58 MENISPERMUM FENESTRATUM. 



i85i. From the first of these it appears to be separated by the 

 absence of a jointed structure, volatile acrid matter, and som 

 other peculiarities characteristic of the pepper tribe, while 

 from the diagnostic characters of the wood of the two remain- 

 ing orders given by Decaisne (Comptes Rendus, voL v., p. 392), 

 an origin among the Menispermacece was inferred. 



Upon the supposition that this inference was correct, re- 

 ference was made to Roxburgh's Flora Indica, from which it 

 appears (p. 809), as well as from the statement of Colebrooke 

 (Linnean Trans., vol. xiii, p. 65) and Ainslie (Materia Indica, vol. 

 ii., p. 461) that the bitter yellow wood of iheMenispermumfenestra- 

 tum, Gsertn., is employed as a tonic by the natives of Ceylon ; 

 and that, moreover, this plant has been confounded by Europeans 

 with the true Calumba, which has not been discovered in that 

 island. It will, however, be best to give the statement of 

 Roxburgh, which is as follows : 



Eoxburgh. " Menispermum fenestraticm, Gcert. Sem. 1, p. 219, t. 46, f. 5. 

 * * Trunk and large branches scandent, stout, thick and 

 ligneous. The wood of a deep lively yellow colour, and of a 

 pleasant, bitter taste. * * * The above description was 

 taken from specimens sent to me from Ceylon by General 

 Macdowall, who, at the same time, gave me the following 

 account of the plant. 



' I have lately been at some trouble to discover whether or 

 not the true Colombo root is a native of our soil, and shall 

 probably remain in doubt until I am furnished with your 

 opinion. I now forward a specimen of the root, and some of 

 the leaves and flowers which grow from the stem of the branch. 

 It is a very strong creeper, and the natives make use of it to 

 tie their cattle, and for other purposes of husbandry, where 

 ropes are necessary. 



' Should this prove the celebrated Colombo root, I believe a 

 great quantity of it might be collected and sent to Europe, 

 where it is in great request, but I can scarcely presume to 

 think, after all the labour of the learned Thunberg in particular, 

 who denies its existence here, that I shall be so fortunate as to 

 discover it. Your opinion shall be decisive with me, and 

 although it may not be that valuable medicine, I suppose it yet 

 may possess many excellent qualities, It is called by the 



