It is very much to be deplored that the Nicotiana glauca found its way into Australia. The only means to exterminate it seems to be uprooting it wherever it exists or appears, and to burn the dislodged plants at once, so as to prevent them shedding seeds while lying shrivelled on the ground. The leaves and young branches of the tree tobacco could be used for an infusion to serve as a sheepwash, where such is necessary, as doubtless nicotin1 is the poisonous principle in this species also.2
Nicotiana glauca
'nicotine' in the reprint in Dubbo liberal and Macquarie advocate, 31 July 1895, p. 3 (B95.07.07).
Harvey's letter continues 'One suggestion I have offered to Sir F. von Mueller is that information should be sought from Argentina and Uruguay, the native home of this plant as to —1. What use is made of the plant? 2. What is the best means of exterminating it?'. Harvey's letter to M not found.
Letter not found. The text given here (B95.07.02) is quoted in a letter dated 10 July to the Editor by R. R. Harvey, M.B., of Wentworth, headlined 'The tobacco tree', Australasian, 20 July 1895, p. 104. Harvey's letter commences, 'This plant, known as Nicotiana glauca, was originally introduced from South America for the purpose of planting on shifting sands, and is one more instance of disappointment in acclimatisation. Sir F. von Mueller, in response to an inquiry from me, says'.
Please cite as “FVM-95-07-00c,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on