~ 
family (Gentianacew) are Sebwa ovata with pale yellow inflor- 
escence, and the “Native Centaury” or ‘‘ Bushman’s Tonic” — 
Erythrea australis. The latter is very abundant in the open 
forest, where its spikes of rosy red add a charm to the land- 
P scape during summer. Both of these plants have valuable 
Án medicinal properties, especially the Hrythrea, which is said to 
E be highly efficacious in cases of dysentery. The Borage 
family is neither numerous nor important, but of the Convol- 
vulacee, the “ Blushing bindweed” (QConvolvulus erubescens) 
gladdens the eye everywhere, even along the roadsides, where 
it is frequently trodden down, and expands its delicate pink 
-- blossoms to the sun. Another species, but rarely seen, is 
Convolvulus sepium, a strong twiner with white flowers nearly - 
two inches in diameter. It is indigenous also to parts of 
Africa and America, where it is considered a noxious weed. 
One other representative of this family, a native of Peru, but 
E occurring in places along the beach at Clifton Springs (having 
escaped from cultivation) is Nolana atriplicifolia, a glorious 
brilliant blue biennial. Of the Potato order the sweet-scented 
flowered Native Tobacco plant (Nicotiana suaveolens) and three 
species of Solanum are particularly noticeable near Queenscliff, 
especially the “ Sodom Apple" (Solunum Sodomeum) and the 
“Kangaroo Apple" (S. aviculare). The black Night-shade 
(S. nigrum) is seen sometimes in waste places. The fruits - 
of all are poisonous. The Foxglove or Figwort-family 
(Serophularinee) embraces two species of Veronicr or ** Speed- 
. well, the pretty little creeping Monkey flower (Mimulus repens). 
and the Hedge Hyssop (Gratiola Peruviana) which is supposed 
to be poisonous: both are fond of moist situations. 
é, 
The ** Lady’s Satchel” or * Hooded Milfoil” (Utricularia — 
D] mdichotoma), of the Lentibularie, is a delicate but beautiful 
little plant, seldom more than four or five inches in height, 
bearing deep violet-coloured blossoms, and well worthy of 
cultivation. Itis hard to'find, and must be looked for in 
sheltered spots amongst the long grass or rushes. 
The order Myoporinez is limited to the ** Blueberry tree” 
( Myoporum serratum and M. viscosum), which grow to large size 
and are capital shrubs for shelter purposes in exposed locali- 
ties. Three useful herbs are claimed by the Labiate family. 
These are the ** Common Horehound” (Marrubium vulgare), 
which is a good tonic and popular remedy for coughs and 
asthmatic complaints; the “ Self-heal” or **Heal.all" 
(Prunella vulgaris)—a valuable bitter and astringent, which is 
indigenous also in Europe—and the “ Slender Mint ” (Mentha 
gracilis), a decoction of which is often used with good effect as 
a tonic. From the latter, as from other species of mint, a 
2 | m Te 3 
THE GEELONG NATURALIST. Bo 
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