IN EXTRA-TROPICAL' COUNTRIES. 169 



starchy, formerly extensively used by the native inhabitants, 

 and called by them the " Gift of the Great Spirit." The 

 plant deserves trial culture. 



Leyssera gnaphalioides, Linne. 



South Africa. A perennial herb of aromatic scent and taste. 

 Much used there as a medicinal tea. 



Liatris odoratissima Willdenow. 



Southern States of North America. A perennial herb occur- 

 ring on swampy places. The leaves are sometimes used, for 

 the sake of their aromatic odour, to flavour tobacco and other 

 substances (Saunders). 



Libocedrus Chilensis, Endlicher. 



In cold valleys on the Southern Andes of Chili, 2,000 to 5,000 

 feet. A fine tree, 80 feet high, furnishing a hard resinous 

 wood of a yellowish colour. 



Libocedrus decurrens, Torrey. 



White Cedar of California, growing on high mountains, in fine 

 groves up to 5,000 feet, in what Hinchcliff calls the noblest 

 zone of Coniferse of the globe. Attains a height of fully 200 

 feet, with a stem 25 feet in circumference. The wood is light 

 and strong, used for exquisite cabinet-work, but also suitable 

 for fence rails, &c. According to Dr. Gibbons the tree is 

 well adapted for wind-brakes and can be trained into tall 

 hedges. 



Libocedrus Doniana, Endlicher. 



North Island of New Zealand, up to 6,000 feet elevation. A 

 forest tree 100 feet high, stem 3 feet and more in diameter. 

 The wood is hard and resinous, of a dark reddish colour, 

 fine-grained, excellent for planks and spars. 



Libocedrus tetragona, Endlicher.* 



On the Andes of North Chili, at an elevation of 2,000 to 5,000 

 feet, growing as far south as Magelhaen's Straits, especially 

 in moist moory localities. This species has a very straight 

 stem and grows 120 feet high. The wood, though soft and 

 light, is resinous, and will resist underground decay for a cen- 

 tury and more, like that of Fitzroya Patagonica ; for railway 

 sleepers this timber is locally preferred to any other (Dr. 

 Philippi) ; it is also highly esteemed for various artizans' 

 work ; it is quite white. 



