EUCALYPTUS TREES. 433 
one among numerous congeners of Europe, Asia, and 
America, which is drawn toa considerable extent into 
medicinal use. The rootand herb contain Valerianic 
acid and a peculiar tannic acid ; the root furnishes an 
essential oil, which again resolves itself into Valerol 
(70 percent.), Valereen, Barneol, and Valerianic acid. 
The order of Valerianz is not represented by any 
native plant in Australia. 
Valerianella olitoria, Moench.— Lamb’s Lettuce. 
Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. A 
fair and early salad plant. It is an annual plant, and 
has several congeners in Europe and Asia. 
Veratrum album, L.—Europe, North and Middle 
Asia, extending eastward to Japan. It delights par- 
ticularly in sub-alpine localities. The root furnishes 
Veratrin, Jervin, and Sabadillic acid. 
Veratrum viride, Aiton.—Canada and United States 
of North America. A near relative of the former 
plant. Its root has come recently into medicinal use. 
Vicia Ervilia, Willdenow. (Ervum Ervilia, L.)— 
South Europe, North Africa, South - western Asia. 
An annual herb, praised as a valuable fodder-plant on 
dry, calcareous soil. 
Vicia Faba, L.*—The Straight Bean. Orient, par- 
ticularly on the Caspian Sea. This productive, annu- 
al herb affords not only its seeds for table use, but pro- 
vides also a particularly fattening table food. The 
seeds contain about 33 per cent. starch. 
Vicia sativa, L.* (V. angustifolia, Roth.)—The or- 
dinary Vetch or Tare. Europe, North Africa, North 
and Middle Asia. One of the best of fodder-plants, 
but only of one or two years’ duration. Many of the 
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