Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 21 



JEschynomene aspera, Linne. 



The " Solah" of tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. A large 

 perennial erect or floating swamp-plant. Introduced from the Botanic 

 Gardens of Melbourne early into the tropical parts of Australia. Pith- 

 hats are made from the young stems of this plant ; this pith is also a 

 substitute for cork in some of its uses. The Solah is of less importance 

 for cultivation than for naturalisation. Mr. Strachan, of Melbourne, 

 makes of the pith life-waistcoats, weighing only 1J lb., as a safeguard 

 against drowning. 



JEsculus Californica, Nuttall. 



California. This beautiful tree attains a height of 50 feet, with a 

 stem 6 feet in diameter, the foliage spreading out exceptionally over 

 a width of 60 feet, the extremities of the branches touching the 

 ground. In full bloom it is a magnificent ornament, with its crowded 

 snow-white flowers, visible for a long distance. The wood is light 

 and porous, and used for the yokes of oxen and for various other 

 implements [Dr. Gibbons]. 



JEsculus Hippocastanum, Linne. 



The " Horse - Chestnut -Tree." Indigenous to North - Greece, 

 Thessaly and Epirus, on high ranges [Heldreich], where it is asso- 

 ciated with the Walnut-tree, several Oaks and Pines, at an altitude of 

 3-4,000 feet, occurring likewise in Imeretia, the Caucasus [Eich- 

 wald], and possibly wild also in Central Asia, reared on the Hima- 

 layas to 10,000 feet. One of the most showy of deciduous trees, 

 more particularly when during spring " it has reached the meridian of 

 its glory, and stands forth in all the gorgeousness of leaves and 

 blossoms." Height reaching 60 feet, circumference of stem some- 

 times 16 feet. In cool climates one of the choicest of trees for street- 

 planting. Flowers sought by bees in preference to those of any other 

 northern tree except the Linden. Even in Norway, in latitude 

 67 56' N., a cultivated tree yet attained a height of 60 feet and a 

 .stem-circumference of 11 feet [Schuebeler]. It will succeed even in 

 sandy soil, but likes sheltered spots. The wood adapted for furniture, 

 also particularly for mould-patterns in casting, the slips of piano- 

 fortes and a variety of other purposes ; it remains free from insects. 

 The fruits afford saponin. The seeds yield starch copiously, and 

 supply also food for various domestic animals ; the bark serves as a 

 good tanning material. A variety is known with thornless fruits. 

 Three species occur in Japan and several in North- America and 

 South- Asia, mostly not of great height. 



JEsculus Indica, Colebrooke. 



In the Himalayas, from 3,500 to 9,000 feet. Height finally 70 

 feet ; trunk comparatively short, occasionally with a girth of 25 feet. 

 Never quite without leaves. Can be used like the Horse-Chestnut 

 as an ornamental shade-tree. Twigs lopped off for fodder in India. 

 Wood whitish, soft, available for various purposes, particularly liked 



