34 Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



is used for tanning and dyeing [Dr. G. Watt]. Regel distinguishes 

 about 250 species, mainly European, North- African and extra-tropic 

 Asiatic. 



Aloe dichotoma, Linn6 fil. 



Damaras and Namaqua-land. This species attains a height of 

 30 feet, and occasionally an expanse of 40 feet. The stern is 

 remarkably smooth, with a girth sometimes of 12 feet. It is a yellow- 

 flowering species. A. Bainesii is still more gigantic than the fore- 

 going, it attaining exceptionally a height of 60 feet [Dyer] ; it occurs 

 in KafEraria and Natal, with a stem 16 feet in circumference at 3 feet 

 from the ground [Rev. R. Baur]. A. Barberas is identical, according 

 to Mr. J. Gr. Baker. A. speciosa (Baker) rises also to a height of 

 25 feet. All grand scenic plants. 



Aloe ferox, Miller. 



South- Africa. This species yields the best Cape-aloes, as observed 

 by Dr. Pappe. The simply inspissated juice of the leaves of various 

 species constitutes aloe-drug, well known as a drastic purgative. It 

 is best obtained by using neither heat nor pressure for extracting the 

 sap. By re-dissolving the aqueous part of aloes in cold water, and 

 reducing the liquid through boiling or other processes of exsiccation 

 to dryness, the extract of aloes is prepared. The bitter sap, used for 

 dressing wounds, keeps off flies very effectually. Deserves intro- 

 duction particularly in veterinary practice. All species are highly 

 valuable, and can be used, irrespective of their medicinal importance, 

 easily and inexpensively to beautify any rocky or otherwise inarable 

 spot. 



Aloe lingniformis, Medicus. 



South-Africa. According to Thunberg, the purest gum-resin is 

 obtained from this species. 



Aloe Perry!, Baker. 



Socotra. It is now known, that it was this species, which 

 furnished the genuine "Aloes," renowned in antiquity [Prof. B. 

 Balfour]. It grows best in limestone-soil, and ascends to 3,000 feet. 

 Flowers turning from scarlet to yellow. Closely allied to A. vulgaris. 



Aloe plicatilis, Miller. 



South-Africa. The drag of this species acts more mildly than that 

 of A. ferox. 



Aloe purpurascens, Haworth. 



South- Africa. Another of the plants, which furnish the Cape- 

 aloes of commerce. The South-African Aloe arborescens (Miller) 

 and A. Commelyni (Willdenow) are also utilised for aloes, according 

 to Baillon, Saunders and Hanbury. 



