Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

1881. F. McCoy, `Prodromus of the Zoology of Victoria,' Decade vi. pl. 103:

"The `Blackish Worm snake' is not uncommon in the northern warmer parts of the colony. . . . These worm snakes are perfectly harmless, although, like the Slow-Worms and their allies in other countries, they are popularly supposed to be very poisonous."

<hw>Sneeze-weed</hw>, <i>Myriogyne minuta</i>, Less., <i>Cotula</i> or <i>Centipeda cunninghamii</i>, De C., and many other botanical synonyms. A valuable specific for <i>Sandy-Blight</i> (q.v.).

1877. F. v. Mueller, `Botanic Teachings,' p. 58:

"The Sneeze-weed (<i>Cotula</i> or <i>Centipeda Cunninghamii</i>). A dwarf, erect, odorous herb . . . can be converted into snuff."

1886. Dr. Woolls, in `Sydney Morning Herald,' Dec. 25 (quoted by Maiden):

"Dr. Jockel is, I believe, the first medical man in Australia who has proved the value of <i>Myriogyne</i> in a case of ophthalmia. This weed, growing as it does on the banks of rivers and creeks, and in moist places,, is common in all the Australian colonies and Tasmania, and it may be regarded as almost co-extensive with the disease it is designed to relieve."

<hw>Snipe</hw>, <i>n</i>. The species of Snipe known in Australia are—<i>Scolopax australis</i>, Lath.; Painted S., <i>Rhynchaea australis</i>, Gould. This bird breeds in Japan and winters in Australia. The name is also used as in the quotation.

1888. D. Macdonald, `Gum Boughs,' p. 210:

"Along the shore are flocks of a species of bird which some sportsmen and the game-sellers in the city are pleased to call snipe. They are probably tringa, a branch of the sea-plover family."