165 



Mr. Loudon adds, appears to be a native of every part of the 

 world, in ponds, ditches, and by the sides of rivers and brooks. 

 In the Penny Cyclopcedia the three species of " Typha " are 

 fully described, and " T. angustifolia" is figured. In reference 

 to " T. latifolia " (and to this species only), the writer states 

 that on the Continent the down of the flowers is used for 

 stuffing pillows, etc. 



In Chambers^ Encyclopcedia, it is stated that there are two 

 species of " Typha " found in Britain. " T. latifolia " and 

 " T. angustifolia," and are popularly known as Cat's Tail or 

 Reed Mace. The former species is the most common, and is 

 sometimes called Bulrush. It grows to the height of 5 or 6ft. 

 The root stocks arf astringent and diuretic, and abour.d in 

 starch. The young shoots of both species are much eaten by 

 the Cossacks of the Don, and are sometimes used in England 

 under the name of Cossack asparagus. " T. angustifolia " 

 and " T. elephantina " are used in India for making mats and 

 baskets. 



Sir Joseph Hooker, in his " Flora of Tasmania," speaking 

 of the order " Typhacese," etc., refers the genus " Typha " to 

 Australia, New Zealand, and Scinde in Western India. He 

 remarks that, " the species are not well characterised ; the 

 Tasmanian one (meaning the ' T. angustifolia') seems to be 

 the same as the English, though larger than the common 

 European state of the same plant," and " is common in 

 marshes, banks of rivers," etc. 



With the knowledge of the properties of this plant, hope is 

 entertained that it may lead to the creation of a new 

 industry, in the manufacture of sea-going mattresses. A 

 pattern mattress could, no doubt, be readily obtained from 

 Melbourne, with all particulars of price and profit. An 

 experiment could then be made to test the question whether a 

 mattress stuffed with the down of an indigenous Typha, of 

 whatever species it may be, would fulfil the conditions claimed 

 for the life-preserving one. If successful, there can be little 

 doubt that but few vessels would be unprovided with them ; 

 and thus a possible means of escape from a watery grave would 

 be afforded in many cases of shipwreck on a coast and within 

 a moderate distance of land. 



In the previous part of the paper I had the honour to bring 

 before the Royal Society the subject of the economic value 

 of the aquatic plant, Typha latifolia ; and I am now enabled, 

 through the courtesy of the honourable Colonial Secretary, to 

 add to these notes the result of the further correspondence 

 which has taken place between the Italian Consul and the 

 G-overnment. 



With his communication giving further particulars, Signor 



