Alopecurus should form one of the principal ingredients, 
because it is so lasting and nutritive. In our Alpine regions 
it would also prove prolific, and might convert many places 
there gradually into summer-runs. It is early fiowering, 
and likes the presence of lime in the soil. 
Alstonia constricta, F. v. M. 
Warmer parts of East Australia, particularly in the dry 
inland districts. The bark of this small tree is aromatic- 
bitter, and regarded as valuable in ague, also as a general 
tonic. 
Alstroemeria pallida, Graham. 
Chili. Palatable starch can be obtained from the root of 
this plant, which, for its loveliness alone, deserves a place in 
any garden. The tubers of others of the numerous Alstroe- 
merias can doubtless be utilized in a similar technic manner. 
Althaea officinalis, E. 
The Seal Marsh-Mallow. Europe, North Africa, North and 
Middle Asia. A tall perennial herb, with handsome flowers. 
The mucilaginous root and also the foliage are used for 
medicinal purposes. The plant succeeds best on damp, 
somewhat saline soil. 
Amelanchier Botryapium, Candolle. 
The Grape-Pear of North America. This fruit tree attains 
a height of 30 feet. The purplish fruits are small, but of 
pleasant taste, and ripen early in the season. This bush or 
tree will live in sandsoil ; but it is one of those hardy kinds 
particularly eligible for our Alps. 
Amygdalus communis, E. 
The Almond Tree. Countries around the Mediterranean 
Sea and Orient. Both the sweet and bitter Almond are 
derived from this species. Their uses, and the value of the 
highly palatable oil, obtained by pressure from them, are well 
known. This oil can well be chosen as a means of providing 
a pleasant substitute for milk during sea voyages, &c., by 
mixing, when required, with it half its weight of powdered 
gum arable, and adding then successively, while quickly 
agitating in a stone mortar, about double the quantity of 
