in Extrc^Tropical Countries. 233 



Nymphaea might be utilized in the same manner, irrespective of their 

 value as decorative lake- or pond-plants. The author naturalized the 

 British Water-Lily Nymphoea alba (Camerarius) in Victoria long ago. 

 The very decorative N. gigantea (Hooker) extends naturally in 

 Eastern Australia to 30 S. 



Nyctanthes arbor tristis, Linne*. 



India, up to Assam. This arborescent shrub or small tree (to 30 

 feet) may be grown in almost any moist regions free from frost, for the 

 exquisite fragrance of its flowers, from which essence of jasmin can 

 be obtained. 



Nyssa aquatica, Linn. 



The Tupelo or Pepperidge. North-America. This large decidu- 

 ous tree can be grown in pools and deep swamps, and is thus well 

 adapted for aquatic scenery. The spongy roots serve as a substitute 

 for cork and the floats of nets. 



Nyssa multiflora, Wangenheim. 



Eastern States of North-America, where it is called the Forest- 

 Tupelo, or Black Gum-tree (Dr. Asa Gray); also called Sour Gum- 

 tree. Attains a height of about 50 feet. Suited for forest-soil; has 

 horizontal branches and a " light, flat spray, like the Beech. " Can 

 be propagated from cuttings. The wood is very hard, but light and 

 almost unwedgeable; its serves for hubs of wheels, pumps, side-boards 

 of carts, trays, bowls, dippers, mortars, wooden shoes, hatters' blocks 

 and various turners' work. The foliage turns bright crimson in 

 autumn. The fruits are pleasantly acidulous, like those of N. capi- 

 tata (Walter) and of some other species, and often used for preserves. 



Nyssa uniflora, Walter. 



Eastern States of North-America. The Swamp-Tupelo. Wood 

 soft, whitish; particularly adapted for trays, bowls and carving (C. 

 Mohr), that of the roots very light and spongy, hence used for corks 

 (Dr. Asa Gray). A shrub or small tree. The mucilaginous fruits are 

 edible. 



Ocimum Basilicum, Linn. 



The ".Basil." Warmer parts of Asia and Africa. Will grow in 

 Norway to lat. 63 26' (Schuebeler). An annual herb, valuable for 

 condiments and perfumery. Several varieties exist, differing consid- 

 erably in. their scent. A crystalline substance is also obtained from 

 this and similar species. O. canum (Sims) is closely allied. Valuable, 

 like many other aromatic Labiatae., for bees. Seeds will keep for 

 eight years. 



Ocimum gratissimum, Linne. 



Recorded from India, the South-Sea Islands and Brazil as indige- 

 nous. Somewhat shrubby. This is also a scent-plant like the follow- 

 ing, and is one of the best of the genus. O. viride (Willdenow), from 

 tropical Africa, seems a variety. 



Q2 



