Extended trials have shown that this plant (Symphytum peregrinum), although possessing great merits as an early fodder crop in cool and temperate countries, is physically unadapted for cultivation in hot countries. I quote the following statements—in addition to those published in last year's Report (pp. 12, 13)—from Australia and India.

Madras.—

The Agri-Horticultural Society report:—" Experiments with Prickly Comfrey have failed, the plants which were in the gardens, though receiving rather more than their fair share of attention, having one by one perished."

Saharunpore.—

Mr. Duthie reports:—" I do not believe that the conditions at Saharunpore as regards either climate or soil are favourable for the profitable cultivation of this plant. At Chajuri it thrives fairly well. Three crops were taken during the year from 35 roots growing 3 feet apart. The average weight of each crop was 30 lbs."

South Australia.—

Dr. Schomburgk reports from Adelaide:—"Prickly Comfrey has again been a thorough failure, and it is now a fact that this plant is of little use, at least on the South Australian plains."

"Prickly Comfrey" has been identified by Mr. Baker with a plant long known as naturalised in the neighbourhood of Bath, from which locality specimens are to be found in herbaria in this country under the name of Symphytum asperrimum.

The accompanying plate is borrowed from the Botanical Magazine, where, under Tab. 6466, an account of its botanical characers will be found. The knowledge of this plant and of its capabilities being now widely diffused, it will rot be necessary to refer to it again.

Bombay.—

Mr. Woodrow reports:—"Euchlœna luxurians produced a heavy crop of forage when treated as a garden plant, but not better than would be given by sugar-one in the same circumstances. When treated as a fixed crop, under the same conditions as Jowarœ, the produce was inferior to that crop."

Queensland.—

Mr. Valter Hill reports from Brisbane; —" The seeds received by me were duly planted, and grew both strong; nd healthy, flowering about the month of May. From the opportunity I have had of judging of its nutritve qualities, I am not of opinion that it can be grown to much advanage in this colony, the stalks appear to be too fibrous and hard to possess much nourishment. I shal, however, make further experiments."

Saharunpore.—

Mr. Duthie reports:—"As far as cultivation is concerned success has been complete. The majority were fine healthy plants, and an abundant supply of excellent seed was produced."

Singapore.—

Mr. Murton reports:—" This grass, although useful, does not bear out its reputation in the Straits. Large quantities of seeds have been distributed, but all accounts from the Native States state that it pays far better to grow maize, as the same ground that will grow Teosinte will produce excellent maize."

South Australia.—

Dr. Schomburgk reports from Adelaide that, notwithstanding the disastrous drought of the early part of 1879, the prevailing dryness did not injure the plants, showing not the slightest effect on their leaves, page 18 which preserved their healthy green, while the blades of the other grasses suffered materially. . . At the Government garden at Palmerston, in the Northern Territory, the growth of the Euchlcena has been surprising. In the course of five or six months the plants reached the height of 12 to 14 feet, and the stems on one plant numbered 56. The plants after mowing down grew again several feet in a few days. The cattle delight in it in a fresh state also when dry. Undoubtedly there is not a more prolific forage plant known. . . . I can recommend it as a most valuable summer forage plant in our dry climate, especially if it can be planted in a moist soil. The only drawback with us will be that the ripening of the seed crop will be problematical, as early frosts will kill the plant."

We are indebted to Dr. G. V. Perez for seed of this forage plant (Cytisus proliferus var.) It is a shrub indigenous to the Canaries, the leafy branches of which are said to be a useful fodder. It requires a light dry soil, and is rather intolerant of frost in winter. The plants should be placed six to ten feet apart, may be cut two or three times a year, and will last 10 to 20 years. Thirty-five pounds of fresh chopped Tagasaste mixed with 20 lbs. of chopped straw is said to be sufficient for the daily nourishment of a horse or cow. The seed is very slow in germinating.

The seed was pretty widely distributed from Kew. It is too soon to expect the results of trials at present.

Madras.—

Most of the seedlings died off after germination. Colonel Grant reports at commencement of present year:—"At present only two or three are looking healthy, and from them I should think very little fodder could ever be obtained."

South Australia.—

Dr. Schomburgk reports from Adelaide:—" The seeds were sown, and all came up. The growth of the plant is vigorous. Some of the plants having reached two to three feet, looking healthy, not in the slightest degree affected by the severe dry weather we have had to contend with. I have many plants for distribution."