IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 361 



maize is justly appreciated. Any ergot from it is used, like that of 

 rye, for medicinal purposes. Maize corn contains about 75 per 

 cent, of starch. Dierbach recommends mellago or treacle from 

 maize instead of that prepared from the roots of Triticum repens 

 (L.), and the molasses so obtained serve also culinary uses. Expo- 

 sure to extreme and protracted cold four years in Polaris Bay, 

 Smith Sound, 81' 38 north latitude did not destroy the vitality of 

 wheat and maize grains (R. J. Lynch). 



Zelkova acuminata, Planchon. (Planera acuminata, Lindley ; P. 

 P. Japonica, Miquel.) 



The " Keaki," considered one of the best timber trees of Japan ; 

 proved of rapid growth and valuable as a shade tree at Melbourne. 

 The wood never cracks, and is thus most extensively used for 

 turnery, also much for furniture (Rein.). Stems occasionally 20 

 feet in girth. For out-door work the most valued wood in Japan 

 (Christie). 



Zelkova crenata, Spach. (Planera Richardi, Michaux.) 



South- West Asia, ascending to 5,000 feet. In favourable localities 

 a good-sized tree, with qualities resembling those of the Elms. The 

 allied Z. cretica (Spach) is restricted to South Europe. 



Zingiber officinale, Roscoe. 



The Ginger. India and China. Possibly this plant may be pro- 

 ductive also in the warmer temperate zone, and give satisfactory 

 results. The multiplication is effected by division of the root. For 

 candied ginger only the young succulent roots are used, which are 

 peeled and scalded prior to the immersion into the saccharine 

 liquid. 



Zizania aquatica, Linne.* (Hydropyrum esculentum, Link.) 



The Canada Rice. Annual. It attains a height of 9 feet. In 

 shallow streams and around ponds and lakes from Canada to 

 Florida. This tall grass might be readily naturalised. Although 

 its grain can be utilised for bread-corn, we would wish to possess 

 the plant, chiefly to obtain additional food of a superior kind for 

 water-birds. 



Zizania latifolia, Hance.* (Hydropyrum latifolium, Grisebach.) 



The Kau-sun of China. In lakes of Amur, Manchuria, China and 

 Japan. Nearly related to the preceding species. From Dr. Hance 

 we know that the solid base of the stem forms a very choice vege- 

 table, largely used in China, where this tall water-grass undergoes 

 regular cultivation like the Trapa. 



