266 FOREST CULTURE AND 
is also smaller, and quite straight. Its strength and 
solidity render it fit for many select technic purposes. 
Bambusa verticillata, Blume.—The Whorled Bam- 
boo of Java. 
Bambusa vulgaris, Wendland.—The large, unarm- 
ed bamboo of Bengal. It attains a height of 70 feet, 
and stems may attain even a length of 40 feet in one 
season, though the growth is slower in our clime. It 
has proved to be capable of resisting the occasional 
night frost of the lowlands of Victoria. It is the best 
for building bamboo houses. Immersion in water for 
some time renders thecane still firmer. To the series 
of large, thornless bamoos belong, also, Bambusa Tul- 
da, and Bambusa Balcooa, of India, and Bambusa 
Thouarsii, from Madagascar and Bourbon. ‘These 
bamboos are much used for various kinds of furniture, 
mats, implements, and other articles. There are 
many other kinds of bamboo eligible among the spe- 
cies from China, Japan, India, tropical America, and, 
perhaps, tropical Africa. One occurs in Arnheim’s 
Land. 
Barosma serratifolia, Willd.—South Africa. This 
shrub supplies the medicinal bucco-leaves. B. cren- 
ulata, Hook (Diosma crenulata, L.) is only a variety 
of this species: Active principles: A peculiar vola- 
tile oil, a peculiar resin, and a crystalline substance 
called Diosmin. 
Beta vulgaris, L.—The Beet or Mangold root. 
Middle and South Europe, Middle Asia, North Africa. 
This well-known perennial or bienniai herb ought to 
engage the general and extensive attention of our 
farming population. The herb is most valuable as a 
palatable and nutritious spinach; the root is of im- 
