270 



Kail, Kohlrabi, &c. Other races of this species are collec- 

 tively represented by Brassica Rapa, L. (B. canvpestris, 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 JNTapus, 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 produced 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 Dr. J. Hooker, at a height of 15,000 feet 

 in the Himalaya mountains. 



Butomus umbellatus, L. 



The Flowering Rush. Europe, North and Middle Asia. 

 This elegant perennial water-plant is mentioned here more 

 for its value in embellishing our lakes and watercourses than 

 for the sake of its roots. The latter, when roasted, are 

 edible. The plant would live in our subalpine rivulets. 



Bromus unioloides, Humboldt.* (B. ScJiraderi, Kunth.) 



Here called the Prairie Grass. From Central America it 

 has spread over many parts of the globe. The writer saw it 

 disseminated in the mountains of St. Vincent's Grulf as 

 early as 1847. It is one of the richest of all grasses, grows 

 continously 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. 



Broussonetia papyrifera, Ventenat. 



The Paper Mulberry. Islands of the Pacific Ocean, China, 

 Japan, perhaps only truly indigenous in the last-named 

 country. The bast of this tree or shrub can be converted 

 into very strong paper. It can also be used as a textile 

 fabric ; furthermore 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 



