AUSTRALIAN MELALEUCAS AND THEIR ESSENTIAL OILS. 369 



200 cc. was 114 cc, =57 per cent. The specific gravity 

 of the first fraction at 15° 0. = 0'8638 ; of the second =s 

 0*8667. The rotation of the first fraction a D — + 39*1°, 

 or a specific rotation [a] D = + 45*27°, of the second fraction 

 = + 36*3°, or a specific rotation [a] D = + 41*88°. The 

 refractive index of the first fraction at 23° O. = 1*4636; of 

 the second fraction = 1*4638. 



The nitrosochloride was readily prepared with the oil of 

 the first fraction; it was purified by dissolving in chloroform 

 and precipitating with methyl alcohol. It melted at 104° 

 O. (uncorr.). 



The higher boiling constituents of this oil consisted 

 largely of the sesquiterpene, and gave the characteristic 

 colour reactions for that substance. It also contained some 

 ester, the saponification number being 16*7, equal to 5*8 

 per cent, of ester calculated as terpinyl-acetate. 



Melaleuca gibbosa, Labill. 



Historical.— This species was first described by Labil- 

 lardiere, PI. New Holland 1799, presumably from a Tasmanian 

 specimen, and has since been recorded from the mainland 

 in Victoria and South Australia. 



Remarks.— It stands in the happy position of having no 

 synonyms, so that after these years its systematic status 

 must be regarded as unchallengeable. The fruits perhaps 

 call for a little notice, for as soon as maturity is reached 

 they are then a little distance from each other, but gradu- 

 ally become immersed in woody tissue by a thickening of 

 the rhachis. Although it appears to be a constant feature 

 of the species, yet it may be pathological and is worthy of 

 investigation, for perhaps here we may have a host species 

 of either the animal or vegetable kingdom. We are indebted 

 to Mr. E. Rodway, f.l.s., Government Botanist of Tasmania 

 for fresh material for dissecting purposes. 



X— Dec. 6, 1911. 



