266 
ders the cane still firmer. To the series of large thornless 
Bamboos belong also Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Balcooa 
of India, and Bambusa Thouarsii from Madagascar and 
Bourbon. These Bamboos are much used for various kinds 
of furniture, mats, implements and other articles. There 
are many other kinds of Bam.boo eligible among the species 
from China, Japan, India, tropical America, and perhaps 
tropical Africa. One occurs in Arnhem’s Land. 
Barosma serratifolia, Willd. 
South Africa. This shrub supplies the medicinal Bucco- 
leaves. B. crenulata, Hook. (Diosma crenulata, L.), is only 
a variety of this species. Active principles A peculiar 
volatile oil, a peculiar resin, and a crystalline substance 
called Diosmin. 
Beta vulgaris, L.* 
The Beet or Mangold Boot. Middle and South Europe, 
Middle Asia, North Africa. This well-known perennial or 
biennial herb ought to engage the general and extensive 
attention of our farming population. The herb is most 
valuable as a palatable and nutritious spinage ; the root is 
of importance not only as a culinary vegetable, but, as 
well known, also for its content of sugar, fit to be crystallised. 
That of Beet, indeed, is now almost exclusively consumed 
in Bussia, Germany, Austria, Erance, Sweden and Belgium ; 
and these countries not only produce the Beet Sugar, but 
also export it largely to the neighbouring States. The 
white Sicilian Beet is mainly used for salads, spinage and 
soups. The thick-ribbed variety serves like Asparagus or 
Seakale, dressed like Bhubarb. Cereal soil, particularly 
such as is fit for Barley, is generally adapted also for the 
culture of Beet. The rearing of the root, and the manufac- 
ture of the sugar, can be studied from manifold works ; one 
has been compiled by Mr. N. Levy, of this city. A deeply 
stirred, drained soil, rich in lime, brings the saccharine 
variety of Beet to the greatest perfection. The Imperial 
Beet yields from 12 to 20 per cent, sugar. The Castelnau- 
derry, the Magdeburg, the Siberian Whiterib and the 
Vilmorin Beet are other varieties rich in sugar. About 
