IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 185 



Mesembrianthemum acinaciforme, Linn^. 



The Hottentot Fig of South Africa. Under the same verna- 

 cular name is also comprised the distinct M. edule, L. 

 Both., together with the Australian M. sequilaterale, Haworth, 

 which extends also widely along the American west coast, and 

 should be transferred into any of the most inhospitable desert 

 regions, as they afford in the iimer part of their fruit a really 

 palatable and copious food. 



Mesembriantliemiuu capitatum, Haworth. 



South Africa. This perennial species, from the readiness and 

 quickness of its growth, and from the abundance of its seeds 

 and their easy dispersion, is one of the best for staying any 

 rolHng sea-sand (Dickinson). M. pugioniforme (Linne) and 

 many other species serve the same purpose. 



Mesembrianthemum crystallinnm, Linn^. 



South Africa. Recently recommended as a spinach plant. Can 

 be grown on bare sand, which it helps to cover. 



Metrosideros tomentosa, A. Cunningham. 



North Island of New Zealand. Could be grown for timber 

 on rocky sea-shores. Height to 80 feet, trunk stout, but 

 comparatively short. The timber, according to Mr. Kirk, 

 deserves attention as one of the most durable for the frame- 

 work in ship-building, for jetties, docks, sills. Other species 

 ^ith dense wood, occurring in New Zealand, are M. lucida 

 (Menzies) and M. robusta (A. Cunn.), all ornamental trees 

 with crimson flowers. 



Microseris Forsteri, J. Hooker. 



The Native Scorzonera of extra-tropical Australia and New 

 Zealand. A perennial herb deserving attention, as likely its 

 root would enlarge and improve through culture. On the 

 summits of snowy mountains the plant developes itself most 

 luxuriantly. The Australian aborigines use the root for food. 

 The plant would prove hardy in Middle Europe. 



Milium eflfiisum, Linnd. 



English Millet Grass. Europe, North and Middle Asia, 

 North America. Perennial, suited for damp forest land 

 particularly, the pasture capabilities of which it enhances. 

 On river banks it attains a height of 6 feet. It is relished 

 by cattle. The seeds can be used like millet, the stems for 

 the manufacture of superior straw hats. It is a great favourite 



