979 



" This variety, under the name of Lobelia foliosa, was noticed by 

 Bonpland in 1808. It agreed with Cavanilles' plate, except that the 

 lobes of the calyx and the tube of the corolla are externally pubes- 

 cent : the leaves and the lobes of the calyx and corolla are very simi- • 

 lar. It is described in the ' Nova Genera et Species Plantarura 

 Americanarum ' of A. Bonpland, A. de Humboldt, and C. S. Kunth, 

 lom, iii. p. 242. Cavanilles and De CandoUes both give the habitat 

 of the L. decurrens in Chili, on the banks of the river Claro. Kunth 

 says this variety grows in Quito, near the village of Guancabamba. 

 Bonpland gives Peru as its habitat. Mr. de Warszewicz states that it 

 grows on the river Arequipa. These two varieties are included, but 

 not described, by Presl, in his ' Prodromus Monographise Lobeliace- 

 arum,' p. 24, under the names Rapuntium decurrens et foliosum. 



" Like other Lobeliaceous plants, this plant is very acrid ; its aque- 

 ous infusion has a burning, acrid taste, not unlike tobacco ; and its 

 smell is irritating and nauseating. It is used as a medicine by the 

 natives of Peru. Mr. de Warsxewicz says that its action is very 

 remarkable in nervous fever ; that the leaves and flowers, given at 

 Arequipa in the form of powder, in the dose of one, two, or three 

 grains to adults, are found quickly to change the symptoms of the 

 patient ; that it is very active as an emetic and purgative ; and that 

 the Indians universally employ it as an emetic. He thinks it might 

 be used here as a substitute for Ipecacuanha. The roots, which are 

 from four to eight feet in length, are used as well as the flowers and 

 leaves. Mr. de W. is very desirous that its effects should be tried in 

 this country, and hopes that it may prove a more important addition 

 to the Materia Medica than the L. syphilitica. He says that it may 

 be obtained in large quantities from Mr. Harmson, of Arequipa." 



Mr. J. J. Muskett read an interesting paper ' On the Phytology of 

 the Middle Ages,' referring more especially to superstitions attaching 

 to plants, and to the adaptation of vegetable forms to architecture and 

 heraldry. The essay was illustrated by numerous drawings, rubbings 

 of monumental crosses, &c. — R. R. 



Obituary. — Died, at Leipzig, on the 2nd of May, Professor Dr. 

 Ch. F. Schwaegrichen, the Nestor of Muscology. — Bonplandia. 



