134 AUSTRALIAN BOTANY. 



LaureL — PRUXUS LAURO - CERASUS. (Natural 

 Order, Rosace.-e.) P. 53. — This well-known evergreen shrub 

 has no claim to the name under which it is generally known 

 and cultivated in gardens. Its proper designation is Cherry 

 Laurel, and as such it is always spoken of in medical works, 

 etc. The plant thrives exceedingly well in Victoria, parts 

 of Xew South Wales, and South Australia, especially in rich 

 alluvial soil in the upland districts, where the frosts are not 

 too severe, nor the hot winds too fierce. Its leaves, which 

 are highly poisonous, are used for making cherry-laurel 

 water. 



Laurnstinus.— VIBURNUM TIXUS. (Natural Order, 

 Caprifoliace.e.) P. 38. — This handsome, free-flowering, 

 evergreen shrub is now in general cultivation. It has a 

 very effective appearance when planted singly on lawns or 

 in shrubberies, and forms fine ornamental hedges. 



Lavender. — LAVANDULA. (Natural Order, Labiate.) 

 Pp. 34, 187. — Three or four kinds of Lavender are cultivated 

 in gardens as ornamental border plants, and for the sake of 

 their leaves and flowers. Lavender succeeds well in many 

 parts of Victoria. The climate of Phillip Island (Western 

 Port), where it grows with great luxuriance, would be particu- 

 larly suited to its cultivation for commercial purposes. 



Lawyer Palm. — CALAMUS. (Natural Order, Palais.) 

 See chapter ' Australian Vegetation/ p. 90. 



Lichens. — USNEA and STICTA. (Natural Order, 

 Lichenes.) See ' Lesson on Acotyledons,' p. 57. — Lichens 

 are found upon almost all kinds of substances, and are 

 considered injurious to fruit and other trees in orchards and 

 plantations. About 3000 species, included in 60 or 70 

 genera^ have been described. 



