61 



to see if we can improve the return of nuts, but I much fear no good 

 can be expected from the growing trees unless we remove the shade." 



IMPORTATION OF SEEDS AND PLANTS. 



A large number of seeds and plants have been received from Botanic 

 Gardens all over the world, and from private persons both in the Island 

 and abroad, and I have to express now, generally, my grateful thanks to 

 the donors for their kind assistance. 



From the Royal Gardens, Kew, have been received during the year 

 60 plants in \Yardian cases, 139 packets of various seeds, and 300 

 large seeds of Raphia vinifera. 



Among the species may be specially mentioned the following : — 



Raphia vinifera, the Bamboo Palm which yields the West African 

 Bass fibre, used for brushmaking. His Excellency Sir A. Maloney, 

 Governor of Lagos, was the first to bring this fibre into prominent 

 notice on the London Market. Samples sent to Messrs. Ide and Christie 

 were valued at £25 per ton, but the first consignment realized £42. In 

 Lagos hats, cloth, and cordage are made from the leaves: rafters, fences, 

 and walls from the leaf-stems ; and palm-wine from the cabbage or 

 crown of young unopened leaves. It is a native of the swamps and 

 low-lying land along the water-ways. (See Kew Bulletin, 1891). 



Uncaria Gambier. — (Gambier). This is a native of Malaya. It is 

 cultivated at Singapore, Sumatra and other Malayan islands for the 

 sake of its leaves from which a powerful astringent is obtained. It is 

 exported in large quantities to Great Britain for tanning and dyeing 

 purposes. The plants received from Kew did not live. 



Prinsepia utilis. — A prickly shrub belonging to the rose family, 

 and native of the Himalayas where it grows in barren places. The 

 fruits are not edible but the seeds yield a useful oil. 



Nicotiana rustica (Tobacco). — This is a smaller species than the 

 ordinary tobacco, N. Tabacum. It grows more quickly, ripens earlier 

 and is hardier. This species produces an East Indian tobacco ; also 

 that furnished by the Manilla Isles, and the kind called Turkish. 



Atropa Belladonna (Deadly nightshade). — A strong growing 

 perennial of the potato and tobacco family. The whole plant is very 

 poisonous, the principle of which is an alkaloid termed atropin. 

 Belladonna is much used in medicine, in small doses in the shape of 

 an extract ; this and the alkaloid atropin are also used as an external 

 application. Belladonna is employed to allay pain and spasm, and it 

 is frequently used for the eye in cases where it is necessary to dilate 

 the pupil, this being one of its peculiar effects. 



Coriandrum sativum (Coriander). — An annual of the Carrot family, 

 native of Southern Europe, the Levant, &c, and cultivated for the sake 

 of its aromatic fruits or seeds which are used in confectionery, also for 

 flavouring curries, &e. The odour and taste depend upon a volatile oil. 



Styrax Benzoin (Benzoin). — This is a tree, native of Sumatra, Borneo, 

 &c, and yields the resin called Benzoin. Incisions are made into a 

 tree, the juice exudes, dries and is removed by a knife or chisel. 

 Benzoin is employed medicinally in chronic pulmonary disorders, also 

 in perfumery, and in the composition of incense. 



From the Dublin Botanic Gardens, (Glasxevin), 135 packets of 

 seeds have been received. 



