in Extra-Tropical Countries. 27 



Alstrcemeria pallida, Graham. 



Chili. Palatable starch can be obtained from the root of this 

 plant, which for its loveliness alone deserves a place in any garden. 

 The tubers of others of the numerous Alstroemerias can doubtless be 

 practically utilized in a similar manner. 



Althaea officinalis, Linne". 



The real "Marsh-Mallow." Europe, Northern Africa, Northern 

 and Middle Asia. Hardy to lat. 59 55' in Norway (Schuebeler). 

 A tall perennial herb, with handsome flowers. The mucilaginous 

 root and also the foliage are used for medicinal purposes. The plant 

 succeeds best on damp, somewhat saline soil. 



Amarantus Blitum, Linne". 



Southern Europe, Northern Africa, South- Western Asia. This 

 annual herb is a favorite plant amongst allied ones for spinage, but 

 not the only species of this genus, as also many other Amarantaceae 

 serve for culinary purposes. The dried plant contains 10 to 12 per 

 cent, nitrate of potash. It arrives at maturity in two or three months, 

 producing on favorable soil about 4 tons per acre, calculated to 

 contain about 400 Ibs. saltpetre. A. cruentus L., A. hypochon- 

 driacus L. and A. caudatus L. are cultivated in Ceylon, though not all 

 of the agreeable taste of real spinage. A. Mangostanus, A. 

 Gangeticus, A. melancholicus, A. tristis, L. and A. polystachyus, 

 Willdenow, likewise furnish in Southern Asia, either foliage for spinage 

 or seeds for porridge. Amarants for spinage must be well boiled 

 and the water repeatedly changed. 



Amarantus paniculatus, Linne*. (A. frumentaceus, Royle.) 



In tropical countries of Asia and also America. An annual herb, 

 attaining a height of 6 feet, yielding half a pound of floury nutritious 

 seeds on a square yard of ground in three months, according to 

 Roxburgh. Extensively cultivated in India for food-grain; the leaves 

 serve as vegetable. 



Amelanchier Botryapium, Be Candolle. 



The " Grape-pear" of North-America; also called " Shadbush." 

 Cultivated in Norway as far north as 59 55' (Schuebeler). This 

 handsome fruit-tree attains a height of 30 feet. Its purplish or 

 almost black fruits are small, but of pleasant subacid taste, and ripen 

 early in the season. It bears abundantly; and Mr. Adams, of Ohio, 

 has calculated the yield at 300 bushels per acre annually, if the variety 

 oblongifolia is chosen; it is the Dwarf " June-berry" of North- 

 America. This bush or tree will live on sandy soil; but it is one of 

 those hardy kinds, particularly eligible for alpine ground; it is 

 remarkably variable in its forms. 



Anacylus Pyrethrum, De Candolle. 



Countries near the Mediterranean Sea. The root of this perennial 

 herb is used medicinally. 



