Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 471 



istration in the form of an infusion, prepared with cold water, is the 

 best. Besides S. elegans (Wallich) and some of the other Upper 

 Indian, Chinese and Japanese species probably deserve equal 

 attention. Hanbury and Fliickiger mention as chiratas or chirettas 

 of Indian Bazaars : S. angustifolia (Hamilton), S. densifolia 

 (Grisebach) and S. multiflora (Dalzell), besides species of Exacum 

 and Andrographis. All come from the cooler uplands. C. B. 

 Clarke speaks of S. lurida and S. alata (Boyle) as closely allied to 

 the genuine chirata. 



Swietenia IVTahagoni. Linne.* 



The Mahogany-tree of the West-Indies, extending naturally to 

 Florida and Mexico. The degree of endurance of this famous tree 

 seems not sufficiently ascertained. In its native mountains it 

 ascends to 3,000 feet. In Jamaica it hardly reaches an elevation 

 of 2,000 feet [W. Fawcett]. Prospers in Natal [J. M. Wood]. At 

 Port Curtis the tree grows perfectly well [Edgar]. Requires rich 

 soil. It reaches a considerable height, and the stem a diameter of 

 6 or 7 feet, indicating a very great age. Sir William Hooker 

 counted 200 wood-rings in a block of 4 feet width, which may not 

 however indicate as many years of age. The importation of 

 Mahogany- wood into the United Kingdom in 1884 amounted to 

 62,000 tons at a value of 562,000. S. macrophylla (King) of 

 Honduras has the wood not so dark as the genuine Mahogany, 

 flowers earlier and seeds more copiously [J. S. Gamble]. Degree 

 of climatic endurance not yet ascertained. 



Symphytum officinale, 



The Comfrey. Europe. Western Asia. A perennial herb. The 

 root is utilized chiefly in veterinary practice. 



Symphytum peregrinum, Ledebour.* 



The prickly Comfrey. Caucasus and Persia. The growth of 

 this hardy plant may be recommended as an adjunct to lupine- 

 culture. The Hon. Arthur Holroyd of Sydney has recently 

 devoted a special publication to this plant. He quotes on seemingly 

 good authority the return of foliage even in the first year as 20 

 tons to the acre, in the second year 50 tons, and every year after 

 the astonishing quantity of 80 to even 120 tons on richly manured 

 land. Anyhow this herb yields a nutritive and relished foliage in 

 rapid and continuous reproduction. It is likewise recommended 

 for green manure. Dr. Curl observed it to grow well in the moist 

 climate of New Zealand during the hottest and driest as well as 

 coldest weather. Fit especially for sub-alpine country. Dr. 

 Voelcker found much mucilage but little sugar in this plant. The 

 massive root, known to penetrate to a great depth, sometimes to 

 fully 9 feet, sustains the plant in vigor, allowing it to be cut almost 

 throughout the year. The propagation is easy from root- cuttings, 



