Page:Hardwicke's Science-Gossip - Volume 1.pdf/292

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SCIENCE-GOSSIP.
[Dec. 1, 1865.

it fully acted up to its appearance. In Assam and also Kumaon are several other shrubby nettles with woody stems and troublesome stings. The Java stinging-nettle (U. stimulans) is also anything but a pleasant companion. But above all, the great Devil's-leaf Nettle of Timor (Urtica urentissima) has the reputation of being the most virulent. The effects are said to last for a year, or even to cause death.

Nearly all the nettles are possessed of a very strong and silky inner bark. The common nettle (U. dioica) has been used almost from time immemorial as a fibrous plant, and not only do the inhabitants of Siberia make from it the cordage for their

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