partially sever it. A 
copious flow of water is the result. During a trip in the Tweed 
River district I have several times quenched my thirst by this 
means with a thoroughly enjoyable, clear, sparkling, palatable 
water, possessing a faintly, acidulous taste. Since partaking of 
this water I endeavoured to discover something about its com- 
position, but could find no reference whatever. I, therefore, sent 
for samples of the water. The quantity sent me, though carefully 
collected, was insuticient for anything like a full investigation. 
The water is the sap which the vine has extracted from the soil 
in the demand for nourishment. I have found it to contain 39 
grains of solid matter per gallon, 28 grains of which consisted 
chiefly of tannin, and some allied substance, which caused the 
water to darken on exposure to the air, together with certain 
proteid substances which could not be identified. The remaining 
11 grains of solid matter consisted of potassium, calcium, mag- 
nesium, sodium, sulphuric acid, chlorine, phosphoric acid, carbonic 
acid, &e. 
* “ Victorian Naturalist,” xiii, 125. 
+ ‘‘ Australasian Photographic Review,” 1897, 9. 
