BY J. H. MAIDEN. 361 



pulp are considered a good remedy applied externally to the bites 

 of scorpions. The flowering-spike has the reputation in IndiB 

 (Oude) of being a safeguaixl against scorpions, which it is believed 

 to paralyse. (Drury). 



This plant is found in all the tropical and sub-tropical regions 

 of the Old World. 



8. Adiantum ^thiopicum, Linn., N.O. Filices, B.Fl., vii., 724. 



Common "Maiden-hair fern." 



This plant is said to possess medicinal properties, being slightly 

 astringent and emetic, and it has been used in Europe in making 

 "Sirop de Capillaire," a demulcent drink employed in diseases of 

 the chest. 



This fern is found throughout the colonies. 



9. Alstonia consteicta, F.v.M.,^.0. Apocynese, B.Fl., iv., 314. 



" Fever-bark " or " Bitter-bark " tree. 



The yellowish-brown, often thick and deeply fissured bark of 

 this tree, is intensely bitter, and possesses valuable febrifugal and 

 tonic properties. It is regulai-ly quoted in London drug-lists. A 

 decoction is sometimes sold in the colonies as bitters. Mr. Christy 

 states that it is used by some English brewers of pale ale for 

 export, as it produces neither headache nor other ill effects of 

 hops. It tastes remarkably like cinchona bark, and seems to 

 pai'take somewhat of the properties of both quinine and nux- 

 vomica. This drug is undoubtedly worthy of careful experiments 

 by medical men. 



The bark contains, according to Palm (who examined it in 

 1863), a neutral resinous bitter principle* (similar to cailcedrin and 

 tulucunin), a volatile oil smelling like camphor, an iron-greening 

 tannin, gum, resin, fat, wax, protein substance, oxalic acid and 

 citric acid. An analysis of the ash Ls also given. (Watts' Diet. 

 1st Supp]., 101). 



^Called by him alstonin. 



