410 



one among numerous congeners of Europe, Asia aud America, 

 which is drawn to a considerable extent into medicinal use. 

 The root and herb contain Valerianic acid and a peculiar 

 tannic acid ; the root furnishes an esential oil, which again 

 resolves itself into Valerol (70 per cent.) , Valereen, Barneol 

 and Valerianic acid. The order of Valerianese is not repre- 

 sented by any native plant in Australia. 



Valerianella olitoria, Moench. 



Lamb's Lettuce. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle 

 Asia. A fair and early Salad-plant. It is an annual plant, 

 and has several congeners in Europe and Asia. 



Veratrum album, L. 



Europe, North and Middle Asia, extending eastwards to 

 Japan. It delights particularly in sub-alpine locali- 

 ties. The root furnishes Veratrin, Jervin and Sabadillic 

 acid. 



Veratrum viride, Alton. 



Canada and United States of North America. A near 

 relative of the former plant. Its root has come recently 

 into medicinal use. 



Vicia Ervilia, Willdenow. (Ermm Ervilia, L.) 



South Europe, North Africa, South-western Asia. An 

 annual herb, praised as a valuable fodder-plant on dry cal- 

 careous soil. 



Vicia Faba, L * 



The Straight Bean. Orient, particularly on the Caspian 

 Sea. This productive annual herb affords not only its seeds 

 for table use, but provides also a particularly fattening 

 stable food. The seeds contain about 33 per cent, 

 starch. 



Vicia sativa, L. # (V. angustifolia, Eoth.) 



The ordinary Vetch or Tare. Europe, North Africa, North 

 and Middle Asia. One of the best of fodder-plants, but 

 only of one or two years' duration. Many of the other 

 European and Asiatic species of Vicia are deserving our 

 attention. 



