

in Extra- Tropical Countries. 229 



Nageia (Podocarpus) Totara, D. Don.* 



New Zealand. A fine tree, to 120 feet high, with a stem reaching 

 20 feet in circumference; it is called Mahogany-pine by the colo- 

 nists. The reddish, close-grained and durable wood is valuable 

 both for building and for furniture; and is also extensively used 

 for telegraph-posts ; indeed it is considered the most valuable timber of 

 New Zealand. Chosen for piles of bridges, wharves and jetties and 

 in other naval architecture; the heart-wood resists decay and the 

 attacks of the Teredo for a long time, according to Professor Kirk. 

 It ranks below Kauri in strength, but equals it in durability. It is 

 one of the most lasting woods for railway-sleepers. When used for 

 piles, the bark should not be removed from the timber. Many other 

 tall timber-trees of the genus Podocarpus or Nageia occur in various 

 parts of Asia, Africa and America, doubtless all desirable; but the 

 quality of their timber is not welt known, though likely in many 

 cases excellent. Nageia is by far the oldest published name of the 

 genus. 



Nardostachys Jatamansi, De Candolle. 



Mountains of Bengal and Nepal, at elevations from 11,000 to 

 17,000 feet (J. Hooker). " The Spikenard." A perennial herb, 

 famous in ancient times as a medicinal plant. The root contains an 

 ethereal oil and bitter principle. 



Nastus Borbonicus, Gmelin. 



Reunion, where it forms a belt all round the mountains of the 

 island, in a zone of 3-4,000 feet. This beautiful bamboo grows to a 

 height of about 50 feet (General Munro). A second species, namely, 

 N. capitatus (Kunth) occurs in Madagascar. 



Nelumbo lutea, Caspary.* (Nelumbium luteum, Willdenow.) 



The Water-Chinquepin. In Eastern North- America, northward to 

 44; also in Jamaica. This magnificent perennial water-plant carries 

 with it the type of Nelumbo nucifera, but seems more hardy, and thus 

 better adapted for extra-tropical latitudes, the Pythagorean Bean not 

 descending in Australia naturally beyond 23, although this species 

 also may perhaps be able to live in the warmer parts of the temperate 

 zone. The tuberous roots of both species resemble somewhat the 

 Sweet Potato and are starchy; the seeds are of particularly 

 pleasant taste. The plants would be of great value as ornamental 

 aquatics. The leaves of N. lutea are from 1 to 2 feet in diameter. 

 The flower measures ^ to 1 foot across. The capsular fruit contains 

 from twenty to forty nut-like seeds. The plant in congenial spots dis- 

 places nearly all other water-vegetation by the vigor of its growth. 



Nelumbo nucifera, Gaertner.* (Nelumbium speciosum, Willdenow.) 



The Pythagorean Bean or Sacred Lotus of the ancients. Egypt, 

 on the Caspian and Aral Seas (46 N.); Persia; through India, where 

 in Cashmere it occurs at an elevation of 5,000 feet; China, Japan; 

 Amur (46 N); tropical Australia as far south as 23. The occurrence 



