18 



ders the cane still firmer. To the series of large thornless 

 Bamboos belong also Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Balcooa 

 of India, and Bambusa Thouarsii from Madagascar and 

 Bourbon. These Bamboos are much used for various kind's 

 of furniture, mats, implements and other articles. There 

 are many other kinds of Bamboo eligible among the species 

 from China, Japan, India, tropical America, and perhaps 

 tropical Africa. One occurs in Arnhem's Land. 



Barosma serratifolia, Willd. 



South Africa. This shrub supplies the medicinal Bucco- 

 leaves. B. crenulata, Hook. (Diosma crenulata, L.), is only 

 a variety of this species. Active principles A peculiar 

 volatile oil, a peculiar resin, and a crystalline substance 

 called Diosmin. 



Beta vulgaris, L.* 



The Beet or Mangold Eoot. Middle and South Europe, 

 Middle Asia, North Africa. This well-known perennial or 

 biennial herb ought to engage the general and extensive 

 attention of our farming population. The herb is most 

 valuable as a palatable and nutritious spinage ; the root is 

 of importance not only as a culinary vegetable, but, as 

 well known, also for its content of sugar, fit to be crystallised. 

 That of Beet, indeed, is now almost exclusively consumed 

 in Russia, Germany, Austria, France, Sweden and Belgium ; 

 and these countries not only produce the Beet Sugar, but 

 also export it largely to the neighbouring States. The 

 white Sicilian Beet is mainly used for salads, spinage and 

 soups. The thick-ribbed variety serves like Asparagus or 

 Seakale, dressed like Ehubarb. Cereal soil, particularly 

 such as is fit for Barley, is generally adapted also for the 

 culture of Beet. The rearing of the root, and the manufac- 

 ture of the sugar, can be studied from manifold works ; one 

 has been compiled by Mr. N. Levy, of this city. A deeply 

 stirred, drained soil, rich in lime, brings the saccharine 

 variety of Beet to the greatest perfection. The Imperial 

 Beet yields from 12 to 20 per cent, sugar. The Castelnau- 

 derry, the Magdeburg, the Siberian Whiterib and the 

 Vilmorin Beet are other varieties rich in sugar. About 



