in Extr 'a- Tropical Countries. 97 



principles: caffein, a peculiar taniiic acid and quinic acid. The loss 

 sustained in 1878 alone by the ravages of parasitic fungus-growth on 

 Coffee-plants in Ceylon amounted to 2,000,000, the total loss since 

 1869 from this source reaching 15,000,000 (Abbay). The destruc- 

 tion of this Coffee-leaf Fungus (Hemileia vastatrix) is effected by 

 applying flower of sulphur, particularly in dewy weather, and by 

 dressing the ground with quicklime (Morris). See also essay by Mr. 

 T. Dyer, in Journal of Microsc. Soc. New series, vol. XX. In 

 America coffee-plantations have suffered not only from the attacks of 

 an erysiphoid fungus, but also the Cemiostoma-fly. Elsewhere a 

 beetle (Xylotrogus quadrupes) and a brown scaly bug (Lecanium 

 coffeae) have attacked the plant. Coffee-leaves have recently come 

 into use as a substitute for tea. 



Coffea Liberica, Bull. 



G-uinea. The Liberian Coffee-plant, distinguished already by 

 Afzelius. According to Dr. Imray this species has shown immunity 

 from the Cemiostoma-fly, and it is less affected by the Hemileia- 

 mquld. It grows to the size of a real tree, is a rich bearer, and the 

 berries are larger than those of the ordinary coffee-bush; but the 

 (useless) pulp is about twice as large in proportion to the seeds. The 

 fruit requires a longer time to ripen (a year), but this species can be 

 grown in hot tropical countries down to the coast (Lietze, Hegel). 



Colchicum autumnale, Linn. 



The Meadow- Saffron. Middle and Southern Europe, Western Asia, 

 The seeds and roots of this pretty bulbous-tuberous herb are impor- 

 tant for medicinal use. The plant has been introduced into Australia 

 by the writer with a view to its naturalization on moist meadows in 

 our ranges. Active principle: colchicin. The plant proves hardy in 

 Norway to lat. 67 56' (Schuebeler). 



Colocasia antiquorum, Schott.* 



The Taro. From Egypt through Southern Asia to the South- Sea 

 Islands; apparently also indigenous in the warmer parts of East- Aus- 

 tralia. The stem-like, tuberous, starchy roots lose their acridity by 

 the processes of boiling, roasting or baking. It is the Kolkas of the 

 Arabs and Egyptians, and one of their most esteemed and abundant 

 vegetables. Immense quantities are harvested and kept during the 

 winter. A splendid starch is obtainable from the tubers of this and 

 the following species. The plant proves hardy as far south as Mel- 

 bourne, and is also cultivated in New Zealand. The tops of the 

 tubers are replanted for a new crop. Taro requires a rich, moist soil, 

 and would grow well on banks of rivers. For scenic culture it is a 

 very decorative plant. Colocasia esculenta is a variety of this 

 species. 



Colocasia Indica, Kunth. (Alocasia Indica, Schott.) 



South- Asia, South-Sea Islands and Eastern Australia. Cultivated 

 for its stem and tubers on swamps or rivulets. This stately plant 



