in Extra-Tropical Countries. 177 



Heliotropium Peruvianum, Linn<$. 



Andes of South- America. A perennial somewhat shrubby plant. 

 Among various species of Heliotrope this one can best be utilized for 

 the extraction of the scented oil. Heliotropin obtainable from this 

 and allied plants has been produced synthetically also. 



Helleborus niger, Brunfels. 



Forest-mountains of Middle and Southern Europe, particularly in 

 sub-alpine regions. The Christmas-rose of British Gardens. A 

 perennial handsome herb, remarkable for flowering even in cold 

 countries during mid-winter. The roots are used in medicine; so 

 those of H. viridis (Linne) from the same region, particularly where 

 lime prevails in the soil. 



Helvella esculenta, Persoon. 



Europe. Dr. Goeppert notes among saleable Silesian mushrooms 

 for table-use this species as well as H. gigas (Krombholz) and H. 

 infula (Fries). Kohlrausch and Siegel found in H. esculenta when 

 dried 26 per cent, of protein, against the following other results : in 

 beef 39 per cent., in veal 44, wheat-bread 8, oatmeal 10, pulse 27 

 potatoes 5, various mushrooms often 33 per cent. Of course starch, 

 sugar, inulin, pectin, gum and even fibre have to be further taken into 

 consideration in these calculations on value of nutriments. The dele- 

 terious principle of H. esculenta needs to be removed by repeated 

 treatment with boiling water, or by keeping the dried fungus for 

 about a year before it is used for the kitchen. Dr. M. C. Cooke 

 mentions as fair English substitutes of Morels Helvella lacunosa 

 (Afzelius) and H. mitra (Linne). Bergner and Trog illustrate as edible 

 among fungs of Switzerland H. crispa (Fries). 



Hemarthria compressa, R. Brown. 



Southern Asia, Southern Africa, extra-tropical Australia. This 

 perennial grass, though somewhat harsh, is recommendable for moist 

 pastures, and will retain a beautiful greenness throughout the year 

 in dry climes ; highly esteemed by graziers in Gippsland (Victoria); 

 it is not injured by moderate frost. H. uncinata is a mere variety, 

 which grows down to high-water mark on estuaries of rivers ; also 

 otherwise on somewhat saline ground. H. fasciculata (Kunth) 

 occurs around the Mediterranean Sea. The genus is also represented 

 by one species in the warmer litoral regions of America. 



Heracleum Sibiricum, Linn<$. 



Colder regions of Europe and Asia. A very tall biennial herb 

 with leaves of enormous size. Recently recommended for sheep- 

 fodder in alpine regions. This plant could also be turned to account 

 for scenic effect in horticulture, as well as H. dulce (Fischer) of 

 Kamtschatka. 



Heterothalamus brunioides, Lessing. 



Southern Brazil and Argentina. A dwarf shrub, furnishing the 

 yellow Romerillo-dye from its flowers. 



