24 SELECT PLANTS FOB INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Amarantus Blitum, Linne. 



South Europe, North Africa, Sonth-West Asia. This annual herb 

 is a favourite plant among allied ones for spinage ; but not only 

 species of this genus but also many other Amarantacere serve as 

 culinary herbs. The dried plant contains 10 to 12 per cent, nitrate 

 of potash. It arrives at maturity in two to three months, pro- 

 ducing on good soil about 4 tons per acre, equal to about 400 Ibs. 

 saltpetre. A. cruentus L., A. hypochondriacus L. and A. caudatus 

 L. are cultivated in Ceylon, though not all of the agreeable taste 

 of real spinage. A. frumentaceus, Hamilt., is closely allied to the 

 first one mentioned, and attains 6 feet on slopes of mountains, when 

 cultivated in South India for food-grain. The leaves serve as a 

 vegetable. 



Amarantus paniculatus, Linne. 



In tropical countries of Asia and also America. An annual herb, 

 yielding half a pound of floury nutritious seeds on a square yard 

 of ground in three months, according to Roxburgh. Extensively 

 cultivated in India. 



Amelanchier Botryapium, Candolle. 



The Grape-Pear of North America. This handsome fruit tree 

 attains a height of 30 feet. The purplish or almost black fruits 

 are small, but of pleasant subacid taste, and ripen early in the 

 season. It bears abundantly, so much so that Mr. Adams of Ohio 

 calculated the yield at 300 bushels per acre annually, if the variety 

 oblongifolia is chosen. It is the Dwarf June-berry of North 

 America. This bush or tree will live on sand-soil ; but it is one of 

 those hardy kinds particularly eligible for our Alps. 



Amyris terebinthifolia, Tenore. 



Brazil. Is perfectly hardy in Victoria, and is content in dry ground 

 without any irrigation. It proved one of the best among the 

 smaller avenue-trees, is beautifully spreading and umbrageous, and 

 probably of medicinal value. 



Anacylus Pyrethrum, Candolle. 



Countries near the Mediterranean Sea. The root of this perennial 

 herb is used medicinally. 



Andropogon annulatus, Forskael. 



Intra- and Sub-tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. Recommended 

 by Mr. Walter Hill as a meadow-grass. Dr. Curl observes that it 

 is both a summer and autumn grass ; that it does not grow fast in 

 winter, but at the period of its greatest growth sends up an abund- 

 ance of herbage. a ^dwomo? 



