THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
M. atfemmta may be mentioned as two common examples 
to illustrate the prevalence of the genus there. But the more 
delicate dark-foliaged Myristica fragrans, the source of the 
commercial product, is by far the most important and valua- 
ble member of the group. This species occurs in India only 
under cultivation. It was introduced by the Dutch into the 
island of Ceylon, whence in time it came to be disseminated 
over the mainland of peninsular India. It flourishes in all 
warm, moist localities, particularly if these be situated on or 
near the banks of rivers. It demands a rich, free, well- 
drained soil and an abundance of aqueous vapor in the air. 
Besides the ordinary uses to which nutmegs are applied 
in India, they are now-a-days very much in requisition in 
Europe for the manufacture of the substance known as "nut- 
meg-butter." This remarkable product is only the essential 
oil of the nutmeg, which is a solid or fat at all ordinary tem- 
peratures. It furnishes an example, which is rare in the 
vegetable kingdom, of a volatile oil combining with a fixed 
oil to produce a solid glyceride or fat. Nutmeg-butter is 
used in Europe in the manufacture of scented oils, perfumes 
and soaps, but chiefly as a flavorant in cooking and confec- 
tionery. 
The great point in favor of nutmeg fat is that, like the 
oil of bennuts {Moringa pterygosperma), it does not turn 
rancid, even after long keeping, and may be prepared in any 
quantity for home consumption. — From an article in Indian 
Planting. 
Insect Galls. — Those who are inclined to a further 
investigation of insect galls, to which ^Ir. Dobbin called at- 
tention in the November number, will find a pamphlet by 
Wm. Beutenmuller, issued by the American Museum Jour- 
nal, of New York, very interesting and helpful. The price 
is 15 cents. 
