192 
Mr. R. W. Peacock’s opinion of it as a fodder is thus expressed: — 
And perhaps I may be deemed bold when I relegate such a widely-acknowledged fodder-plant as 
the Kurrajong to second place, but such I am forced to do, if any reliance can be placed upon the partiality 
of stock for them; for, from my own observations, backed by the experiences of others, to the “ Supple 
Jack ” (Ventilago viminalis) must be ascribed the place of honour. 
T have been very much surprised that this valuable tree has not received the honorable mention 
due to it in this district. Upon plans of the lands on which the edible shrubs are given, no mention is 
made of it. Its general appearance, with its sparse foliage, is somewhat ragged, and would not catch the 
eye as would the Kurrajong and some others, it having in its natural state no pretensions to good looks ; 
but after it has been properly lopped, a dense mass of suckers spring out; and I am of opinion that. the 
amount of fodder is as great, or if not greater, than upon a similarly treated Kurrajong.* 
Lopping of fodder trees should always he carefully performed. A sharp 
tomahawk, axe, or saw should be used, and the cut edge should be as clean and free 
from tears as possible. 
Mr. E. B. Guthrie f has subjected the plant to analysis, with respect to its 
feeding value, with the following result:— 
Water 
Ash. 
Fibre... 
Ether Extract (Oil, &c.) 
Albuminoids... .... 
Carbo-hydrates 
Nutrient Value 
Albuminoid ratio 
Tannin (Oak Bark) ... 
3316 
6-61 
14-96 
1-21 
11-03 
33-03* 
46f 
1 
• 31 
■ 6 4 
2-4 
The leaves of V. maderaspatana are said to he a favourite food of the 
elephant in Ceylon.—(Trimen.) 
Flowers. —This species differs from that of others in the absence of petals. 
Bark. —The hark of the root of V. maderaspatana yields a valuable orange-red 
dye. It is also used for tanning, and also in native medicine in India. The hark of 
the stem is also employed for fibre purposes. It lias not been ascertained whether 
the hark of the root or stem of our Supple Jack contains any useful substance. 
Timber. —Wood soft and yellow; pithy. The natives use two sticks of the 
same wood from this tree for making fire with. It is generally used, and, being 
common, is the most generally used of woods for the purpose.—(E. Palmer.) 
The tree is so small that its value does not lie in its timber. 
V. maderaspatana, Gaertn., is described as— 
A conspicuous forest climber of India and Ceylon. Wood yellow, porous, soft. Pores large oval, 
often transversely subdivided. Medullary rays moderately broad, undulating, bent at the pores.— 
[Gamble : Manual of Indian Timbers .] 
It will be seen that the two species resemble each other a good deal in regard 
to their wood. 
<! Some edible trees of the West Bogan. Agric. Gazette, N.S.W., April, 1899, p. 263. 
t Agric. Gazelle, N.S.W., Oct., 1899. 
