IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 323 



cautious administration. S. anthelmia (L.) is an annual plant of 

 tropical America and possesses similar medicinal properties, in which 

 probably other species likewise share. 



Spilanthes oleracea, K Jacquin. 



The Para Cress. South America. An annual herb of considerable 

 pungency, used as a medicinal salad. 



Spinacia oleracea, Linne. 



Siberia. The ordinary Spinach, an agreeable culinary annual of 

 rapid growth. It is of a mild aperient property. Two varieties 

 are distinguished, the Summer and the Winter Spinach, the former 

 less inclined to run into seed, but also less hardy. 



Spinacia tetrandra, Stev. 



Caucasus. Also annual and unisexual like the preceding plant, 

 with which it has equal value, though it is less known. 



Spinifex hirsutus, Labillardiere. 



On the whole coast of extra-tropical Australia. Highly valuable 

 for binding coast-sand with its long creeping roots. 



Spinifex longifolius, R. Brown. 



On the tropical and western extra-tropical coast of Australia. 

 Available like the former. 



Spinifex squarrosus, Linne. 



India. Useful, like the two preceding plants. Tennant remarks 

 that the radiating heads become detached when the seed is 

 matured, and are carried by the wind along the sand, over 

 the surface of which they are impelled by their elastic spines, 

 dropping their seeds as they roll along. The heads are so buoyant 

 as to float lightly on water, and while the uppermost spiny rays are 

 acting as sails, they are carried across narrow estuaries to continue 

 the process of embanking beyond on any newly-formed sandbars. 



Spondias dulcis, G. Foster. 



Fiji, Tonga and Society Islands. This noble tree is introduced 

 into this list to indicate that trials should be instituted as regards 

 the culture of the various good fruit-bearing species of this genus, 

 one of which, S. pleiogyna (F. von Mueller), transgresses in East 

 Australia the tropical circle. The lamented Dr. Seemann saw S. 

 dulcis 60 feet high, and describes it as laden with fruit of agreeable 

 apple-flavour called Rewa, and attaining over 1 Ib. weight. 



