136 ^ 



CASE to Leghorn, where they are selected and packed for 



70. export, the name Briar being a modification of the French 

 'bruyere. 



Observe sample of leaves of Ledum latifolium, Jacq., 

 known as Labrador Tea. The leaves have an agreeable 

 odour and taste and are esteemed for their pectoral and 

 tonic properties. They are said to have been employed 

 as a substitute for tea during the American War of Inde- 

 pendence. The plant is found in damp situations in the 

 United States and Canada. 



No. 342. Rhododendron nivale, Hook. f. Believed 

 to attain the loftiest elevation of any Alpine shrub known ; 

 inhabiting a height of 17,500 to 18,000 feet, in the Eastern 

 Himalaya, where it is, for eight months of the year, 

 buried under many feet of snow. 



On a lower shelf observe a sample of poisonous honey 

 collected from the flowers of Rhododendron ponticum, L., 

 from Erzeroum. 



Also a Yak Saddle made of the wood of Rhododen- 

 dron Hodgsonii, Hook. f. Used in the Himalayas. 

 CASE In the upper portion of the first compartment are 



71. exhibited woods of several species of Rhododendron. 



Note leaves of Spotted Winter Green or Pipsis- 

 SEWA {Chimajjhila umbellatcf, Nutt.), employed in North 

 America as a tonic and astringent medicine. 



EpacriS Order (Epacrideae). A group corresponding 

 very closely to the Heath Order in general appearance and 

 structure, and representing that family in Australia. A 

 few afford edible berries. 



No. 343. Observe specimens of Richea pandanifolia, 

 Hook, f., a native of Tasmanian forests, which presents a 

 peculiarly striking appearance from the huge crown of 

 waving leaves surmounting a slender naked stem, often 

 36 feet in height. 



Note in the small order Plumhagineae the peculiar 

 structure of the woods of Statice, also roots of Plumbago 

 rosea, L., employed in India in the treatment of cutaneous 

 affections, dyspepsia, &c. The root-bark is a powerful 

 vesicant. Specimens are also shown of the roots of P. 

 zeylanica, L., which have similar properties to those of 

 P. rosea, though to a much milder degree. 



