JLKHALONIUM, }9 



form a tuft of several heads ; these are turbinate, 3 or 4 inches 

 high, and 2 inches wide, smooth, pale green, divided into about 

 half a dozen rounded sections, suggesting a number of small 

 green potatoes joined by their bases. Each section bears several 

 tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from near the centre 

 of the crown, and are daisy- like, 1 inch wide, white, tinged 

 with rose, developed in summer. Mexico, 1845. The stems 

 of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a shelf 

 in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter. Either the 

 plant shown at Fi^. 7 or a form of it, named A. Lewini, 

 is said to possess extraordinary medicinal and intoxicating 

 properties. It is known in Mexico as " Dry Whisky " and 

 " Mescal Buttons." The Indians have long regarded it as a 

 panacea in medicine, a source of inspiration, and the key to the 

 glories of another world. They consider it particularly effective 

 in haemorrhage and consumptive diseases. It is also a powerful 

 stimulant. See Gardener's Chronicle, 1896, XX., 268; and Con- 

 temporary Review, January, 1898, pp. 130. 141. (Bot. Mag. 9276.) 



* tt 



