142 A CONTEIBUTION TO, ETC. 



sprang tip in a field adjoining the mil] of that firm, and subse- 

 quently travelled into the neighbouring cultivated lands. Every 

 part of this plant is fetid and acrid, blistering the skin when 

 much handled. Its decoction is a strong and active bitter, in a 

 dose of a teacupful, producing copious vomiting and perspiration. 

 I have noticed a European species of Bidens, and also a Chilian 

 Tagetes, (T.cflandulifcra) springing up occasionally in waste places. 

 The latter I have been informed, is becoming a troublesome weed 

 on some parts of the Hunter. 'Jiclwrium Intybus or chicory, may 

 be seen growing on the banks of the Nepean at Menangle, and 

 more abundantly in the neighbourhood of Camden. This useful 

 plant is extensively cultivated, especially in France, as a substi- 

 tute for coffee. There is a species of Sonchus indigenous, but S. 

 oleraceus or the Sow-thistle, appears to have come to us from 

 Europe, as well as the common dandelion (Taraxacum dens leonis) , 

 and four weeds similar to that plant in appearance, though far in- 

 ferior in point of utility, viz. : Hypochceris radicata, H. glabra, 

 Leontodon hirtus, and Crepis japonica. As these spring up in places 

 where English grasses have been sown, there can be no doubt as 

 to their origin. Galinsoyea parviflora, a South American plant, 

 with small yellow flowers, and ovate three-nerved leaves, is be- 

 coming one of our commonest garden weeds. Siegtsbeckia orien- 

 talis appears to be indigenous, as it is found in the interior in 

 many places. Latterly I have frequently noticed it in orchards 

 near Parramatta. Dr. Mueller mentions a species ot Crepis as 

 of foreign origin, but he regards Leuzea, and I believe also the 

 Bidens, to which 1 have referred, as indigenous. Centaurea sol- 

 stitialis, or 0. melitensis, is a yellow prickly plant, growing in 

 wheat-fields, and is very annoying to reapers. This appears to 

 be of European origin; but the Bathur,<t bur, or Xantldum spin- 

 omm, although indigenous in the south of Europe, is said to have 

 found its way to this colony from South America. Perhaps this 

 is the most injurious composite plant that we have, as it not only 

 takes the place of more useful vegetable productions, but the 

 burs seriously affect the wool in some parts of the colony. An 

 infusion of Xanthium is sometimes used as a yellow dye. To the 

 composite flowers, may be added Cryptostemma calendulaceum from 

 the Cape of Good Hope, a very troublesome weed, introduced 

 into the Botanical Garden at Melbourne, and now spreading in 



