i r 4 A USTRALIAN BOTANY. 



a most imposing appearance. Macrozamia Denisonti'is one 

 of the best known, and the finest of the Australian species^ 

 The Queensland Nut Palm (Cycas media) — the Baven of 

 the aborigines — ranges in height from 10 to 20 feet; it is 

 generally found near the coast. The nuts of this plant are 

 often macerated by the natives in a running stream, and 

 subsequently in stagnant water. The produce is then con- 

 verted into a paste, which, when baked, is highly relished 

 by them. The Cycads are very closely allied to the Conifers. 

 Cypress.— CUPRESSUS. (Natural Order, Conifers.) 

 Pp- 2 9j 55? J 94- — ^ n extensive genus of handsome ever- 

 green trees and shrubs, highly esteemed for ornamental 

 planting, and also for the excellent timber they furnish. 

 They are of very rapid growth in Australia. Some of the 

 Californian species have been known to make leading 

 shoots of 4 or 5 feet in a year, notably the Monterey or 

 Citron Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). 



D 



Daffodil. — NARCISSUS PSEUDO - NARCISSUS. 



(Natural Order, Amaryllide^e.) Pp. 17, 49. — A tribe of 

 pretty flowering bulbs, in general cultivation. 



Dahlia. — (Natural Order, Composite.) P. 17. — A very 

 handsome genus of bright flowering plants, brought by 

 careful cultivation to great perfection. Some magnificent 

 species of Tree Dahlias have lately been discovered. These 

 throw up stems to a height exceeding 12 feet, lasting for 

 several seasons. Unlike the common Dahlia, which dies 

 down every year, the flowers of the tree Dahlia are single, 

 generally white, and somewhat funnel-shaped. 



