EDIBLE EARTH FROM FIJI. 227 



The substance appears therefore, to be a silicate of the compo- 

 sition Al 2 3 (Si0 2 ) 2 (H 2 0) 2 — kaolinite — with about* 7*6 per cent, 

 uncombined ferric oxide as mechanical impurity. 



It may be of interest to note in connexion with Dr. Corney's 

 remarks (in the earlier part of the paper) as to the prevalence of 

 intestinal worms amongst clay-eaters, that the same thing is fre- 

 quently observed amongst cattle, more especially in the dry part 

 of New South Wales. Samples of clayey earth from what are 

 called "lick-holes" are frequently sent to the N. S. Wales Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture for examination. The earth in these places 

 is used as a lick by cattle, and it is stated that the cattle suffer 

 from worms. Nothing unusual has been found in these licks 

 except that they are generally fairly rich in saline matter, and 

 the conclusion arrived at is that the cattle relish them on this 

 account alone, and that the presence of worms is due to their poor 

 condition and want of nourishment. The cases are certainly not 

 quite parallel. 



