106 



SELECT PLANTS READILY ELIGIBLE 



Hovenia dulcis, Thunberg. 



Himalaya, China, Japan. The pulpy fruit-stalks of this tree 

 are edible. H. inaequalis, D. C, and H. acerba, Lindl., are 

 mere varieties of this species, 



Humulus Lupulus, Linne.* 



The Hop-plant. Temperate zone of Europe, Asia and North 

 America. This twining perennial unisexual plant has proved 

 to yield enormously on river-banks in rich soil or on fertile 

 slope, where irrigation could be effected, particularly so 

 within our territory along the river-valleys of Gipps Land 

 and in other similar localities. A pervious especially alluvial 

 soil, fertile through manure or otherwise, appliances for 

 irrigation natural or artificial, and also shelter against storms, 

 are some of the conditions for success in Hop-growth, and 

 under such conditions the rearing of Hops will prove thus 

 far profitable in countries and localities of very different 

 mean temperature. A dry summer-season is favourable to 

 the ripening and gathering of Hops. On the Mitchell River, 

 in Gipps Land, 1500 lbs. have been obtained from an acre. 

 In Tasmania large crops have been realised for very many 

 years. The plant might be readily naturalised on river- 

 banks and in forest-valleys. The scaly friiit-cones form the 

 commercial Hops, whose value largely depends on the minute 

 glandular granules of Lupuline. Hops impart their flavour 

 to beer, and principally by their tannic acid prevent acetous 

 fermentation and precipitate albuminous substances from the 

 malt. Hop-pillows are recommended to overcome want of 

 sleep. Many of the substitutes of Hops are objectionable 

 or deleterious. The refuse Hops of breweries possess 

 double the value of stable manure. Active principles of Hop 

 leaves and fruits : A peculiar volatile and a bitter acid sub- 

 stance. The fibre of the stem can be made into cords and paper. 



Hydnum imbricatum, Linne. 



In pine-forests of Europe. A wholesome Mushroom of deli- 

 cious taste, which we should endeavour to naturalise in our pine 

 plantations. Other recommendable European species are : — 

 H. erinaceum, Pers,, H. coralloides, Scop., H. album, Pers., 

 H. diversidens. Fries, H. auriscalpium, Linne, H. subsqua- 

 mosum, Batsch, H. Isevigatum, Sw., H. violascens. Alb., 

 H. infundibulum, Sw., H. fuligineo-album, Schm., H. 

 graveolens, Brot., H. Caput Medusae, Nees, H. Hystrix, 

 Fries. These and other edible fungi are given on the 

 authority of Bosenthal's valuable work. 



Hydrangea Thunbergi, Siebold. 



Japan. The leaves of this shurb give a peculiar Tea, called 

 there the ''Tea of Heaven." 



