which it is imported from Europe ; either as an improvement to 
the soil in certain localities or for industrial purposes, in the 
painter’s and glasier’s trade, or for the preparation of carbonic 
acid which is required in the manufacture of gazeous drinks. 
Mr. F. Dick called attention to the antiseptic property of 
the fibrous residue of the Sugar Cane, known under the name 
of Bagasse. This property was accidentally discovered about a 
year ago by a physician of George Town who had to perform 
the “ post mortem ” examination of a man found buried under 
a heap of Bagasse. His body, instead of being in an advanced 
state of decomposition, was dried up to a mummy. The result 
was that the physician carried into practice his discovery. 
There happened to be at the time a great number of pa- 
tients suffering from ulcers in the hospital, and a contagious 
gangrene had declared itself ; the physician caused several tubs 
containing cane-trash to be placed in the wards, and the supply 
to be renewed at intervals. In a short time the atmosphere 
of the hospital Avas purified and the contagion ceased. 
The Editor of the Standard, number of r the 2nd April 1864, 
adds a few remarks which seem applicable to Mauritius, and 
we think the experiment deserving of a trial in our hospitals. 
“ Thus, it seems, ” says this paper, “ that Nature itself has 
provided an antidote for the pernicious effects of heat in 
tropical countries ; the contagious diseases caught by the heat 
of the sun, may be neutralized by the Sugar Cane, which is 
brought to maturity by those very rays.” 
The Secretary was favored by a letter from Mr. Daniel 
H anbury in London, calling his attention to the Columbo root 
( Coccidus palmatus ) and recommending its cultivation in 
Mauritius as a medicinal plant of a great value. 
ff The Columbo root of commerce, Mr. H anbury says, is the 
product of a wild plant growing on the Mozambique Coast, 
whence it is shipped to Europe by way of Bombay. It is 
mostly more or less worm eaten and often has been badly 
dried, so that its bright greenish yellow colour is not well 
preserved. At the present time, (October 1864) it is remar- 
kably scarce and dear, and a supply of good quality would be 
really acceptable in the market.” 
The Secretary was enabled to procure but a very small 
quantity of the Columbo root at the Botanical Garden of 
Pamplemousses. He prepared it according to instructions, 
vizt : cut it in very thin slices and dried it in the shade It 
formed part of the collection of medicinal plants forwarded 
for the Dublin Exhibition. 
It would be interesting for more than one reason, to extend 
in this island the cultivation of the Columbo plant, the growth 
