FOR VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE. 



91 



estimated that the genus Ficus comprises about 600 species, 

 many occurring in cool mountain-regions of tropical 

 countries. The number of those, which would endure our 

 clime, is probably not small. 



Ficus Sycamorus, Linn6. 



The Sycamore Fig-tree of the Orient, copiously planted along 

 the roadsides of Egypt. The shady crown extends to a width 

 of 120 feet. Though introduced, we have as yet no local 

 means of raising this tree in quantity, and must therefore rely 

 on fresh importations of cuttings or more particularly seeds. 

 Fitzroya Patagonica, J. Hooker.* 



Chili, as far south as Chiloe. The Alerce of the Chilians. 

 Grows on swampy moory places. A stately tree, 100 feet 

 high. The diameter of the stem reaches sometimes the 

 extraordinary extent of 15 feet. The wood is almost always 

 red, easily split, light, does not warp, stands exposure to the 

 air for half a century, and in Yaldivia and Chiloe almost all 

 buildings are roofed with shingles of this tree (Dr. Philippi). 

 The outer bark produces a strong fibre, used for caulking 

 ships. Like Libocedrus tetragona this tree should be 

 extensively planted in our unutilised swampy moors in the 

 mountains. 



Flacourtia Ramontchi, I'Heritier. {F. sajnda, Eoxburgh). 

 India up to Beloochistan. This and F. cataphracta (Roxb.) 

 form thorny trees with somewhat phnn-like fruits. With 

 other species they can be adopted for hedge-copses. 



Flemingia tuberosa, Dalzell. 



Western India. The tubers of this herb are said to be edible. 

 Another species, F. vestita, is on record as cultivated in 

 North- Western India for its small esculent tubers. 



Flindersia Oxleyana, F. v. Mueller. 



The Yellow Wood of New South Wales and Queensland. 

 Other species occur there, among which F. Bennettiana is 

 the best for avenue purposes. 



Flueggea Japonica, C. Eichard. 



China and Japan. The mucilaginous tubers can be used for 

 food, a remark which applies to many other as yet 

 disregarded liliaceous plants. 



Foeniculum oflQcinale, Allioni. 



The Fennel. Mediterranean regions, particularly on lime- 

 stone soil. A perennial or biennial herb, of which two 

 primary varieties occur — the so-called sweet variety having 

 fruits almost twice as large as the other. The herb and 

 fruits are in use as condiments and the latter also for medicine. 

 The fruits are rich in essential oil, containing much Anethol. 



