50 SELECT PLANTS POK INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



the autumnal season. The gluten of cabbages on one acre has 

 been estimated at 1,500 lbs. against 1,000 lbs. o£ gluten 

 obtainable from turnips. Other races of this species are 

 collectively represented by Brassica Rapa, L. _(B. campestris, 

 L.), the wild Navew, yielding most of the varieties of turnips, 

 some with other cultivated forms transferred to us from ancient 

 times. Again, other varieties are comprehended within 

 Brassica Napus, L., such as the Swedish and Teltower Turnips, 

 while the Rape seed, so important for its oil (Colza), is also 

 derived from a form of B. Napus. The Rape should be pro- 

 duced here as an agrarian produce, giving a rapid return, 

 wherever it should remain free of aphis. The hardier turnips 

 could be produced on our highest Alps, as they are grown still 

 within the Arctic circle, and, according to Sir J. Hooker, at a 

 height of 15,000 feet in the Himalaya mountains. 



Bromus asper, Murray. 



Europe, North and Middle Asia. A good perennial fodder grass 

 for wood regions, but, like Festuca gigantea, late in the season. 



Bromus erectus, Hudson, 



Europe, North Africa. Important as a perennial nutritious 

 grass for dry limestone regions ; much liked by cattle and sheep. 



Bromus unioloides, Humboldt.* {B. Sckraderi, Kunth.) 



In Australia called the Prairie Grass. From Central America 

 to the sub-alpine zone of Northern Argentina. It has spread 

 over many parts of the globe. The writer saw it disseminated 

 in the mountains of St. Vincent^s Gulf as early as 1847. It 

 is one of the richest of all grasses, grows continuously and 

 spreads readily from seeds, particularly on fertile and somewhat 

 humid soil, and has proved, as a lasting and nutritious fodder 

 grass or pasture grass, one of our best acquisitions. Very early 

 out iii the season for fodder. 



Sroussonetia papyrifera, Ventenat. 



The Paper Mulberry. Islands of the Pacific Ocean, China 

 Japan, perhaps only truly indigenous in the last-named country. 

 The bark of this tree or shrub can be converted into very 

 strong paper. It can also be used for textile fabric ; further- 

 more, the fabrics made from it can be dressed with linseed oil 

 for waterproof coverings. In cultivation the plant is kept like 

 an osier. The leaves cannot be used for silkworms. European 

 fabrics have largely superseded the clothing made of this plant 

 in the South Sea Islands. 



