'^92 



tremely useful and were much interested in them, the Assam forks 

 especially appealing to their fancy. 



Herbarium & Library. 

 Numerous plants and specimens have been sent up to the Herbarium 

 for information respecting their names, their value, properties, &c. 



A merchant, perhaps, requires a certain product, a sample of which 

 has been received from London or New York, and he enquires what it 

 is, where it may be obtained, in what quantities, &c. Whether the 

 product would pay to export or not, or whether it is even known in 

 Jamaica ; the examination and research consume a considerable amount 

 of time. — I may instance the West India Dragons Blood, of which an 

 analysis was made by the late Prof. Trimble in Philadelphia, who re- 

 ported that it would be of value as a medicinal kino, if found in 

 sufficient quantities. A perfume-maker in England writes about an 

 extract from a native plant for use in perfumery. A pen-keeper again, 

 finds some of his cattle dying, suspects that they have been poisoned 

 by eating a certain plant, and submits it for examination. Another 

 is troubled in his pastures with a weed, and asks whether it is hurtful 

 to cattle, or exhausting to the soil. Another notices a new grass, 

 which on examination turns out to be a native of Australia, and of con- 

 siderable value as fodder. A planter comes across a tree on his estate, 

 bearing fruit said to be edible, and asks if it is so. Another finds on a 

 newly-purchased estate an avenue of trees, sends up specimens, and 

 enquires about the value of the tree. 



Several correspondents have forwarded specimens of diseased plants, 

 wanting to know their nature, and whether there are remedies for the 

 pests. Others who take an interest in botany, wish for the scientific 

 names of plants, especially of examples of our native flora. 



The Herbarium collections are continually being increased by addi- 

 tions, and Mr. William Harris, Supt. of the Hill Gardens, is as assidu- 

 ous as ever in collecting. 



Rare Ferm. —Several have been found, but the three following may 

 be mentioned : — 



Lonchitis aiirita, Linn. — Mr. Gr. ^. Jenman writes — "Plumier 

 gathered the plant in Martinique about 220 years ago, and it 

 was not re-discovered till 1880, when Mr. Nock found a single 

 small plant below John Crow Peak in Jamaica. Nock only 

 gathered two specimens, one of which is at Kew, and the other 

 was mislaid or lost. He was unable to find his plant again, 

 although he searched repeatedly for it." 



This plant was re-discovered by Mr. Harris, in another locality, 

 in the early part of 1898. 

 Polypodium jubceforme, Kaulf. — Mr. Jenman writes-'^ Grathered by 

 Swartz, whose specimen is in the British Museum, but collectors 

 since have not re-discovered it. I failed to find it, although I 

 searched far and wide for it." Re-discovered by Mr. Harris in 

 1898. 



Anemia mandiocana, Radd. — Mr. Jenman in speaking of the 

 habitat of this plant says : — " Jamaica, according to Grrisebach, 

 who correctly describes it, but I have only seen Brazilian 

 specimens." 



Collected by Mr. Harris in 1898. 



