AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



it is the best possible covering. In cases of prostration or 

 great shock to the system, stimulants may be given, such 

 as brandy, and warm-water bottles, bricks, stones, or any- 

 thing that will keep up the natural body heat should be 

 applied to the feet, under the arms, &c. 



Gum Leaves and Banana Leaves for Wounds, Sore 

 Eyes, &c. The leaves of the gums generally, and of the 

 plantain or banana, form useful applications, thus . As a 

 dressing for blistered surfaces, for which purpose they are 

 admirably adapted in hot climates. After the removal of 

 a blister, gum leaves, or a piece of plantain leaf smeared or 

 coated with oil, should be applied to the denuded surface, 

 and kept in its place by means of a bandage. The first 

 sensation it occasions is peculiarly cooling and soothing, and 

 the blistered surface generally heals satisfactorily. For 

 the first two days the upper smooth surface is placed next 

 to the skin, and subsequently the under side, until the 

 healing process is complete. It should be changed twice 

 daily, or ofteuer if required. As a substitute for india- 

 rubber or guttapercha coverings in the water dressing of 

 wounds and ulcers, banana leaf is decidedly good ; the 

 younger the leaf the better it is suited for this purpose. 

 Two points require attention (1) the piece used should be 

 sufficiently large to cover or envelope the whole part; and 

 (2) it should be carefully kept in its place by bandages, &c. 

 If properly applied, evaporation of the natural fluids is 

 effectually prevented. As a shade for the eyes, in 

 ophthalmia and other diseases of the eye, no manufactured 

 shade is superior to banana leaf. The older and greener 

 leaves answer best for this purpose. 



ACCIDENTAL POISONING. Some one has said that there 

 is poison in everything, and, in fact, we do find ourselves 

 surrounded with, and daily using, articles that in unskilful, 

 careless, or thoughtless hands are dangerous to human life. 



Poisonous Plants. No better general rule can be laid 

 down for the detection of poisonous plants than that nature 

 has made them nauseous to the palate of both man and 

 beast. There are exceptions to this rule, as for instance, 

 the "poison plant" of Northern Queensland, the lantana 

 seeds, the " native currant," and a few others that are rather 



