IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 209 



Niemeyera prunifera, F. von Mueller. (Lucuma prunifera, 



Bentham.) 



The Australian Cainito. An evergreen tree, sparingly dispersed 

 from the north of New South Wales through the coast forests of 

 Queensland. The fruit is of a plum-like appearance and edible. 

 Culture is likely to improve its quality. 



Nuphar multisepalum, Engelmann. 



Western North America. This Water Lily produces nutritious 

 seeds, which taste like Broom Corn and are used locally for food, 

 but are more particularly valuable for waterfowl. Various species 

 of NymplicKci might be utilized in the same manner, irrespective of 

 their value as decorative lake or pond plants. 



Nyctanthes arbor tristis, Linne. 



India, up to Assam. This arborescent shrub may be grown in any 

 moist regions free of frost, for the exquisite fragrance of its flowers, 

 from which essence of jasmin can be obtained. 



Nyssa aquatica, Linne. 



North America. The Tupelo. This large deciduous tree can be 

 reared in pools and deep swamps, and is thus well adapted for 

 aquatic scenery. The spongy roots of this species serve as a substi- 

 tute for cork and the floats of nets. 



Nyssa multiflora, Wangenheim. 



Eastern States of North America, where it is called the Forest 

 Tupelo or Black Gum Tree (Dr. Asa Gray) ; also called Sour Gum 

 Tree. Attains a height of 50 feet. Suited for forest soil ; has 

 horizontal branches and a "light, flat spray, like the Beech." Can 

 be propagated from cuttings. The wood is very hard, but light and 

 almost unwedgeable ; it serves for hubs of wheels, pumps, side- 

 boards of carts, trays, bowls, dippers, mortars, wooden shoes, 

 hatters' blocks, and various turners' work. The foliage turns 

 bright crimson in autumn. The fruits are pleasantly acidulous, like 

 those of N. capitata (Walter) and of some other species, and often 

 used for preserves. 



Nyssa uniflora, Walter. 



Eastern States of North America. The Swamp Tupelo. Wood 

 soft, that of the roots very light and spongy, thus used for corks 

 (Dr. Asa Gray). A shrub or only small tree. The mucilaginous 

 fruits are edible. 



Ocimum Basilicum, Linne. 



The Basil. Warmer parts of Asiaj^ttUJ^Jrica. An annual herb, 

 valuable for condiments and ggJ^ifce^^Sfe^eral varieties exist, 

 o 



