IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 289 



Ribes nigrum, Linne. 



The Black Currant. Middle and Northern Asia, Europe, North 

 America, ascending the Himalayan and Thibet mountains to a 

 height of 12,000 feet ; also particularly fit to be dispersed through 

 forests in elevated situations. 



Ribes niveum, Lindl. 



One of the Oregon Gooseberry-bushes. Berries small, black, of a 

 somewhat acid taste and rich vinous flavour. 



Ribes rotundifolium, Michaux. 



North America, as far as Canada. Yields part of the smooth 

 Gooseberries of the United States. The fruit is small, but of deli- 

 cious taste. Unlike the ordinary Gooseberry, not subject to mildew. 

 Careful cultivation has advanced gradually the size of the fruit 

 (Meehan). 



Ribes rubrum, Linne. 



The ordinary Red Currant. Europe, North America, North and 

 Middle Asia, in the Himalayan Mountains, ceasing where B,. 

 Grimthi commences to appear. One of the best fruit-plants for 

 jellies and preserves that could be chosen for colder mountain alti- 

 tudes. The root-bark contains phlorrhizin. Perhaps other species 

 than those recorded here, among them some from the Andes, may 

 yet deserve introduction, irrespective of their showiness, for their 

 fruits. 



Richardia Africana, Kunth. (JR. Aethiopica, Rosenthal.) 



From the Nile to the Cape of Good Hope. Important for scenic 

 effects, particularly on the margins of waters. Easily moved at all 

 seasons. The fresh root contains about 2 per cent, of starch. 



Richardsonia scabra, Kunth. 



From Mexico to Brazil. As a herb for pastures and hay crop, 

 appreciated in localities with sandy soil (C. Mohr). It has spread 

 over the Southern States of North America. 



Ricinus communis, Linne.* 



The Castor Oil Plant. Indigenous to the tropical and sub-tropical 

 zones of Asia and Africa. A shrubby, very decorative plant, 

 attaining the size of a small tree. It was well known to the 

 Egyptians four thousand years ago, and is also mentioned in the 

 writings of Herodotus, Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Theophrastos, 

 Plinius, and other ancient physicians, philosophers, and naturalists. 

 The easy arid rapid growth, the copious seeding, and the early re- 

 turn of produce render this important plant of high value in the 

 warm temperate zone, more particularly as it will thrive on almost 

 T 



