SALT-BUSHES 57 



circular leaves of a whitish colour, which gives the plant a 

 singular appearance, and often makes it a prominent feature 

 on the inland plains. The pollen-yielding flowers and the 

 seed-bearing ones are mostly produced on separate plants, 

 but occasionally both kinds of blooms may be seen on the same 

 shrub. When allowed to grow undisturbed for a time the 

 Old Man Salt- Bush produces plenty of seed, so those desirous 

 of collecting it and bringing the plant under systematic cul- 

 tivation would have no difficulty in obtaining a supply. In 

 winter the ground where it grows may often be seen covered 

 with water, while in summer the earth becomes very hard and 

 dry under the fierce rays of the sun, yet its growth is not 

 checked to any serious extent by these extremes. These 

 facts are only mentioned to illustrate the very hardy nature 

 and drought-enduring qualities of this Salt-Bush. Its young, 

 tender stems and leaves can be boiled and used as a table 

 esculent, and when properly cooked make a very good sub- 

 stitute for the cultivated spinach. As the foliage contains 

 a large percentage of common salt, it should be boiled in plenty 

 of water. 



Mr. W. A. Dixon gives the following chemical analysis of 

 the Old Man Salt-Bush : 



Oil .. .. .. 2.18 



Carbohydrates . . . . 42.85 



Albuminoids . . . . 16.45 



Woody Fibre . . . . 7.24 



Ash, C.O a . . . . . . 31.28 



100.00 



Nitrogen . . . . . . 2.63 



Woody parts of plant . . 10 per cent. 



Edible parts of plant . . . . 90 per cent. 



