116 On the Cultivation of Mentha Piperita, 



AnT. XXXIV. — On a method of combining Marsh's Test 

 for Arsenic ivith Reinsch's. By Rev. Wm. Kelly. 



[Bead ISth November, 1871.] 



The Rev. Wm. Kelly, S.J., explained in this paper a 

 method which had suggested itself to him, by which Marsh's 

 test and Reinsch's coald be immediately combined, so as to 

 ascertain and guarantee the absolute pnrity of the testing 

 reagents, and to make the two great tests immediately 

 corroborate each other. He relied on the well-known fact 

 that the copper of Reinsch's test is entirely dissolved in 

 presence of Chlorate of Potassa, and pointed out that this 

 action which is often treated as an objection to the test, 

 may be made to confirm it. If a portion or the entire of 

 the copper thus completely dissolved be introduced into 

 Marsh's apparatus, it will produce the characteristic clouds, 

 spots, and stains ; the troublesome frothing incident to 

 organic substances being entirely avoided. Pieces of porce- 

 lain and glass shewing the results of experiments were 

 handed round. The reverend gentleman explained in detail 

 many of the advantages which would arise from this com- 

 bination, which he believed had not been suggested in any 

 of our toxicological treatises. 



Aet. XXXV. — On the Cultivation of Mentha Piperita or 

 True Peppermint, in Victoria, based on a Report 

 received from England relating to its Oil value. 

 By Mr. Joseph Bosisto. 



[Eead 13th November, 1871.] 



Amongst the auxiliary industries serviceable to Victoria, 

 there is one at the present moment deserving of an intro- 

 duction, viz., the cultivation of Mentha Piperita, or true 

 Peppermint. 



The Mentha genus is well represented in Victoria, several 

 species are to be found in abundance on the banks of the 

 rivers and creeks, and also in moist and swampy places. 

 Some time ago I examined many of these, and rejDorted 

 accordingly, forwarding their ottos to the International 

 Exhibition 1862, where they met with favorable notice by the 

 Jurors ; this held out the hope that v/hen the higher species 



