THE AUSTRALIAN CYCADS 



31 



inserted (Fig. 12). The plant soon dies, its leaves 

 droop, and the stem becomes so brittle that the first 

 strong wind completes the ruin. When the war broke 

 out steps were being taken to create a small reservation 

 and thus prevent a plant of such scientific importance 

 from becoming extinct. 



Fig. II. — Macrozamia Mourci, ;il Springsurt-, Queensland, Australia. 

 The plant in the foreground is about 10 feet in height. 



It seemed nothing short of vandalism to destroy such 

 splendid plants, but since the destruction was in full 

 swing and I was encouraged to do all the damage 

 possible, I cut into buds and trunks, securing material 

 and information which would have been impossible 

 under other conditions. A couple of plants of modest 

 size were sent to Chicago, and later the St. Louis 



