IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 191 



JEgiceras, Batis, and some other plants to reclaim low muddy shore- 

 lands from sea-floods. M. squarrosa, Smith, of South-East Aus- 

 tralia, can also be grown in swamps to subdue miasmata. It 

 attains exceptionally the height of 60 feet with a stem of 2 feet in 

 diameter. 



Melanorrhoea usitata, Wallich. 



The Varnish-tree of Burmah, Munnipore and Tenasserim. Possibly 

 hardy in forest- valleys free -of frost, as it ascends to 3,000 feet 

 elevation. The hardened sap is used for a highly-prized black 

 varnish. 



Melia Azedarach, Linne, 



Called " the Pride of India." South Asia, North and also East 

 Australia, and there to far extra-tropical latitudes. As an avenue 

 tree not without importance, because it will successfully cope with 

 dryness of clime and sterility of soil. It recommends itself also 

 for retaining the foliage till very late in the season, and for pro- 

 ducing abundance of fragrant flowers which may perhaps be worth 

 distilling for essential oil. A black-fruited Melia seems as yet 

 little known. The wood is considered of value for some kinds of 

 musical instruments. 



Melianthus major, Linne". 



South Africa. The leaves of this stately plant are very efficacious 

 as antiseptics, also in cases of scald head, ringworm, and various 

 other cutaneous diseases (Dr. Pappe). Its effect of promoting 

 granulation is very remarkable (Dr. A. Brown). Flowers rich in 

 honey, as indicated by the generic name. 



Melica altissima, Linne. 



North-Eastern Europe, Middle Asia. This perennial grass has 

 recently come into use for pasture. 



Melica ciliata, Linne. 



Europe and Middle Asia. A perennial-fodder grass, particularly 

 desirable for sheep. Best for dry gypsum or calcareous ground. 



Melica nutans, Linne. 



The Pearl Grass. Europe and North Middle Asia, enduring an 

 Alpine clime and living also in the shade of forests. It produces 

 suckers, and affords good herbage in woody regions ; so also does 

 M. uniflora. Several other species are on record from various 

 parts of the globe, among which M. mutica, of North America, 

 seems to deserve special attention. 



