GLOSSARY: 109 



favourable to its growth. Castor Oil is obtained from the 

 seeds. A good sample of this oil was prepared for the 

 Paris Exhibition from seeds of plants grown in the Mel- 

 bourne Botanic Gardens. In New South Wales the Castor 

 Oil plant has long since become so thoroughly naturalized, 

 that in some districts, especially on the alluvial soils of 

 some of the northern and eastern rivers and creeks, it has 

 obtained possession, and monopolizes, as a weed, rich land 

 that has been neglected for years. It is easily cultivated, 

 and requires but moderate skill and capital to establish 

 a plantation. As a crop it would certainly prove more 

 profitable than Maize. The plant was known to, and its 

 medicinal properties valued by, the people of ancient Egypt 

 4000 years ago, and is mentioned by Herodotus and other 

 Greek as well as Roman writers of classic eras. The plant 

 is more widely known under the old name of ' Palma 

 Christi' than by any other. 



Cauliflower. — See Cabbage. Pp. 35, 182. — Brassica 

 Oleracea. (Natural Order, Crucifer^.) — This common 

 and useful vegetable has by cultivation been increased to 

 numerous varieties. Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Savoy, 

 Red Cabbage, etc. etc., have all sprung from this species. 



Celandine. — CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. (Natural 

 Order, Papaverace^e.) P. 30. — A small British plant, 

 the leaves and stem of which yield a yellow, acrid juice, 

 sometimes used by oculists, and said to have the power of 

 removing warts. It has become naturalized in some parts 

 of New South Wales. 



Celery Pine. — PHYLLOCLADUS. (Natural Order, 

 Conifers.) P. 30. — A fine timber tree, of slender 

 habit, ranging from 60 to 70 feet in height, and chiefly 



