in Extra-Tropical Countries. 213 



raised much more easily than Myoporum insulare. M. Thozet ob- 

 serves, that it occurs in places, where it is bathed by the tides; also 

 that large saplings without roots can be transplanted. Thus it may 

 be destined to aid, with several of its congeners and with Salicornias, 

 Avicennias, ^Egiceras, Batis, Suaedas and some other plants, to 

 reclaim low muddy shore-lands from sea-floods. Foliage extremely 

 rich in volatile antiseptic oil. M. squarrosa (Smith) of South-Eastern 

 Australia, can be grown in fresh-water swamps, also to subdue mias- 

 mata. It attains exceptionally the height of 60 feet, with a stem two 

 feet in diameter. 



Melaleuca parviflora, Lindley. 



Extra-tropical Australia. A tall bush or small tree. In mild 

 climes one of the most important plants for fixing moving coast-sands. 



Melaleuca styphelioides, Smith. 



East- Australia. Height of tree reaching about 60 feet; stem- 

 diameter 2J feet. The timber is hard, close-grained, and stands well 

 in damp situations. It is said, that the timber has never been known 

 to decay (Queensland Exhibition, 1878). Tree adapted for swamps. 



Melanorrhcea usitata, Wallich. 



The Varnish-tree of Burmah, Munnipore and Tenasserim. Possibly 

 hardy in forest-valleys free of frost, as it ascends to 3,000 feet 

 elevation. The hardened sap is used for a highly prized black 

 varnish. 



[elia Azadirachta, Linn. (Azadirachta Indica, Jussieu.) . 



From Persia to China, ascending the Himalayas to 5,000 feet. 

 The " Neem-tree " attains a height of 50 feet, much planted on pro- 

 menades. The powerful medicinal properties not unlike those of M. 

 Azedarach. Furniture from its wood not attacked by insects. Leaves 

 simply pinnate, the fresh ones issuing before the old ones drop. 



[elia Azedarach, Linn. 



Called " The Pride of India." South-Asia, North- and also East- 

 Australia, and there to far extra-tropical latitudes, ascending the 

 Himalayas to 6,000 feet. Height seldom over 40 feet; branches very 

 spreading. As an avenue-tree not without importance, because it 

 will successfully cope with dryness of clime and sterility of soil. It 

 recommends itself also for retaining the foliage till very late in the 

 season, and for producing an abundance of very fragrant spring- 

 flowers, which may perhaps be worth distilling for essential oil. 

 Grows from cuttings as well as seeds, the latter abundantly matur- 

 ing. All parts of the plant are bitter; the bark with caution can be 

 used as a purgative and anthelmintic; the leaves prove insecticidal 

 (Hieronymus). The wood is considered of value for cabinet-work, 

 also some kinds of musical instruments. A black-fruited Melia seems 

 as yet little known. Casimir De Candolle distinguishes twelve species, 

 their range being from India to Japan and Polynesia. 



