256 



Alopecurus should form one of the principal ingredients, 

 because it is so lasting and nutritive. In our Alpine regions 

 it would also prove prolific, and might convert many places 

 there gradually into summer-runs. It is early flowering, 

 and likes the presence of lime in the soil. 



Alstonia constricta, E. v. M. 



Warmer parts of East Australia, particularly in the dry 

 inland districts. The bark of this small tree is aromatic- 

 bitter, and regarded as valuable in ague, also as a general 

 tonic. 



Alstroemeria pallida, G-raham. 



Chili. Palatable starch can be obtained from the root of 

 this plant, which, for its loveliness alone, deserves a place in 

 any garden. The tubers of others of the numerous Alstroe- 

 merias can doubtless be utilized in a similar technic manner. 



Althaea officinalis, E. 



The Real Marsh-Mallow. Europe, North Africa, North and 

 Middle Asia. A tall perennial herb, with handsome flowers. 

 The mucilaginous root and also the foliage are used for 

 medicinal purposes. The plant succeeds best on damp, 

 somewhat saline soil. 



Amelanchier Botryapium, Candolle. 



The Grrape-Pear of North America. This fruit tree attains 

 a height of 30 feet. The purplish fruits are small, but of 

 pleasant taste, and ripen early in the season. This bush or 

 tree will live in sandsoil ; but it is one of those hardy kinds 

 particularly eligible for our Alps. 



Amygdalus communis, L. 



The Almond Tree. Countries around the Mediterranean 

 Sea and Orient. Both the sweet and bitter Almond are 

 derived from this species. Their uses, and the value of the 

 highly palatable oil, obtained by pressure from them, are well 

 known. This oil can well be chosen as a means of providing 

 a pleasant substitute for milk during sea voyages, <fec, by 

 mixing, when required, with it half its weight of powdered 

 gum arabic, and adding then successively, while quickly 

 agitating in a stone mortar, about double the quantity of 



