BY J. H. MAIDEN. 491 



23. Banksia spp., N.O. Proteacese, B.Fl., v., 541. 



" E[one;y suckle." 



The name " honeysuckle" was applied to this genus by the early 

 settlers, from the fact that the flowers, when in full bloom contain, 

 in a greater or lesser quantity, a sweet honey-like liquid, which is 

 secreted in considerable quantities (especially after a dewy night), 

 and is eagerly sucked out by the aborigines. "It is so abundant in 

 B. ericifolia and B. collina that when in flower the ground under- 

 neath large cultivated plants is said to be in a complete state of 

 puddle ; bees and wasps become intoxicated, and many lose their 

 lives in it" (Smith, Dictionary of Useful Plants). This may 

 possibly be true of a particular Banksia cultivated under excep- 

 tional conditions. But certainly it does not apply, except in a very 

 modified degree, to the case of any Banksia I have noticed; and 

 since I observed the above statement I have taken the trouble to 

 look at hundreds of individuals of various species with the view 

 to testing its accuracy. I have also requested Mr. Bauerlen (a 

 collector for the Technological Museum) to make similar observa- 

 tions, and he writes — " I have never heard from anyone having 

 observed the liquid exuding so abundantly as mentioned by Smith. 

 I have often found the flowers pretty rich in the honey-like liquid, 

 and when travelling over dry, waterless areas I have sometimes 

 sucked the liquid from the flowers to quench my thirst, but always 

 endeavour not to do so, as it invariably gives me a headache, and 

 a feeling of nausea afterwards," See also Grevillea, Hakea, 

 Telopea, Lambertia (all Proteaceous plants). 



Throughout Australia. 



24. BiLLARDiERA SCANDENS, Smith, (Syn. B. mictabilis, Salisb. ; 

 B. lati folia, Putterl. ; B. grandijlora, Putterl. ; B. angusti- 

 folia, DC; B. canariensis,WQndi\); N.O. Pittosporese, 

 B.FL, i., 123. 



" Apple Berry." 



The berries are acid and pleasant when fully ripe. From their 

 shape children call theoi " dumplings." When unripe, a small 



