76 



Mentha silvestris, L. 



The Horse Mint. Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia. 

 Perennial. One of the Crisp Mints is derived from this 

 species. 



Mentha viridis, L. 



The Spear Mint. Middle and South Europe. Perennial. 

 A particular sort of Crisp Mint (M. crispata, Schrad.) 

 belongs to this species. 



Our native Mints, M. Australis, M. gracilis and M. sature- 

 joides, E. Br., yield also oil of good flavor. M. Australis is 

 far the largest and most abundant of these plants. 



Menyanthes trifoliata, L. 



Inappropriately called the Bog-bean. Europe, North and 

 Middle Asia, North America. In springy and spongy bogs. 

 A perennial herb of great beauty, which could be naturalized 

 with facility in our Alps. The root is starchy. The whole 

 plant is pervaded with a bitter principle, largely derived 

 from Menyanthin. The plant is used medicinally as a tonic 

 and febrifuge. 



Microseris Forsteri, J. Hooker. 



The Native Scorzonera of extra-tropical Australia and New 

 Zealand. A perennial herb deserving attention, as likely 

 its roots would enlarge and improve through culture. On 

 the summits of our snowy mountains the plant developes 

 itself most luxuriantly. The aborigines use the root for 

 food. The plant would prove hardy in Middle Europe. 



Moms alba, L.* 



The White Mulberry -tree, China. This tree in several 

 varieties provides the food for the ordinary Chinese Silk- 

 insect (Rombyx Mori) . Silk was produced in Italy already 

 600 years ago, and there this branch of industry has 

 florished ever since. In China, Silk was reeled since 4500 

 years. This may demonstrate the permanency of an indus- 

 try, which we wish to establish here extensively under , 

 similar sky. " One pound of silk is worth its weight in 

 silver, and this pound may be -produced (so far as the food 

 of tVto "Bombyx is concerned) from 30lbs, of Mulberry leaves 



