IN EXTRA-TEOPICAL COUNTRIES. 297 



Sal via officinalis, Linne. 



The Garden Sage. Countries on the Mediterranean Sea. A 

 somewhat shrubby plant of medicinal value, pervaded by 

 essential oil. Prefers calcareous soil. Among nearly half a 

 thousand species of this genus some are gorgeously orna- 

 mental. 



Sambucus Canadensis, Linne. 



North-East America. The berries of this half -woody Elder 

 are used, as well as those of Phytolacca decandra, for colouring 

 vinous liquids. Dr. Gibbons observes that this species is 

 recognised in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and that the 

 Calif ornian species (S. glauca and S. racemosa) possess similar 

 medicinal properties. The flowers are gently excitant and 

 sudorific, the berries diaphoretic and aperient (wine frequently 

 manufactured from them), and the inner bark in large doses a 

 hydragogue cathartic and emetic. S. xanthocarpa (F. v. 

 Mueller) is a large Elder tree of extra-tropical East Australia. 



Sambucus nigra, Linne. 



The ordinary Elder. Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. 

 Known to have exceptionally attained a height of 35 feet. 

 The flowers are of medicinal value, and an essential oil can be 

 obtained from them. The wood can be utilised for shoe -pegs 

 and other purposes of artisans. The berries are used for 

 colouring port wine and for other purposes of dye. 



Sanguinaria Canadensis, Linne. 



North-East America. A perennial herb. The root important 

 as a therapeutic agent, contains also dye principles. 



Sanguisorba minor, Scopoli. (Poterium Sanguisorba, Linne.) 



The Salad Burnet. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle 

 Asia. A perennial, easily disseminated and naturalised herb, 

 particularly adapted for calcareous soils. Serves as salad and 

 particularly as a sheep fodder. 



Sanseviera Zeilanica, Willdenow. 



India. This thick-leaved liliaceous plant should not be passed 

 in this enumeration, as it has proved hardy in places free of 

 frost. Four pounds of leaves give about one pound of fibre, 

 which unites with softness and silky lustre extraordinary 

 strength and tenacity, serving in its native country for bow- 

 strings. The plant might be left to itself in rocky unutilised 

 places. Several allied species exist. 



