Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 211 



particularly the young foliage. For fuller original information on 

 Eucalypts consult particularly Woolls' " Contribution to the Know- 

 ledge of the Flora of Australia," and his lectures on the " Vegetable 

 Kingdom," the volumes of the " Bulletin de la Societe d'Acclimata- 

 tion de France," also the author's " Eucalyptographia decades I.-X." 

 For extensive information on the varied therapeutic properties of 

 Eucalypts, refer to an article, partly by the writer of this volume, as 

 contained in the " Sydney Medical Gazette of 1884," embodying 

 also Professor Hosier's researches. For physical and chemical 

 properties of many Eucalyptus-oils refer to an elaborate original essay, 

 by Mr. Percy Wilkinson, in the " Transactions of the Royal Society 

 of Victoria," December, 1893. 



Euchlsena Mexicana, Schrader.*, (E. luxurlans, Ascherson; Reana, luxu* 

 rians, Durieu ; E. Giovannini, Brignoli.) 



The Teosinte. Southern Mexico and Guatemala, up to considerable 

 elevations. Annual. Highly commendable as a fodder-grass for 

 regions free of frost. A large number of stems, sometimes as many 

 as 90, spring from the same root, attaining a height of 18 feet. The 

 leaves grow to lengths of 3 feet and form a good forage. In age the 

 foliage gets hard, but still continues excellent for ensilage. The 

 young shoots, when boiled, constitute a fair culinary esculent. Dr. 

 .Schweinfurth harvested at Cairo from three seeds in one year about 

 12,000 grains ; the plant requires about ten months to ripen seeds 

 from the time of sowing. Has grown 9 feet high as far south as 

 Cambewarra [Thos. Weir]. At Somerset, in Cape Colony, Mr. 

 Overman obtained a rich return at the end of January from seeds 

 sown in November. Best grown as green crop for stable-fodder. 

 This grass, particularly in its young state, is remarkably saccharine. 

 For scenic growth this stately plant is also re commendable. Vilmorin 

 estimates one plant sufficient for feeding two head of cattle during 

 twenty-four hours. Mons. Thozet, at Rockhampton, obtained plants 

 12 feet high and 12 feet wide in damp alluvial soil, each with 32 

 main stalks bearing nearly 100 flower bunches. Grows to a height 

 of 15 feet as far south as Swan-River, and ripens seeds there [W. 

 Dale]. On the Clarence-River it also attained a height of 15 feet, 

 and a plant produced 38 shoots [A. Ritter]. Thrives well in the 

 frostless regions of South-Gippsland [W. H. Lucas]. With some 

 watering it grew in the arid districts of the Murchison-River so well, 

 that it could be cut thrice in the season, the last cutting being still 

 4 feet high, and yet seeding well [Isaac Tyson]. It should therefore 

 prove particularly valuable on humid banks in the Australian in- 

 terior. It is much quicker in 'growth than Guinea-Grass, though 

 rather slower than Maize, but lasting longer for green fodder, and 

 not so hardy as Sorghum. It is essentially a summer grass. Its 

 growth can be continued by cutting the tufts as green fodder ; thus 

 tender food is continued ; it does not cause colic to horses and cattle. 

 As a forage-plant it is without a rival in warm climes. It can also 

 be readily dried for hay. It likes humid soil best, and resists intense 



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