BY J. H. MAIDEN. 379 



30. Euphorbia Drummondi, Boiss., N.O. Euphorbiacese, B.FL, vi., 

 49, 



Called " Caustic Creeper " in Queensland, and " Milk Plant " 

 and " Pox Plant " about Bourke, New South Wales. 



An alkaloid called " Drumine " has been extracted in Australia 

 from this plant. It is said to have the same local action as 

 Cocaine, but more extended experience will be necessary before its 

 true value can be assigned. 



Since the above was written, the so-called alkaloid has been 

 examined in England and found to consist mainly of Calcium 

 oxalate ! (Fharm. Journ., 7th Jan., 1888.) 



No explanation has up to the present been vouchsafed in 

 explanation of what is either crass ignorance, or trifling. 



Some people contend that this plant contains no poisonous prin- 

 ciple, yet cases of poisoning (chiefly of animals) seem without any 

 doubt to have been traced to this particular plant. But perhaps 

 its virulence only exists at a certain stage of its growth. 



In western New South Wales the aboriginals use an infusion 

 or decoction of the plant in genital diseases, and use rather strong 

 doses, but it is said that an overdose simply causes headache. 



The late Mr. P. A. O'Shanesy observes (Proc. Linn. Soc. 

 N.iS.W. VT.) that this plant is said to be an infallible remedy in 

 dysentery and low fever. 



This plant is found in all the colonies. 



[I am tempted to submit the information I have collected in 

 regard to B. pilulijera, but in New South Wales localities it is 

 probably introduced]. 



31. EvoLVULUS ALSINOIDKS, Linn., (E. linifolius, Linn, in 

 Muell. Cens., p. 95.) N.O. Convolvulacea;, B.FL, iv., 437. 



The stalk, leaves and roots are a reputed remedy in dysentery 

 and fever. (Ainslie.) 



This plant is found in all the colonies except Victoria and 

 Tasmania. 



