840 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Medeola asparagfoides var. myrtifolia. By H. Kohlmannslehner 

 (Die Gart. No. 14, p. 157, January 2, 1904). — An accidental variety 

 raised by Geb. Meyer, Hannover, about six years ago. It has all the good 

 qualities of the type, and the whole plant is more graceful, with small 

 myrtle-like leaves. — G. B. 



Medicine, Weeds used in. By Alice Henkel (U.S.A. Dep. Agr., 

 Farmers' Bull. 188, 1904 ; illustrated). — A most interesting pamphlet on 

 the medicinal properties of certain weeds which are widely spread in the 

 United States, and the methods of collecting them. The author considers 

 that farmers might combine a slight profit with the necessary process of 

 exterminating these weeds, and gives the weight in pounds annually im- 

 ported from Europe and the price generally paid in the trade, to show 

 that there is a certain demand for these plants. The weeds described are : 

 Burdock, Dandelion, Couch-grass, the Docks and Pokeweed (Phytolacca 

 americana L.) (principally root-drugs), Foxglove, Mullein, Tansy, Lobelia, 

 Gum Plant (Grindelia robusta Nutt.), Scaly Grindelia, Boneset (Eupa- 

 torium per/oliatum L.), Catnip (Nepeta Cataria L.), Horehound, Yarrow, 

 Fleabane, Blessed Thistle (Carbenia bencdicta syn. Cnicus benedictus L.), 

 Jimson Weed (Datura Stramonium L.), and Poison Hemlock (of all 

 of which the leaves, flowers, or seed are used in medicine) ; and lastly 

 Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), and black and white Mustard 

 (of which only the seeds are used). — C. H. C. 



Meg-aclinium platyrhachis. By W. B. H. (Bot. Mag. t. 7946). 

 Native of British Central Africa. Nat. ord. Orchidacece ; tribe Epidendrece. 

 This Orchid in floral structure offers no constant difference from Bulbo- 

 phyllum, but is easily recognised by the flattened greenish-yellow axis of 

 the inflorescence, bearing flowers in one row on each side. Flowers 

 yellowish-green, -| in. diam. spotted with purple-brown. — G. H. 



Melaleuca uncinata. By J. D. H. (Bot. Mag. t. 7941).— Native of 

 Temperate Australia. Nat. ord. Myrtacete ; tribe Leptospermece. A dwarf, 

 erect shrub. Leaves 1 to 4 inches long, terete, with recurved hard and 

 sharp tips ; flowers minute, pale yellow. — G. H. 



Mexico, New, Native Ornamental Plants of. By E. 0. Wooton 



(U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Neiv Mexico, Bull. No. 51, May 1904 ; plates).— This 

 bulletin draws a designedly dreary picture of the sort of place which 

 many men are content to call home in a new and still wild country, 

 where the tradition of semi-nomadic life yet lingers. "Dobe" huts, 

 board shanties, or log cabins set down with hardly a thought for con- 

 venience, and certainly none for either comfort or beauty, seem to have 

 been enough for the early pioneers in New Mexico, and to be the prevail- 

 ing style of ranch-house even now. 



This paper is an attempt to emphasise the importance, to a man, of 

 beauty and privacy in his home, and dwells on the mere money value to 

 the New Mexican of shade, shelter for his beasts, and protection against 

 wind and dust. 



Legislation is apparently needed in the direction of improving 

 land-tenure in the State ; but this is a matter which is receiv- 



