316 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



though easily becoming a troublesome weed, is here men- 

 tioned for the desirable completeness of this enumeration. 

 The tall variety with large seeds (S. maxima, Weihe) can be 

 chosen with advantage for the commencement of tillage on 

 any sandy soil too poor for barley. It takes up the land 

 only for about two months, if grown for green fodder, and 

 increases much the yield of milk. It serves also for admix- 

 ture to hay (Langethal) . 



Spigelia Marylandica, Linne. 



The Pinkroot of North America, north to Pennsylvania and 

 Wisconsin. A perennial handsome herb, requiring as a ver- 

 mifuge cautious administration. S. anthelmia (L.) is an 

 annual plant of tropical America and possesses similar medi- 

 cinal properties, in which probably other species likewise share. 



Spilanthes oleracea, N. Jacquin. 



The Para Cress. South America. An annual herb of con- 

 siderable pungency, used as a medicinal salad. 



Spinacia oleracea, Linne. 



Siberia. The ordinary Spinach, an agreeable culinary 

 annual of rapid growth. It is of a mild aperient property. 

 Two varieties are distinguished, the Summer and the Winter 

 Spinach, the former less inclined to run into seed, but also 

 less hardy. 



Spinacia tetrandra, Stev. 



Caucasus. Also annual and unisexual like the preceding 

 plant, with which it has equal value, though it is less known. 



Spinifex hirsutus, Labillardiere. 



On the whole coast of extra-tropical Australia. Highly 

 valuable for binding coast-sand with its long creeping roots. 



Spinifex longifolius, R. Brown. 



On the tropical and western extra -tropical coast of Australia. 

 Available like the former. 



Spinifex squarrosus, 



India. Useful, like the two preceding plants. Tennant 

 remarks that the radiating heads become detached when the 

 seed is matured, and are carried by the wind along the sand, 

 over the surface of which they are impelled by their elastic 



