EDIBLE SHRUBS 65 



EDIBLE SHRUBS. 



Berrigan (Eremophila longifolia), of which an illustration 

 accompanies this letterpress, occurs in all the Australian States 

 and in some inland localities it is fairly plentiful; but in others 

 it is becoming scarce owing to its having been largely cut down 

 for stock feed. It is a tall shrub, occasionally growing twenty- 

 five feet high, with rather thick, narrow leaves, from three to 

 five inches long, tapering into recurved points. Its drought- 

 enduring properties are remarkable, for it grows under the 

 most adverse conditions of intense heat and aridity. Both 

 cattle and sheep eat the leaves of this shrub with avidity, 

 and seem to thrive on them. The following analysis of the 

 partially dried leaves, by Mr. F. B. Guthrie, show them to be 

 of good feeding value : 



Water .. .. .. 51.59 



Ash .. .. .. 3.70 



Fibre . . . . . . 5.43 



Albuminoids . . . . . . 8.87 



Carbohydrates .. .. 29.66 



The nutrient value is 40 , and the albuminoid ratio 



The fresh leaves would show a higher percentage of water 

 and, of course, would be more succulent feed. Rabbits have 

 a penchant for the bark of the Berrigan, and have destroyed 

 large numbers of shrubs by eating the bark for a few feet up 

 the stems from the base. Under ordinary conditions the 

 Berrigan produces a quantity of seed, and those who purpose 

 propagating the shrub should sow the seeds where the 



