318 CONTAGIOUS DISEASES (ANIMALS) ACT, 1869. 
officmalis. This commonly grows in the mortar between 
stones or bricks in old walls. It was formerly in high 
repute as a medicine, especially as a diuretic and lithon- 
triptic; and, according to Dr. Pereira, “ by some practitioners 
it is still highly esteemed. It is used in calculus and other 
urinary affections, and also in dropsies. The expressed juice 
may be taken in doses of one or two fluid ounces; or the 
decoction (prepared by boiling Jj of the herb in a pint of 
water) may be substituted. The extract has also been used. 
On account of a nitrate which the plant contains the extract 
is said to have taken fire in making it.” If this latter state¬ 
ment be true, it will account for the powers of the plant. 
The inquiring botanist will be interested in observing the 
irritability of the stamens, as when the nearly ripe anthers 
are touched with the point of a pin, the previously incurved 
filament falls back with a sudden jerk, the anther bursting 
and scattering its pollen all around. 
Pathological Contributions. 
THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES (ANIMALS) ACT, 
1869. 
“ Return of the Number of Foreign Animals brought 
by Sea to Ports in Great Britain, which on inspection on 
landing, within the Month of March, 1872, have been 
found to be affected with any Contagious or Infectious 
Disease, specifying the Disease, and the Ports from which, 
and to which, such Animals were brought, and the mode in 
which such Animals have been disposed of. 
