EUCALYPTUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 165 



on grasses, attacking one or more of the young grains in the ear, 

 which it affects in such a manner as to cause it to swell into a 

 substance very distinct from that of the grain, being solid and 

 of a fatty nature, generally in the form of a spur, sometimes an 

 inch or more in length. This is common to rye, whence the 

 name Spurred Eye. In its earliest stage the surface of the spur 

 is covered with mildew of a chalky- white colour, which moisture 

 readily removes, hence the spurs (Ergot of shops) are of a black 

 colour, the mildew filaments being the Oidium or true plant. 

 The spur is very poisonous ; and in Germany and other parts of 

 Europe where rye bread is extensively used, it causes those who 

 eat it to be afflicted with incurable gangrenous diseases. This 

 led to the interference of Government to test the purity of rye 

 before being ground. Ergot being common to grasses on which 

 sheep and cattle browse, it is supposed to be the cause of diseases 

 to them, and of their early dropping their lambs and calves. 

 Although it is of such a poisonous nature, it is a most valuable 

 medicine in the hands of the accoucheur. 



Ervalenta. {See Lentils.) 



Eryngo Root. {See Sea Holly.) 



Esparto Grass {MacrocMoa tenacissimd), a strong-growing 

 perennial, caespitose, rush-like grass, occupying extensive sandy 

 tracts of the Mediterranean coast, especially in Spain, Algeria, 

 Morocco, and the Sahara. It is used for making hats, mats, 

 baskets, and other domestic articles, and of late years has become 

 extensively used for paper-making. In 1873, 100,000 tons were 

 imported for this purpose, and now double that quantity is said 

 to be imported. The grass, when stored, is liable to ferment, and 

 by spontaneous combustion to break out into fire. Various fires 

 have originated in this manner. 



Eucalyptus, the botanical name of an extensive genus of 

 trees of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceoe). They are natives chiefly 

 of Australia and Tasmania, where they form large forests. 

 There are about 140 species described, but they vary so extremely 

 in different kinds of leaves being produced on various parts of 

 the same tree, thus presenting distinct specific characters, and 



