12 
In all probability tbis D. myoporoides shares the properties of 
D. Hopwoodii, as I now find that both have the same burning 
acrid taste. Though the first known species is so near to us, we 
never suspected any such extraordinary properties in it as are now 
established for the later discovered species. Moreover the numerous 
species of the allied genus Anthocercis, extending over the greater 
part of the Australian continent and to Tasmania, should now also 
be tested, and further the many likewise cognate Schwenkeas of 
South America should be drawn into the same cyclus of research, 
nothing whatever of the properties of any of these plants being 
known. The natives of Central Australia chew the leaves of 
Duboisia Hopwoodii, just like the Peruvians and Chilians masticate 
the leaves of the Coca (Erythroxylon GocaJ, to invigorate themselves 
during their long foot journeys through the deserts. I am not 
certain whether the aborigines of all districts in which the Pitury 
glows are really aware of its stimulating power. Those living near 
the Barcoo travel many days’ journeys to obtain this, to them, 
precious foliage, which is carried always about by them broken into 
small fragments and tied up in little bags. It is not improbable 
that a new and perhaps important medicinal plant is thus gained. 
The blacks use the Duboisia to excite their courage in warfare, a 
large does infuriates them. 
Begardfully yours, 
February 15, 1877. Feed, von Muelleb. 
From bags of pituri prepared by the natives, sent me by 
Messrs. Collins, of Cooper’s Creek, and Inspector McKay 
Dunne, of the Native Police, at Bulloo, I have made extract, 
and from this Mr. Staiger, Analytical Chemist at the Queens- 
land Museum, has prepared an active principle of great potency. 
This looks like a brown oil, and has no crystalline appearance, it 
mixes easily in water, and a drop so dissolved produces on cats and 
smaller animals all the phenomena detailed in my paper of 1 872. 
Death is caused chiefly as in tetanus by excessive contraction of 
the respiratory muscles and suffocation. Mice, with small doses 
of pituri, may at times be seen to walk on their knuckles. Pituri 
does not dilate the pupil when applied locally, though dilatation 
is seen to some extent when given by subcutaneous injection. 
The extreme retraction of the eyeball in dogs is very remark- 
able. 
It is to be regretted that my stock of pituri is so small, I 
have very little for physiological research, and none for chemical. 
Until seeds are forthcoming and the plant can be cultivated, 
little progress may be expected, as the natives value their pituri 
too highly to give it away, not to speak of the long land carriage 
after it is obtained from them. The natives near Cooper’s 
Creek say pituri comes from a long distance. It is said to have 
been seen growing on the Diamantina Diver. The specimens in 
the Victorian Herbarium were obtained in the expedition of 
