THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
261 
wherever sown, while everyone knows in what rich abundance flowers can be 
obtained. Let ns hope that these sources of wealth will be utilised speedily, 
and thus another important industry be added to those already prosperous in the 
colonies. 
At the annual meeting of members of the South Australian branch of the 
Geographical Society of South Australia, on 28th June, Mr. J. C. Wilkinson 
read a paper on “ Central Australia” prepared by Mr. Charles Winnecke, in 
which the writer gave some valuable information as to the vegetation of the 
desert, to which he stated he had, at the earnest request of Baron Yon Mueller, 
paid special attention. The following paragraph will be of special interest to 
readers of the Journal of Pharmacy : — “On a hurried journey such as must 
necessarily be made through this country many interesting specimens are over- 
looked. I have, however, succeeded recently in securing several entirely new 
plants, and feel certain that many more exist in these parts. The prevailing 
vegetation is very stunted, and consists of several varieties of acacia, known by 
the local names of mulga, wattle gidea, myall, &c., &c., and desert eucalyptii, of 
which there appears to be several species, also spinifex ; the latter, in fact, predomi- 
nates almost everywhere, growing alike and in equal abundance on the red sand 
ridges as well as on the most barren and rocky ranges. It is similar in appearance to 
the porcupine grass of South Australia. In one, and only one spot, the famous 
Pituri plant is found. This locality is situated in latitude 24° on the eastern 
extremity of the previously-mentioned desert. I have only seen this plant in 
this one particular stretch of country, extending about 30 miles in length. It 
appears to grow only on the extreme tops of the sand ridges, and hitherto all 
attempts at transplanting have resulted in failures. I am not aware that this 
plant exists in any other part of Australia. Its properties, however, are well 
known to all the natives of Central Australia, and to some tribes many hundreds 
of miles from where this peculiar plant appears to be indigenous, and is eagerly 
sought for by these people, who subject it to a peculiar treatment — first, by 
steaming, then masticating it, and finally mixing it with certain ashes produce 
a compound which apparently affects them in a similar manner to what opium 
would do — completely stupefying and rendering them sometimes for days insensible 
to pain. I have secured a small quantity of the sun dried leaves and stems of 
this plant, and shall be glad to hand the same over to any gentleman who may 
wish to test its properties scientifically.” 
A deputation representing the qualified members of the medical profession 
in the colony waited on the Attorney- General (Hon. J. W. Downer) on 
Friday morning, 25th June, regarding the status of unqualified practitioners 
Dr. E. C. Stirling, M.P., introduced the deputation, which, he explained, 
was a thoroughly representative one, and advocated the views held by 
the whole medical profession. What the deputation asked was that unqualified 
practitioners should not be allowed to prefix the title of “ Doctor ” to 
their name, to which those on the roll were legally entitled. They 
wished, in fact, to compel unqualified men when they practised to make it 
known to the public that they held no diploma. Dr. J. C. Yerco, president of 
the Medical Association, referred to the views that had been propounded by 
previous deputations on the subject, and expressed his regret that their requests 
had not been complied with. They particularly wished for legal recognition of 
the medical profession ; that certificates of death should be given where practicable 
by registered practitioners, and where this was not possible that a magistrate 
should do so ; that Government appointments should be confined to qualified 
men ; and that when unqualified men practised they should be compelled to 
