IN EXTBA-TKOPICAL COUNTRIES. ^9 



Arachis hypogaea, Linne.* 



The Earth-Nut, Pea-Nut, or Ground-Nut. Brazil. The seeds 

 of this annual herb are consumed in a roasted state, or used 

 for, pressing from them a palatable oil. The plant is a very 

 productive one, and yields a very quick return. It ranks also 

 as a valuable fodder-herb; the hay is very nutritious, much 

 increasing the milk of cows. A light somewhat calcareous 

 soil is best fitted for its growth. On such soil 50 bushels 

 • may be obtained from the acre. 



Aralia cordata, Thunberg. 



China. The young shoots provide an excellent culinary vege- 

 table. 



Araucaria Bidwilli, Hooker.* 



Bunya-Bunya. Southern Queensland. A tree 150 feet in 

 height, with a fine-grained, hard, and durable wood, particu- 

 larly valuable for furniture ; it shows its beautiful veins best 

 when polished. The seeds are large and edible. Mr. Hart- 

 mann observed trees 250 feet high. 



Araucaria Brasiliensis, A. Richard.* 



Brazilian Pine. South Brazil. A tree 180 feet high, pro- 

 ducing edible seeds. Dr. Saldanhada Gama reports that it 

 makes splendid boards, masts and spars, and that the sap 

 yields a good deal of turpentine. Except a few palms (Mau- 

 ritia, Attalea, Copemicia) this seems the only tree which in 

 Tropical South America forms forests by itself (Martins) . 



Araucaria Cookii, R. Brown. 



In New Caledonia, where it forms large forests. Height of 

 tree 300 feet. 



Araucaria Cunninghami, Alton. 



Moreton Bay Pine. East Australia, between 14° and 32° south 

 latitude extending also to New Guinea, according to Dr. 

 Beccari. The tree attains a height of 200 feet and a stem 

 6 feet in diameter. The timber is fine-grained, strong, and 

 durable, if not exposed to alternately dry and wet influences ; 

 it is susceptible of a high polish, and thus competes with satin, 

 wood and birds-eye maple (Queensland Exhibition, 1877). 

 Value in Brisbane £3-15 to £3,-10 per 1,000 superficial feet. 



Araucaria excelsa, R. Brown. 



Norfolk Island Pine. A magnificent tree, sometimes 220 feet 



