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p. 28, No. 114). A belief in the emmenagogue properties of the leaves is common alike in India and China ; but neither in this nor in any other character does it appear worthy of attention as a medicine. In positions where ordinary surgical appliances are not at hand, it is well to bear in mind that, with very little manipulation, splints of any required length or size can be obtained with little delay from the stems of the bamboo. For this purpose the older drier stems are to be preferred, the younger yielding somewhat on pressure. A silicious concretion, Tabashir or Tabasheer, found in the articulations of the bamboo, merits a brief notice. The most complete account of its varieties, history, formation, and properties has been published by Sir David Brewster (Philosoph. Trans., 1819, and Edin. Journ. of Science, vol. .viii., p. 286) ; and in the same paper are embodied some learned remarks by Prof. H. H. Wilson on its nomenclature, and the uses to which it is applied by the natives, drawn from Sanskrit works. Several analyses of it have been made by Smithson, Fourcroy and Vauquelin, John, and Dr. E. Turner. The most recent and complete is that of Prof. T. Thomson, of Glasgow (Records of Gen. Science, Feb. 1836) who found its constituents to be, in 100 parts, Silica, 90.50 ; Potash, 1.10; Peroxide of Iron, 0.90 ; Aluminia, 0.40 ; Moisture, 4.87 ; Loss, 2.23. It is highly prized in native practice as a stimulant and aphrodisiac ; but from its composition we are warranted in believing that as a medicinal agent it is inert. (Madras Quart. Journ. of Med., April 1862, p. 245.) (Ph. Ind.)

The tender leaves of this plant used with black pepper and common salt to check diarrhœa in cattle. (Thornton, Monghyr.) The most efficacious application for dislodgment of worms in ulcers is a poultice made by pounding the young shoots of the bamboo. The juice is first poured on the vermin, and the ligneous mass is applied and secured by a bandage. (Hony. Surg. P. Kinsley, Madras.) The leaf-bud is used as decoction to encourage the free discharge of the menses or lochia when this is scanty. (Moodeliar, Madras.) Used in leprosy, fevers and hæmoptysis. (Thompson, Madras.)

Tamil practitioners say the root is diluent, the bark cures