370 

 Ribes nigrum, L. 



The Black Currant. Middle and Northern Asia, Europe, 

 North America, ascending the Hiinalaian and Tibet moun- 

 tains to a height of 12,000 feet. Commonly cultivated 

 already in the cooler parts of Yictoria, but also particularly 

 fit to be dispersed through our forests and over our alps. 



Ribes niveum, Lindl. 



One of the Oregon Grooseberry-bushes. Berries small, 

 black, of a somewhat acid taste and rich vinous flavor. 



Ribes rotundifolium, Michaux. 



North America. Yields part of the smooth Gooseberries of 

 the United States. The fruit is small, but of delicious taste. 



Ribes rubrum, L. 



The ordinary Bed Currant. Europe, North America, North 

 and Middle Asia, in the Himalaian Mountains ceasing 

 where B. Griffithi commences to appear. One of the best 

 fruit-plants for jellies and preserves that could be chosen 

 for the colder mountain altitudes of our Colony. The root- 

 bark contains Bhlorrhizin. Berhaps other species, than 

 those recorded here, among them some from the Andes, 

 may yet deserve introduction, irrespective of their showiness, 

 for their fruits. 



Ricinus communis, L.* 



The Castoroil-plant. Indigenous to the tropical and sub- 

 tropical zones of Asia and Africa. A shrubby very decora- 

 tive plant, attaining the size of a small tree. It was well 

 known to the Egyptians 4000 years ago, and is also men- 

 tioned already in the writings of Herodotos, Hippocrates, 

 Dioscorides, Theophrastos, Blinius and other ancient physi- 

 cians, philosophers and naturalists. The easy and rapid 

 growth, the copious seeding and the early return of produce, 

 render this important plant of high value in a clime like 

 ours, more particularly as it will thrive on almost any soil, 

 and can thus be raised even on arid places, without being 

 scorched by hot winds. It may thus become an important 

 plant also for culture in our desert-tracts, and is evidently 

 destined to be one of our most eligible oil-plants for tech- 



