Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 305 



Melia Azedarach, Linne. (M. composita, Willdenow.) 



Called " The Pride of India." South-Asia, North- and also East- 

 Australia, and there to far extra-tropical latitudes, ascending the 

 Himalayas to 6,000 feet. Height seldom over 40 feet ; branches 

 very spreading. The variety umbraculiformis is particularly shady. 

 As an avenue-tree not without importance, because it will success- 

 fully cope with dryness of clime and sterility of soil. It will grow, 

 while young, at the rate of 12 feet a year, if regularly watered, 

 against 6 feet of growth of Grevillea robusta and Schinus Molle, and 

 against only 2 feet of Brachychiton populneus [F. M. Mackey]. It 

 recommends itself also for retaining the foliage till very late in the 

 season without shrivelling, and for producing early an abundance of 

 very fragrant spring-flowers, which may perhaps be worth distilling 

 for essential oil. Grows from cuttings as well as seeds, the latter 

 abundantly maturing. All parts of the plant are bitter ; the bark 

 with caution can be used as a purgative and anthelmintic ; the leaves 

 prove insecticidal [Hieronymus]. The wood is comparatively soft, 

 light and considered of value for cabinet-work, also some kinds of 

 musical instruments. Used also for yokes [Sim]. A black-fruited 

 Melia seems as yet little known. Casimir De Candolle distinguishes 

 twelve species, their range being from India to Japan and Polynesia. 



Melianthus major, Linne. 



South- Africa. The leaves of this stately plant are very efficacious 

 as antiseptics, also in cases of scald-head, ringworm and various other 

 cutaneous diseases [Dr. Pappe]. Their effect of promoting granulation 

 is very remarkable [Dr. A. Brown]. Flowers rich in honey, as 

 indicated by the generic name. Will bear some frost. 



Melica altissima, Linne. 



Eastern Europe, Middle Asia. This perennial grass has recently 

 come into use for pasture. 



Melica ciliata, Linne. 



Europe and Middle Asia. A perennial fodder-grass, particularly 

 desirable for sheep. Best for dry gypsum- or lime-ground. 



Melica nutans, Linne. 



The Pearl-Grass. Europe, Northern and Middle Asia, enduring 

 an alpine exposure and living also in the shade of forests. It will 

 bear the clime of Norway to lat. 70 28' [Schuebeler]. It produces 

 suckers, and affords good foliage in woody regions ; so also does 

 M. uninora (Retzius). Several other species are on record from 

 various parts of the globe, among which M. mutica (Walter), of 

 North-America, seems to deserve special attention. 



