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 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES 
 
 OF ECONOMIC PLANTS 
 
A 
 
 l5 I C T I O N A R Y 
 
 of 
 
 Popular Names of the Plants which furnish the 
 
 Natural and Acquired Wants of Man, in all 
 matters of Domestic and General Economy. 
 
 Their History^ ProduEis^ ^ Uses 
 
 By JOHN smith, A.L.S. 
 
 AUTHOR OF ' HISTORIA FILICUM,' 'HISTORY OF BIBLE PLANTS,' ETC. ETC. 
 
 LONDON 
 
 Macmillan and Co. 
 
 1882 
 
Printed by R. & R. Clark, Ed'uihurgh. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In submitting this work to the notice of the public, 1 
 deem it proper to explain the sources from which I have 
 acquired the knowledge of the subjects of which it treats. 
 The greater part has been obtained during an official 
 connection of more than forty years with the Eoyal 
 Gardens, Kew, which afforded me the opportunity of 
 studying and becoming practically acquainted with the 
 largest collection of living plants, exotic and native, 
 ever brought together, not only as regards their cultiva- 
 tion and classification, but also with their properties and 
 uses, as known both by their scientific and popular 
 names. My knowledge of the latter has been greatly 
 increased by correspondence with collectors and curators 
 of Botanic Gardens abroad, and also through my having 
 taken an active part in assisting the late Sir W. Hooker 
 to establish and brinof too^ether the vast collection of 
 specimens of vegetable products which, begun in 1846, 
 now occupies three separate large buildings under the 
 name of the Kew Museum of Economic Botany. The 
 object of this collection is to show the practical applica- 
 tion of the use of plants, by which we learn the source 
 of the numerous products furnished by the vegetable 
 kingdom made use of by man in all matters of domestic 
 and general economy. 
 
 ^m^ 
 
vi PREFACE. 
 
 It is here necessary to state that my son, the late 
 Alexander Smith, having taken much interest in arrang- 
 ing the first specimens in the Museum, received, in 
 time, the appointment of curator ; from this office he 
 was in 1858 removed on account of ill health. 
 
 He early entertained the idea of TVTriting a work to 
 be entitled Economic and Commercial Botany ; with 
 that view he commenced taking notes of all matters 
 relating to the products and uses of plants ; and his 
 health having imjDroved, he made frequent visits to the 
 library of the British Museum, which enabled him greatly 
 to increase the number of his notes. At the time of his 
 death in 1865 his arranged notes occupied thirty octavo 
 volumes, besides manuscripts prepared for the press. 
 
 In order that his labours should not be altogether 
 lost, I selected sufficient matter to form a volume of 
 546 pages (published 1871), entitled Doinestic Botany, 
 consisting of two parts — the first being an introduction 
 to the study of botany, written in as plain language 
 as the subject permitted, and the second a systematic 
 arrangement of the families of plants, with a brief notice 
 of the character, nature, and number of species of each 
 family, followed by the popular and botanical names of 
 the principal species yielding products useful to man. 
 Learning that the latter part of the book was most 
 appreciated, I was led to undertake a revision of the 
 work, and in order to save an index, to arrange the 
 subjects in alphabetical order, adopting the English and 
 vernacular names by which plants and their products 
 are known in their respective countries. There being, 
 however, no written nomenclature of such names, it 
 becomes necessary for the correct identification of the 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 plants, to give their botanical names, and the name of 
 the natural family to which they belong, and by giving 
 the common name of the latter, with a brief description 
 of the species, I have made it possible for the uninitiated 
 in botany to form some idea of the nature of the plant 
 about which he is readino-. And in order that the 
 book may be also useful to the scientific botanist, I 
 have given a list of the genera noticed in the work, 
 which number 1163, under which are noticed about 
 1600 subjects. 
 
 With regard to the natural families adopted by me, 
 it is necessary to state that botanists differ widely in 
 the characters of families, some placing many genera 
 under one family which other botanists separate under 
 two or more. It is here only necessary to notice 
 the two latest general arrangements, the first being 
 The Vegetable Kingdom of Dr. Lindley, published 
 in 1853, in which he characterises 303 families; the 
 second, the Genera Plantaruni of Bentham and 
 Hooker, which commenced being published in 1862, 
 and is not yet completed, in which two, three, and 
 four of Lindley 's families are united under one — for 
 example, the Apple family (Pomaceae), with the Plum 
 family (Drupacese), are considered as tribes of the Eose 
 family (Kosacese). The reasons for such unions may be 
 readily understood by scientific botanists ; but for the 
 sake of simplicity, and not to perplex the unbotanical 
 reader with unnecessary botanical words, I have, as 
 hitherto, adopted the families as characterised by 
 Lindley. It is said that there are nearly 200,000 
 species of plants now known to botanists ; of that 
 number only a moiety are requisite to furnish man 
 
viii PREFACE. 
 
 with all his natural and acquired wants, which vary 
 according to climate. Such plants are generally termed 
 economical, which word must be accepted in its widest 
 sense — that is, not only as including plants that furnish 
 food, medicine, and clothing, but also those that furnish 
 materials for all mechanical and artificer's work, as also 
 ornamental and curious plants cultivated in gardens or 
 kept in museums, which to obtain forms an important part 
 of the trade and commerce with all countries. With reo^ard 
 to the adoption of common, or what are termed poj^ular, 
 names, it is unfortunate that many of them are vulgar 
 and undignified, and derogatory to the useful, pretty, 
 and curious plants which they designate, such as Aaron's 
 Beard, Jove's Beard, Job's Tears, Jacob's Ladder, Venus 
 Navelwort, Venus Looking-glass, Devil-in-a-bush, Fresh- 
 water Soldier, Mourning Widow, Adam's Needle, and Old 
 Man. It would be well if such names could be discarded, 
 but as they have been long familiar, we are left no 
 alternative but to adopt them. In many cases the 
 scientific names of plants have also become familiar — for 
 instance. Geranium, Pelargonium, Hydrangea, Calceo- 
 laria, Chrysanthemum, Amaranthus, Ehododendron, 
 Azalea, Fuchsia, and many others, are now as freely 
 spoken as if they were original words of our mother- 
 tongue ; such being the case, I have in the following 
 pages adopted the scientific name in cases having no 
 popular names. 
 
 With regard to the selection of the subjects which 
 form the work, many more might be given, such as 
 fancy plants of taste and reputed medical plants of 
 which the virtues of many are fanciful ; but to have 
 done so would have enlarged the book beyond the size 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 of an ordinary octavo volume. As now limited 1 trust 
 it will be found to contain sufficient interesting matter to 
 recommend it to the public in general, and especially to 
 merchants, educational establishments, public offices, and 
 cultivators of plants in general, and that it will be the 
 forerunner of a more extensive work. 
 
 In conclusion, I consider it my duty to thank Sir J. 
 D. Hooker for the loan of books, and to notice the great 
 assistance I have received from Mr. J. Jackson, the 
 Curator of the Museum of Economic Botany, Eoyal 
 Gardens, Kew, in preparing this work for the press and 
 in correcting proof-sheets, as also in furnishing many 
 new subjects. 
 
 In consequence of so many subjects being noticed 
 under two or more names, it is not improbable that 
 some repetitions and omissions of reference may be 
 found ; but I trust that such are few^, and that they 
 will not have the effect of lessening the credit of the 
 book. 
 
 JOHN SMITH, 
 
 Ex-Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew. 
 Kew, May 1882. 
 
DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES 
 
 OF 
 
 ECONOMIC PLANTS. 
 
 Abaca, a name in the Philippine Islands for the fibre of 
 Musa textilis, known as Manilla Hemp. {See Hemp.) 
 
 Abele, the Dutch name for the White Poplar. {See Poplar.) 
 
 Absinthe, an intoxicating liquor made from Artemisia dbsin- 
 tliium, an herbaceous plant of the Composite family (Compositse), 
 native of this country and Europe generally, familiarly known 
 by the name of Wormwood ; it is common in Switzerland. A 
 bitter extract is obtained from this species as well as from A. 
 judaicum, called Absinthe. Of this liquor millions of gallons are 
 yearly sent to France ; it is also largely manufactured in France, 
 and is drunk in large quantities by the French people. It 
 has an exhilarating effect, but its habitual use brings on gradual 
 diminution of the intellectual faculties, ending in delirium and 
 death. The French Government have found it necessary to 
 prohibit its use in the army and navy. In the Lamentations 
 of Jeremiah (chap. iii. verse 15) we read, "He hath made me 
 drunken with wormwood ;" if the rendering of these words is 
 accepted as written, we are led to conclude that a similar liquor 
 was in use in the time of Jeremiah. 
 
 Acacia, the name of an extensive genus of trees and 
 shrubs of the Mimosa section of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 
 varying in habit from furze-like shrubs to lofty trees. They 
 are widely distributed throughout the tropical and sub-tropical 
 regions of both hemispheres. Their leaves are normally com- 
 
 B 
 
 nOPERTY LIBRARY 
 
 M. C. State College 
 
2 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES ACACIA 
 
 pound winged, but in tlie greater number of tlie Australian 
 species the true leaves are suppressed, the foot-stalks performing 
 the function of the leaves (and termed Phyllodese), in some 
 cases being broad, of various forms, or long and linear, spiny 
 or heath-like. In some cases the true leaves are produced on 
 the apex of the broad i.rms. The flowers are produced in 
 compact globose heads or spikes, of various colours, generally 
 white, pink, or yellow, the latter being the predominant colour 
 in the Australian species. Their seed pods vary from simple 
 and straight to horn-like, or curved, or twisted like a screw. 
 As may be expected in such an extensive and varied genus, 
 their uses are manifold. In India the genus is represented by 
 about eighteen species of trees of various sizes and quality of 
 timber, of which those of special interest are noticed under their 
 respective local names, or of their products. (See, for example, 
 Gum Arabic, Algaroba, etc.) They are widely spread through- 
 out India, some attaining the height of 60, 80, and 100 feet, 
 especially in the forests of Pegu and Prome. In Western Asia 
 and Africa the genus is represented by gum -yielding species, 
 as A. arahica, A. caffra, A. capense, A. giraffce, A. horrida, A. 
 rohusta, A. Senegal, and A. Seijal, most of which are small- 
 sized thorny trees of forbidding aspect occupying vast tracts of 
 desert country. Various species of Acacia are also common 
 throughout the West Indies, tropical America, and the islands 
 of the Indian Ocean and Pacific, chiefly valued for their 
 timber. With regard to the Australian species, about 300 
 are recorded, of which (a few years ago) 96 formed part of 
 the Australian collection at Kew. They vary in habit from 
 furze and heath-like shrubs to trees 50 to 60 feet in heicrht. 
 In the greater number of species, as above stated, the true 
 leaves are suppressed, the principal ones with true leaves being 
 A, dealbata, A. decurrens, A. elata, A. florihunda, A. lophantha, 
 and A. mollissima, all beautiful and hard- wooded trees. They 
 are, however, fast disappearing from their native haunts, whole 
 districts being cleared for the sake of their bark, of which ship- 
 loads are being annually imported to this country for the use 
 
ACHOCON OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 3 
 
 of the tanner. In South Europe and Western Syria the genus 
 is represented by A. Julibrissin and A. Farnesiana, small trees 
 with compound winged leaves ; the first is said to extend east- 
 ward as far as China; it was introduced to Kew in 1745, and is 
 perfectly hardy, three oiiginal plants having withstood the cold 
 of January 1838, and producing hea^s of pink flowers yearly. 
 A. Farnesiana is a small tree, with compound winged leaves, 
 and globose heads of yellow, highly odoriferous flowers. There 
 is much uncertainty as to the native country of this tree ; in 
 Rortiis Kewensis it is said to be a native of San Domingo, and 
 introduced into Europe by John Tradescant in 1656 ; it, how- 
 ever, appears to have been cultivated at Eome earlier than the 
 above date, for it is noticed in a book published at Rome in 
 1625, entitled Alhini Hort. Farnesiana; and about 1763-65, 
 Linnffius, in Hort. Upsalensis, described and named it Mimosa 
 Farnesiana, which was afterwards, by Wildenow (1805), placed 
 in his genus Acacia, The tree is now common in the South of 
 Europe, both wild and cultivated. Another remarkable point 
 in the character of this plant is that it grows abundantly in the 
 valley of the Dead Sea, and there it is covered with the parasite 
 {Lorantlius acacim), which has beautiful scarlet flowers in such 
 abundance as at a distance to give to the trees the appearance 
 of being on fire. In Italy its sweet-scented flowers are mixed 
 with melted fat or olive oil, which becomes impregnated with 
 their odour, and constitutes the fine pomade called Cassie. The 
 plant is also largely cultivated on the flower-farms at Grasse 
 and Cannes for perfumery purposes generally. 
 
 Acacia, False. {See Locust Trees.) 
 
 Acanthus, Spiny {Acanthus spinosus), a strong - growing 
 perennial herb of the Acanthus family (Acanthacese), native of 
 Italy. Recorded to have been introduced to this country in 1629. 
 It has large, jagged, spiny leaves, a foot or more in length, wliich 
 are said to have furnished Calimanthus with the model for the 
 capital of the column of the Corinthian order of architecture. 
 
 Achocon, a name in Peru for Leonia glycycarpa. A large 
 tree of the Violet family (Violaceoe), native of Peru. It has 
 
4 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ACH-ROOT 
 
 alternate, oblong, acuminate, coriaceous leaves, and loose 
 panicles of yellow flowers. Its fruit is the size of a peach, 
 rough yellow, and filled with sweet soft pidp of the same colour. 
 It is held in much esteem by the Peruvians. 
 
 Ach-root, a name in India for the root of Morinda tindoria, a 
 small tree of the Cinchona family (Eubiacese). Used for dyeing. 
 
 Aconite, a common name for the species of Aconitum, a large 
 genus of perennial herbs of the Buttercup family (Ranunculacese), 
 with smooth, palmate, long-stalked leaves. Flowers in spikes, 
 calyx coloured, the shape of a helmet, containing five or more 
 amorphous petals, and three ovaries, which become many- 
 seeded follicles. Principally natives of Europe and Northern 
 Asia. About a dozen species have been introduced and culti- 
 vated in gardens for their showy flowers, the most common 
 being A. Napellus, familiarly known as Monk's-hood and Wolf's- 
 bane. Its showy blue flowers make it a favourite in cottage 
 gardens, but it and its allies are poisonous in the highest degree, 
 accidents having occurred through eating the leaves for parsley, 
 and death having frequently occurred from using the roots in 
 place of horse-radish. This can only happen when the stalks 
 and leaves have decayed, the two plants being totally unlike 
 one another, and the roots are very dissimilar ; tlie mistakes 
 have generally been caused through ignorance in digging up the 
 roots of Aconite instead of horse-radish. Much might be done 
 to prevent such mistakes by exhibiting in schoolrooms the 
 figures of the two plants, and the roots, their nature being ex- 
 plained by the teacher. Tlie chemical alkaloid called Aconitine 
 is obtained from the roots of this i^lant ; it possesses all the 
 virulent poisonous properties of the plant in a tenfold degree. 
 A. ferox is similar in habit to the preceding, native of Nepal 
 and some parts of the Himalayas. It is considered to exceed 
 the above in virulence, and is called by the natives Bish or 
 Bikh. They employ it to poison their arrows for shooting 
 tigers and other wild beasts, the least wound causing certain 
 death ; it is considered the most formidable poison in India. 
 Other allied species, natives of the Himalaya, are likewise strong 
 
AGALLOCHA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 5 
 
 poisons, and the roots are also known as Bikli. A. lycoc- 
 tonum, yellow-flowered Wolf's-bane, a common plant in the 
 [NTorth of Europe, is also poisonous. Linnaeus, in his History of 
 Lapland, says : "All over the country through which I passed 
 this day A. lycodonum was as common as heath ; as it is not 
 eaten by cattle it increases abundantly." 
 
 Adam's Apple, a fanciful name given to varieties of the 
 fruit of the Lime, belonging to the Orange family. 
 
 Adam's Needle, a common name for the different species of 
 Yucca, a genus of the Lily family (Liliacese), native of Mexico, 
 Southern United States, and other parts of America. Some 
 species are stemless, while Y. gloriosa and others have palmid 
 stems, which under favourable conditions in this country attain 
 the height of 4 to 6 feet, and 6 or more inches in diameter. 
 They are often branched, each branch being terminated by a 
 tuft of lanceolate or sword-shaped leaves, from which rises a 
 panicle 2 to 3 feet high, bearing large pendulous white flowers. 
 All the species contain a large quantity of fibre in their leaves 
 which is extensively used in the countries where they are 
 abundant. In Florida Y. filctmentosa is called Bear Grass. It 
 occupies extensive tracts of country ; its fibre is strong, and 
 used as a substitute for hemp. 
 
 Adder's Tongue, a common name for Ophioglossum vul- 
 gatum, a small one-leaved perennial herb of the Fern alliance, 
 native of this country, growing on moist banks and meadows. 
 Its leaves (fronds) are mucilaginous, and are used in the pre- 
 paration of salves. 
 
 Agallocha, a name in India for Excoecaria Agallochum, a 
 small tree of the Spurge family (Euphorbiacese), native of India, 
 generally found growing near the sea, abundant on the Sunder- 
 bunds of the Ganges. Its milky juice is very acrid, blisters 
 the skin, and is much dreaded by woodcutters. The wood is 
 used for making charcoal, but the smoke is injurious to the 
 eyes. It is also a native of some of the Polynesian Islands, 
 where it is as much dreaded by the natives as the manchineal of 
 America. In Fiji it is employed for the cure of leprosy, its 
 
6 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES AGALLOCHA 
 
 mode of application being very singular. The body of the 
 patient is first rubbed with green leaves ; he is then placed in a 
 small room and bound hand and foot, when a small fire is made 
 of pieces of the wood of this tree, from which rises a thick 
 smoke ; the patient is suspended over this fire, and remains for 
 some hours in the midst of the poisonous smoke and under 
 the most agonising torture, often fainting. When thorouglily 
 smoked, he is removed, and the slime is scraped from his body ; 
 he is then scarified and left to await the result. In some cases 
 he is cured, but frequently the patient dies under the ordeal. 
 
 Agallocha is also a name in India for Eagle-wood (which see). 
 
 Agar-agar. {See Ceylon Moss.) 
 
 Agaricus, the name of an extensive genus of the Fungi 
 family, of which the common mushroom is the type (which see). 
 
 Agave, the name of an extensive genus of the Narcissus 
 family (Amaryllidaceae), represented by the well-known plant 
 called American Aloe (which see). 
 
 Agave, Soap {A. sapo7ia7'ia), native of Mexico. Its roots are 
 saponaceous and used by the Mexicans as a substitute for soap. 
 
 Agrimony {Agrimonia Eupatorid), a strong-growing peren- 
 nial of the Eose family (Eosaceai), native of this country, 
 generally growing in meadows and on the margins of fields. It 
 is a powerful astringent, and was formerly used by herb doctors, 
 and even at the present day is prescribed by some practitioners. 
 
 Ailanto, the Chinese name of Ailantlius glandulosa, trans- 
 lated " Tree of Heaven," a tree of the Quassia family (Sima- 
 rubacese), native of China, introduced to Kew about 1751. At 
 the time the original Botanic Garden at Kew was broken up, 
 two trees, about a hundred years old, had attained the height of 
 60 or 70 feet. It is a large, spreading-headed, branching tree, 
 and when in leaf in summer is highly ornamental, and in France 
 and Italy it is much planted as a shade for public walks. It 
 has lately come into special notice on account of a species of 
 silkworm feeding on its leaves, and experiments have shown 
 that it might be turned to profitable advantage in this country. 
 Its wood has a beautiful yellow grain, and is used by cabinet- 
 
AKEE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 7 
 
 makers. Allied to tlie preceding is A. malaharicus, a tree 
 common in the forests of Cochin and Travancore. It yields a 
 resinous exudation, called Mutty Pal, which is used as incense. 
 
 Air Plants, a common name applied to plants growing on 
 trees, chiefly applied to many species of Avoids, Bromeliads, 
 and Orchids. 
 
 Ajowan, a name in India for the seeds of Carum (PtycJiotis) 
 ajowan. An annual plant of the Carrot family (Umbelliferoe), 
 with erect forking stem and few leaves, the lower ones being 
 cut into narrow segments. Its flowers are produced in small 
 umbels, consisting of only a few rays. It is cultivated in 
 Bengal for its seeds (fruit), which are small like caraways, and 
 remarkable for their strong smell of thyme, and are common in 
 the Indian bazaars. They are used both for culinary and 
 medical purposes, and have lately come into special notice in 
 this country and in Germany for the manufacture of Thymol, 
 enormous quantities of which are now made and used as an 
 antiseptic. 
 
 Aka, a New Zealand name for Metrosideros scandens, a climb- 
 ing epiphyte of the Myrtle family (Myrtace^e). It completely 
 envelops the tree on which it grows, which ultimately dies, and 
 the wood decays. The epiphyte remaining forms a hollow case. 
 
 Akee, the native name for the fruit of Blighia sapida, a tree 
 of the Soapberry family (Sapindaceae), native of Western tropical 
 Africa, early introduced into the West Indies, and now spread 
 into other tropical countries. It is common in Jamaica, and 
 forms a handsome tree 30 feet in height, having large, broad- 
 winged leaves, somewhat rough. Flowers produced in racemes 
 from the axis of the leaves. The fruit is a three-sided valved 
 capsule of a reddish colour, about three inches in length, con- 
 taining a yellowish pulpy aril, in which are embedded three 
 black seeds. In its raw state it is considered poisonous, but 
 cooking makes it wholesome. During the season large 
 quantities are brought to Kingston market (Jamaica). It is 
 liked by both Europeans and natives. It was introduced to 
 this country in 1793, and has fruited in the hothouses at Kew. 
 
8 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES ALDER 
 
 Alder {Alnus glutinosa), a tree of the Bircli family (Betu- 
 lacese), common in this country and throughout Europe. It 
 has soft wood, which soon decays, but is of great durability 
 when placed underground or in water. In some places it is 
 largely grown for making charcoal, which is used in the pre- 
 paration of inferior kinds of gunpowder. Bowls and other 
 domestic utensils are made of the wood. 
 
 Alerse, a name in Chili for Lihocedrus tetragona, a large tree 
 of the Cypress tribe of Coniferse, native of Chili. It is highly 
 valued for its timber, and forms an important article of export 
 trade from Chili. Its grain is so straight that it can be split into 
 boards that look as smooth as though they had been planed. 
 
 Alexanders {Smymium Olusatrum), a biennial of the Carrot 
 and Parsnip family (Umbelliferse), cultivated for its leaf-stalks, 
 which have a pleasant aromatic flavour, and at one time were 
 blanched and used instead of celery. The leaves were likewise 
 employed in flavouring soups. It is now, however, seldom if 
 ever cultivated, celery having taken its place. 
 
 Alexandrian Laurel. {See Butcher's broom.) 
 
 Algaroba, the Spanish name for the pods of several species 
 of Prosojpis, a genus allied to Acacia of the Bean family (Legumi- 
 nos9e), consisting of hard- wooded thorny trees seldom exceeding 
 30 feet in height, occupying extensive tracts in the western 
 countries of America from Peru to Colorado on the north. 
 They may be considered to represent the Acacia Seyal, A. 
 nilotica, and A. ardbica of Western Asia and Africa. Their 
 pods contain a sweet mucilage of the same nature as the carob 
 tree. In Peru P. clulcis — there called Paray (also common in 
 Mexico) — with P. horridus, occupies extensive tracts called 
 " pastures," a name consequent on the pods being extensively 
 used as food for cattle. The pods of P. d^ilcis are described as 
 from 20 to 24 inches long, enclosing black seeds embedded in 
 white pulp, which is sweet and is eaten by the natives. This 
 species has been by the Spaniards introduced to the Philippine 
 Islands, and thence to India. It is extensively planted in the 
 Madras Presidency by the sides of railways, and there called 
 
ALLIGATOR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 9 
 
 Manilla tamarinds. Prosopis glandulosa is an allied species ; 
 native of Texas, Colorado, and other parts of the Western 
 States, where it occupies vast tracts of country, and is known by 
 the natives as the Mesquit tree. It attains the height of 30 
 feet, and a diameter of 4 to 10 inches. Its wood is very hard and 
 durable, and well adapted for posts and other open-air purposes. 
 It yields a gum nearly equal to gum arable, which may be 
 collected in great abundance. It becomes white and semi- 
 transparent on exposure to the light. The pod is long, of the 
 form of the common bean, and contains a sweet mucilage, which 
 by fermentation and boiling furnishes a not unpleasant drink. 
 A meal is prepared by pounding the seeds or beans, wliich, 
 mixed with water, is made into a paste, then dried in the sun, 
 when it is used as an article of food, and will keep for a con- 
 siderable time. Another species, P, pubesceTis, is called the 
 Screw Bean, on account of its twisted pods, which also con- 
 tain a sweet pulp so full of saccharine matter that by boiling a 
 kind of molasses is obtained. The pods of these trees form an 
 important article of food to the native Indians in the places 
 where they grow, and are eagerly devoured by cattle. Conse- 
 quent on the yearly prairie fires, vast destruction has befallen 
 forests of these trees, especially west of the Colorado. 
 Algum, Tree of Scripture. {See Sandal- wood.) 
 Alkanet {Anchusa tinctoria), a strong-growing perennial of 
 the Borage family (Boraginacese), with pretty blue flowers, native 
 of the South of Europe, and cultivated in many parts for its roots, 
 which are imported from France and Germany. They yield a 
 red dye, and other colours are obtained by different mordants. 
 The red colour of the roots is readily extracted by alcohol. 
 All-heal. (See Valerian.) 
 
 Alligator Apple, a name in the West Indies for the fruit of 
 Anona palustris, a small tree of the Custard Apple family 
 (Anonacese). It is common in low lands near the sea, in many 
 of the islands near the Continent, and in tropical America. Its 
 fruit is not palatable to man, but alligators are extremely fond 
 of it, hence its name. 
 
10 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ALLIGATOR 
 
 Alligator Pear, a name in the West Indies for Persea 
 gratissima, a small tree of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). 
 A native of the West Indies and tropical America, attain- 
 ing the height of 20 or more feet. It produces an oblong, 
 pulpy fruit, about the size of a large pear. It is now com- 
 mon in the Mauritius and other hot countries, where, as 
 well as in the West Indies, it is much esteemed as a dessert 
 fruit. 
 
 AUmug, Tree of Scripture. {See Sandal- wood.) 
 . Allspice {Pimcnta officinalis), a small, bushy tree of the 
 Myrtle family (Myrtaceas), extensively cultivated in Jamaica 
 for the sake of its fruit. On the north side of the island 
 Pimento walks are found on a large scale, occupying many 
 acres. The fruits, which are of the size of currants, are gathered 
 before they are quite ripe, and in drying become of a brownish- 
 black colour ; they are then ready for the market. They par- 
 take of the smell and flavour of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. 
 They are used as a spice for flavouring food, and are also used 
 as a stimulant, and an oil is obtained by distillation equal to 
 oil of cloves. In Jamaica the berries are highly spoken of as a 
 substitute for tobacco, being odoriferous, but they require a long 
 pipe to smoke them, when they afford a treat unknown in 
 smoking tobacco. The berries of an allied species, P. acris, are 
 also called Pimento. 
 
 Almendor, or Almond, a name given in Brazil to Geoffroya 
 swperha, a tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having winged 
 leaves ; common in Brazil and Venezuela. Its fruit is a legu- 
 minous drupe about the size of a walnut, with a greenish-yellow 
 downy rind and a fleshy pulp enclosing a hard, nut-like seed. 
 It is boiled and used as food by the Indians, and the kernel of 
 the nut is also eaten. It grows abundantly on the Island of 
 San Pedro, on the Eio San Francisco, and forms the principal 
 food of the natives. Humboldt, who saw it in Venezuela, 
 describes it as a magnificent tree, having glossy leaves and a 
 great abundance of yeUow flowers ; he also says the wood is 
 hard and takes a fine polish. 
 
ALMOND OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 11 
 
 Almond Tree (Prunus amygdalus, or Amygdalus communis) , 
 a low, spreading tree of the Almond family (DrupaceaB). It is a 
 native of Western temperate Asia, and early became widely 
 spread over the Mediterranean countries of Europe and Africa, 
 and according to Dr. Turner's Lists of Herhs, it appears to have 
 been cultivated in this country in the middle of the sixteenth 
 century. It is one of our earliest spring flowering trees, and its 
 numerous pink flowers opening before the leaves make it 
 highly ornamental in shrubberies ; its fruit sets and attains its 
 proper size, but our summers are not warm enough to bring it 
 to perfection. Although there is only one species, nevertheless 
 there are two kinds, one producing sweet almonds, the other 
 bitter. The sweet almond is greatly used for dessert and con- 
 fectionery, the part eaten being the two seed lobes (the kernel), 
 whioh is nutty and sweet. An oil is obtained from both the bitter 
 and sweet kinds ; the bitter is one of the most virulent poisons 
 known, its principle being Prussic Acid. A preparation termed 
 Essence of Almonds is prepared from it, which is used in per- 
 fumery and confectionery, but great caution is necessary in its 
 use. Almonds form an extensive article of commerce, large 
 quantities coming from Spain, chiefly from Valencia. The best 
 Jordan almonds, so called, come from Malaga, none now come, 
 as formerly, from the valley of the Jordan ; the bitter almonds 
 come principally from Mogador in Morocco. The Almond Tree 
 in its natural state seldom exceeds 15 feet in height, but when 
 grafted on the plum it attains the height of 20 to 30 feet, with 
 a trunk 8 to 10 inches in diameter, and in the South of France 
 it is still higher. The wood is hard, of a reddish colour, and 
 used for veneering. 
 
 Almond Tree, African {Brdbejum stellatum), a shrub of the 
 Protea family (Proteacese), native of South Africa; it attains 
 the height of 4 to 6 feet. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 
 about 4 inches in length, slightly serrate, and produced in 
 whorls. The fruit is a hard follicle, containing a single kernel, 
 like an almond, which is roasted by the natives, and tastes like 
 an almond or chestnut. 
 
12 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES AOIOND 
 
 Almond Tree, Java {Canarium commune), a large tree of 
 the Myrrh family (Burseracese), native of India, Malay, and 
 other islands of the Malay Archipelago, in many of which it is 
 cultivated for the sake of its fruit, which is a three-sided drupe 
 containing generally only one perfect seed, which tastes like an 
 almond. They yield an oU. {See Elemi.) 
 
 Aloe, a genus of succulent plants of the family Liliaceffi, 
 numbering about 150 species, chiefly natives of the Cape of 
 Good Hope and the African Islands. They vary considerably 
 in habit and size, which has led modern botanists to arrange 
 them under separate genera; true Aloes, including the tall 
 species, attaining the height of 6 to 10 feet, of which A. 
 africana is the type. Gasteria contains a number of short- 
 stemmed or stemless species, with thick, short leaves, of which 
 the well-known Partridge-breast Aloe {A. variegata) is an ex- 
 ample. Haivortliia contains smaller species, generally stemless, 
 a few with smooth entire, but the greater number with spiny- 
 margined leaves. The purgative drug called Bitter Aloes is 
 the hardened juice which runs spontaneously from the leaves 
 when wounded of Aj.. vulgaris and others ; but the best is 
 obtained from A. succotrina, which abounds in, and gives a 
 character to, the small island of Socotra at the mouth of the 
 Eed Sea. Aloes have long been favourites with amateur 
 cultivators. The Kew collection a few years ago consisted of 
 between 90 and 100 species. 
 
 Aloe, American (Agave americana), a large succulent-leaved 
 plant of the Narcissus family (Amaryllidacese). A native of 
 Mexico and Central America, naturalised in Southern Europe, 
 many parts of Africa, Western Asia, Southern India, and other 
 parts. It is well known in the gardens of this country, and is 
 said to have been introduced about the middle of the sixteenth 
 century. The variety with golden-striped foliage is the greatest 
 favourite. This plant has long enjoyed the reputation of pro- 
 ducing its flowers but once in a hundred years, and that when 
 it did so it made a report like a gun. The truth is, that a plant 
 may be forty or fifty years of age before it does flower, and 
 
ALOE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 13 
 
 formerly, there being but few plants in the country, the report 
 of its being in bloom spread rapidly ; this accounts for the 
 latter part of the rather fanciful tale. The flower-stem grows 
 at a rapid rate, often 6 inches per diem, attaining the height 
 of 20 to 30 feet, bearing numerous flowers. The plant, after 
 flowering, dies, but previous to this it throws up numerous 
 suckers, by which the species is propagated. In Mexico it 
 forms impenetrable fences, and is moreover of great importance 
 to the inhabitants, affording their national drink, " Pulque," 
 which is obtained by cutting out the young flower-bud, when 
 the cavity becomes filled with liquor, which is collected daily. 
 It contains a large quantity of sugar, and after fermentation 
 an intoxicating spirit is made from it. The odour of the beverage 
 is disagreeable to Europeans, but the repugnance once overcome, 
 it is relished. 
 
 There are many species of this genus yielding fibre, such as 
 A.fcetida and vivipara, the latter having a stem 2 to 4 feet high. 
 They are common throughout Venezuela, New Grenada, and 
 other parts of tropical America, being known by the name 
 Maguey. Their thick, fleshy leaves contain a large quantity 
 of strong fibre, the cleaning and preparation of which forms a 
 native occupation, and the fibre an important article of trade. 
 It is known as Pita thread, and is useful for making ropes, 
 mats, and for many articles of domestic use. The flower-stems 
 become dry and hard, and, containing sand, they make good 
 razor-strops, as do also those of A. americana. Allied to this is 
 the genus Foitrcroya, of which there are several species, all 
 natives of the same country as Agaves, their leaves yielding 
 fibre. The most remarkable is Foitrcroya longeava, a native of 
 Mexico. Its stem rises 20 to 30 feet high, or more according to 
 age, and is 12 inches in diameter, with erect arms or branches 
 near the top, each terminated by a crown of lanceolate glaucous 
 leaves. The flower-stem rises from the centre of the crowns 20 
 to 30 feet high, bearing numerous pale flowers. It forms a 
 peculiar feature in the landscape. Some years ago two plants 
 of F. vivipara formed conspicuous objects in the conservatory at 
 
U DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ALTHEA 
 
 Kew, both producing flower-stems at the same time, which grew 
 to the height of 36 feet, bearing numerous viviparous buds. 
 
 Althea Frutex, an old garden name for HibisciLS syriacus, 
 better known by the name of Syrian Eose, belonging to the 
 Mallow family (Malvaceae), native of Syria ; a stiff, branched, 
 deciduous shrub, leaves tri-lobed, flowers strong, red, purple, 
 yellow, and white. Introduced at the end of the sixteenth 
 century. It is one of the very few shrubby species of the 
 family hardy in this country. 
 
 Alum -root, a name in North America for Heuchera ameri- 
 cana, a herb of the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). It is 
 astringent, and said to possess medicinal properties. 
 
 Amadou. {See German Tinder.) 
 
 Amanita {Amanita muscaria), formerly Agaric^is muscarius, 
 a fungus of the Mushroom family (Fungi), native of this country, 
 Europe, and JSTorthern Asia. Its pileus is bright red, the size of 
 a large mushroom, studded with white or yellowish warts ; it is 
 highly poisonous. In Siberia and Kamschatka, where it is 
 common, it is collected, strung on strings, and dried ; it is then 
 said to lose its poisonous properties, and is used as an article of 
 food. Its most important use in these countries is for its 
 intoxicating properties. The usual mode of taking the fungus 
 is to roll it up in a ball and swallow it without chewing ; the 
 desired effect comes on two hours after taking it. Pleasing 
 emotions are first produced, involuntary words and actions 
 follow, and sometimes an entire loss of consciousness. When 
 not taken in overdose it proves highly stimulant to muscular 
 exertion. Its effects on the nervous system are often ludicrous ; 
 the patient, for example, taking a long spring to jump over a 
 straw as though it were a log of wood. In this country tlie 
 Amanita, steeped ui syrup, is used for the destruction of house 
 flies. 
 
 Amaryllis, the botanical and familiar English name of an 
 extensive, pretty-flowering genus of bulbous herbs of the Nar- 
 cissus family (Amaryllidacese), chiefly natives of Brazil, largely 
 cultivated in this country. The well-known Belladonna Lily 
 
ANCHOVY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 15 
 
 {Amaryllis helladonna) and Guernsey Lily {A. Sarniensis) are 
 natives of the Cape of Good Hope, naturalised in Guernsey, 
 irom whence their bulbs are yearly imported to this country. 
 Amber. (See Gum Copal.) 
 
 Amber Tree, the common South African name for Antho- 
 spermum cethiopiciom, a shrub or small tree of the Cinchona 
 family (Eubiacese) ; it has linear smooth leaves and small 
 flowers ; the male and female on different plants. It is an old 
 inhabitant of greenhouses in this country, but possesses no 
 special interest. 
 
 Ammoniacum, a gum-resin produced by Doreina ammonia- 
 cicm, a perennial of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse). It is a 
 native of Persia and Western India. It attains the height of 
 6 to 7 feet, and has large compound leaves. The stem, when 
 punctured artificially, or naturally by insects, yields a milky 
 juice, which hardens and becomes Gum Ammoniacum. It is an 
 opaque, cream-coloured gum, used in medicine as a stimulant. 
 
 Anacahuite-wood. — Under this name, about the year 1860, 
 a kind of wood was imported from Tampico, in Mexico ; it was 
 said to be a specific for consumption, and was much sought 
 after, especially by the Germans ; and although 10,000 lbs. 
 of the wood have been imported into Bremen and Hamburg, 
 and sold at a high rate, it nevertheless at that time fell far 
 short of the demand. Its healing properties are, however, not 
 well authenticated. It is said to be the wood of Cordia Boisseri, 
 a tree of the Sebesten family (Cordiaceae), native of Mexico. 
 
 Anchovy Pear (Grias cauUfiora), a slender, tall, unbranched 
 tree of the Barringtonia section of the Myrtle family (Myrtacese), 
 attaining the height of 40 to 50 feet, terminated by a crown of 
 smooth elliptical leaves, 2 to 3 feet in length. Its large 
 white flowers are produced on the stem below the leaves, and 
 are succeeded by a large fleshy fruit, of an elliptical ovate form, 
 which in flavour much resembles the mango ; while unripe it is 
 made into a pickle. It is a native of the West Indies, and 
 abundant in Jamaica. In the Palm-house at Kew a plant 25 
 feet high produced pendulous leaves 4 feet in length by 1 foot 
 
16 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ANDROMEDA 
 
 in breadth, and probably it is the largest -leaved exogenous 
 tree known. 
 
 Andromeda, a botanical and familiar name of an extensive 
 genus of shrubs and small trees of the Heath family (Ericaceae), 
 natives of Northern Asia, America, and Europe. Many have 
 been introduced into this country, the North American species 
 being hardy, and forming ornamental evergreen shrubs. A. 
 arhorea has elliptical acute leaves that are bitter, hence it is 
 known by the name of Sorrel Tree. A. 'jpoUfolia is the only 
 British species, being found in some of the mountainous districts 
 of Scotland ; it is a neat-growing plant, about a foot in height, 
 reputed to be poisonous to sheep. In Nepal, Sikkim, and other 
 parts of Western Himalaya, A. ovalifolia is highly poisonous to 
 goats and sheep, and when employed as fuel the smoke causes 
 the eyes and face to inflame. 
 
 Anemone, the name of a genus of perennial herbs of the 
 Buttercup family (Eanunculaceae), of which there are a consider- 
 able number of species, widely dispersed throughout the tem- 
 perate regions of the northern hemisphere, of which three are 
 natives of Britain — namely, the White-flowered Wood Anemone 
 {A. nemorosa) ; the Blue -flowered {A. apennina) ; and A. 
 ^Pulsatilla, known as the Basque Elower. A. eoronaria, native 
 of South Europe, has large, coloured flowers, of whicli there are 
 many double varieties, and is a favourite with florists. 
 
 Angelica {Angelica ArcJmngelica), a biennial herb of the 
 Carrot family (Umbelliferce). It has parsnip -like leaves, and 
 grows to the height of 3 to 4 feet. It is a native of this 
 country. The leaf-stalks are candied, and known as Candied 
 Angelica. The roots are aromatic. It is also called Arclian- 
 gelica officinalis. 
 
 Angelica Tree {Amlia spinosa), a smaU tree of the Ivy 
 family (Araliacese), native of the Southern United States. The. 
 plant shoots up many straight, shrubby, unbranched stems, 
 naked and prickly below, bearing a crown of large compound 
 pinnate leaves, like a palm or tree-fern. It sometimes attains 
 the size of a small tree, 10 to 12 feet high ; but in good soil it 
 
ANISE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 17 
 
 is said to attain the height of 30 to 40 or even 60 feet, with a 
 diameter of 3 to 12 inches. The bark when bruised emits an 
 aroma like Angelica. It is used medically as an emetic and 
 purgative, and is a reputed remedy for the bite of the rattlesnake. 
 
 Angustura Bark {Galipea cusparia), a tall, trifoliate-leaved 
 tree of the Eue family (Eutacese), native of North Brazil and 
 Venezuela. The bark is febrifugal, and said to be equal to qui- 
 nine. The extract of the bark forms the basis of the bitters so 
 highly esteemed in the United States. As an aromatic bitter 
 it stimulates the appetite, and is a remedy in diarrhoea. Poison- 
 ous effects have been the result of the use of some of the 
 Angustura bark of commerce, which had been derived from 
 spurious trees, strychnos nux vomica being one. {See Nux 
 Vomica.) 
 
 Anise-seed {Pimpinella anisiim), an annual of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), native of the South of Europe, where it is 
 cultivated, as well as in this country, for the seeds (fruits) which 
 are used in confectionery, and a well-known cordial called 
 Aniseed is made from them. 
 
 Anise, Star, a name given to the fruit of Ulicmm anisatum, 
 an evergreen, smooth-leaved shrub of the Magnolia family 
 (Magnoliacese), native of China, attaining the height of 8 or 10 
 feet. It derives its name from the carpels of the fruit being 
 united in a circle, representing a star about an inch in diameter. 
 It is highly aromatic, and is in great repute in China and other 
 countries of the East, where it is used as a condiment, and is 
 imported to Europe for flavouring spirits, as well as for medi- 
 cinal purposes. It is said by the native doctors to be stomachic 
 and carminative. Its pungent and aromatic flavour and odour is 
 due to the presence of a volatile oil, which is obtained from it 
 by distillation, and is similar to that of common Anise-seed 
 oil. /. religiosum, a pretty, smooth-leaved evergreen shrub or 
 small tree, native of Japan ; is held sacred by the Japanese, 
 who form wreaths of the flowers with which to decorate the 
 tombs of their deceased friends ; the fragrant bark is also 
 used as incense before their deities. Powdered, it is burned in 
 
18 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ANTIDOTE 
 
 tubes, graduated to mark tlie time. Its fruit is considered 
 poisonous. /. floridanmn, an evergreen shrub allied to the 
 preceding, is a native of Florida, and other Southern States ; it 
 possesses also aromatic properties, but the leaves are said to be 
 poisonous, and on that account it is named Poison Bay. 
 
 Antidote Cocoon, a name in Jamaica for Fcuillcea cordifolia, 
 a climber of the Gourd family (Cucurbitacese). It is a native 
 of Jamaica, and ascends to the top of the highest trees ; its stem 
 is permanent, and clings to the trees by tendrils. It has palmate 
 leaves ; the fruit is globular, 4 or 5 inches in diameter, and con- 
 tains flattened round seeds, about 2 inches across, which are used 
 for the cure of snake-bites. An oil is also expressed from them, 
 but more abundantly from an allied species, native of Peru. 
 
 Apple {Pyrus Mains), a tree the type of the Apple family 
 (Pomacese). It is recorded to grow wild in Western Upper 
 India, the regions of the Caucasus, Armenia, and some parts of 
 Europe, and as carbonised apples have been found in the deposit 
 remains of the prehistoric lake - cities of Switzerland, it is 
 evident that they were then used as food ; it is presumed that 
 they were the fruit of the wild apple tree that we term Crabs. 
 Greek and Eoman history tells us that the apple tree was early 
 known in these countries, and that it was introduced into Pome 
 in the time of Appius Claudius (449 B.C.) According to Pliny 
 the younger, who flourished during the end of the first and the 
 beginning of the second centuries, it was grown in orchards ; he 
 speaks of twenty-two distinct kinds under the names of 
 Claudians, Pompeians, etc. We learn further that the art of 
 grafting was then practised, as he mentions crabs as small and 
 sour ; it shows that good apples were then cultivated at Eome, 
 the sorts being known by the general name of ''Pomum Malum:' 
 
 It is supposed that apple trees were early introduced into 
 Britain by the Pomans, but it is not very clear how and when 
 the fruit received the name of Apple. Dr. Prior, in liis Deriva- 
 tion of Names of British Plants, considers Apple to be an Anglo- 
 Saxon word, and to have come from the Norse (old Danish) 
 Appel, supposed to have been derived from a more ancient 
 
APPLE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 19 
 
 name, Apalis. Another authority considers it to be derived from 
 the Celtic word Abhal, which means a round body or ball. In 
 early periods of English history there appear to have been 
 different kinds of apples, each known by special names ; one of 
 the earliest recorded is the sort called " Pearmain." In the reign 
 of King John (1199) Eobert de Evemere held his estate by the 
 annual payment of 200 pearmains and 4 hogsheads of wine made 
 of pearmains. Another sort called " Costard " was extensively 
 cultivated in the reign of Edward I. (1272), and being sold in the 
 streets of London, it is supposed that the origin of the word coster- 
 monger is a corruption of the word custard or costard. During 
 the last hundred years many fine varieties have been obtained, 
 and are now largely cultivated throughout all temperate coun- 
 tries, in both northern and southern hemispheres. 
 
 In the Eoyal Horticultural Society's catalogue, published a 
 few years ago, 1500 sorts are recorded ; but it is only a small 
 portion of that number that are found worthy of cultivation. 
 Although apples are abundantly produced in this country, 
 nevertheless, the supply falls far short of the demand, and they 
 are brought to us in large quantities from the Continent, the 
 United States and Canada, fine apples coming from Nova 
 Scotia, and shipments yearly take place from the United States 
 to India and other warm countries, thus showing that the apple 
 is a universal favourite. Cider is the fermented juice of the 
 apple, and is largely made in the principal apple-growing 
 counties of England. Besides that just described, the term 
 Apple is applied to the fruit of between twenty and thirty 
 different kinds of plants — as, for example, Adam's Apple, 
 Custard Apple, Mammee Apple, May Apple, Love Apple, Thorn 
 Apple, etc., all of which will be found noticed under their 
 respective names. 
 
 Apple of Scripture. — It appears that in the time of 
 Solomon a tree grew in Palestine that produced fruit of a 
 golden colour, sweet-scented and delicious to the taste, the 
 Hebrew name of which was Tappuach, in the Greek transla- 
 tion of the Bible rendered melon, the Greek name of the fruit 
 
20 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES APRICOT 
 
 we call apple or other globose fruit ; but as our apple tree is not 
 a native of Palestine, and therefore unknown in the time of 
 Solomon, and evidently unknown to the translators; they 
 nevertheless appear to have considered it to be the melon, in 
 Latin rendered malum, and stands as such in the Vulgate Bible, 
 which the English translators have rendered apjple, the fruit of 
 Pyrus Jfa/^is, which, as already stated, is not a native of Palestine. 
 The question therefore arises. What was the tree that produced 
 the golden, sweet-scented, and delicious fruit spoken of in 
 Proverbs and the Song of Solomon ? Canon Tristram considers 
 it to have been the Apricot (which see). 
 
 Apricot {Prunus Armeniaca), a bushy tree of the Almond 
 family (Drupaceae), a native of Armenia. It early became 
 domesticated in the countries of the Mediterranean; and, 
 according to Turner's Zist of Hcrls, it was cultivated in this 
 country in the middle of the sixteenth century. It is more 
 hardy than the peach, and in the neighbourhood of London the 
 fruits come to perfection on standard trees ; but the crop is pre- 
 carious on account of its early flowering. In Syria, Apricots are 
 dried in large quantities and exported to Egypt, under the name 
 of Mishmush. They are also pressed together, and rolled out 
 into thin sheets 2 or 3 feet long, and are called " Moon of the 
 Faithful," the appearance of which a traveller lilvcns to a black- 
 smith's apron. Both the preparations form a considerable article 
 of food, and are very palatable when stewed. The Apricot is 
 abundantly wild in the hilly country of Palestine. Canon 
 Tristram considers the fruit of the Apricot to be the apples 
 of the English Bible. {See Apple Tree.) In support of this 
 view he says — "The apricot is most abundant in the Holy 
 Land ; everjrwhere it is common in highlands and low- 
 lands alike, by the shores of the jSIediterranean and on the 
 banks of the Jordan, in the nooks of Judea, under the heights 
 of Lebanon, in the recesses of Galilee, and in the glades of 
 Gilead, the Apricot flourishes and yields a crop of prodigious 
 abundance; its branches ladened with its golden fruit may well 
 be compared to ' apples of gold,' and its pale leaves to ' pictures 
 
ARAUCARIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 21 
 
 of silver.' ' Many times have we pitched our tents in its shade ;' 
 thus verifying the words, ' I sat down under his shadow with 
 great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.' " Upon this 
 evidence he considers the Apricot tree to meet all the require- 
 ments of the context, and that it is the only tree in Palestine 
 that does so. 
 
 Arar, a name in Morocco for Callitris qicadrivalvis. (See 
 Sandarach.) 
 
 Araucaria, a genus of trees of the Pine family (Coniferse), 
 so called from the Araucarians, a race of people living in the 
 Andean regions of Chili, where the genus is represented by 
 Araucaria imhricata, a tree attaining the height of 100 or more 
 feet. This remarkable plant was first introduced into this 
 country in 1794, living plants having been brought home by 
 Archibald Menzies, surgeon and botanist in Vancouver's voyage 
 of survey. At a dinner given by the Viceroy of Chili to the 
 officers of the ship, part of the dessert consisted of some kind 
 of nuts, which being strange to Menzies, he took some of them 
 on board the ship and sowed them in a box of earth, where they 
 vegetated, and five plants were safely brought to England. One 
 of these plants is still growing at Kew, another at Windsor 
 Castle, and a third at Dropmore, the latter having outgrown the 
 other two, and is now a fine tree 60 feet high. Thirty years 
 later a number of young plants were introduced by the Horti- 
 cultural Society, and great importations followed, and thousands 
 of plants were distributed by nurserymen throughout the 
 country, many of them becoming fine trees ; but a great number 
 in certain localities succumbed to the severity of the winters of 
 1866 and 1867 ; the original Kew and Dropmore trees were 
 comparatively uninjured. The following species are now known, 
 all of which have been introduced, and fine specimens of them 
 are in the greenhouses at Kew, being too tender to live in the 
 open air. 
 
 A. hrasiliensis is a native of the Organ Mountains of 
 Brazil, and has the general appearance of the above, but its 
 leaves are less in size and not so closely imbricated ; and, alto- 
 
22 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ARBOR 
 
 wether, it is apparently a more slender tree. It was introduced 
 in 1819. 
 
 A. Bidwillii, a native of Queensland, where it forms exten- 
 sive forests in the interior. Its nuts form an important 
 article of food to the natives, who call the tree the Bunya 
 Bunya, and who migrate to the forest at the season when the 
 nuts are perfect, each tribe or family having allotted to them a 
 certain number of trees, which are retained from year to year, 
 and any one taking nuts from trees not their own are punished. 
 It was feared that in time they would be deprived of this 
 important article of food by the settlers cutting down the trees. 
 To prevent this, the Government have deemed it necessary to 
 take the forests under their charge, and appoint an inspector. 
 The leaves of these three species are rigid, rusciform, and openly 
 imbricate. In the following the leaves are flat, awl-shaped, and 
 imbricate, characteristic of spruce firs. 
 
 A. Ciinninghamii, called Moreton Bay Pine, first observed 
 by Allan Cunningham in 1826, in the country now called 
 Queensland, and found abundantly on many parts of the coast 
 and adjacent islands. 
 
 A. excelsa, called Norfolk Island Pine, native of that 
 island. In the early settlement trees were found 200 to 250 
 feet high. It was introduced to the Pioyal Gardens, Kew, in 
 1793. 
 
 A. CooJcii, native of the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia. It 
 was discovered by Captain Cook in his second voyage of 
 discovery in the South Seas, and introduced to Kew in 1858. 
 According to Cook's account this is probably the tallest species 
 of the genus. 
 
 A. Rulei, also a taU tree native of New Caledonia. Dis- 
 covered by William Duncan, a gardener in the service of Mr. 
 Eule of Melbourne, whose name it bears.- Introduced 1860. 
 
 Arbor Vitae, the common garden name for the species of 
 Thuja, a genus of the Cupressus section of the Pine family 
 (Coniferae). T. orientalis and T. occidentalis are well known in 
 this country as bushy shrubs, sometimes becoming tree-like, 20 
 
ARBUTUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 23 
 
 to 30 feet high. T. orientalis is a native of China. In some parts 
 of Central Asia it attains a circumference of 15 feet and a height 
 of 36 feet; introduced in 1752. T. occidentalis is a native 
 of North America, recorded to have been introduced about the 
 end of the sixteenth century. Thuja as a genus originally con- 
 sisted of other species besides those mentioned, which are now, 
 however, separated under different genera. Of these may be 
 mentioned Thuja articidata of North Africa, now Callitris 
 quadrivalviSy Thuja tetragona and T. chilensis, natives of Chili, 
 and T. Doniana, native of New Zealand — all large trees, which 
 are now placed in the genus Libocedrus. (See Sandarach.) 
 
 Arbutus, the name of a genus of trees and shrubs of the 
 Heath family (Ericaceae), the greater number of the species are 
 natives of America and widely dispersed, extending from Cali- 
 fornia through Mexico to Chili, and represented in the eastern 
 hemisphere by A. Unedo and A. andrachne. The first is common 
 in the Canary Islands and Madeira, and is now naturalised in the 
 South of Ireland ; it forms an ornamental shrub in the gardens 
 of this country, well known by the name of Strawberry Tree, 
 its pretty bell -shaped flowers being succeeded by red fruits 
 resembling strawberries, but unpalatable, as indicated by the 
 specific name of " unedo," which means eat one, indicating that 
 one is sufficient for a man. A. andrachne, a native of the 
 Levant, is similar to the preceding in habit but has broader 
 leaves. During a series of mild winters they form small trees, 
 but in severe weather, such as occurred in 1838, all were killed 
 to the ground, but on again breaking forth they became bushy 
 shrubs. A. procera, a native of California, is hardy, and forms 
 a very ornamental small tree. As originally characterised by 
 Linnaeus, Arhutus contained two species, native of this country, 
 namely A. alpina and A. Uva-ursi ; they differ from the preced- 
 ing, being small -leaved procumbent plants, not exceeding a 
 few inches in height, which, with a slight technical difference 
 in the character of their flowers, has led modern botanists to sepa- 
 rate them as a distinct genus, under the name of Arctostaphylos. 
 They are natives of the mountains of Scotland. Arhutus 
 
24 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ARECA 
 
 alpina has black berries, and A. Uva-ursi red, and is known by 
 the name of Bearberry. 
 
 Areca Palm. {See Betel Nut.) 
 
 Argan Tree {Argania sideroxylon), a low spreading bush or 
 small tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), having small 
 leaves. It is a native of Morocco and western parts of North 
 Africa. The fruit is usually about the size of a small plum, 
 but varies very much both in size and shape ; it is so abundant 
 that it is collected and used for feeding cattle, the skin and 
 pulp being much relished ; but in chewing the cud they eject 
 the hard kernels, which are collected and crushed, when an oil 
 is obtained from them. Introduced to this country about 170 
 years ago, but is not sufficiently hardy to stand in the open air ; 
 a plant growing against the wall at Kew was destroyed by the 
 cold of January 1 838. 
 
 Argel, or Arghel, an Arabian name for Soleiiostemma Argel, 
 a perennial herb of the Swallowwort family (Asclepiadacese), 
 native of Arabia and Egypt, where its leaves are said to be used 
 for adulteratinsj senna. 
 
 Arnatto {Bixa Orcllana), a small tree with heart-shaped 
 leaves of the Indian Plum family (Bixacese), originally a native 
 of South America, but now dispersed throughout tropical regions 
 generally. The fruit is a dry prickly husk, about an inch in 
 length, consisting of two valves ; when ripe of a brown colour ; 
 the seeds are numerous, covered with orange - coloured pulp, 
 which hardens when dry, and being separated from the seeds 
 forms the Arnatto of commerce. The Indians of Guiana and 
 other parts of tropical America paint their bodies with it. In 
 this country it is used by silk-dyers and varnish-makers, also 
 for colouring cheese, cream, and chocolate. 
 
 Arracacha. {See Carrot.) 
 
 Arrack. {See Wine Palm.) 
 
 Arrowhead, a common name for {Sagittaria sagitifolia) a 
 perennial aquatic herb of the Water Plantain family (Alismaceae), 
 native of Britain, common on the undisturbed banks of the 
 Thames near London. It has a fleshy corm varying in size, 
 
 _ x^ II 
 
ASAFCETIDA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 25 
 
 some as large as a small hen's egg, from the apex of which rise 
 several arrow-shaped leaves, 6 to 8 inches long. It is common 
 in rivers throughout the northern hemisphere; in North -AVest 
 America it forms an article of food to the native population, and 
 in China it is even cultivated as a food plant. In its raw state it 
 contains a bitter milky juice, which is expelled by boiling. 
 
 Arrowroot {Maranta arimdinacea), a herb of the family 
 Marantaceas ; it is extensively cultivated in the West Indies 
 and tropical America. It is a reed-like plant, and the farina- 
 ceous substance known as Arrowroot is obtained from its fleshy 
 rhizomes by maceration, washing, and drying. There are several 
 varieties, one with dark-coloured stems and leaves is cultivated 
 in Trinidad. In the East Indies Arrowroot is obtained from a 
 variety of the same plant which has been described as a distinct 
 species under the name of M. indica. The name Arrowroot is 
 said to be derived from the circumstance of the Indians apply- 
 ing the roots to wounds received from poisoned arrows. 
 
 Artichoke {Cynara Scobjmus), a strong-growing hard peren- 
 nial of the Composite family (Compositae), having large gashed 
 leaves 2 or 3 feet long, of a grayish colour, from which rises a 
 stout flower-stem, 3 or 4 feet high, the flower-heads composed 
 of numerous thick imbricated scales, the lower part being thick 
 and fleshy, and called artichoke bottoms, which is the part eaten 
 as a vegetable. It is a native of the countries bordering the 
 Mediterranean, and has been known in this country for at least 
 300 years, and is in general cultivation. 
 
 Asa dulcis, a celebrated drug known to the ancients, and 
 supposed to have been furnished by Thapsia garganica, a plant 
 of the Carrot family (UmbeUiferse), native of Southern Europe 
 and Algeria. 
 
 Asafoetida, a gum -resin obtained from Narthex asafoeiida, 
 formerly Ferula asafcEtida, a perennial plant of the Carrot family 
 (UmbeUiferse), attaining the height of 6 to 7 feet, furnished with 
 fennel-like leaves. It is a native of Persia, Afghanistan, and the 
 region of the Oxus. It has a strong thick fleshy root which 
 when cut yields a milky juice, and upon hardening becomes the 
 
26 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ASARABACCA 
 
 stinking drug called Asafcetida. Although strongly disagree- 
 able to the smell and taste, it was nevertheless held in high 
 repute both in ancient and in modern times by the Persians, 
 and other nations of Western Asia, for seasoning curries and 
 other food. It was formerly highly valued for its medicinal 
 properties, and considered worth its weight in silver. Though 
 ' still occasionally prescribed in this country in medicine, its use 
 is rapidly dying out. 
 
 Asarabacca {Asarum europceum), a perennial herb of the 
 Birthwort family (Aristolochiacese), native of this country. It is 
 a low herbaceous plant with creeping stems, producing numer- 
 ous kidney-shaped leaves about 6 inches high, growing compactly 
 together ; the flowers are produced on short stalks hid amongst 
 the leaves, and of a brown colour. It was once held in 
 medicinal repute by herbalists, but is not now much used. 
 
 Ash, Chinese {F. chinensis), a small tree, native of China ; it 
 is remarkable from an insect, a species of Coccus, living on it, and 
 being so abundant on the branches as to give them the appear- 
 ance of being covered with flakes of snow. The insect per- 
 forates the bark and imbibes the juice of the tree, its body as 
 well as the branch of the tree becoming a waxy mass, which is 
 scraped off, and after boiling forms a wax like beeswax or 
 spermaceti. It has been imported to this country, but is too 
 expensive for common use. 
 
 Ash, Common {Fraxinus excelsior), a wing-leaved tree of the 
 Olive family (01eace?e). This noble and valuable timber tree is 
 native throughout Europe, some parts of Western Asia, and 
 North Africa. It lives to a great age, and is extensively planted 
 in this country for its wood, which, on account of its hardness 
 and toughness, is used for all purposes where tenacity is re- 
 quired, such as garden and agricultural implements, also when 
 young for making hoops. 
 
 Ash, Manna {Fraxinus Ornus), by some botanists ranked as a 
 distinct genus under the name of Ornus europceus, a much- 
 branched tree, native of the South of Europe and Palestine. It 
 attains the height of 25 or 30 feet, and produces spikes of pretty 
 
ASPHODEL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 27 
 
 white flowers, the narrow petals and stamens giving it a fringe- 
 like appearance. It yields the substance called Manna, which 
 is obtained by making incisions in the bark, when the juice 
 exudes and hardens. 
 
 The tree is cultivated in the South of Italy and Sicily from 
 whence manna is imported, and is used as a mild purgative. In 
 this country it forms an ornamental tree, and ' is well known 
 as the Flowering Ash. 
 
 Ash, Mountain (Fyrus Aucuparia), a small tree of the Apple 
 family (Pomacese), native of tliis country ; it attains the height of 
 20 to 30 feet, having erect branches and wdnged leaves. It is 
 highly ornamental in autumn and winter with its beautiful red 
 berries, which are rough to the taste and not very palatable, but 
 afford abundance of food to the feathered tribe. In Scotland it 
 is called the Eowan Tree, and w^as formerly believed to ward off 
 witchcraft, a common saying being " Kowan tree and red thread 
 put the witches to their speed." 
 
 Asparagus (Asparagus ojfficmalis), a perennial herb of the 
 Lily family (Liliaceae), a native of the sea-coast in the southern 
 counties of England. It also occupies large tracts of country in 
 Poland and Eussia, and other parts of Europe. It is said to 
 have been cultivated by the Eomans before the Christian era. 
 It is extensively grown as a spring vegetable in the vicinity of 
 London and Paris. There are several species from South Africa 
 and India, having climbing or trailing stems, often spinose. 
 
 Asparagus, Bath or French (Omithogalum pyrenaicitm), a 
 bulbous plant of the Lily family (Liliaceae), native of this coun- 
 try, abounding in some parts of the southern counties, especially 
 about Bath, where the young flower-stalks are collected, and 
 eaten as a vegetable under the above names. 
 
 Aspen (Fopulus tremula), a tree of the Willow family 
 (Salicace^e). The trembling poplar is a native of Britain, and is 
 a fast-growing tree, remarkable from the tremulous twirling of 
 its leaves. {See Poplar.) 
 
 Asphodel {Asplwdelus ramos^is), a caespitose perennial of the 
 Lily family (Liliacese), with broad grass-like leaves, and flower- 
 
28 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ASPHODEL 
 
 stems 3 to 4 feet high, bearing white flowers, known as the Silver 
 Rod. It is found in great abundance in the vicinity of 
 Palmyra in Syria, where its roots are extensively collected, and 
 form an article of trade to Damascus and other places in 
 Palestine. They are ground into meal, and made into paste 
 used in bookbinding, shoemaking, and such like. 
 
 Asphodel, Lancashire {Nartludum ossifragum), a pretty 
 yellow -flowered perennial herb of the Lily family (Liliaceffi), 
 abundant in boggy places in this country. It is said to be 
 injurious to the bones of sheep, hence the name ossifragum, 
 which means " bone-breaking." 
 
 Assai, in Para the name of a drink made from the berries of 
 Euterpe edulis, a slender, smoothed-stemmed, wing-leaved palm 
 (Palmae), attaining the height of about 30 feet, a native of Brazil, 
 especially of the lower countries of the Amazon, Orinoco, and 
 other rivers. Its fruit is about the size of a sloe, of a bluish 
 colour, a great number being produced in a bunch. They con- 
 tain a small quantity of pulpy matter between the skin and the 
 nut, which is removed by rubbing in water ; it is then strained 
 off, and sugar and cassava flour are added to the liquor, which 
 forms an important article of food to the people of Para, and is 
 hawked in the streets. 
 
 Atropine. {See JSTightshade.) 
 
 Aucuba, the Japanese name for the well-known garden 
 shrub called botanically Aucuha japonica, belonging to the 
 Dogwood family (Cornacese). It is a native of Japan, is dioecious, 
 and the female plant was introduced to this country in 1V83. 
 In 1862 the male plant was introduced by Mr. Fortune, and 
 before long the female plants were seen in most gardens covered 
 with beautiful red berries, wliich adds greatly to its previous 
 ornamental character. 
 
 Auricula {Primida Auricula). — This word is derived from the 
 supposed resemblance of the leaves to the ears of the bear, hence 
 the Enghsh name Bear's Ear for this favourite plant, the 
 typical form being known by the name of Yellow Auricula, an 
 evergreen herbaceous plant of the Primrose family (Primulacese), 
 
AZALEA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 29 
 
 a native of Switzerland, recorded to have been introduced to 
 this country three hundred years ago. It early l^ecame a 
 florist's flower, and, many varieties being raised, led to the 
 establishment of Auricula societies, and the awarding of prizes 
 for new and fine sorts, which are still continued. 
 
 Ava. {See Kava.) 
 
 Avellano — nut, common. {See Hazel and Filbert IS^uts.) 
 
 Avellano, Chilian, the name of Guevina avellana, by some 
 called Quadria heteroioliylla, a tree of the Protea family (Pro- 
 teacese), native of Chili ; it has large winged leaves of a rusty 
 colour ; the fruit is a conical nut, the kernel of which is eaten. 
 
 Avignon Berries. {See Yellow Berries.) 
 
 Azalea, a botanical (now familiar) name for a beautiful 
 genus of shrubs of the Heath family (Ericaceae). They are 
 natives of China, Armenia, and ISTorth America. The floAvers 
 are showy, of various colours, and similar in form to many 
 rhododendrons, but differing from that genus in having only 
 five stamens, rhododendrons having ten. 
 
 A. po7itica, the common Yellow Azalea, is a native of 
 Armenia, introduced about the end of the last century ; it is a 
 well-known, highly-ornamental garden shrub. Its flowers are 
 fragrant, but the honey made from them is poisonous, and is 
 believed to have been the cause of the illness and death of the 
 Greek soldiers, who (Xenophon says), after eating it, fell stupe- 
 fied in all directions, producing the appearance of a battlefield 
 covered with dead bodies. The white and red flowered Azaleas 
 {A. indica), native of China, are not sufliciently hardy to stand 
 in the open air in this country, but by cultivation fine varieties 
 have been obtained, which are highly ornamental plants in the 
 greenhouse. The original type of the genus Azalea is A. piv- 
 cumhens, a low compact trailing evergreen shrub, with small, 
 ovate, oblong leaves, and rose-coloured flowers, the whole habit 
 of the plant being entirely different from the above species ; 
 and, although differing but little in the technical character of 
 the flower of Azalea, botanists have nevertheless separated it as 
 a distinct genus under the name of Loiseleuria procumhens ; it is 
 
30 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BABOOL 
 
 native of the northern parts of Asia, America, and Europe, and 
 in Scotland it is found in mountain moors. 
 
 Babool, a name in India for Acacia arabica. {See Acacia.) 
 
 Bacaba (y^nocarpus Bacciba), a wing-leaved palm having a 
 smooth stem, attaining the height of 40 to 50 feet, producing 
 its leaves in two distinct opposite rows, which is consequent on 
 the upper part of the stem being flattened. It grows in abun- 
 dance about Santarem in the region of the Amazon. Its fruit 
 is a berry produced in bunches weighing 30 or 40 lbs., and is 
 much prized by the natives, who make a pleasant drink by 
 rubbing the pulp off into water, which has a milky appearance, 
 and an agreeable nutty flavour similar to the Asscti drink made 
 of the berries of the Euterpe edulis at Para. 
 
 Bael or Bhel Fruit, a name in India for the fruit of ^Eglc 
 Marmelos, a small tree of the Orange family (Aurantiacese), 
 native of Coromandel, and other parts of India, producing a 
 fruit about the size of an orange, having a hard shell contain- 
 ing ten to fifteen cells, filled with tenacious transparent gluten, 
 which is delicious and fragrant ; it is used as an aperient, and in 
 other ways medicinally, and is much esteemed. The dried 
 fruit is used in this country as an astringent. 
 
 Balata. {See Gutta-percha.) 
 
 Balm. — This word first appears in the book of Genesis as the 
 name of one of the substances carried by the Ishmeelites from 
 Gil^d into Egypt, and as it is mentioned with " spicery " and 
 " myrrh," leads us to believe that it was the produce of some 
 plant growing in the rocky country of Gilead. Bible com- 
 mentators are not agreed as to what plant it was that produced 
 tliis balm, but by most it is considered to have been the sap of 
 the Lentisk tree, Fistacia Lentiscus, a small tree of the Terebinth 
 family (Anacardiacese), not exceeding 15 to 20 feet in height, and 
 about a foot in diameter, with winged smooth leaves of a pale 
 colour, and inconspicuous flowers. It is a native of Western 
 Asia, and abounds throughout Palestine, especially in the rocky 
 country of Gilead. It has become naturalised in the Greek 
 islands and on the coasts of the Mediterranean; its sap is 
 
BALM 
 
 OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 31 
 
 aromatic, and is largely collected, and forms the Mastic of 
 commerce. Balm is also supposed by some to be the oil 
 obtained from the fruit of Balanites a^gyptiaca {see Zukkum). 
 The gum-resin of modern commerce, called Balm of Gilead, is 
 now known to be the produce of Balsamodendrum opohalsamwm^ 
 a small branched tree of the Myrrh family (Burseracea3), found 
 on both sides of the Eed Sea, south of 22° north latitude. It is 
 recorded from several places on the Nubian coast and in 
 Abyssinia, both from the coast and inland hills, and also from 
 Somali-land. From the Asiatic side the plant has been found 
 at Ghizan on the Red Sea, in Arabia from the neighbourhood of 
 Aden, and from the province of Yemen, little less than a thousand 
 miles from Gilead, therefore it may be safely said that it could 
 not have furnished the balm which the Ishmeehtes were carry- 
 ing from Gilead into Egypt. Consequently the name of Balm of 
 Gilead for this tree misleads. It is not now known in Palestine, 
 and it is conjectured that the famous tree referred to in the 
 sacred writings was in later times introduced to Palestine from 
 Arabia by the Queen of Sheba in the time of Solomon, and, 
 being highly prized, plantations of it were formed by Solomon 
 near Jericho ; according to Josephus, they were in existence in 
 his time, and the Ptomans, on their conquest of the Jews, carried 
 branches of it in triumph to Eome. As no vestige of the 
 plantations or of the tree were found during the time of the 
 Crusades, it would appear that they must have been neglected 
 or wilfully destroyed, the country having at that time come 
 under the rule of the Turks. It must be understood that the 
 above-mentioned balm trees have no relation to the plants cul- 
 tivated in gardens, and called Balm {Melissa officinalis), a peren- 
 nial herb of the Mint family (Labiatse), native of Southern 
 Europe, nor with the sweet-smelling herbaceous plant familiarly 
 known as Balm of Gilead {Dracocephaluni canariense), a native 
 of the Canary Islands. The patent medicine called " Solomon's 
 Balm of Gilead " is a preparation of cardamoms with brandy. 
 
 Balm of Gilead Fir {Picea hahamea), a tree of the Pine 
 family (Coniferse), native of Canada, and other parts of North 
 
32 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BALSAM 
 
 America. Its leaves are silvery- white on the under side ; the 
 cones yield a turpentine called Canada Balsam, which is used 
 for mounting and preserving microscopic objects. 
 
 Balsam. — This word first appears in Josephus's History of 
 the Jews. In speaking of presents brought by the Queen of 
 Sheba to Solomon he says — '' They say also that we possess the 
 root of that balsam which our country still bears by this 
 woman's oift." Since then the word Balsam has been given to 
 gummy and oleo-resinous substances, the produce of different 
 kinds of trees; in most cases it is highly odoriferous, and is 
 used in perfumery, medicine, and the arts. 
 
 Balsam Bog {Azorella \^Bolax\ gleharia), a remarkable plant 
 of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), native of the Falkland 
 Islands. It is a shrub, consisting of small, short, woody branches, 
 giving the plant the form of a ball, increasing its diameter by 
 the repeated forking of the branches, varying in size according 
 to age, some tufts of old plants measuring 3 to 4 feet across, and 
 the same in height, hard and firm, attached to the ground by a 
 tap-root; it has numerous heath-like leaves and small flowers. A 
 o'um-resin exudes from its branches, which is said to be used as 
 medicine. There is a specimen of the plant in the Kew Museum 
 9 feet in diameter. 
 
 Balsam, Canada. (See Balm of Gilead Fir.) 
 
 Balsam Copaiva. — Cojxdfera Lansdorffii, officinalis, Martii, 
 guianensis, and other species, hard -wooded, wing -leaved trees 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosa?), found in the forests of 
 ISTorthern Brazil, Guiana, Venezuela, and New Grenada. In some 
 of these localities the trees attain the height of 80 feet, having 
 a clear stem of 50 feet, the circumference at three feet above the 
 ground being 5 or 7 feet. The liquid Balsam collects in veins 
 and fissures in the interior of the tree, in some cases in such 
 quantity as to swell the wood and bark, causing them to burst 
 with a report ; but very little fluid seems to exude from these 
 cracks. To obtain the Balsam, the copaiba collector cuts a hole 
 in the tree a foot square about two feet above the ground, deeply 
 into the wood; on the axe striking a reservoir or fissure, the 
 
BALSAM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 33 
 
 liquid rushes out with a gurgling noise and in such quantity as 
 to fill a pint vessel in one minute. Besides these veins, the 
 whole wood of the tree is impregnated with the Balsam, but 
 none is found in the bark. It is stated that a good tree will 
 yield 12 lbs. in about three hours ; after a few hours the flow 
 almost ceases. The Balsam on issuing from the tree has a 
 powerful fragrance ; but on passing the houses where it is stored 
 in Para an odour by no means pleasant is experienced. That 
 which is collected near Para is said to be produced by a species 
 called Copaifera muUijuga, described, however, as a very doubt- 
 ful member of the genus. Large quantities come from the 
 upper region of the Amazon. It is floated down in hollow trees 
 hke canoes, some containing as much as 2500 gallons, and 
 shipped to Europe and North America. It is chiefly used in 
 medicine and perfumery. 
 
 Balsam, Garden. — This well-known garden plant is an 
 annual of the Balsam family (Geraniacese), and is called 
 Impatiens halsamina. It is a native of India, and is recorded 
 as having been introduced into this country before 1596. Many 
 fine double varieties have been raised from seed. /. noli-me-tan- 
 gere, called Touch-me-not, is an annual, native of this country, 
 plentiful on many parts of the banks of the Thames. It takes 
 its name Touch-me-not from the circumstance of the capsule 
 when ripe, on being touched, bursting elastically, and throwing 
 the seeds to some distance. Of late years a number of species 
 of Balsams have been introduced from Ceylon and India, and 
 have very showy flowers. They are chiefly cultivated in botanic 
 gardens. 
 
 Balsams of Peru and Tolu. — The descriptions of the trees 
 yielding these Balsams are so conflicting that it has been difii- 
 cult to determine whether they were produced by two or more 
 species of the genus Myrospermum of the Bean family (Legumi- 
 nosae). They are large trees with pinnate leaves, the pinnae of 
 which vary in size from 2 to 4 or 5 inches in length ; they are 
 oblong, ovate-obtuse, or acuminate, smooth or covered with fine 
 hairs, which differences, if not marking distinct species, may to 
 
34 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BALSAM 
 
 a certain extent be due to climatal influences, consequent on 
 their wide geographical range, being natives of Peru and other 
 parts of tropical America, particularly Guatemala, and the 
 west coast of Central America. Balsam of Peru being the pro- 
 duce of 3L Pereirm, or as it is now called Toluifera Pereirce ; 
 and Balsam of Tolu M. toluiferum or Toluifera Balsamum. 
 This Balsam is a fluid generated in the bark of the tree, and is 
 obtained by making V-shaped incisions in the bark, beneath 
 which are fixed small gourds; when these are filled they are 
 removed, the Balsam being afterwards purified and put into 
 laro-er vessels. Its consistence is thick and tenacious, and by age 
 becomes hard and brittle. It is highly fragrant. At San Salva- 
 dor the tree producing Balsam of Peru is stated to attain the 
 height of 50 feet, and to obtain the Balsam the trees are beaten 
 on four sides with a blunt instrument, taking care to leave four 
 intermediate strips of bark unbeaten, by which the tree retains 
 its vitality ; the part beaten becomes loosened from the wood, but 
 is not broken externally ; notches are cut in the loosened bark, 
 fire is applied to the notches, which ignites the exuding Balsam, 
 and is allowed to burn for a short time ; cotton rags are then 
 stuffed into the wounds, and after fifteen days the balsam begins 
 to flow copiously ; the rags on becoming saturated are thrown 
 into vessels of boiling water, on which the Balsam floats, and as 
 it collects it is skimmed off; it is then of the consistency of 
 turpentine, of a dark colour, and is purified by re-boiling. Like 
 the preceding, it is highly aromatic, and is used in medicine and 
 perfumery. 
 
 Balsam, West Indian, a gum - resin obtained from the 
 different species of Clusia, a genus of the Gamboge family 
 (Guttiferse), natives of the West Indies and tropical America, 
 where they are called Balsam trees. They are small, much- 
 branched, soft-wooded trees, with opposite thick, soft leaves ; 
 they are partially epiphytal, sending down thick aerial roots 
 from the stems and branches. A gum-resin is obtained from 
 the stems of C. multiflora and other species. It is odoriferous, 
 and in Peru and other parts of South America is burnt as 
 
BAMBOO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 35 
 
 incense in Eoman Catholic churches. C. grandiflova, a native of 
 Surinam, has leathery leaves 7 inches to a foot long, and beautiful 
 wliite flowers 5 to 6 inches in diameter. C. insignis, a native of 
 Brazil, has smaller flowers than the preceding; a quantity of 
 resin exudes from the disc of the flowers and stamens, which is 
 mixed with the butter of the chocolate nut, and used medicinally 
 by the women of Brazil as an external application to sores. 
 
 Bamboo, a general name for a tribe of grasses termed 
 Bamhusacece, of which there are 20 genera, comprehending 170 
 species. They are widely spread, chiefly in the tropics and 
 sub-tropics of both hemispheres. The greater number are found 
 in the continent of India and Malayan Islands, America and 
 West Indian Islands, a few only in Africa, and none in Europe. 
 They consist of strong-rooted perennial plants with jointed 
 hollow stems, rarely solid and varying greatly in size, some being 
 reed-like, others with stout cane-like stems varying from 20 to 100 
 or more feet in height, terminating with branches furnished with 
 grass-like leaves of various forms and sizes. A few of the small- 
 growing species, such as Artmdinaria japonica and A. falcata, 
 are sufficiently hardy to grow in the open air in this country. 
 
 Bamboo Blowpipe of the Indians of the Orinoco and 
 Amazon {ArtlirostylidmmScliombiLrghii), a native of Guiana and 
 of the head waters of the Orinoco and Amazon. It attains the 
 height of 50 to 60 feet, with a diameter of IJ inches, and in 
 general appearance is similar to the common Bamboo, but differs 
 in the lower part of the stem, for about 15 or 16 feet, having no 
 joints, and so producing a continuous, smooth, hollow tube, 
 which forms the blowpipe, or what may properly be called the 
 rifle of the Indians. The natives use it by simply placing a 
 poisoned arrow in the tube, and with a strong puff" from the 
 mouth, the arrow, with unerring aim, strikes the bird or any 
 other object pomted at. The bird or animal struck speedily 
 dies, but the flesh is not rendered unwholesome. The pipes are 
 much valued as heirlooms. They are known to the natives as 
 " Sarbicans." 
 
 Bamboo, Common {Banibusa vulgaris). — This is quite a cos- 
 
36 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAIVIES BAMBOO 
 
 mopolitan species, being common througbxDut tropical Asia and 
 America. It grows to the height of 100 or more feet, the 
 diameter at the base being about a foot, the upper part termi- 
 nated with widespread leafy branches ; it remains perfect until 
 it flowers, which is rare. When it does flower the whole of the 
 extensive tract of jungle flowers at the same time, and it is 
 recorded that at different times the quantity of seed produced 
 prevented famine in several parts of India. After flowering the 
 stems die. In 1864-66 a general flowering took place in Bengal 
 and other parts of India, and the canes dying caused great 
 inconvenience for want of Bamboo for building and other pur- 
 poses, for, like the cocoa-nut, few plants are more useful in 
 domestic economy than the Bamboo. It is not only used for 
 house-building, but its hollow stems are converted into water 
 pipes and domestic utensils generally. Ornamental trinkets are 
 also made of it. 
 
 The Bamboo is of rapid growth, and attains its full height in 
 a few months in the Palm-house at Kew. Two stems from the 
 same root attained the height of 36 feet in seventy days. The 
 young stems have lately come into repute for paper-making, and 
 it is now being cultivated for that purpose both in the East and 
 West Indies. 
 
 Bamboo, Male, a name in India given to Dendrocalamus 
 strictus, attaining the height of 100 feet or more. Widely dis- 
 tributed throughout India. Its solid stems are used for many 
 purposes, but especially for spear shafts. An alhed species, D. 
 gigantea, is growing in the Palm-house at Kew. 
 
 Banana. {See Plantain.) 
 
 Baneberry {Actma spicatd), a strong -growing perennial of 
 the Buttercup family (Eanunculacea3), a native of ^N'orth 
 America, found also in some districts of the North of England, 
 but rare. Its berries are black, about the size of currant-berries, 
 but poisonous. It is also known by the name of " Herb 
 Christopher." 
 
 Banyan Tree (Ficus lengalensis), a tree of the Mulberry 
 family (Moraceae). In India this is an immense spreading 
 
BAOBAB OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 37 
 
 tree, with broad, oval, firm leaves. It emits aerial roots from 
 the branches, which descend like ropes, entering firmly into the 
 ground, according to age thickening and becoming like pillars, 
 the branches continuing to extend and cover a vast space 
 of ground. A tree growing on the bank of the Nerbuddah in 
 India covers an almost incredible area, of which the circum- 
 ference now remaining (for much has been swept away by the 
 floods of that river) is nearly 2000 feet. The overhanging 
 branches which have not yet thrown down their props or sup- 
 ports stretch over a much larger space. The whole is said to 
 be capable of sheltering 7000 men. 
 
 Baobab, or Monkey Bread, also called " Sour Gourd " 
 {Adansonia digitata), a remarkable tree of the Silk Cotton section 
 of the Mallow family (Malvaceae), native of most parts of Africa, 
 from east to west. It grows to the height of about 40 feet, but its 
 girth is entirely out of proportion to its height, some trees being 
 30 feet in diameter, becoming contracted towards the top. An 
 old Baobab is said to be more like a forest than a single tree. 
 The head consists of numerous large spreading branches, densely 
 furnished with foliage, the centre one rising perpendicularly to 
 the height of 60 to 70 feet, the others spreading all round, forming 
 a spherical head 100 to 150 feet in diameter, and others again 
 drooping and hiding the main trunk. The wood is soft and 
 spongy ; the negroes cut out chambers in the sides of the trees, 
 in which they suspend the dead bodies of those not entitled to 
 their religious rite of burial. With regard to the age of large 
 Baobabs, Humboldt considers them and the Dragon tree of 
 Orotava " the oldest living organic monuments of our planet." 
 The traveller Adanson, who first brought them into special 
 notice, saw trees with dates cut in them of the fourteenth century, 
 and calculated them to be upwards of 5000 years old. In some 
 trees the centres are hollowed out sufficiently to contain 20 to 30 
 men, and the health of the tree remains unimpaired. The bark 
 is made into ropes and cloth by the natives. It is stripped off 
 from different parts of the tree as high as they can reach, and it 
 again forms, and the operation being repeated the upper part of 
 
38 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BARBERRY 
 
 the tree above the stripping becoiaes more enlarged than the 
 lower stripped part. The fruit consists of a large, oblong, 
 indehiscent woody capsule 8 to 12 inches long, covered with green 
 velvety down, which becomes brownish when dry ; it contains 
 numerous seeds, the size of peas, embedded in pulp, wliich is 
 slightly acid and agreeable, and forms part of the food of the 
 natives. Major Pedley, in his expedition in search of Mungo 
 Park, lived almost exclusively on it for twelve days. When 
 dry it becomes hard and corky. In some districts the natives 
 call the tree " Mowana." As an example of the slow growth of 
 the Baobab, one at Kew, though more than eighty years of age, 
 was in 1858 only 4 J feet high, consisting of a slender erect 
 stem, bearing a few leaves at the apex only, rising from a 
 swollen, gouty base 6 to 7 inches in diameter. The plant repre- 
 sented a miniature Baobab. 
 
 A species allied to the preceding is a native of North 
 Australia. It was first noticed by Allan Cunningham in one of 
 King's voyages in 1818, who called it the Gouty Tree. It was 
 afterwards frequently seen and specially noticed by the explorer 
 Gregory, in whose honour it has been named A. Gh^egorii. The 
 trees grow singly, or several together from a centre. One so 
 composed measured 85 feet in circumference, and did not exceed 
 25 to 30 feet high ; one main stem measured 35 feet and another 
 40 feet in girth. The leaves, flowers, and fruit are produced 
 from a small, ordinary-looking tree stem, growing out at the top. 
 The fruit is not so large as that of the preceding, and is attached 
 by a shorter foot-stalk, being about 6 inches in length and 3 to 4 in 
 diameter, and covered with a velvety down. It contains a dry, 
 farinaceous substance, in which the seeds are embedded. When 
 ripe, the mealy part has an agreeable acidity, like cream of 
 tartar ; it melts in the mouth and is very refreshing. The wood 
 is exceedingly soft, and full of moisture, which it readily yields 
 on pressure, affording a grateful beverage to travellers in the 
 arid places where the trees grow. It is known by the name of 
 Cream of Tartar Tree. 
 
 Barberry (Berheris vulgaris), a deciduous simple - leaved 
 
BARLEY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 39 
 
 spiny shrub of the Barberry family (Berberidacese), native of 
 Britain and most parts of Europe, and of North America. It 
 attains the height of 6 to 8 feet. Its fruit is red, of an oblong 
 form, growing in bunches like currants ; it forms a pleasant acid 
 preserve ; the unripe ones are pickled as a substitute for capers. 
 The bark is of a yellow colour, very astringent, and used for 
 dyeing and tanning leather. It is a reputed cure for jaundice. 
 
 B. trifoliata, a native of Texas and ISTew Mexico, has red 
 fruits of a globose form, about the size of a pea. They are called 
 currants by the inhabitants, and are used for making tarts. 
 
 B. pinnata, a native of the United States, from the Missis- 
 sippi to the Pacific. The berries of this species are blue, and 
 are called by the Mexicans " Linna amorilla." They are sweet 
 and pleasant to the taste. 
 
 B. {Mahonia) glumacea, a low bushy shrub abundant through- 
 out Oregon. The berries are blue, acid, but eatable. It is now 
 extensively planted in this country as game cover. 
 
 The berries of B. aristata, an Indian species, native of Nepal, 
 are dried in the sun like raisins. The bark of the root is reputed 
 as a febrifuge, and is used in ophthalmia. 
 
 B. Lycium, also a native of Nepal, is highly extolled as an 
 aperient and for ague. From the bark a medicinal extract is 
 prepared, known as Eusot. 
 
 B. maderensis is a shrub 3 to 5 feet high, the old plants 
 having several stems as thick as the wrist or arm. The ultimate 
 branches strongly striated or ribbed and of a bright rich orange 
 or orange chestnut colour. The wood is bright yellow, and is 
 employed by the Funchal cabinetmakers. The common Bar- 
 berry of this country is liable to be infested with a fungus 
 called /Ecidium Berheridis, at one time supposed to be the cause 
 of the disease in wheat called rust, which led to the Barberry's 
 being extirpated from hedgerows contiguous to wdieat-fields. 
 But the microscopical researches of Bauer show the Barberry and 
 wheat fungus to be distinct species. 
 
 Barley {Hordeicm distichicm and H. hexasticlium), annual 
 corn grasses cultivated from remote antiquity in the temperate 
 
40 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BABOMETZ 
 
 regions of Europe, Asia, and Egypt, forming an important article 
 of bread food. In this and other countries it undergoes a 
 process to form malt, of which ale is made. Scotch and pearl 
 barley is formed by the removal of the thin covering of barley 
 grains, the latter being made hard by drying. 
 
 Barometz (Cibotium harometz), a fern of the tribe Dicksonia, 
 native of China and Tartary. The fronds of this fern are 
 bipinnate, and rise to the height of 10 to 14 feet, produced from 
 a decumbent and progressing caudex, wliich is densely covered 
 with long, light, brown, silky hairs (characteristic of the genus) ; 
 when old, looking like wool, and when lying on the ground 
 having the appearance of a wool-clad animal. The story told to 
 early travellers led them to describe it as a plant of flesh and 
 blood. The travellers' tale upon the subject is, that on an 
 elevated plain of vast extent, in countries east of the Volga, 
 grows a wonderful plant, with the shape and appearance of a 
 lamb, having feet, head, and tail distinctly formed, and its skin 
 covered with soft down. The lamb grows upon a stalk 
 about 3 feet liigh ; the part by which it is sustained being a kind 
 of navel, it turns about and bends to the herbage which serves 
 for its food, and when the grass fails it dries up and pines away. 
 The real facts are that the caudex of this fern is decumbent, 
 progressing in length a foot or more according to age, and 3 or 
 more inches in diameter. Its woolly appearance has led it to 
 be likened to a lamb, the native name for it being Barometz, and 
 known by travellers as the Tartarian Lamb, and by others as 
 Agnus Scythicus. To make the story plausible the natives turn 
 the woolly stipes upside down, cutting away the fronds, leaving 
 a portion of the lower part of the stipes, four of which serve as 
 legs, and thus the resemblance to a woolly animal (such as a 
 weasel) is complete. It has been long cultivated at Kew. 
 
 Barrel Tree. {See Bottle Tree.) 
 
 Barwood. {Sec Camwood.) 
 
 Bass Brooms. {See Piassaba.) 
 
 Bassorin. {See Salep.) 
 
 Bass-wood. {See Lime.) 
 
BDELLIUM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 41 
 
 Bast, a general name applied to the inner bark of many 
 plants, used for making cord and mats. Bass, or as tliey are 
 generally called, garden mats, are made from the bark of the 
 lime tree (Tilia europcea) and are imported from Eussia. 
 
 Bast, Cuba {Parifmm elahim), a tree of the Mallow family 
 (Malvacese), a native of Cuba and Jamaica. A slender-stemmed 
 tree attaining the height of from 50 to 60 feet, with large, cor- 
 date, smooth green leaves. The timber is of a greenish colour, 
 and is used in Jamaica in cabinet-work ; but the most important 
 part is its beautiful lace-like inner bark, which was originally 
 employed for tying up bundles of real Havannah cigars. About 
 thirty years ago it was largely imported into this country for 
 garden purposes, but it has now fallen into disuse. In Jamaica 
 it is called mountain mahoe. Other species of Paritium have 
 tough bark, especially P. tiliaccum, a native of tropical coasts, 
 and abounding throughout the islands of the Pacific, where its 
 bark is largely employed by the natives for making ropes and 
 nets, and its light wood for canoes. 
 
 Batatas. {See Potato, Sweet.) 
 
 Bawchan Seeds, a name given in India to the seeds of 
 Psoralea corylifolia, a herb of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 2 
 feet high. The pods are small, flat and oval, or kidney-shaped, 
 and are employed medicinally by the Indian doctors. They 
 have an aromatic taste. They also yield an oil, and have been 
 sent to this country for crushing. 
 
 Bay Tree, Poison. {See Anise Star.) 
 
 Bay Tree, Sweet. {See Laurel.) 
 
 Bdellium. — This Bible name has in modern times been 
 applied to the resin produced by two distinct African plants. 
 First, Balsamodendrum africanum (for which see M3n?rh). The 
 second is Ceradia furcata, a genus of the Composite family 
 (Composites), native of the island of Schibon on the West Coast 
 of Africa. It consists of several erect, gouty, forked stems, about 
 a foot in height, bearing a few simple leaves on the top, and a 
 few flowers similar to the common groundsel. It was first 
 noticed by guano - collectors about forty years ago, and living 
 
42 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BEAD 
 
 plants were introduced to Kew. A fragrant gum exudes from 
 the stems, especially when wounded, which in burning emits a 
 smell resembling that of myrrh. 
 
 Bead Trees {Melia Azedarach), the type of the Bead Tree 
 family (Meliacese). It is considered to be a native of India, but 
 it is more probable that it has migrated westward from China. 
 It appears to have early become domesticated throughout 
 Western Asia, Egypt, and the countries on both sides of the 
 Mediterranean, also throughout the West Indies, South America, 
 and the United States, where it is called the Pride of India. 
 In the South of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece it is 
 planted as an avenue tree. It attains the height of 40 to 50 
 feet, and has a dense head of branches terminated by compound 
 winged finely-cut leaves ; the flowers are in terminal loose spikes 
 of a lidit-blue colour, havino- some resemblance to those of 
 the common lilac. The fruit is about the size of a cherry, 
 but more oblong, of a yellowish colour. It is pulpy, enclosing 
 a hard nut, which is of a brown colour. These are bored and 
 strung as beads and used as necklaces and rosaries, hence the 
 name Bead Tree. There appear to be different opinions as 
 to the value or otherwise of the pulp of the berry. Some 
 writers assert that it is wholesome, and others that it is poisonous. 
 In this country the tree is nearly hardy, plants having flowered 
 in the open air at Kew. Other hard seeds are also used for 
 rosaries and necklaces, one especially called the Necklace Tree, 
 is Ormosia dasycmya, a tree of the Bean family (Leguminosae), 
 native of the West Indies. The seeds of this, as also of 0. coc- 
 cinea, native of Guiana and Brazil, are slightly flat, oblong, of 
 the size of peas, smooth, polished, and of a red colour, with a 
 black spot at one end. 2. Ahrus jprecatorius, a slender twining, 
 wing-leaved shrub of the Bean family (Leguminosae), originally 
 a native of the East Indies, but early introduced into the West 
 Indies, where it soon became naturalised, as it has in many 
 tropical countries. Its seeds are like small peas, red, with a 
 black spot. They are vulgarly called Crab's eyes. 3. Leuccena 
 glaum, a tree of the Mimosa section of the Bean family (Legu- 
 
BEARBERRY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 43 
 
 minosa3), native of the West Indies and tropical America. It 
 lias become naturalised in the South of Europe and most warm 
 countries. 4. Aclenmithcra pavonina, a tree of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosae), native of India ; the seeds are of a bright-red 
 colour {see Sandal-wood, Eed). 5. Erythrina Corallodenchony 
 has bright-red seeds {see Coral Tree). 6. Cmsalipinia {Guilan- 
 dina) Bondiic and C. Bondiicella {see Bonduc and Bonducella). 
 7. Bhynclwsia 'precatoria, a climbing shrub of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse), native of Mexico. It has small, pretty, pea-like 
 seeds, half black, half scarlet. 8. Elccocarpus Ganitrus, a large 
 tree of the Lime Tree family (Tiliacese), native of India and the 
 Malayan Islands. Its fruit is a drupe about the size of a j)lum, 
 containing a hard corrugated nut, which is made into rosaries, 
 bracelets, necklaces, and similar articles. There are many other 
 seeds and fruits- besides those enumerated that are used as 
 beads for ornamental purposes, such, for instance, as the fruits of 
 the Australian s]3ecies of Santahcm or Fusanus, and the very 
 hard and bony seeds of Coix lachryma. {See Job's Tears.) 
 
 Bean, a general name for seeds enclosed in a bivalved pod, 
 of which the pea, scarlet-runner bean, and garden bean, are 
 familiar examples. The latter {Faha vulgaris) is an erect, 
 wing- leaved annual, of the tamily to which it gives its trivial 
 name, and of the natural family (Leguminosse), of which there 
 are two kinds. First, the Field Bean, extensively cultivated 
 for feeding horses ; second, the broad or Windsor Bean, culti- 
 vated in gardens. 
 
 Bean Caper (Zygophylhcm Fahago), a desert plant of the 
 Lignum Vitse family (Zygophyllaceae), 2 to 3 feet high, native of 
 Syria, Egypt, and North Africa. It is a soft-leaved shrub, having 
 the leaves in pairs. Its flower-buds are used as a substitute for 
 capers. 
 
 Bearberry {Arhuhis Uva-ursi), a low evergreen shrub of the 
 Heath family (Ericacese), with small leaves, abounding in moun- 
 tamous districts throughout Europe and North America. In 
 this country it is found in Wales, and is abundant in the High- 
 lands of Scotland. It has red berries, which afford food for 
 
44 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BEAR's EAR 
 
 carouse, and in Sweden, Eussia, and America for "bears. The 
 whole plant is astringent, and is used for tanning and dyeing. 
 
 Bear's Ear, a common English name for two distinct plants. 
 First, the Auricula (which see). Second, Saxifraga sarmeniosa, 
 an evergreen herb of the Saxifrage family (Saxifragacese), native 
 of China, introduced more than a hundred years ago. It derives 
 its specific name sarmentosa from its producing long running 
 stems on the ground, emitting oblong, roundish, serrated leaves at 
 regular distances. It has become a favourite window pot 
 plant. Wlien placed in an elevated position the stems grow 
 freely pendulous in the air, often a yard in length; producing 
 the leaves at regular distances, and being above one another, the 
 plant has been likened to sailors manning the rigging of a ship, 
 and is called the Sailor Plant. 
 
 Bear's Grass. {See Adam's Needle.) 
 
 Beaver Tree. {See Magnoha.) 
 
 Bebeeni. {See Greenheart.) 
 
 Beech, Common {Fagus sylvatica), a lofty tree of the Oak 
 family (Cupuliferse), forming extensive forests in Armenia and 
 the regions of the Caucasus, and also throughout the temperate 
 countries of Europe. It is generally understood to be a native 
 of this Country, but some writers make out that it was not 
 known before the Norman Conquest. It is common in our own 
 woods, and is an ornamental tree when standing alone, attaining 
 the height of 50 to 60 feet, and diameter of 3 to 4 feet, forming a 
 round head of branches ; the extreme ones being twiggy and 
 drooping, often reaching the ground, and being thickly covered 
 with simple, smooth, shining leaves, produces a dense shade in 
 summer. Loudon calls the tree the Hercules and Adonis of our 
 woods. Its timber, although not of great strength, is neverthe- 
 less of fine grain, smooth, and is employed for many domestic 
 purposes, as for turnery and joinery, especially for bedsteads, 
 chairs, etc. Its fruit is a three -sided, three -valved capsule, 
 containing several triangular nuts called Mast. These nuts 
 are a favourite food of hogs, and contain a useful oil, which is 
 largely used as a salad oil in Germany. There are several 
 
BEECH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 45 
 
 varieties with variously cut leaves, the most important being 
 the purple and copper-coloured kinds, which form ornamental 
 trees in shrubberies. 1. The Eusty-leaved ^QQoh (Fagiis ferru- 
 gineCt), a large tree, native of North America. In some parts of 
 Nova Scotia the country for miles in extent is occupied by this 
 beautiful tree, and in autumn large droves of hogs are driven 
 out to feed upon the nuts. Its wood is somewhat of a reddish, 
 rusty hue, and is employed for many purposes. 2. Evergreen 
 Beech {Fagus hetuloides), a large tree, native of Terra del Fuego. 
 It has small leaves like birch, but firmer. It was first noticed 
 by Sir Joseph Banks, in Captain Cook's first voyage. It is 
 said to be the most southern large tree in the world. Its 
 size principally depends on the place of growth. In sheltered 
 valleys it attains a considerable height, with a diameter of 7 
 feet, while on the exposed heights of Hermit Island the 
 branches are so compact and nearly flat on the ground that it 
 can be walked over. 3. Fagus antarctica, also a large tree, 
 native of Terra del Fuego, but differing from the preceding in 
 the leaves being deciduous. These two last species were intro- 
 duced to the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, in 1841, and great hopes 
 were entertained that they would prove hardy and become 
 useful and ornamental trees ; but such proved not to be the 
 case, for although a plant of F. hetuloides grew in the open air 
 for twenty years and attained the height of 8 feet, it nevertheless 
 succumbed to the cold of January 1867. Az, F. Cumiinghamii, 
 a large tree, native of Tasmania ; its wood has a brownish, satiny 
 ground, with beautiful feathery cross veins, and makes a hand- 
 some wood for cabinet-work. It is known as Tasmanian Myrtle. 
 5. F. fusca and F. Solandri, large trees, natives of New Zealand. 
 The woods are employed for many purposes. The latter is known 
 by the name of White Birch. 
 
 Beech Fungus {Cyttai-icc Darwinii) is a globular, bright 
 yellow fungus. When young, it is elastic and turgid, with a 
 smooth surface, but when mature it shrinks, becomes tougher, 
 and has its entire surface deeply pitted or honeycombed. It 
 grows on the beech trees of the southern hemisphere in Terra 
 
46 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BEEF-WOOD 
 
 del Fuego in vast quantities on Fagus antarctica. It is col- 
 lected in large quantities and eaten uncooked ; it is mucilaginous 
 and sweet, with a faint smell like that of a mushroom, and 
 forms an important article of food to the natives. It also grows 
 in Chili on a species of Fagus, and on F, Cunningliamii in 
 Tasmania. 
 
 Beef- wood. {See She Oak.) 
 
 Beet, or Beetroot, thick fleshy-rooted herbs of the Goose- 
 foot family (Chenopodiaceae), of wliich there are many cultivated 
 varieties, all of which are supposed to have originated from Beta 
 maritima, common in some parts of the coasts of tliis country. 
 Its broad leaves are used as spinach. Originally there were only 
 two kinds cultivated in gardens, the Eed Beet {Beta vulgaris) and 
 the White Beet {Beta cicla). They are recorded to have been 
 cultivated more than 300 years ago : the White Beet for the 
 thick midrib of its leaves, which are cooked as asparagus ; and 
 the Eed Beet for its fleshy roots, which, boiled or roasted, form a 
 wholesome table vegetable, or they are pickled. Of B. vulgaris 
 there are four special varieties, red, yellow, white, or pale green, 
 and large rooted. The two first are, as already stated, cultivated 
 for their cuhnary roots ; the third, the wliite, also known by the 
 names of Sicilian and Sugar Beet. For a number of years past 
 this has been extensively cultivated in Germany and France, for 
 the purpose of extracting sugar from its roots, which process 
 commenced about 1830 ; and in 1850 in France alone there 
 were 303 manufactories for making beetroot sugar, which now 
 competes in the market with cane sugar. Besides pure sugar 
 and molasses, a spirit is also distilled from the residue, also a 
 considerable quantity of potash. Its cultivation in this country 
 has not been found practicable. The fourth, or large-rooted 
 kind, B. vulgaris macrorhiza, well known as Mangel Wurtzel, is 
 extensively cultivated in this country and on the Continent for 
 feeding cattle. 
 
 Begonia, the name of an extensive genus, the type of the 
 Begonia family (Begoniacese), consisting of succulent- stemmed 
 herbaceous plants, erect or creeping, or fibrous or tuberous 
 
BETEL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 47 
 
 rooted, with alternate, entire, lobed, palmate or digitate leaves, 
 their base always oblique-cordate, smooth or villose, often red or 
 blotched, of various colours; flowers unisexual, red or white, 
 showy. Natives chiefly of tropical America and the East and 
 West Indies. They possess no special properties, but of late 
 years they have been patronised as showy flowering plants ; and 
 as they readily hybridise, fine varieties have been raised, 
 especially from the tuberous -rooted sorts, which now form a 
 conspicuous feature at horticultural exhibitions. In 1864 the 
 Kew collection consisted of 18 varieties. 
 
 Belladonna. {See Nightshade.) 
 
 Belladonna Lily. {See Amaryllis.) 
 
 Belote. {See Oak.) 
 
 Bengal Quince. {See Bael Tree.) 
 
 Ben Oil. {See Horse-radish Tree.) 
 
 Bent Grass. {See Fiorin Grass.) 
 
 Benzoin, a gum-resin obtained from Styrax Benzoin, a tree 
 of the Styrax family (Styracese), native of Sumatra and other 
 Malayan islands. Gum Benzoin is obtained by incisions made 
 in the bark. This is a highly valuable perfume, and is used in 
 the composition of incense, as well as in medicine, for pulmonary 
 complaints. S. punctatum, a tree native of Veraguas m Central 
 America, yields a gum which is obtained after the tree is cut 
 down and allowed to remain several years on the ground, when 
 the external part of its wood is removed, and the gum-resin 
 found collected in greater or smaller masses. It is used as 
 frankincense. 
 
 Bergamot, the name of a perfume extracted from the fruit 
 of Citrus Bergamia, a shrub of the Orange family (Aurantiacese), 
 cultivated in France and Italy for its fruit. 
 
 Betel Leaf, or Betel Pepper {Piper hetel), a climbing plant 
 similar in habit of growth to the Black Pepper {Piper nigrum). 
 It is cultivated throughout India, Malayan Peninsula and 
 Islands, for the sake of its leaf, which is chewed with the Betel 
 nut and lime, as above. 
 
 Betel Nut, also called Pmang {Areca Catechii), a native of 
 
48 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BHANG 
 
 Cochin China, the Malayan Peninsula and Islands. It is a 
 slender-stemmed lofty palm, with regular pinnate leaves and 
 long linear leaflets. Its fruits are produced on an erect spadix ; 
 each fruit is about the size of a hen's egg, covered with a thick, 
 fibrous rind, which envelopes a hard nut about the size of a 
 nutmeg. The nut is cut up into pieces, and rolled up in a leaf 
 of the Betel pepper, to which a little lime is added, and then 
 chewed — a custom common to the whole of the Indians and 
 Malayan races. It is said that many would forego their food 
 rather than the use of the Betel ISTut. All carry a box contain- 
 ing the nut, leaf, and lime, which may be compared to the snuff- 
 box of other countries. The character of box varies according 
 to the means of the owner, those of the nobles being of gold, 
 and of higher dignitaries ornamented with diamonds. Ship- 
 loads of the nuts are yearly carried into countries where it is 
 not cultivated. It is considered to stimulate the digestive 
 organs. By its continual use the gums and mucous membrane 
 of the mouth become a brick-red colour, the teeth crumble to a 
 level with the gums, and when the teeth become worn out the 
 victims die longing for another quid. Thus chewing the Betel 
 Nut is somewhat similar in its effects to the chewing of tobacco. 
 
 Bhang. (See Hemp.) 
 
 Bigroot. (See Bitter-root, Californian.) 
 
 Bikh, or Bish. (See Aconite.) 
 
 Bilberry, or Blackberry ( Vacciniuin Myrtillus), Whortle- 
 berry ( V. uliginosum), Cowberry ( F. Vitis-idcea), small shrubs of 
 the Cranberry family (Vacciniaceoe). They occupy vast tracts 
 in bogs and moorlands, and even the tops of mountains in 
 Scotland, and throughout Europe and North America. Their 
 berries are about the size of currants, the two first blue and the 
 last red. They are somewhat austere, but are made into a 
 preserve for tarts, etc., besides forming an article of food for 
 many moorfowl. 
 
 Bindweed, a name applied to the different species of the 
 genus Convolvulus, the type of the family Convolvulaceae, of 
 which there are many species. Two are natives of this country 
 
BIRD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 49 
 
 — C. arvensis, common in cornfields and waste j)laces, and C. 
 sepmm, known as Hedge Bindweed, which overruns bushes 
 and hedges, well known for its conspicuous white flowers. A 
 number of exotic species are cultivated in gardens for their 
 showy flowers. 
 
 Birch, Black {Betula nigra), a tree of the Birch family 
 (Betulacese), native of North America. Its timber is tolerably 
 hard, and is used for many purposes. Its sap, with the allied 
 species B. lenta, contains sugar. 
 
 Birch, Indian Paper {Betula BhojpaUi^a), native of Nepal 
 and other parts of the Himalayas. Its bark is deemed sacred, 
 and is used for burial piles ; and in Kashmir children are clothed 
 with it. It is also used for covering roofs, for writing paper, for 
 packing, and for many other purposes. 
 
 Birch, Jamaica (Bicrsera gummifei^a), a tree of the Myrrh 
 family (Burseracese), native of Jamaica, having brown bark like 
 the Birch tree of Europe. The fruit yields a balsamic turpentine, 
 and on wounding the bark a white liquor is obtained, which soon 
 hardens, and is in no way different from Gum Elemi. 
 
 Birch, Paper [Betula -paiiyraced), a native of North America. 
 It has a very thick bark, which is taken off" in large sheets, and 
 by uniting them canoes are made, some large enough to carry a 
 dozen persons. It is also made into shoe soles and domestic 
 utensils. 
 
 Birch, White, of Europe {Betula alhd). — The White Birch 
 is a well-known, graceful tree, grown throughout the whole of 
 Europe. In bleak, rocky situations it assumes the habit of a 
 shrub. Its wood and bark are used for many domestic purposes. 
 In Lapland bread is made from the bark ; in Eussia an oil is 
 extracted from it, which is used in the preparation of Eussian 
 leather, and imparts the well-known scent to it. Its sap flows 
 freely in the spring, and as it contains a quantity of sugar, it is 
 fermented and forms a pleasant wine called Birch Wine. 
 
 Bird-lime. {See Holly.) 
 
 Bird's-nest Fern {Neottopteris Nidus, As]pleniitm Nidus of 
 Linnaeus), a simple fronded fern of the tribe Aspleniese; its fronds 
 
 E 
 
50 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES BIRTHWORTS 
 
 are produced round an acaulose axis, their bases overlapping 
 each other, forming a cup like a bird's nest ; it is widely dis- 
 tributed throughout tropical Asia^and islands of the Pacific; it has 
 large, broad, smooth fronds, which are surpassed in size only by 
 J^, muscefolia, which has the largest simple entire fronds of all 
 ferns ; it is described by a Penang correspondent in the follow- 
 ing words : — " I saw two fine specimens of the bird's-nest fern ; 
 each had between forty and fifty perfect green leaves; the average 
 length of the leaves was 6 feet, and from 1 foot to 14 inches 
 across in the broadest part. They were growing on each side of 
 the doorway of the mansion ; when I was walking up to them 
 I thought they were American aloes." 
 
 Birthworts, the common name for the species of Aristoloehia, 
 the type of the Birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae), of which 
 about 180 species are described, chiefly natives of tropical 
 America, consisting of small trees, shrubs, and climbers, the 
 latter often found growing with passion flowers and Big- 
 nonias, forming an interminable lacing of the forests, and 
 causing them to appear as if the whole were tied together 
 v/ith ropes. Birthworts are remarkable for the oddity of their 
 flowers, which consist of a tubular, generally bent calyx, and 
 in some of the species one of the lobes forming a large, plain, 
 and in some cases concave labellum, and in the latter ter- 
 minated with a long tail (codicil), the whole of a dusky 
 colour, and emitting a fetid odour. A. cordata, a species native 
 of the regions of the Magdalena, according to Humboldt, has a 
 large concave labellum, 4 feet in circumference, which the 
 Indian children put on their heads as caps. A. Goldieana, a 
 native of Western tropical Africa, has flowers quite as large. The 
 plant has flowered recently at Kew. In tropical America, 
 Aristolochias and other climbing plants are termed by the 
 natives " guaco," and are held in high repute as a cure for snake 
 bites and for charming snakes. This property is also said to be 
 possessed by two European species — A. longa and A. semper- 
 virens — natives of the South of Europe, and used by jugglers. 
 The Virginian Snake -root {A. serpentaria) has also a similar 
 
BITTER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 51 
 
 reputation. A. sij^ho, a native of North America, is quite hardy 
 in this country. It is a strong-growing climber, and is curious 
 for its bent, syphon-like flowers. A. clcmatitis is a perennial, 
 native of this country, but rare. 
 
 Bish, an Indian poison. {See Aconite.) 
 
 Bitter Cup. {See Quassia.) 
 
 Bitter Oil, a name in India for an oil obtained from the 
 fruit of Calophyllum inophyllum, a tree of the Gamboge family 
 (Guttiferse) common in the tropical countries of Asia, including 
 the islands of the Pacific, and being a tree of economical im- 
 portance it consequently has many local names. It sometimes 
 attains the height of 80 to 100 feet, and 12 feet in girth. 
 In the Fiji and other islands it is a coast tree, its round fruits, 
 with the square fruits of Barringtonia, the cone-like fruits of 
 the sago-palm, and the large seeds of E7itada, are found cover- 
 ing the sandy beaches. The fruit is the size of a walnut, and 
 when ripe, of a reddish colour ; it has a fleshy rind containing 
 a hard-shelled seed enclosing an oily kernel from which the 
 oil is expressed, which is of a green colour, and is highly valued 
 by the natives for medical purposes in the countries where it is 
 produced. In Fiji it is called Dilo, and is used by the natives 
 as a substitute for cocoa-nut oil for anointing their bodies. In 
 Tahiti and other islands it is called Tamanu. A gum-resin 
 exudes from the bark of the tree, which is one of the kinds of 
 tacamahaca gums of commerce. The wood is firm and hard, 
 and is used for shipbuilding, making canoes, and other purposes. 
 
 Bitter -root, Californian, also called Bigroot {Ecliinocystis 
 fabacea), and by some called Megarrhiza californica, a genus of 
 the Gourd family (Cucurbitacese). U. fcibacca has a fleshy, glo- 
 bose tuberous root, which varies in size according to age, some 
 weighing 50 lbs.; from the centre rise several slender straggling 
 stems of a whitish colour, ultimately producing leaves and 
 tendrils ; fruit globose, spiny, the size of an orange or apple, the 
 root is intensely bitter, and is held in high repute, especially 
 for dyspepsia and numerous other diseases. 
 
 Bitter -root, Canadian (Leivisia rcdiviva), a remarkable 
 
52 DICTIONARY OF POPULAE NAMES BITTER 
 
 plant of the Purslane family (Portulacese). It is a native of 
 North America from Canada to Oregon. It has long, fleshy tap 
 roots, about the thickness of young radishes, producing a rosette 
 of succulent leaves, from the centre of which rises a brilliant 
 pink flower that opens only during sunshine, and, with the 
 leaves, is of short duration. The root is white internally, 
 almost entirely composed of starch, and might with propriety 
 be called starch-root. It forms an article of food to the Indians. 
 In preparing the root, the cuticle is removed, the root is then 
 cut into small pieces, steeped in water, and then boiled, when it 
 swells to five or six times its size, and resembles a jelly-like 
 substance. It is much valued by Indians as well as by 
 Europeans, who consider it a wholesome food. It is, however, 
 very expensive, as it takes a long time to collect a sackful ; the 
 Indians trade in it by handfuls, and charge a high price. It 
 received the specific name recliviva on account of the tenacity 
 of life in the roots ; instances have been recorded of its having 
 flowered after having been in the herbarium two, and one at 
 Kew, three years. In Oregon the Indians call it Spaetlum. 
 
 Bitter-root, Natal {Gerrardanthus Qnacrorhiza). — This is 
 also one of the Gourd family (Cucurbitacecc), and has tuberous 
 roots 2 to 3 feet in diameter and 1 to 2 feet thick, similar to the 
 preceding ; it produces slender stems borne by tendrils ; its 
 leaves are hastate ; it is intensely bitter, and used by the natives 
 in medicine. 
 
 Bitter-sweet {Solanum Dulcamara), a slender -stemmed, 
 straggling plant of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae) growing 
 abundantly in hedges, which in autumn it adorns with its 
 bunches of beautiful red berries, that have the appearance of 
 currants, and being sweet and tempting are frequently eaten by 
 children, to whom serious consequences have often occurred. 
 It is recorded that thirty berries killed a dog in three hours, 
 and fatal instances are given of children having died from eating 
 them, which shows the necessity of guarding children against 
 them. A great number of virtues are ascribed to this plant, 
 even as far back as the time of Theophrastus, who called it Vitis 
 
BLADDER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 53 
 
 sylvestris. It is still in great repute with rustic, as well as 
 regular practitioners. 
 
 Blackberry. {See Bramble.) 
 
 Black-boy Trees. [See Grass Gum Tree.) 
 
 Black Drink of the Indians {Ilex vomitorid), a small tree 
 of the Holly family (Aquifoliacese), native of the coast of the 
 Southern States of North America. It is in great repute, 
 and is reckoned a holy plant by the North American Indians. 
 Of the leaves slightly scorched they make the black drink used 
 durin<_^ their relictions rites and solemn councils to clear the 
 head and stomach. Yearly excursions of the Indians were 
 made at one time to the Atlantic coast to collect the plant ; but 
 civilisation has now changed all this, and the White Man has 
 taken the place of the Indian. 
 
 Black Maire, a name in New Zealand for Olea Cunning- 
 hamii, a tree of the Olive family (Oleacese), 40 to 50 feet high ; 
 wood dark- coloured, extremely hard, close-grained, and durable. 
 
 Blackthorn. {Sec Sloe.) 
 
 Blackwood, also called Indian Eosewood {Dalhergia lati- 
 folia), a magnificent wing -leaved tree of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse), native of the East Indies. It is highly valued 
 for its timber, the finest and most expensive furniture being 
 made of it. Its variety Sissoides, together with D. Sissoo, natives 
 of India, are also called Blackwood and Eosewood. They are 
 hard- wooded trees, and the timber is employed for railway- 
 sleepers and gun-carriages. Acacia melanoxylon is also called 
 Blackwood in Australia. 
 
 Blacking Plant {Hihiscus-Bosa-sinensis), a shrub or small 
 tree of the Mallow family (Malvacese), native of Chifia, a showy 
 plant in hothouses, having single and double red and yellow 
 flowers. The red when bruised become black, and are then 
 used for colouring the eyebrows and blacking shoes. 
 
 Bladder-green. {See Blackthorn.) 
 
 Bladder Nut {Staphylect), a genus typical of the small family 
 Staphyleacese, represented in the gardens of this country by >S'. 
 pinnata, a native of Central and Eastern Europe, and >S'. trifo- 
 
54 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BLAEBERRY 
 
 liata, a native of North America; shrubs 3 to 4 feet high, 
 grown in shrubberies, conspicuous in autumn by their bladder- 
 like fruit, enclosing a nut, which is oily and purgative. 
 
 Blaeberry. {See Bilberry.) 
 
 Blewits, a name in the West and other parts of England for 
 Agai'icus personatus, a wholesome and delicious Agaric of the 
 mushroom group of fungi, known by the blue colour on the 
 upper part of the stem, from which it takes its name. There 
 are, however, some doubts as to its wholesomeness when 
 gathered under certain conditions, as to its age, etc. 
 
 Blight. (See Smut.) 
 
 Blimbing, the name in India for the fruit of AverrJioa 
 Bilimbi, a small tree of the Oxalis family (Oxalidacese). It 
 attains the height of from 20 to 30 feet, having winged leaves, 
 which are slightly sensitive on being shaken. It is cultivated 
 in India and other countries for its fruit, which is oblong and 
 pulpy, about 2 J inches long and 1 inch across, and of a 
 yellowish colour. The Carambola(^. Cara7)ihola)is a very similar 
 tree to the above ; its fruit is about the size of a hen's egg, 
 with three prominent ridges or angles, the flesh is soft, like a 
 plum, exceedingly juicy and refreshing. The fruits of both 
 species are used raw, preserved, or pickled, and the flowers are 
 made into a conserve. 
 
 Bloodberry (Eivina humilis), a small shrub of the family 
 Phytolaccacese, with soft leaves, native of the West Indies. It 
 is an old inhabitant in the hothouses of this country. It has 
 spikes of white flowers, which are followed by a bunch of small 
 red berries, the juice of which is like blood, and is used by the 
 ladies of South America as rousfe. 
 
 Blood Flower {Hcemanthus), an extensive genus of the 
 Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), natives principally of South 
 Africa, and cultivated in this country as showy garden plants. 
 H. toxicaria is poisonous, and is used by the natives to poison 
 their arrows. H. mnltiflorus and H. pitnicea have showy red 
 flowers, closely packed, the stamens forming a flat surface 
 resembling a painter's dusting brush. 
 
BLUEBOTTLE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 55 
 
 Blood Plum, a name in tlie ISTupe district of the Eiver 
 Niger for the fruit of Hcematostapliis Barter % a small tree of the 
 Mango family (Anacardiacese). The fruits are about the size of 
 small olives, borne in bunches something like grapes. They are 
 acid and edible. 
 
 Bloodwood, Indian {Lagerstrcemia Regince), a large tree of 
 the Henna family (Lythracese). It is a native of the Peninsula 
 and other parts of India and Burmah. Its wood is of a blood- 
 red colour, and being very durable in water it is much valued 
 for boat and ship building. The root is prescribed by Indian 
 doctors in cases where an astringent is required. It is called 
 Jarool by the natives. L. indica is a native of China, long 
 ago introduced into this country. It is a beautiful flowering 
 shrub in the greenhouse, and with protection against a wall is 
 sufficiently hardy to stand moderate winters and flower in the 
 open air. 
 
 Bloodwood, Jamaica {Gordonia hmmatoxylon), a small tree 
 of the Camellia family (Ternstroemiaceae). 
 
 Bloodwood, Norfolk Island (Baloghia lucida), a smaU tree 
 of the Spurgewort family (Euphorbiacese). It attains the 
 height of 20 to 30 feet; it has opposite entire, oblong leaves, 
 which, with the branches, on being cut, emits a red or blood-like 
 fluid used as a marking paint. 
 
 Bloodwood, Victoria (Eucalyptus corymhosa), a tree of the 
 Myrtle family (Myrtace^e). 
 
 Bloodwort, a name in North America for Sanguinaria 
 canadensis, a pretty, herbaceous plant of the Poppy family 
 (Papaveracese), not more than 6 inches high, producing showy 
 white flowers early in the spring. It has thick branching roots, 
 which yield a yellow pigment, used as a dye ; also by the 
 Indians to colour their bodies, and for rude paintings. 
 
 Bluebell. (See Hyacinth and Harebell.) 
 
 Bluebottle {Centaur ea Cyanus), an annual of the Composite 
 family (Compositse), common in cornfields, where its pretty blue 
 flowers contrast with the scarlet poppy. C. nigra, black knap- 
 weed, and G. scahiosa, greater knapweed, are also cornfield pests. 
 
56 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BOG 
 
 Bog Myrtle. {See Gale.) 
 
 Bonduc and Bonducella, two species of Ccesaljnnia (Guilan- 
 dina), a genus of the Cmscdjpinia section of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse). They are climbers, having hard - wooded, 
 prickly stems and leaves, which are bipinnate, extending to 
 a considerable length, forming entangling thickets in many 
 parts of the sea -coasts within the tropics, their wide disper- 
 sion being due to the nature of the seeds, which are about 
 the size of small marbles, and are contained in prickly, flat- 
 tened pods, 2 to 3 inches in length. They are so hard as 
 to require a heavy stroke of a stone or hammer to break 
 them. From this and the fact of the plants growing close 
 to the shore many of the pods are cast into the sea, and 
 wafted by currents on to distant shores. By the heat of the 
 sun the shells ultimately crack, and the embryos thus relieved 
 commence growth, thus establishing themselves in fresh locali- 
 ties. They are distinguished by their seeds, those of C. Bonduc 
 being yellow, and those of C. Bonducella gray, or sometimes 
 with an inclination to a reddish tint. They are known by the 
 name of nicker nuts. 
 
 Bonnace or Burnnose Tree, a name in Jamaica for Daphne 
 tinifolia, a small tree of the Spurge Laurel family (Thymelace^e). 
 It has a very tough fibrous bark, and is used for many domestic 
 purposes. 
 
 Bonnets and Hats. {See Straw.) 
 
 Borage {Borago officinalis), an annual of the Borage family 
 (Boraginaceae), a native of England, growing in neglected 
 places. It attains the height of two or three feet, having 
 very rough leaves and pretty blue flowers. It is grown in 
 gardens, and used for making a cooling drink called Cool 
 Tankard. Its famed virtues for other purposes are, however, 
 much more ideal than real. 
 
 Borecole. {See Cabbage.) 
 
 Bottle Brush Flowers, a name given to the flowers of 
 Melaleuca hypericifolia, a plant of the Myrtle family (Myrtacese), 
 native of New South Wales. The flowers are closely produced 
 
BOX OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 57 
 
 on a spike, and have long projecting straight stamens, T^hich 
 impart to it the appearance of a bottle brush. The flowers of 
 several species of Callistemon., a genus of the same family, are 
 also so called. 
 
 Bottle Gourd {Lagenaria mtlgaris), a climbing plant of the 
 Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). This is very common throughout 
 the tropics and sub-tropics of both hemispheres, and has been 
 introduced into the West Indies. Its fruit, which is sometimes 
 nearly 6 feet long, is shaped like a bottle, and often used as 
 such. The Club Gourd is a variety of this, but more tapering 
 in the form of a club. 
 
 Bottle Tree (Stcrculicc [Delahechea] rupestris), a tree of the 
 Sterculia family (Sterculiacese), native of JSTorth-East Australia. 
 It is allied to the Gouty stem tree (Adansonia Gregorii), noticed 
 under Baobab, being thickened below, tapering upwards or often 
 swoUen in the middle to the extent of 30 or 40 feet in circum- 
 ference, with an apparently small tree growing out of its apex, 
 so that it has been compared to the neck of a bottle. The 
 gouty stem is soft and porous, and contains much mucilaginous 
 gum, which is readily obtained by pressure, and is used as an 
 article of food by the natives. It is also called Barrell Tree. 
 
 Box-berry. {See ShaUon.) 
 
 Box Thorn {Lycmm larharwn), a twiggy rambling shrub 
 of the Nightshade family (Solanacese), of rapid growth, native 
 of countries bordering on the Mediterranean. It is often seen 
 covering arbours in cottage gardens in this country. Its leaves 
 resemble those of the Chinese tea tree, which led to its being 
 brought into notice about one hundred years ago by the then 
 Duke of Argyle as a substitute for tea, for which reason it re- 
 ceived the name of the Duke of Argyle's tea tree. 
 
 Box Trees. — There are several different kinds of trees 
 known by this name, the first and most important being jBuxus 
 sempervirens, a small evergreen tree of the Spurgewort family 
 (Euphorbiaceae), native of Europe and the temperate coun- 
 tries of Asia, supposed to be indigenous in this country on 
 Box -hill, in Surrey. It attains the height of from 10 to 30 
 
58 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BOX 
 
 feet, and has a stem 8 or 10 inches in diameter. It has small 
 brio-ht, shining leaves, and inconspicuous flowers, male and 
 female, separate on the same plant. It is extensively planted 
 as an ornamental shrub. The box-edgings (so called) of garden 
 walks are formed of a dwarf variety of this species. An allied 
 species is B. Balearica, a native of the regions of the Mediter- 
 ranean, and derives its specific name from the Balearic Islands ; 
 it has larger leaves, and altogether a stouter-looking tree. It 
 is not so common in gardens as B. sempervirens. The wood of 
 the Box Tree is hard and close-grained, takes a fine polish, and is 
 valued for wood- engraving, turnery, making mathematical in- 
 struments, etc. The chief supply comes from the Eussian forests 
 in the Caucasus. 
 
 Box Tree, New South Wales [Pittosporum undulatum), a 
 tree of the Pittosporad family (Pittosporacese), native of Xew 
 South Wales, attaining the height of 70 to 80 feet. Its 
 wood is somewhat similar to the common boxwood. It has 
 been introduced to the Azores, where it protects the orange 
 trees from w^ind, as it withstands the highest gales. 
 
 Box Tree, Tasmanian {Bursaria sjnnosa), a spiny, bushy 
 tree belonging to the same family as the preceding, native of 
 Tasmania. It attains the height of 25 feet. Its wood is hard, 
 with a grain similar to that of the common box tree. American 
 boxwood is furnished by Cornus florida, and West Indian by 
 Tecoma pentaphylla. 
 
 Bracelet-wood, a name in the West Indies for Jacquinia 
 armillaris, a small tree of the Myrsine family (Myrsinaceae). 
 It is a close-headed tree, with verticillate branches, thickly fur- 
 nished with obtuse, cuneiform, erect, firm leaves ; it produces 
 numerous reddish flowers ; its seeds are yellow and brown 
 according to age, and, being hard, are made into bracelets. 
 
 Brake and Bracken, common names for Pteris aquilina, 
 also well known by the name of Fern, growing abundantly in 
 parks, open glades, woods, and roadsides in this country, and 
 occupying vast tracts in all temperate parts of the world 
 and on elevated regions in the tropics — a true cosmopolitan. It 
 
BRAKE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 59 
 
 spreads rapidly by its underground running stems, which pro- 
 duce numerous winged herbaceous stems (called fronds in botany), 
 which vary in height from 3 to 6 feet. In autumn these are 
 cut and dried, and used for many domestic purposes. The under- 
 ground stems contain a quantity of mucilage and starch, which, 
 in some parts of Europe and Northern countries, are prepared 
 by washing and pounding, and are mixed with meal to make 
 bread in times of scarcity ; even in this country attempts have 
 several times been made to bring the plant into use as a food, 
 recently by Dr. Clark, who considered it a wholesome table 
 vegetable when young and blanched like asparagus, but its 
 daily use for a month proved it to be astringent. In the 
 southern hemisphere it is represented by wdiat some botanists 
 term a distinct species, namely, P. esculenta, which originally 
 formed a considerable article of food to the natives of Australia, 
 New Zealand, and other islands of the Pacific. The colonisation 
 of these countries and the introduction of corn and potatoes wiU 
 no doubt cause it to be discarded as an article of food. In some 
 parts of this country, especially in Wales, the fern is burnt in 
 large quantities, and the ashes, which contain a considerable 
 quantity of alkali, mixed with water and made into balls, are 
 sold in the towns as a substitute for soap, under the name of 
 ash-balls. The ashes are also used in glass - making. On 
 account of ferns not having visible flowers or seed, much super- 
 stition was attached to them by the ancients, and in Shake- 
 speare's time they were spoken of as " uncanny and evil." 
 Butler says : — 
 
 " Fern, that vile, unuseful weed 
 That grows equivocably without seed." 
 
 It however appears, according to Shakespeare's play of Henry 
 IV., that ferns were then considered to have seed. We read : — 
 
 " We have the receipt of fern seed — 
 We walk invisible." 
 
 This fern seed is supposed to become visible on St. John's 
 Eve, and it was believed to be under the special protection of 
 
60 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BRAIMBLE 
 
 the Queen of the Fairies. It was considered that those who 
 possessed fern seed could make themselves invisible at pleasure. 
 A more practical notion of the supposed power of ferns is, that 
 the burning of it brings down rain, of which the following is a 
 curious illustration. In a volume containing a miscellaneous 
 collection by Dr. Eichard Pocock, in the British Museum, is the 
 copy of a letter written by Philip Herbert, third Earl of Pem- 
 broke, Lord Chamberlain, to the Sheriff of Staffordsliire. It is 
 as follows : — " Sir — His Majesty, taking notice that the burning 
 of Feme doth draw down rain, and being desirous that the 
 country and himself may enjoy fair weather as long as he 
 remains in these parts, his Majesty has commanded me to write 
 to you to cause all burning of Fern to be forborne until his 
 Majesty be past the country. AVherein, not doubting but the 
 consideration of their own interest, as well as of his Majesty's, 
 will invite the country to a ready observance of this his 
 Majesty's commands, I rest, your very loving friend, Pembroke 
 AND Montgomery." 
 
 Bramble, or Blackberry (Ruhusfruticosus), a trailing prickly 
 shrub of the Eose family (Eosacese), native of this country, found 
 growing in hedges and waste places. The fruits are black, and 
 are used for puddings, tarts, and preserves, as well as for making 
 and colouring wines, both in France and England. They are 
 generally considered astringent. The long rods and twigs are 
 used for fixing thatch and for other domestic purposes. Many 
 other species of Buhus of low growth extend to the limits of 
 vegetable hfe in the northern hemisphere. The fruit of several 
 such as Dewberry (Buhus ccesius), Cloudberry (B. Chajncemorus), 
 are used in Northern countries for making wine. They also 
 furnish food for moor and other wild fowl. 
 
 Bran, one of the coarser products of wheat, which with pol- 
 lards is separated in the process of milling in the preparation of 
 flour, the latter forming an important article of food to the 
 peasants of Italy. 
 
 Brank. {See Buckwheat.) 
 
 Brazil or BraziLetto Wood (Ccesalpinia echmata), a rugged 
 
BREAD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 61 
 
 growing tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse), about 20 or 30 
 feet high, with prickly compound winged leaves. It is a native 
 of Brazil ; the wood is hard, takes a fine polish, and is imported 
 to this country for cabinet-work, also for dyeing. 
 
 Brazil Nut (Bertlwlletia excelsa), a tree of the Monkey Pot sec- 
 tion of the Myrtle family (Myrtacese), attaining the height of 100 
 to 150 feet, and about 3 or 4 feet in diameter. The leaves are 
 broad, smooth, and nearly 2 feet in length. The fruit is pro- 
 duced on the upper branches, and when fully grown is in the 
 form of a perfect ball, from 4 to 6 inches in diameter ; it consists 
 of a woody shell containing a number of closely-packed three- 
 sided rough seeds (nuts) about an inch and a half in length. 
 When ripe the fruits fall from the tree and are collected by 
 troops of Indians, who split them open to obtain the nuts. The 
 tree is a native of Guiana, Venezuela, and Brazil, forming large 
 forests on the banks of the Eio Negro and the Amazon, and 
 likewise about Esmeraldoes on the Orinoco, where the natives 
 call it Juvia. The largest export of Brazil nuts is from Para ; 
 as many as 50,000 to 90,000 bushels are annually sent to this 
 country alone. A bland oil is obtained by pressure, which is 
 used by watchmakers and artists. 
 
 Bread, native of Australia {Mylitta australis), a curious 
 fungus, forming large irregularly globose masses, which in its 
 early stage is soft, but afterwards becomes hard and horny. It 
 is eaten by the natives. 
 
 Bread-fruit {Artocarpus incisa), a tree of the Bread-fruit 
 family (Artocarpace^e), native of Otaheite and other^slands of the 
 Pacific Ocean, attaining the height of 20 to 30 feet, having 
 spreading branches and rough lobed leaves. Its fruit (so called) 
 consists of a spongy receptacle of a globose or oblong form, like 
 a large melon about a foot in length ; it is marked on the ex- 
 terior with a diamond pattern, each mark indicating the place 
 of a female flower. The true fruits consist of nuts embedded in 
 the mass, but are seldom produced in trees under cultivation. 
 Bread-fruit, with the cocoa-nut and banana, comprises the 
 principal part of the food of the natives of the Pacific Islands. 
 
62 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR XAMES BREAD 
 
 It is of a white and firm texture, sorQething like wlieaten bread, 
 and not unpleasant to eat. The bark is very tough, and when 
 beaten out forms the whitest and finest native cloth. 
 
 The Bread-fruit tree was first brought into notice through 
 the voyages of Captain Cook, and its fame as a food-plant led 
 the British Government to deem it worthy of being naturalised 
 in the West Indies. Accordingly, in 1787 the ship Bounty, 
 commanded by Captain Bligh, accompanied by David Nelson, a 
 gardener (who had accompanied Captain Cook in his third 
 voyage), was despatched to Otaheite to obtain a cargo of young 
 trees. This being accomplished, the ship sailed from Otaheite 
 with every prospect of the undertaking terminating successfully; 
 but they had not long left Otaheite when a mutiny broke out 
 on board, and the captain, Nelson, and other officers, and 
 members of the crew who would not join the mutineers, were 
 put in an open boat and set adrift in mid-ocean, the nearest 
 place where European aid could be obtained being the Island of 
 Timor, 3618 miles distant, which place they reached after 
 enduring great fatigue and hardship, from the effects of which 
 Nelson did not recover, having died there in July 1789. On 
 Captain Bligh reaching England he was again despatched on 
 the same mission in the ship Providence, having with him 
 Christopher Smith, a gardener from Kew, the expedition this 
 time proving successful ; and in 1793 Bread-fruit trees were flour- 
 ishing in Jamaica and other West Indian Islands, and soon became 
 common in all tropical countries favourable to their growth. 
 
 Bread-fruit, African {Trecidia africana), a tree of the Bread- 
 fruit family (Artocarpacete), native of Western tropical Africa. 
 The fruit is about a foot in diameter, having numerous nuts 
 buried in a spongy substance ; these nuts are ground into meal 
 and eaten by the natives. 
 
 Bread-nut Tree (Brosimicm alicastruni), a large tree of the 
 Bread-fruit family (Artocarpacese), native of the West Indies. It 
 has lance-shaped leaves and fruit about the size of a plum, 
 containing one nut-seed, which when roasted is eatable. The 
 wood has a fine grain like mahogany. 
 
BROOM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 63 
 
 Bread-root. {See Prairie Turnip.) 
 
 Briar -root, a popular name for the roots, burrs, and knots 
 of Urica arhorea, a shrub or small tree of the Heath family 
 (Ericacese). It is found in many parts of Europe, as well as in 
 Algeria. The burrs, roots, and knots are imported into this coun- 
 try in large quantities for making pipes, which are sold as Briar- 
 root pipes, the common name being a corruption of the Erench 
 Bruy^re. 
 
 Brinjal, or Bringal. {See Egg-plant.) 
 
 Brocoli. {See Cabbage.) 
 
 Broom {Cytisus scoparius), a shrub or small tree of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosse) with twiggy, flexible almost leafless 
 branches. It is a native of Britain and throughout Europe, 
 growing on heaths and uncultivated ground. Its showy yellow 
 flowers make it a general favourite. In Spain and France it 
 attains the size of a tree, and its wood, which is hard, is highly 
 valued for veneering and cabinet-work. The fibre of the bark is 
 very strong, and capable of being used for many purposes ; its 
 twiggy branches are extensively used for making brooms. 
 
 A closely-allied plant, S'partmm junceum^ a native of South- 
 ern Europe, has more slender and cord -like branches than C. 
 scoparius, and they are used for making baskets and fastening 
 the vines in the vineyards. In Italy and the South of France a 
 cloth is made from the fibre, which is obtained by tying the rush- 
 like twigs into bundles, and exposing them to the sun for some 
 time to wither; they are then beaten with a mallet, and placed in 
 water, where they are allowed to remain eight or nine days, after 
 which they are washed ; this operation loosens the fibre in the 
 bark, and after drying it is combed and dressed in a similar 
 manner to that which obtains in the preparation of flax. 
 
 The Broom is the badge of the Plantagenets, adopted by 
 Henry IL, and borne by the rest of his race ; Planta genesta 
 giving the family title of Plantagenet figured on the seal of 
 Eichard I. 
 
 Broom Corn, a name in the United States for Sorghum 
 saccharatum, an annual grass, producing a dense head of long 
 
64 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BROOM 
 
 spikelets, bearing nnmerous small corn-grains, wliich after being 
 removed the spikelets become hard and rigid, and are used 
 for making house brooms. For this purpose it is extensively 
 cultivated in parts of the United States, especially Ohio. Great 
 quantities of the spikelets and broom handles are imported to 
 this country, 
 
 Broom Rape, a name for a certain class of plants growing 
 on the roots of others, and therefore termed parasitical ; the 
 typical genus of Broom Eapes is Orobanche. Of this genus, which 
 gives the name to the family (Orobanchacese), six species are 
 described as being natives of Britain. The most conspicuous is 
 0. 7najor, which grows upon the roots of broom and furze ; it 
 consists of a fleshy stem a foot or more in height, of a brownish 
 yellow colour ; instead of leaves it is furnished with numerous 
 pointed scales, terminated by a head of monopetalous bilabiate 
 flowers. The other species are similar in habit, but of less size, 
 and are found on the roots of furze, flax, clover, wild carrot, etc. 
 They possess no special properties, but are troublesome weeds, 
 especially those growing on clover and flax, doing irrej)arable 
 mischief. 
 
 Brucine. {See Nux Vomica.) 
 
 Brush Grass {Andro]oogon grylhis), a strong growing peren- 
 nial grass, native of the South of Europe. It has stiff wiry 
 roots, which are largely imported into this country for making 
 toilet and other brushes. 
 
 Brussels Sprout. {See Cabbage.) 
 
 Bryony {Bryonia dioica), a common British plant of the 
 Gourd family (Cucurbitaccce), climbing over hedges and adorn- 
 ing them with its beautiful berries in autumn, which are higlily 
 poisonous. The plant has a thick, long, fleshy root, often 
 double, or made to grow so by herb collectors in order to con- 
 vert them into the form of a man, these are called Mandrakes, 
 and are occasionally to be obtained as curiosities. It is a 
 dangerous purgative. 
 
 Bryony, Black {Tamus communis), a tuberous -rooted herb 
 of the Yam family (Dioscoreacese), native of roadsides and waste 
 
BUCKTHORN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 65 
 
 places in this country. It has a hard fleshy tuberous root- 
 stalk 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and the greater part above 
 ground, from the centre of which rise annually slender twining 
 stems, rambling over hedges and bushes, furnished with heart- 
 shaped leaves. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and dioe- 
 cious ; its fruit is a black berry. Its fleshy slimy roots were at 
 one time in repute with herb doctors for making plasters. The 
 fruit is used as a remedy for chilblains. 
 
 Buchu, or Bucku, a name given by the Hottentots to 
 Barosma crenulata, B. crenata, and B. serratifolia, slender 
 branched shrubs with small alternate leaves, and pretty pink or 
 white flowers of the Eue family (Eutacese), natives of the Cape 
 of Good Hope. The leaves are highly esteemed by the Hotten- 
 tots ; mixed with brandy called Buchu brandy, it is a favourite 
 medicine, taken internally for many complaints, and applied 
 externally for rheumatism ; they also make a powder with the 
 leaves, and mix it with grease to anoint their bodies, which 
 operation forms an important part of their toilet. The leaves 
 are full of pellucid oil-cells, and have a strong fragrant odour ; 
 they are frequently prescribed by regular practitioners in this 
 country, especially in diuretic affections, and for promoting 
 perspiration. 
 
 Buckbean (^Menyanthes trifoliata), a trailing herb of the 
 Gentian family (Gentianaceee) ; it is one of our most beautiful 
 native plants, growing abundantly in marshy places and by the 
 sides of streams. It possesses strong medicinal properties, the 
 leaves being extremely bitter. An infusion of them is a 
 favourite domestic remedy in rheumatism, and is employed 
 by regular practitioners in fevers. They have been used as a 
 substitute for hops ; but they give bitterness without any 
 accompanying aroma. 
 
 Buckthorn, represented in this country by several species of 
 the genus Bhamnus, typical of the Buckthorn family (Eham- 
 nacese). With the exception of B. Alaternus, they are rude, stift- 
 branched, somewhat spiny shrubs, seldom exceeding 10 feet iu 
 height. 
 
66 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BUCKTHORN 
 
 H. infectorius, native of Southern Europe and Western Asia, 
 is important on account of its berries, which are about the size 
 of peas, and black when ripe ; gathered green, they constitute 
 an important dye, much used by calico printers. In commerce 
 they are known by the name of Yellow or Persian berries ; 
 the princi]3al importations come from ports in the Black Sea, 
 chiefly from Trebizonde. 
 
 E. cathartictis, the Purging Buckthorn, is indigenous to 
 Britain. It is a stiff-branched shrub, 5 to 10 feet high. It has 
 deciduous, yellowish green, egg-shaped leaves, toothed along the 
 edges, and dense clusters of yellowish green flowers, which pro- 
 duce a crop of little shining black berries about the size of peas ; 
 they were formerly used in medicine as a purgative, and are 
 still prescribed by herb doctors ; Syrup of Buckthorn is, however, 
 a medicine in the British Pharmacopoeia. The pigment called 
 Sap-green, or Bladder-green, is prepared by mixing the fresh 
 juice of the ripe berries with alum, and evaporating to dryness ; 
 it is in common use by water-colour painters ; the juice of the 
 unripe berries is yeUow, and used by map-makers. The bark 
 yields a beautiful yellow dye, and, like the berries, is strongly 
 purgative, and excites vomiting. 
 
 B. Frangula, called the Alder Buckthorn, a stiff' branching 
 shrub 6 to 8 feet high, or sometimes with a single stem, assum- 
 ing the character of a small tree, native of this country, and, 
 with the last, growing in woods and uncultivated grounds. The 
 bark of the branches and roots contain a yellow dye. Its 
 greatest importance is that it makes the best charcoal, used for 
 the manufacture of the finest gunpowder, and is known to the 
 gunpowder makers as Dogwood. 
 
 B. Alaternus, an evergreen shrub, with smooth shining leaves, 
 sometimes forming a small tree, attaining the height of 10 to 12 
 feet, native of Southern Europe and I^orthern Africa. It has 
 been introduced and cultivated in tliis country as an ornamental 
 shrub since the beginning of the seventeenth century. 
 
 B. utilis and B. chloropliorus are sln-ubs or small trees, natives 
 of China ; they yield the fine green dye for silk, called " Lo-kao," 
 
BUGWORT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 67 
 
 which is extensively imported into this country and France in 
 the form of cakes, called Chinese Green Indigo; it imparts 
 beautiful shades of green to silk. These two species have, 
 within the last twenty years, been introduced to this country, 
 but are not sufficiently hardy to stand our severe winters with- 
 out protection; they, however, might do so in the southern 
 counties, and the south of Ireland. 
 
 Buckthorn, Sea {Hiipi^oiplim rhamnoides), a bushy, spiny 
 branched shrub, 2 to 4 feet high, of the Oleaster family 
 (Elseagnacese), with linear, alternate leaves, green above and 
 silvery underneath. The fruit forms a succulent berry; it is 
 acrid and poisonous. I^ative of the sea-shores of this country. 
 
 Buckwheat, or Brank {Fagopyrum escidentum), an annual 
 plant of the Ehubarb family (Polygonacese), supposed to be a 
 native of Central Asia, where it is extensively cultivated, but it 
 has now become widely spread in most countries. It is largely 
 cultivated in France, Holland, and the United States for its 
 seeds, which are ground into meal and made into thin cakes. 
 In this country its seeds are chiefly used for feeding pheasants. 
 The husks are largely used for packing what are termed Dutch 
 bulbs. 
 
 Buffalo Berry {Shepherdia argent ea), a low bush of the 
 Oleaster family (Elseagnaceae), with pretty silvery lance-shaped 
 leaves. It is found abundantly in the United States and many 
 parts of N'orth America. The berries are about the size of 
 currants, and form a considerable portion of food to the Utah 
 Indians. 
 
 Buffalo Grass {Tripsacum dadyloides), a strong - growing 
 grass, native of North America, from Canada to Texas, supplying 
 a large proportion of the food of wild buffaloes. About fifty years 
 ago it came into special notice in this country under the name of 
 Gama Grass ; highly extolled for fattening cattle and making the 
 flesh rich. It was introduced to Kew by Tradescant in 1640 ; it 
 is scarcely hardy, being much injured in severe winters, there- 
 fore it was not patronised as a fodder grass. 
 
 Bugwort (Cimicifuga fcetida), a perennial of the Buttercup 
 
68 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BUKKUM 
 
 family (Eanunciilace^e), native of Eastern Europe and Siberia. 
 It is called Stinking Bugwort, and is used for destroying insects, 
 particularly the pests from which it takes its name. 
 
 Bukkum-wood. (See Sappan-wood.) 
 
 Bull Kelp, a seaweed common on the south coast of 
 Australia, used as a food by the aboriginal natives. The party 
 sent to King's Island to bury the dead of the ill-fated ship 
 Catarique, fell short of provisions, and lived upon this weed for 
 several days. It has been described as exceedingly nutritious 
 and fattening. 
 
 BuUace {Prunus insititia), a spiny shrub of the Plum 
 family (Drupacese), native of this country, growing in hedges and 
 waste places. The fruit is larger than that of the sloe, and is 
 palatable ; there is a variety with white berries, sold as white 
 damsons. 
 
 Bullock's Heart {Anona reticulata). (See Custard Apple.) 
 
 Bully Tree (Bumelia nig7^a), a large tree of the Star Apple 
 family (Sapotaceee), native of Jamaica, and indigenous to Bar- 
 badoes. Its fruit is clammy, but of a sweet agreeable flavour. 
 It is also called Bully Berry. The name Bully Tree is some- 
 times applied to Sapota sideroxylon and Myrsine Imta. 
 
 Bulrush, Common (Scirpus lacustris), a marsh plant of the 
 Sedge family (Cyperacese), it has cylindrical stems like the 
 common rush, but stouter and taller, often attaining the height 
 of from 4 to 6 feet. It grows abundantly in ditches and on 
 banks of rivers in this and other countries of Europe and in 
 Western Asia. It is extensively used for making mats and 
 ropes, but more especially for chair-bottoms and hassocks. In 
 this country in early times it was called Pool-rush. In Cali- 
 fornia it is called Teele, and used for paper-making. Typha 
 latifolia is by some called Bulrush. (See Mace-reed.) 
 
 Bulrush of the Nile. (See Papyrus.) 
 
 Bunkuss, a name in India for Spocliopogoyi angustifolms, a 
 grass of the Andropogon section of the Grass family (Gra- 
 minaceie). It is used in North- West India for making ropes, 
 also shoes, mats, and other domestic utensils. 
 
BUSSU OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 69 
 
 Bunt. {See Smut.) 
 
 Bunya Bunya. {See Araucaria.) 
 
 Burdock {Arctium Lap]3a), a large rough-leaved perennial 
 of tlie Composite family (Compositse), common in this country, 
 growing on roadsides and waste places ; it is a troublesome 
 weed in cultivated grounds. It has no special properties, but is 
 interesting for its sj)iny flower-heads, the burs adhering to 
 clothes, and affording a source to schoolboys and others of 
 playing practical jokes. 
 
 Burgundy Pitch. {See Spruce Fir.) 
 
 Burnet {Poterium [Sctnguisorla\ offieincde), a perennial herb 
 with winged leaves, belonging to the Burnet family (Sanguisor- 
 bacese), producing branching flower-stems 3 feet high, and bearing 
 oblong heads of reddish flowers. A small-sized variety is called 
 the Lesser Burnet ; they are natives of this country, and are grown 
 in gardens for their leaves, wliich are used in soups, salads, and 
 for cooling drinks. 
 
 Burweed {Xantliium spinosum), a rude-growing rough-leaved 
 annual of the Composite family (Compositse), native of Southern 
 Europe ; it has been introduced into the Cape of Good Hope, 
 and has become a serious evil to the sheep farmers by its 
 prickles becoming fixed in the wool of the sheep. An Act has 
 been passed by the Cape Parliament for its extirpation. In the 
 United States Xantliium strumarium is in its young state often 
 eaten by cattle ; its effect is to paralyse the heart, inducing 
 torpor without pain or struggle. 
 
 Bush Apple, a name in Australia for the fruit of Acliras 
 australis, a small tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), 
 native of extra-tropical Australia. 
 
 Bussu. — This is a name given by the Indians to Manicaria 
 saccifera, a palm, native of the swamps of the Orinoco, also 
 found in Trinidad. It is one of the few palms with entire 
 leaves. The stem is stout and generally crooked, attaining the 
 height of 15 or more feet, the leaves which rise from its 
 summit being 20 to 30 feet in length and 4 to 5 in width; when 
 old the tops become split and ragged, but are stiff and stand 
 
70 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES BUTCHER 
 
 erect. The flowers are produced on a simple spadix 3 or 4 feet 
 long, enclosed in a tougli, brown spathe of an interwoven fibrous 
 character, of which bags, caps, and such-like articles are made. 
 The fruit is normally three- sided, covered with blunt tubercles ; 
 it is of no special use. The leaves of this palm are the most 
 important product, being used by the Indians for covering their 
 huts, etc. 
 
 Butchers' Broom {Ruscus aculeaHs), a caespitose, stiff, erect 
 spiny-leaved shrub of the Asparagus section of the Lily family 
 (Liliaceae), native of the southern parts of England and of 
 Europe generally, on the sea-coasts. Its flowers are small, 
 borne in a tuft on the under side of the stiff, spiny leaves. The 
 fruit is red, about the size of a small cherry; it possesses but 
 little economic value, except that the young shoots are tender 
 and eaten like asparagus. Other species of Euscus common in 
 gardens are R. Tiypophylhim and R. hyjooglossitm, low, bushy 
 evergreen shrubs, natives of Europe. B. racemosus, a native of 
 Portugal, differs from the preceding, as it produces its flowers in 
 distinct racemes and not on the leaves; it is known by the 
 name of Alexandria Laurel. R. androgynus is a strong climbing 
 species, native of Portugal. Tliis, again, differs from the other 
 species in producing its flowers on the margin of the leaves. 
 
 Buttercup. — Under this name the flowers of two or three 
 species of Eanunculus are known, namely — R. acris, R. bulbosus, 
 and R. repens. They are common English plants of the Butter- 
 cup family (Eanunculacese), enlivening woods and meadows in 
 the month of May with brilliant yellow flowers, called also 
 King Cups and Gold Cups, and supposed to be the " Cuckoo 
 buds of yellow hue" of Shakespeare. They are acrid and blister- 
 ing, often inflaming the mouth of cattle, as does also the annual 
 corn weed, R. armnsis. 
 
 Butter Nut. {See Souari Nut.) 
 
 Butter Trees, a name given to several trees whose fruits or 
 bark yield a solid oily or fatty substance, of which the following 
 are the principal : — 1. Bassia lutyracca, a middle-sized tree 
 of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), native of Nepal and other 
 
BUTTER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 71 
 
 « 
 
 parts of India. By pressure the seeds yield a semi-solid oil, 
 which thickens and becomes like lard ; it is used for culinary 
 purposes, also for making soap, and by the natives of rank for 
 anointing the body. It is sometimes called Chooree, and 
 forms a considerable article of trade. The flowers abound in 
 honey, scarcely differing in the raw^ state from hive honey, 
 except that it is more limpid. It is manufactured into sugar, in 
 every respect equal to that of the sugar-cane. 2. Bassia 
 latifolia, a tree 40 to 50 feet high and 6 to 7 feet in girth, native 
 of Bengal and other parts of India. Like the preceding, the seeds 
 yield a fatty substance used as butter. The flowers become 
 fleshy, and from them an ardent spirit is distilled. The flowers 
 are eaten raw by the natives in the district of Circars, and are 
 also dried and preserved, forming a considerable article of food. 
 They have further been recently imported into this country for 
 feeding pigs and poultry. A recent writer speaks of it thus : 
 "Any one standing on the dry metamorphic Kharapoor 
 Hills, in the district of Monghyr, 250 miles north-west of 
 Calcutta, and looking on to the plains below, may see 100,000 
 ' Mahwa trees.' Any one fresh from Calcutta would mistake 
 these for Mango trees, whose crops are uncertain ; the Mahwa 
 crop never fails. The part eaten is the succulent corollas 
 which fall in great profusion from the trees in March and 
 April. Then is the feasting time for the humbler members of 
 creation — birds, squirrels, and tree shrews feast among the 
 branches by day, whilst the poor villagers collect the corollas 
 which fall to the ground on all sides ; nor does the feasting end 
 with day, at sunset peacocks and jungle fowl steal out from the 
 surrounding jungle to share the mahwa with deer and bears." 
 During the season of scarcity which prevailed at Behar 
 during 1873-74, the mahwa crop, which was unusually abundant, 
 kept thousands of poor people from starving. 3. Shea Butter 
 (Buiyrospermum Barkii), a tree, native of Western tropical Africa. 
 It attains the height of from 60 to 90 feet, and a circumference 
 of from 6 to 9 feet. The leaves are large and bright green, the 
 fruit is about the size of a peach, but more oblong, consisting of 
 
72 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES BUTTERWORT 
 
 sweet pulp and a bony seed with a kernel, which, after being 
 separated from the shell, is pounded and boiled, when a fatty 
 substance swims on the top of the water, which is strained off, 
 and when cold resembles butter. It was first brought into 
 notice by Mungo Park, who found the trees abundant in the 
 kingdom of Bambarra. It is an extensive article of trade with 
 the natives, and forms an important food product. It has the 
 consistence of tallow, is quite white, and has a fatty, often rancid 
 taste. It has recently become an article of trade with this coun- 
 try for soap-making. 4. Pentaclesma hutyracea, a tree of the Gam- 
 boge family (Guttiferae), native of Sierra Leone and other parts 
 of Western tropical Africa. It attains the height of 30 or 40 
 feet, and bears an ovoid fruit of a dark brown colour, containing a 
 yellow, greasy juice, which is used by the natives mixed with 
 their food, but its strong turpentine flavour is not palatable 
 to Europeans. It is sold as butter in the markets of Free- 
 town, but it must not be confounded with Shea butter. 5. 
 Chiiinite, the Kaffir name of a substance obtained from Com- 
 hretum hutyraceum, a climbing shrub or tree of the Myi^obalan 
 family (Combretacese), native of South-Eastern Africa. This 
 substance is white, hard, and somewhat aromatic, and is taken 
 to Mozambique as an article of commerce. It is not kno^vn 
 whether it is obtained from the kernel of the fruit or from the 
 bark, but probably the latter, and it is of a similar nature to the 
 substance called Vegetable Glue produced by C. guayea (which 
 see). 
 
 Butterwort {Pinguicula mdgaris), a small perennial plant 
 with oblong lanceolate leaves in the form of a rosette close 
 to the ground, from which rises a slender stem bearing a 
 single flower. It belongs to the family of Bladderworts (Len- 
 tibulariacese), and is a native of this country, growing in 
 boggy ground, and is also abundant in Scotland. Its leaves 
 are greasy to the touch, and have the property of coagulating 
 milk. On account of flies and other insects adherinsr to the 
 leaves it has recently been ranked with the sundews as a 
 carnivorous plant. 
 
CABBAGE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 73 
 
 Button Tree, a name in the West Indies for Conocarpus 
 erecta, a tree of the Myrobalan family (Combretacese). It has 
 small flowers compacted in round heads, which are compared to 
 butto^is. It was introduced to this country in 1752, and grown 
 in the hothouses at Kew, but is of no special use. 
 
 Button - wood, a name in North America for Cephalan- 
 tJuis occidentalis, a shrub of the Cinchona family (Rubiacese). 
 It has simple opposite or whorled leaves and small yellowish- 
 white flowers, produced in round heads compared to buttons, 
 and, like the preceding, is of no special use. It was introduced 
 in 1735; and is hardy, but is not much patronised, except in 
 botanic gardens. Button-wood is also a name for the wood of 
 Platanus occidentalis, a North American tree of the Plane family 
 (Platanaceae). 
 
 Cabbage, the common name of Brassica olcracea, a biennial 
 of the Cruciferous family (Cruciferse), a native of the sea-shores 
 of this country. In 1706 Dr. Peachy, in his Herbal, says it 
 grows everywhere on the coast of England ; our people in such 
 places eat it, preferring it to garden cabbage. It is considered 
 by successive cultivation to be the parent of all the forms of the 
 cabbage group now in general use for culinary purposes, of 
 which the following are the principal : — 1. The common white 
 cabbage ; 2. Eed cabbage ; 3. Savoys — these, when perfect, con- 
 sist of solid masses formed by the leaves compactly enveloping 
 one another ; 4. Coleworts, a name applied to the different 
 varieties of white cabbage before becoming solid ; 5. Borecole or 
 Scotch Kale, has tall stems and loose leaves, often variously 
 coloured ; 6. Curly greens, with tall stems and large heads of 
 finely-cut spreading leaves ; 7. Cauliflower — the heads of cauli- 
 flower (so-called) consist of the metamorphosed condition of the 
 flower ; 8. Broccoli, the head formed in the same way as cauli- 
 flower ; 9. Cow or Jersey cabbage, a tall, slender- stemmed 
 .variety of the common cabbage, growing in Jersey, sometimes 
 attaining the height of 10 to 12 feet, terminated by a head of 
 compacted leaves. When dry, the stem is very light and firm, and 
 walking-sticks are made of it. As already stated, the whole of 
 
74 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CABBAGE 
 
 the above are considered to have sprung from the wild cabbage ; 
 but there is no record of when or how they came to assume their 
 respective forms. Some of the varieties are supposed to have 
 been introduced to this country by the Eomans. The cauli- 
 flower and broccoli are recorded to have been cultivated in France 
 and Italy in the middle of the sixteenth century. 
 
 Cabbage Bark Tree, a name in the West Indies for Andira 
 inermis, a tree of the Bean family (Leguminosae). Its bark 
 has a very disagreeable smell, and is used as a worm powder, 
 but requires caution in its use, as it is highly narcotic. 
 
 Cabbage, Kerguelen's Land {Pringlea antiscorhittica), is one 
 of the most remarkable plants of the Cruciferous family. It is 
 a native of the uninhabited and inhospitable island called Ker- 
 guelen's Land, situated in the Southern Ocean 48° S., where it is 
 a most conspicuous plant, and where only it is found. It closely 
 resembles the common cabbage, being nearly as large, having a 
 firm head and white heart. It is found in great abundance, and 
 is highly valuable as a vegetable to the crews of ships touching 
 there. It is chiefly distinguished from cabbage by the nature 
 of its seed-vessels and seeds. 
 
 Cabbage Palm {Areca oleracea), a Common palm of the 
 West Indies. It has a slender stem, and grows to a great 
 heigjht. This and others of the same nature are called Cabbaoje 
 Palms on account of their young unexpanded leaves being used 
 as a vegetable. To obtain this insignificant morsel these noble 
 trees, some a hundred years old, and 100 feet liigh, have to be 
 cut down. 
 
 Ptyclios]perma (Seaforthia) elcgans is the cabbage palm of 
 New South Wales ; it, with the elegant Fan Palm (Limstona 
 australis), Tree Ferns, Cedar {Cedrela), Gigantic IN'ettle, and 
 other remarkable trees of tropical aspect, formed the primeval 
 forests of the Illawarra district of ISTew South Wales ; and 
 although a hundred years have not passed since first seen by 
 civilised man, they are now fast disappearing ; remnants only 
 remaining in places where the plough has not reached. 
 
 Cacao. {Sec Chocolate Xut.) 
 
CACTUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 75 
 
 Cactus, a name originally given by Theoplirastus (b.c. 288) 
 to a spiny plant ; but what that plant was modern investigation 
 has failed to ascertain. Linnseus adapted it for the name of a 
 genus of spiny plants, which in modern botany rex^resents the 
 Cactus family (Cactaceae), of which there are many species. The 
 whole, with one or two exceptions, are natives of the West 
 Indian Islands and the American continent, where they are 
 found in greater or less abundance in the different regions, from 
 the Eocky Mountains and Oregon in the North, and Chili and 
 Paraguay in the South. They grow on rocks and in hot dry 
 sterile places; some love moisture, growing on trees. They vary 
 greatly in size and form. On account of the substance of which 
 they are formed consisting of soft fleshy matter, they are called 
 succulent plants. Their leafless and unplant-like forms led 
 them to become early objects of curiosity in this country. C. 
 Opuntia is recorded as having been cultivated in his garden by 
 John Gerard at Holborn before 1596. In Alton's Hortus Keivensis, 
 published 1789, twenty-two species are recorded, and in the 
 second edition, 1813, this number was only increased by two. 
 They not only formed objects of curiosity in botanic gardens, 
 but also in the hothouses of many private gardens. About 
 1830, species chiefly of the section Echinocactus began to be 
 introduced from Mexico, which were patronised by a few rich 
 amateurs, not only in this country, but also on the Continent, 
 who vied with each other in the possession of new importations, 
 and prices as high as £10, £20, or even £30, were given for single 
 plants. This mania lasted only the lifetime of the original ama- 
 teurs, and private collections of Cactcce in this country are now for 
 the most part a thing of the past. About 800 species of Cactece are 
 described in books, of which upwards of 700 names are recorded 
 in nurserymen's catalogues. This number is consequent on 
 different names being given to the same species by different 
 authors, and the various forms of the same being also described 
 as distinct species. During the above period the Kew collection 
 was greatly increased by purchases, as also by exchanges ; but, 
 after much trouble and expense, the collection in its best days 
 
76 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CADEN 
 
 consisted of only 250 forms sufficiently distinct to be considered 
 as species. Their various forms, with their slight differences in 
 the character of their flowers, led modern botanists to classify 
 the allied species into groups considered by some equivalent to 
 genera, of which the following are the principal : — 1. Ccreus — 
 This has become a familiar name, by including the well-known 
 creeping and night-flowering Cereus, as also the erect species 
 called Torch Thistles. 2. Opuntia — Under this are included the 
 prickly Pear and Indian Fig. 3. Eioipliyllum — This differs from 
 the preceding in having broad flat leaf-like branches jointed 
 upon one another, flowers showy, crimson or scarlet, or creamy 
 white, of which there are varieties. They form conspicuous 
 objects at Horticultural Shows. By some botanists several 
 species of this group are separated under the name of Pliyllo- 
 cactus. 4. Melocactus — Melonthistles. 5. Ecliinocadus — Hedge- 
 hog Thistle. 6. Mamiliaria — Mammal or Nipple Thistles. 7. 
 i^^^psaZ^s— Mistletoe Cactse, so called from growing on trees, 
 and the berries of some of the species being white like mistletoe 
 berries. They have slender cord - like, or jointed stems and 
 branches, or they are broad and leaf-like. 8. Pereshia — Bar- 
 badoes Gooseberry (which see). The particulars of the useful 
 species in the preceding group will be found under their respec- 
 tive common names. 
 
 Caden, an Indian name for the palm Plicenix sylvestris. 
 
 Cadju, a name in some parts of South America for the 
 gum obtained from A?iaeardmm occidentale. (See Cashew 
 Nut.) 
 
 CafFre and Hottentot Bread is obtained by burying ihe 
 stems in the ground, of several species of Zamia, a genus of the 
 Cycas family (Cycadaceae), natives of South Africa. After lying 
 in the ground for a few months, the mucilaginous centre, which 
 is like sago, is taken out, dried, and made into cakes, like bread. 
 The name Caffre Bread is also applied to the plant of Encepha- 
 lartos Caffer. (See Zamia.) 
 
 Caflfre Butter. (See Glue Vegetable.) 
 
 Caimito, in Peru the name of the fruit of Lucuma caimito, 
 
CALABAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 77 
 
 a large tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese). The fruit is 
 about 3 inches long, similar to the Sappodilla Plum, but the 
 pulp is softer, and superior in point of flavour. 
 
 Cajeput Oil {Melaleuca minor), a moderate-sized tree of the 
 Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native of the islands of the Indian 
 Archipelago, and Eastern and ISTorthern Australia. It is called 
 the White Tree on account of the colour of its bark, which is 
 white and in layers, like thin paper. It is used by the natives 
 for many domestic purposes. The leaves of the tree, which are 
 smooth and myrtle-like, by fermentation and distillation yield a 
 green oil known as Cajeput. It is highly valued in medicine 
 as a carminative, stimulant, sudorific, and antispasmodic ; also 
 externally in chronic rheumatism, and is much used as a cure for 
 cholera. A species of Melaleuca, with white papery bark 
 (probably M. minor), is described by Drummond as growing 
 in West Australia. 
 
 Calaba Tree, a name in the West Indies for Calojphyllum 
 Calaba, a tree of the Gamboge family (Guttiferse), native of the 
 West Indies and Brazil, a stout tree attaining a height of from 50 
 to 60 feet, with opposite, long, elliptical leaves, generally notched 
 at the apex, and bearing short racemes of sweet-scented flowers. 
 The fruit is drupe-like, containing a single seed, which yields an 
 oil fit for lamps. In Brazil the wood is called Santa Maria 
 Wood. Some years ago it w^as imported for shipbuilding, but 
 has since been discarded. 
 
 Calabar Bean {Physostigma venenosum), a trifoliate leaved 
 climber of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having a woody 
 stem 2 inches in diameter, attaining a great length. The pods 
 are about 6 or 7 inches long, and contain several seeds of a 
 kidney shape, about an inch in length, of a dark chocolate brown 
 colour, approaching black. They are highly poisonous. The 
 plant is a native of Old Calabar, and is there used by the natives 
 as an ordeal, and is generally known as the Ordeal Bean of Old 
 Calabar. In 1864 a quantity of these beans was imported into 
 Liverpool, and not finding a market, they were thrown away on 
 a rubbish heap. Some of them were afterwards found by some 
 
78 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CALABASH 
 
 children, and were eaten by them, fatal results ensuing in some 
 instances. Calabar Bean is chiefly used in ophthalmic cases, as it 
 causes contraction of the pupil of the eye in certain diseases. 
 It is also occasionally used internally in cases of tetanus, epi- 
 lepsy, and other affections of the nerves. 
 
 Calabash [Grescentia cujete)^ a well-known tree of the section 
 Crescentiese, of the family Bignoniacese, wild, and cultivated 
 throughout the West Indies and tropical America. It is a rude 
 branching tree, attaining a height of 20 to 30 feet, with simple 
 leaves, or often three together on a broad leaf-stalk. This and 
 C. ciLCur'bitina are most important for the purposes to which the 
 shells of their fruit are applied; the first has a globose fruit, 
 varying in size from a few to 18 inches in diameter ; that of the 
 latter being more oval and oblong, and also of various sizes. 
 When perfect the shells become hard, and are used for various 
 domestic utensils — such as cups, water-bottles, spoons, and the 
 like. The pulp, in which the seed lies, is used by negroes as a 
 medicine. 
 
 Calabur Tree, a name in tropical America for Muntingia 
 Calabura, a member of the Lime Tree family (Tiliacese). In St. 
 Domingo the wood is used for staves, and cords are made from 
 the bast. 
 
 Calahula, a general name in many parts of South America 
 for certain ferns, which are considered to be efficacious in 
 syphilis. The principal being FJilehodium aureum, Campyloneu- 
 ron phyllitides, and Polystichum coriaceum. 
 
 Calamander-wood {Diospyros qumsita), a large tree of the 
 Ebony family (Ebenacea3), native of Ceylon, having beautiful 
 hard wood, much prized for making boxes and other ornamental 
 articles. 
 
 Calambac-wood (Aloexylon Agalloclmm), a tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosae), said to attain the height of 60 feet, native 
 of Cochin China. The wood is highly odoriferous, and is much 
 esteemed in perfumery. It is one of the trees called Eagle- wood 
 (which see). 
 
 Calamus, Sweet {AndroiJogon calamus aromaticus), a peren- 
 
CALUMBA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 79 
 
 nial tufted grass, native of India. It yields an aromatic oil 
 used in perfumery. 
 
 Calceolaria, a now familiar botanical name for a genus 
 of plants of the Figwort family (Scroplmlariacese), containing 
 many species, annuals, perennials, or herbaceous plants not 
 exceeding 1 to 2 feet in height; the greater number have yellow 
 flowers, a few purple. They are great favourites as greenhouse 
 plants, as well as for summer flower-beds, and many fine hybrid 
 varieties have been raised. They are aU natives of South 
 America, and are of modern introduction. Fifty years ago the 
 only species known were G. pinnata and C. Fothergillii. The 
 latter, a native of the Falkland Islands, is among the prettiest 
 of wild flowers on that inhospitable group. The name Calceo- 
 laria, which is derived from calceus, a little slipper, is given on 
 account of the lower lip of the flowers being in the form of a 
 shoe or pouch. 
 
 Callopisma, a genus of herbs of the Gentian family (Gentia- 
 naceae), of which two species are mentioned by Dr. Gardner as 
 making the fields gay about Goyaz, a province of Brazil. It is 
 highly bitter, and is used by the natives as a tonic, and in fevers. 
 It is collected when in full flower, and bundles of it are to be 
 seen hanging up to dry against almost every house. 
 
 Caltrops (Tribulus terrestris), a low trailing annual plant 
 with conjugate leaves, and capsular spiny fruit of the Bean 
 Caper family (Zygophyllacese), native of Southern Europe and 
 Syria. When perfect, the spines of the fruit are hard and stiff, 
 and are a great annoyance to the incautious traveller, hence the 
 English name Caltrops ; and it is supposed by some to be the 
 thistles of St. Matthew, who says — " Do men gather grapes of 
 thorns or figs of thistles V 
 
 Caltrops, Water. {Sec Chestnut, Water.) 
 
 Calumba, American {Frazera Walteri), a biennial herb of 
 the Gentian family (Gentianaceae), native of North America. 
 Its root is an excellent bitter, equal to that of Gentian ; but if 
 taken in excess it is emetic and cathartic. It has been imported 
 to this country under the name of American Calumba Eoot. 
 
80 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CALUIMBA 
 
 Calumba, False {Cosciniiim fenestratum), a climbing shrub of 
 the Moon-seed family (Menispermacese), a native of Ceylon; the 
 stem varies from 1 to 4 inches in diameter, is very porous, and 
 of a yellowish colour. Some years ago a large quantity was 
 imported into London, cut in slices, and sold as Calumba root; 
 but its hard and woody texture makes it readily distinguishable 
 from the true Calumba root. A yellow dye is extracted from it. 
 
 Calumba Root {Jatcorliiza Calumha), a climbing shrub of 
 the Moon-seed family (Menispermacese), native of the East Coast 
 of Africa. In Mozambique its roots form a considerable article 
 of trade. They may be compared to parsnips, but are very 
 much larger, more cylindrical, and grow in clusters, slanting to 
 the ground. They are cut in slices, dried and strung, and are of 
 a yellowish colour. In this state they form the Calumba root 
 of commerce, much prized for its medicinal qualities. It was 
 first known in this country by specimens having been received 
 from Colombo in Ceylon (hence its name), but which had been 
 originally received there from Mozambique. 
 
 Camel Thorn {Alhagi camelorum), a shrub of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosse). {See Manna.) 
 
 Camel Tree {Acacia giraffcc), a thorny tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosce), native of South Africa ; its spreading 
 branches are always a uniform distance from the ground, con- 
 sequent upon all within reach being eaten by the giraffes. 
 
 Camellia {Camellia japonica). — This well-known shrub 
 belongs to the Tea family (Ternstroemiaceae), and is a native of 
 China and Japan, introduced before 1740 by Lord James Petre, 
 a celebrated introducer of new plants. The first introduced was 
 the single red, which was soon followed by the double red, double 
 white, anemone flowered or Warratah, double striped and others. 
 During the first half of the present century many fine new 
 varieties have been raised, and camellias became amongst the 
 most important trade plants, both in this country and on the 
 Continent. 
 
 C. Sasanqua is a small -leaved species attaining a height 
 of 12 to 15 feet, with small single white flowers. It is often 
 
CAMPHOR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 81 
 
 planted as a shelter for tea plants, and its leaves are frequently 
 mixed with tea. The flowers are sweet-scented, and the Chinese 
 have an idea that they scent the tea leaves. The seeds of 
 Camellia contain an oil which is much used for domestic purposes 
 in China. 
 
 Camomile or Chamomile (Anthemis nolilis), a perennial 
 much-branched herb with daisy-like flowers ; it belongs to the 
 Composite family (Composites). It is a native of Britain, and 
 is extensively cultivated for its flower-heads. It is extremely 
 bitter, and is highly prized as a tonic. Chamomile tea being 
 well known to restore the appetite. The flowers are also used 
 in fomentations. 
 
 Camphire. — The sweet-smelling Camphire of Solomon is 
 asserted to be Lawsonia alha, a shrub of the family Lythracese, 
 native of Western Asia, Egypt, and the African coasts of the 
 Mediterranean ; it has also become indigenous in India. It was 
 in ancient repute as a cosmetic under the Arabic name of Henna. 
 The leaves are powdered and made into a paste, and used in 
 Egjrpt for colouring the finger nails and the hair and beard, 
 imparting a yellow colour, which is considered to add to the 
 beauty. The manes of horses have even been coloured with it. 
 This practice has descended from very remote ages, as proved by 
 the fact of Henna having been found in Egyptian mummies. In 
 Jamaica it has become naturalised and is called Jamaica Mignon- 
 ette. It is cultivated in Egypt, and bunches of its flowers are 
 sold in the streets of Cairo, their scent being like that of roses. 
 In its wild state it is sometimes spiny, and is known under the 
 names of L. s'pinosa and L. alia, but they are now considered to 
 be forms of only one species. 
 
 Camphor, Common, of China, is the produce of Cinnamo- 
 mum Camijhora, a tall tree of the Laurel family (Lauracese), 
 with ovate, acuminate, smooth, ribbed, evergreen leaves, a native 
 of China and Japan. The roots, stem, and leaves of the tree 
 have an aromatic odour, and contain the substance called 
 Camphor, which is obtained in two ways ; first, by cutting up the 
 whole of the tree into small pieces and boiling them in a trough 
 
 G 
 
82 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CAMPHOR 
 
 over which are placed inverted bowls, the steam rising into these 
 bowls carries with it the camphor, which is deposited and forms 
 into masses or crystals. The other process is by placing chips 
 of the wood and branches in covered iron vessels, in the covers 
 of which are placed cut up straw and rushes. Heat is then 
 applied, the camphor volatilises and condenses on the straws ; 
 it is scraped off and purified, forming the crude camphor of 
 commerce. 
 
 Camphor, Sumatra and Bornean, the produce of Dryo- 
 halanops aromatica, a tree of the Dipterocarpacese family, 
 found chiefly in Sumatra and Borneo. It is a noble 
 tree, often growing to a height of 90 feet before branch- 
 ing. The bark separates from the stem in large flakes. 
 The foliage is very dense, forming a fine head. To obtain the 
 camphor the tree is felled and cut into blocks, which are split 
 longitudinally, when the camphor is found in a concrete state in 
 the fissures of the wood, it is white and transparent. The 
 quantity yielded depends upon the age of the tree ; middle-aged 
 trees yield from 10 to 12 lbs. A more or less quantity 
 of essential oil is also found in the cavities of the wood, 
 which on being crystallised, yields some resin, and a smaU 
 quantity of camphor. This camphor and oil are highly 
 valued in China and Japan, as also in Borneo and Sumatra, 
 and are used chiefly for medical purposes in various ways, 
 and for various complaints, and also for embalming the bodies 
 of the rajahs. 
 
 Another kind of camphor is obtained from. Blu77iea halsctm- 
 ifera, a herb of the Aster section of Compositae, a native of 
 China, India, and other countries of Eastern Asia. It is stated 
 that £3000 worth of this camphor is annually used in the 
 manufacture of Indian ink, to which it imparts its peculiar 
 scent. In China this kind of camphor is called " Ngai," and 
 is also said to be derived from a species of Artemisia. 
 
 Camwood, or Barwood {Baphia nitida), a tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminos?e), native of Western tropical Africa, attain- 
 ing a height of 40 or more feet Its wood is red, and is largely 
 
CANDLE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 83 
 
 imported into this country for the purpose of dyeing woven 
 fabrics, especially English Bandana handkerchiefs. 
 
 Canada Balsam. {See Balm of Gilead Fir.) 
 
 Canadian Rice {Zizania aqimtica), a floating grass growing 
 in lakes in Canada and some parts of the United States. Canoes 
 are employed in collecting the gi'ain, which forms a staple 
 article of food for the Indian tribes, and also for the white man, 
 and is considered more nutritious than ordinary rice {Oryza 
 sativa). The stems are used for making paper. Some years ago 
 its cultivation was attempted in the fens of Lincolnshire, with 
 the intention of popularising it as a food for the poor, but it 
 failed. 
 
 Canary Flower {Tro^ceolum peregrinum), an annual of the 
 Indian Cress family (Tropseolaceae). It is a native of New 
 Grenada, and is a favourite arbour plant in this country, pro- 
 ducing numerous very showy yellow flowers. 
 
 Canary Seed {Phalaris canariensis), an upright annual 
 grass 2 to 2 J feet high, a native of this country, but rare. It 
 is cultivated chiefly in East Kent for the sake of its seeds, 
 which are used for feeding cage-birds. It is also largely im- 
 ported from Barbary, Turkey, and Holland. 
 
 Canary Wood, the name of the wood of Fersea indica 
 and P. canariensis, fine evergreen trees of the Laurel family 
 (Lauracete), natives of the Canary Islands and Madeira. 
 
 Candle Nut (Aleurites triloba), a tree of the Spurgewort 
 family (Euphorbiacese), about 30 feet high, with simple lobed 
 leaves, native of most warm countries throughout India, Malay, 
 Japan, and the whole of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, where 
 it is cultivated for the sake of its fruit, which is about 2 inches 
 in diameter, and contains a hard nut, which has the fiavour of a 
 walnut, and yields a large quantity of oil, which is extensively 
 used in many of the Polynesian islands. In the Hawaiian 
 group the entire kernels are strung on a stick, and lighted as a 
 candle ; this is also done in India, where the oil is much used. 
 It is imported into this country for candle-making, and is said 
 to be equal to sesame or rape oils. 
 
84 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CANDLE 
 
 Candle Tree {Parmentiera cereifera), a tree of the Calabash 
 family (Bignoniaceas), attaining the height of 20 feet, native of 
 the forests of Panama. It has trifoliate leaves, and fruit from 
 3 to 4 feet in length and about 1 inch in diameter, of a 
 yellowish colour, hanging from the tree so as to present the 
 appearance of wax candles, and in such abundance as to give 
 the idea of a chandler's shop, whence it has received the name 
 of Candle Tree. They are much used as food for cattle, which 
 fatten on them, but their continued use imparts an apple-like 
 taste to the flesh. 
 
 Oandleberry Myrtle, a common name for the species of 
 Myrica, the type of the family Myricaceae. Their berry -like 
 fruit is covered with a waxy secretion, which is obtained by 
 placing the berries in boiling water; the wax then floats on 
 the surface, and is skimmed off; it hardens, and candles are 
 made of it in the countries in wdiich the species are found. 
 1. M. cerifera is a North American species, and is also recorded 
 to be a native of New Grenada, where it is much valued. 2. M. 
 carolinensis, a native of Carolina; of this species it is stated 
 that 4 lbs. of berries will yield 1 lb. of wax. 3. M. Faya is a 
 strong-growing shrub or small tree, native of the Azores. 4. M. 
 cordifolia and other species, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 5. M. Gale, native of this country. 
 
 Canella Bark {Canella alba), a tree of the family Canellaceae, 
 native of the West Indies and South Florida. Its bark is aro- 
 matic, and is used as a tonic. It is also called Wliite-wood and 
 Wild Cinnamon. 
 
 Canes are represented by the genus Calamus, of which there 
 are a considerable number of species, such as Calamus rotang, 
 C. Tudentum, C. verus, and others. These are wing-leaved palms, 
 with slender reed-like stems, growing to a great length, from 150 
 to 200 feet, and even 400 feet, spreading over trees, and scram- 
 bling in every direction. The stems and foot-stalks of the leaves 
 of most of the species are furnished with stiff-hooked prickles, 
 which support their slender stems in their scrambling growth 
 They are applied to many purposes, such as making baskets 
 
CAOUTCHOUC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 85 
 
 hats, mats, etc., and also for ropes and suspension bridges. They 
 are largely imported into this country, under the name of 
 Eattans, for making chair bottoms and other wicker - work 
 purposes. 
 
 Other species of the same genus grow erect, and may pro- 
 perly be called Canes, the most conspicuous being C. scipiomcm, 
 the stems of which, when polished, are of a chestnut brown 
 colour, and form the fashionable Malacca canes. It does not 
 come from Malacca, but from Siak, on the opposite coast of 
 Sumatra. 
 
 Cannibal Apple (Solanum anthropopliagorum), a soft, bushy 
 shrub of the Mghtshade family (Solanacese), attaining the height 
 of 6 feet, having dark-green leaves similar to those of the love 
 apple. It is a native of Fiji, where its fruit figures in the 
 cannibal feasts of the natives. 
 
 Cannon-ball Tree [Couroufpita guianensis), a large tree of 
 the Monkey-pot family (Lecythidefe), native of Guiana. Its 
 large white flowers are produced in clusters on the stem and 
 branches. Its fruit resembles a ball 6 to 8 inches in diameter, 
 of a hard woody texture, surrounded by a circular scar near the 
 centre, which marks the separation of the limb of the calyx. 
 The seeds are numerous, embedded in pulp, which when fresh 
 is of an agreeable flavour, but when dried or exposed to the air 
 has a most abominable odour, which it retains for years. 
 
 Canvas. {See Hemp.) 
 
 Caoutchouc, better known by the name of India-rubber, is 
 the thickened milky juice of trees, principally of the Bread-fruit, 
 Mulberry, Dogbane, Swallowwort, and Spurgewort families, 
 the original and still greatest quantities being obtained from one 
 or two species of Hevea, a genus of the latter family. They are 
 lofty trees, natives of North Brazil, Guiana, and different parts 
 of Central America, Hema hrasiliensis being the best known. 
 It is a tree attaining the height of 50 to 100 feet, and has 
 smooth trifoliate leaves, similar in size and form to those of the 
 scarlet-runner. The flowers are inconspicuous, unisexual, and 
 borne in loose panicles. The fruit is a three-valved capsule, con- 
 
86 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CAOUTCHOUC 
 
 taming three seeds. It is found throughout the lower regions 
 of the Amazon, and is abundant on many islands of that great 
 river. During the wet season these islands are flooded, but as 
 soon as the water subsides they are tenanted by numerous 
 Indians and their families, whose occupation is the collecting 
 of Caoutchouc. The milky juice is obtained by making deep 
 vertical and slanting incisions in the bark of the trees ; flowing 
 from the wounds, it follows their downward course, and is 
 caught m vessels at the lower end of the vertical incisions. 
 By exposure to the air it thickens and becomes like a creamy 
 paste ; a coating of it is then laid on clay moulds, which are 
 suspended over slow flres. When the first coat is dry a second 
 is added, and so on, coat after coat, till the required thickness is 
 attained. When the drying is completed the mass is removed 
 from the mould, and is the raw India-rubber of commerce, its 
 blackness being partly owing to the smoke it absorbs while 
 drying, and partly to exposure to the air. In Nicaragua and 
 other parts it is made into flat cakes, and hung up to dry 
 without artificial heat. 
 
 The original use of tliis substance by the Indians was to 
 make water -vessels for domestic use, and for that purpose it 
 was dried on clay moulds in the form of bottles, in which form 
 it was first brought and still comes occasionally to this country. 
 Our earliest knowledge of this important article dates from the 
 discovery of America. We learn from history that the natives 
 of St. Domingo were seen by Columbus playing games with 
 elastic balls, and that the Mexicans had shoes and clothes made 
 of an elastic substance. The first accurate information of this 
 substance was from M. Condamine, a French naturalist and 
 traveller, in 1735. About 1750, specimens of it appear to have 
 been received in Paris, and in 1772 it is recorded as having been 
 sold in London. It is described by Dr. Priestly as an excellent 
 article for rubbing out pencil- lines from paper, and coming 
 from the " Indies," it became familiarly known as " India-rubber." 
 For fifty years from the above date it was scarcely used for any 
 other purpose. ExperimentaKsts were, however, not idle, and 
 
CAOUTCHOUC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 87 
 
 before the end of the century it was employed in rendering 
 woven fabrics waterproof; but on account of its stiffness in 
 cold, and its stickiness in hot weather, it did not meet with 
 patronage. In 1820 it was, however, more successful, being 
 interwoven with cotton and other fabrics in making articles of 
 elastic dress, such as stockings, braces, garters, bands, and the 
 like. Three years later it was again used to make waterproof 
 clothing, which attained more success than the first_, being less 
 influenced by changes of temperature. In 1842, being 350 
 years from the time it was first seen by Columbus, the dis- 
 covery was made that India-rubber possessed the power of 
 absorbing sulphur, which rendered it unaffected by extremes of 
 ordinary temperature, even by that of boiling water, and that it 
 could be made to assume any degree of texture, from a thin 
 elastic membrane to the rigidity, and even to the hardness and 
 solidity of iron. In its sulphuretted state it received the name 
 of Vulcanised India-rubber. This discovery has led to many 
 patents being obtained for its use in the manufacture of all 
 kinds of useful articles, from the transparent membrane of the 
 toy balloon to the wheels of carriages, machinery, and railway 
 carriage buffers. Go where we will some application of Caout- 
 chouc is almost sure to meet the eye, and its uses are continually 
 on the increase. Eich and poor, young and old, all share in the 
 benefits derived from the extended use of this remarkable 
 material ; and it may be well said that no vegetable substance 
 has been more prolific for useful appliances in domestic 
 economy. The rubber from Hevea hrasiliensis is in commerce 
 known as Para Eubber. 
 
 2. Central American Eubber is the produce of Castilloa 
 elasfica, a lofty forest tree of the Bread-fruit family (Arto- 
 carpacese), the stem of some trees near the ground measur- 
 ing 10 to 12 feet in circumference, and having leaves IJ feet 
 long and 7 inches broad, sinuated towards the base, pubescent on 
 both sides ; the female flowers consist of numerous ovaries, seated 
 in a kind of perianth, formed of scales which become fleshy, 
 and uniting, form a drupe-like fruit. It is a native of South 
 
88 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CAOUTCHOUC 
 
 Mexico, Nicaragua, New Grenada, Bolivia, and other conntries 
 of Central America. In some of these countries the elastic 
 juice is obtained by tapping ; in others the trees are cut down, 
 and rings are made in the stems at certain distances by cutting 
 out a few inches of the bark ; the trunk is then raised to a certain 
 angle, and vessels are placed under each ring into which the milk 
 flows ; it soon thickens by exposure to the air, but it is hastened 
 by adding the juice of the Convolvulaceous plant Ipomcea hona- 
 nox, and instead of being put into moulds like the Para rubber, 
 it is made into sheets and hung up to dry, when it is called 
 Sheet-rubber. 
 
 3. Ceara, or Scrap - rubber of commerce, is the produce 
 of Manihot Glaziovii, a thick-stemmed, low tree, with thick, 
 short branches, and palmately-divided leaves, belonging to the 
 Euphorbiacete. It is a native of Ceara, a province of North 
 Brazil; about 1000 tons of this rubber are exported annually. 
 
 4. Borneo Eubber is the produce of a species of Willuglibeia, 
 formerly described as Urceola elastica, a large climber of the 
 Dogbane family (Apocynaceoe), native of the islands of the Malay 
 Archipelago ; although a climber, the main stem becomes as 
 thick as a man's body, and yields a large quantity of milky sap, 
 charged with Caoutchouc. 
 
 5. East Indian is the produce of Ficus elastica, a middle-sized 
 tree of the Mulberry family (Moracese), native of India, and 
 plentiful in Assam ; it is a much-branched tree, with large shining 
 elliptical leaves ; it produces a quantity of Caoutchouc, which, 
 however, is not so valuable as the American. In greenhouses in 
 this country the plant is well known by the name of India-rubber 
 Tree, and its leaves are greatly valued for skeletonising. 
 
 6. African. In East and West tropical Africa Caoutchouc 
 is produced by several species of Landolfliia, a genus of the 
 Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). L. Oivariensis is a large creeper, 
 with a stem 4 to 5 inches in diameter, which divides into 
 branches ; it has large snow-white, sweet-smelling flowers ; the 
 fruit is the size of an orange, with a hard shell, containing a 
 sweet, rather acidulous pulp, which is eaten by the natives. 
 
CAOUTCHOUC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 89 
 
 7. Madagascar Eubber is the produce of Landoliphia gum- 
 mifera, a large climber of the same family as the preceding, 
 with opposite, smooth, elliptical, blunt leaves ; the flowers are 
 large, white, and produced in cymes ; the fruit is round or pear- 
 shaped, filled with granular pulp, with bean-like seeds ; the stems 
 contain a quantity of Caoutchouc of very good quality. 
 
 8. Cryptostegia grandiflora, a climber of the Swallowwort 
 family (Asclepiadacese), native of India. Its milky juice con- 
 tains Caoutchouc, but, although the plant is very common, it is 
 doubtful whether its collection would pay. 
 
 9. Mangava or Mangabeira, a BraziKan name for Hancornia 
 speciosa, a small tree of the Dogbane family (Apocynacese), 
 having drooping branches, with small oblong leaves. The flowers 
 are sweet -smelling; the fruit is a large globular fleshy berry, 
 with numerous seeds, and, like the whole plant, exuding a milky 
 juice ; it is wholesome, and considered by the Brazilians a 
 delicious fruit. The milk of the tree when exposed to the air 
 hardens, and becomes Caoutchouc. In 1880 the importation of 
 India-rubber from all sources amounted to 166,459 cwts. 
 
 Many other plants might be noticed producing Caoutchouc, 
 but as most of them are of small size, as compared to those 
 mentioned, the collection requires much time, and not being 
 remunerative, they are therefore neglected. Of late years the 
 great demand for India-rubber and the destruction of trees to 
 obtain it has led the Indian Government to endeavour to intro- 
 duce the American Caoutchouc trees into India, which has been 
 successfully accomplished during the last few years by the 
 exertions of Mr. Eobert Cross, who in 1875 was sent to America 
 for plants of Castilloa clastica. These were brought to Kew, 
 where they were fully established and propagated, and ulti- 
 mately sent to Ceylon and India, where they are thriving ; and in 
 1876 Mr. Cross was despatched to the Amazon for plants oiRevea 
 hrasiliensis, 1000 of which were also brought to Kew, together 
 with plants of the Ceara scrap rubber, which, with the preceding, 
 are now flourishing in Ceylon and India. It is therefore prob- 
 able that in time these trees wiU be yielding rubber in such 
 
90 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CAPE 
 
 quantities as to greatly lessen our dependence upon the supply 
 from America. 
 
 Cape Cotton Shrub, A name in New South Wales for 
 Gomijliocarpus fruticosus, a milky stemmed small shruh of the 
 Swallow^vort family (Asclepiadacese), a native of Southern Africa, 
 extending northward to Egypt, also found in Western Asia. 
 It early became naturalised in New South Wales, and about 
 fifty years ago a speculator expected to turn it to good account 
 as a new cotton plant ; its fruit is a follicle completely filled 
 with fine silky hairs, which do not adhere in weaving like 
 that of true cotton ; he, however, made white hats of it, which 
 were spoilt by the first rainfall. Consequently its use was 
 abandoned. 
 
 Cape Weed, a name given to Jloccella tinctoria. (See 
 Orchil.) 
 
 Caper Bush (Ccqjjmris sjnnosa), the type of the Caper family 
 (Capparidacea3), a stiff prickly-branched shrub 3 or 4 feet high, 
 with simple deciduous leaves. It is a plant of the desert 
 throughout Western Asia, Egypt, North Africa, and South 
 Europe, growing in rocky places and very common on old walls 
 and ruins. It is extensively cultivated in France and other 
 parts of Southern Europe for the sake of its flower-buds, which 
 are collected before expansion, and preserved in vinegar, form- 
 ing the well-known culinary adjunct Capers. 
 
 An allied species is Capparis soclada, a remarkable bush, 
 occupying large tracts of country in Central Africa, marking the 
 transition from the desert to the more fertile reoions of the 
 south, and prevailing especially about Timbuctoo. The currant- 
 like fruit is eaten fresh as well as dried. The root is used by the 
 Mohammedans as a preservative for the teeth, and when burnt 
 salt is obtained. 
 
 Caper, False {Euplwrhia lathyriis), a strong growing, milky 
 perennial plant of the Spurgewort family (Euphorbiaceae), from 
 2 to 3 feet high, having willow-like glaucous leaves, native of 
 France and Italy and grown in gardens in this country under 
 the name of Caper Bush. The fruit is a three-celled green- 
 
CARAGEEN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 91 
 
 coloured capsule, and has been mistaken and used through 
 ignorance as capers ; like the rest of the Eioiohorhias, the fruit 
 is acrid and poisonous. 
 
 Capillaire, a syrup made in Italy from the fronds of 
 Adiantum Capillus-veneris, generally known as the Maiden- 
 hair Fern, a pretty species growing on rocks in South Europe, 
 and in the same situation on the east and west coasts of this 
 country, but rare, and also found in the Isle of Arran. Many 
 medical virtues are ascribed to Capillaire by Dioscorides and 
 ancient writers, but as a medicine it is now obsolete except as a 
 remedy for coughs. Capillaire is largely advertised at the pre- 
 sent day as a hair-producer. Its principal use at the present 
 time is for making a refreshing drink, which is diluted with 
 water before use. Most of the Capillaire sold in London is 
 composed chiefly of syrup flavoured with orange flowers. 
 
 Capsicum, a genus of the Nightshade family (Solanacese). 
 C. annmim, is supposed originally to have been a native of some 
 part of South America, but is now cultivated in all tropical 
 regions. It is an annual plant, attaining a height of about 
 12 or 18 inches. It is too tender for successful outdoor cid- 
 tivation in this country, but succeeds well and produces fine fruit 
 under glass. There are several varieties, their fruit varying in shape 
 and colour, being either long or short podded, red or yellow, 
 all of which are known under the name of Pod Pepper. There 
 are some very distinct varieties considered by some authors as 
 species, such as Cherry Pepper (Capsicum cerasiforme)) Bird 
 Pepper {C. haccatum); Bell Pepper (C. grossum) ; Spur Pepper 
 {G. frutescens), which are all more or less grown in different 
 countries, and extensively used in cookery in hot climates, being 
 considered beneficial in exciting the appetite. The dried fruits 
 when ground constitute Cayenne Pepper. In this country they 
 are generally used as pickles, and in sauces. The small fruits 
 known by the name of Chillies, are mostly produced by C. 
 fastigiatum. Capsicums are extensively cultivated in Hungary, 
 giving employment to 2500 families. 
 
 Carageen Moss (Chondrus crispus), a sea plant of the Dulse 
 
92 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CARAJURA 
 
 family (Ceramiacese), common on tlie rocky coasts and exten- 
 sively collected as an article of food. It is of a livid purple 
 or greenish colour, and contains a considerable quantity of 
 gelatine. In Ireland it has long been of economical value ; pre- 
 pared by frequent washing and bleached by the sun, it is adapted 
 to various purposes as a substitute for isinglass, especially for 
 the manufacture of jellies, and other culinary purposes, nearly 
 the whole weight being convertible by boiling into the required 
 substance ; it is likewise employed medicinally in consumption 
 in lieu of Iceland Moss [Cetraria islancUca). In Ireland it is 
 collected by the peasantry and is now sold by druggists ; it is 
 also known by the name of Irish Moss. 
 
 Carajura, a red colouring matter obtained from the leaves 
 of Bignonia chica. (See Chica.) 
 
 Carambola. (See Blimbing.) 
 
 Carana Palm, a name given to a South American palm 
 described as Mauritia Carana. (See Ita Palm.) 
 
 Carana Resin, a name applied to the gum-resin of one or 
 more species of Idea, as I. Carana, I. altiswia, etc. (See Cedar- 
 wood of Guiana.) 
 
 Carandas (Carissa Carandas), a large straggling, spiny 
 shrub of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), native of India, 
 with small oval elliptical leaves, and small axillary flowers. 
 Its fruit, which is the size of a small j)lum, is used either 
 pickled or made into a preserve. 
 
 Caraway (Carum Garni), a biennial of the Carrot family 
 (Umbelliferpe), native of Europe. It has become wild in some 
 parts of Britain. It is cultivated in Essex and Kent for the 
 sake of its seeds, which are carminative, and used in confec- 
 tionery as well as for flavouring spirits. An oil is obtained 
 which is used medicinally. 
 
 Cardamoms, the seeds of Ellettaria Cardamomum, a plant 
 of the Ginger family (Zingiberacese), a native of India, it has 
 perennial reed-like stems, producing fruit for several successive 
 years. The seeds are used in medicine, and considered tonic. 
 The patent medicine called " Solomon's Balm of Gilead " is pre- 
 
CAROB OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 93 
 
 pared principally from Cardamoms. Cardamoms are also 
 furnished by species of Amomnm. 
 
 Cardoon {Cynara Cardunculus), a strong rooted perennial 
 herb of the Composite family (Compositae), having long, lan- 
 ceolate, pinnatifid, smooth, or spiny, radical leaves, from which 
 rise flower-stems 3 feet high, bearing heads of flowers, formed 
 of imbricate scales like the artichoke, but smaller, the centre 
 consisting of pretty blue florets. It is a native of the countries 
 bordering on the Mediterranean, and has been known in this 
 country for 200 years ; it is largely cultivated, especially in 
 France, for its leaves, which are blanched, the part used being the 
 thick midrib, which forms an excellent vegetable when properly 
 cooked. Its flowers are said to curdle milk. It has become 
 naturalised and occupies large tracts in the Argentine Eepublic, 
 a pest to cultivation. 
 
 Caricature Plant {G-raiotophyllum liortense), a shrub of the 
 Acanthus family (Acanthacese), native of India. Its leaves 
 are smooth, elliptical, lanceolate, 3 to 4 inches in length, and 
 remarkable for their variegation. They are yellow in colour, 
 and present many forms on the same leaf, which are compared 
 to caricatures of the human face. 
 
 Carnauba Palm. {See Wax Palm.) 
 
 Carnation. {See Clove.) 
 
 Carob Tree, also called Locust Tree and St. John's Bread 
 {Ceratonia Siliqita), a small much -branched tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosse), attaining the height of from 20 to 30 
 feet, with shining, smooth, winged leaves. It is a native of 
 countries bordering the Mediterranean, extending to Syria and 
 Western Asia. The flowers are small, yellow, and have a 
 fetid odour. Its fruit (a pod), 6 to 8 inches in length, is 
 similar to a broad bean pod, but of a firmer texture. It con- 
 tains many pea-like seeds embedded in an agreeably flavoured 
 mucilaginous saccharine pulp. In all countries where the trees 
 grow the pods are used for feeding cattle and swine, and are 
 imported into this country for those purposes, and form an 
 important ingredient in patent cattle foods. They are sold in 
 
94 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CARRION 
 
 the shops as sweets for children. Carobs are considered to be 
 the " husks " spoken of in the New Testament as eaten by the 
 Prodigal Son, and the " Locusts " that St. John lived upon in 
 the Wilderness, hence the name St. John's Bread Tree. 
 
 Carrion Flowers. — Many flowers possess a fetid odour. 
 In those of the genus Stapelia, belonging to the Swallowwort 
 family (Asclepiadaceae), the smell is similar to that of carrion, to 
 such a degree, indeed, that blue-bottle flies lay their eggs in 
 them. The members of the genus Stapelia, however, are very 
 interesting, and number about a hundred species, all (with 
 a few exceptions) being natives of South Africa; they con- 
 sist of succulent, erect, many - stemmed, leafless plants, not 
 exceeding 6 to 8 inches in height, the stems are four-sided, 
 generally toothed, and on some a very minute leaf may be some- 
 times seen. The flowers consist of five more or less succulent 
 petals, smooth or pilose, and of various sizes and colours, some 
 spotted and variegated ; and, even with their abominable odour, 
 are patronised in botanic gardens on account of their curious 
 and interesting structure. In America the name Camon Flower 
 is also given to Smilax herhacea. 
 
 Carrot (JDaucus Carotd), a biennial of the Carrot family 
 (Umbelliferse), native of Britain; in its wild state it is found 
 growing by road-sides and in waste places, where it has a dry, 
 slender root, which is not edible, but it is generally believed 
 that the cultivated garden carrot originated from it. The hard 
 interior being the true root, the fleshy exterior part having been 
 brought about by cultivation. Besides being a culinary vege- 
 table it is also used for feeding cattle, and its juice is used for 
 colouring butter and cheese. 
 
 Carrot, Deadly, a common name for the species of Thapsia, 
 a genus of the Carrot family (UmbellifercTe), of which about a 
 dozen species are recorded, but the identification of some is 
 not very satisfactory. They consist of strong-rooted perennial 
 herbs, attaining a height of 3 to 5 feet, with multiple fennel-like 
 leaves and large umbels of generally yellow flowers. They are 
 natives of countries on both sides of the Mediterranean ; most of 
 
CARROT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 95 
 
 them yield gum like that of galbamim, which possesses medi- 
 cinal properties, especially the species named by the early Greek 
 writers Silphium, which produced the " Laser Cyrenaicum," so 
 famed by the ancient Cyrenians as to be considered worth its 
 weight in gold, and the figures of the plant to be worthy of 
 being represented on their coins. In order to endeavour to 
 identify the " Silphium," the late Mr. Koenig, Keeper of the 
 Coins in the British Museum, about thirty -five years ago, 
 obtained a plant direct from the country of Cyrene, which was 
 supposed to be the true plant; it was sent to the Eoyal Gardens, 
 Kew, but, unfortunately, it did not live long, the soil in which 
 it grew having become saturated with salt water during the 
 voyage, but the few radical leaves that were still fresh on its 
 arrival were sufficient to enable me to determine it to be a 
 closely -allied species (if not the same) as Ferula {Thapsia) 
 glauca or F, go^rganica ; with regard to the latter species it is 
 recorded to be common in Southern Europe as also in Algeria, 
 and is regarded by the natives as a specific against complaints 
 of all kinds. To camels it is a deadly poison. 
 
 Carrot, Peruvian {ArracacJia esculenta), a perennial herb of 
 the Umbel family ; it attains a height of 2 or 3 feet. It has 
 divided leaves like the Carrot, and small umbels of purple 
 flowers, and has large fleshy roots, which form an important 
 article of food in the above and other countries of Southern and 
 Central America. About fifty years ago a packet of its roots 
 was received at Kew for the purpose of ascertaining whether it 
 would be a plant capable of being cultivated in this country, but 
 it did not succeed ; the summer heat was not sufficient to bring 
 it to maturity. 
 
 Carrot Tree {Monizia edulis), a curious plant, being one of 
 the few caulescent examples of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse). 
 The stems of young plants look like carrots or parsnips inverted 
 above ground, but in old plants they attain a diameter of 6 
 inches at the base, tapering upwards and attaining the height of 
 from 4 to 6 feet, terminating with a crown of decompound 
 spreading leaves, having the aspect of a tree-fern. It is a native 
 
96 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CASCARILLA 
 
 of the small uninliabited island called Deserta Grande, near 
 Madeira; it grows on rocky, almost inaccessible places. 
 
 Oascarilla Bark {Croton Eluteria), a small tree of the Spurge- 
 wort family (Euphorbiaceae), native of the Bahamas, from 
 whence it is imported to tliis country and used as a bitter tonic. 
 
 Cashew Nut (Anacardium oecidentale), a tree of the Tere- 
 binth family (Anacardiacese) , native of the West Indies, but 
 now very generally found throughout the whole of the tropics. 
 It attains a considerable size, and in habit of growth it in 
 general resembles the walnut, and its leaves, which are simple, 
 have a similar scent. Its fruit is kidney-shaped, about an inch 
 in length, and borne on a fleshy receptacle. The kernel of the 
 nut is enclosed in a coriaceous covering consisting of two layers, 
 between which is a tliick caustic oil, which is highly excoriat- 
 ing. This acridity is, however, dispelled by roasting; the 
 kernel then has a pleasant milky flavour, and in some places 
 it takes the place of our almonds and nuts at table. In 
 roasting care must be taken to avoid the fumes, as they cause 
 inflammation in the face and eyes. A light -yellow, sweet- 
 tasted oil is expressed from the kernel, said to be little inferior 
 to olive oil. The trunk and branches of the trees on being 
 wounded during the ascent of the sap yield a transparent gum 
 similar in appearance to Gum Arabic. It is used to prevent 
 insects from attacking books, etc. 
 
 Cassareep. — The concentrated juice of the roots of Manilwt 
 rendered harmless by boiling, when it forms a thick black fluid, 
 much used in the West Indies for culinary purposes, especially 
 in the formation of a dish called Pepper Pot. It is brought to 
 this country and largely used as the basis of table sauces. 
 
 Cassava. — Manihot utilitissima (bitter) and M. aijn (sweet), 
 slender, erect-stemmed slirubs, belonging to the Spurge family 
 (Euphorbiaceae). They are extensively cultivated in tropical 
 America and the West Indies for their large, fleshy roots ; those 
 of M. utilitissima contain a juice of a highly poisonous nature, 
 while those of 3f. aipi, the sweet Manihot, are wholesome, and 
 used as a vegetable; they both contain a large quantity of 
 
CASSIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 97 
 
 farina, especially M. utilisswia, which is the most extensively 
 cultivated. The farina is obtained by grating the fleshy roots 
 to a pulp, the poisonous juice is then expelled by pressure and 
 washing, and the mass is pounded into coarse meal resembling 
 bread crumbs, which is made into cakes and subjected to heat, 
 which dries off all remaining poison. This forms the Cassava 
 Bread, which is an important article of food throughout tropical 
 America. An intoxicating beverage is made from it called 
 Piwarrie, which is prepared by women chewing the cassava 
 cakes, and ejecting the masticated substance into a wooden 
 bowl, where it is allowed to ferment for some days, and then 
 boiled ; it is a common drink with the natives, and is said to 
 have an agreeable taste ; the mode of preparation, however, is 
 repugnant to Europeans, notwithstanding that one who drank it 
 reports thus : — " In my opinion it is very agreeable and whole- 
 some, for I drank it in large quantities at the different Indian 
 settlements I visited." In preparing the Cassava as above 
 stated, the poisonous expressed juice is put into water, the 
 starch which it contains falls to the bottom, the water is poured 
 off, and the starch placed on hot plates ; this causes the starch 
 grams to swell and burst, forming the Tapioca or Brazilian 
 Arrowroot of the shops. Of this substance about 600 to 800 
 tons are imported annually. The plant has been introduced to 
 the Straits Settlements and Travancore, where it is now exten- 
 sively cultivated, and tapioca made in very large quantities both 
 in the form of torrefied grains as before described, and in pearl 
 form, like sago. A large proportion of this tapioca comes to 
 this country. 
 
 In the upper region of the Amazon a kind of tapioca is 
 obtained from a plant supposed to be a species of Menisjjerma- 
 cece. It is called by the natives Bauna Boot ; it has large, 
 tuberous roots like a turnip, some. weighing nearly 50 pounds. 
 It is highly poisonous when fresh, but after repeated macerations 
 yields an excellent tapioca, which constitutes a great part of 
 the food of the Indians. 
 
 Cassia Buds. {Sec Cinnamon.) 
 
 H 
 
98 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES CASSIA 
 
 Cassia Lignea. {See Cinnamon.) 
 
 Cassie. {See Acacia Farnesiana.) 
 
 Castor Oil. {See Palma Christi.) 
 
 Catalpa {Catalpa syringcefolia), a small tree of the Trnmpet- 
 flower family (Bignoniaceae), native of North America. It 
 attains a height of 20 to 30 feet, and has opposite, broad, 
 heart-shaped leaves and terminal panicles of white flowers. It 
 is hardy in this country, and ornamental, but not common. 
 
 Catechu, the name of a substance obtained from Acacia 
 Catechu by boiling the chopped wood, straining, and evaporat- 
 ing ; an astringent resinous substance is thus obtained, which is 
 much used for tanning, and also in medicine ; it is likewise 
 obtained from A. SuAiia, and perhaps some other allied species. 
 
 Cattimandoo Gum {Eiq^liorhia Cattimandoo), a tree of the 
 Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), allied to E. trigona. When 
 young the stems and branches are succulent, becoming woody 
 with age ; it abounds in a milky sap, which when hard partakes 
 of the nature of gutta-percha. 
 
 Cattle - poison Plants of West Australia. — Some years 
 after the settlement of the Swan Eiver Colony, many cattle 
 died apparently from poison ; it was afterwards found that this 
 was caused by their eating the leaves of some native plants 
 which proved to be species of Gastrolobium {G. trilohumj G. 
 dbovatum, and G. spinosum), pretty evergreen shrubs of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosa^), cultivated in the greenhouses at Kew. 
 
 Cauliflower. {See Cabbage.) 
 
 Cebadilla, a name given to the seeds of Asagy^a^a officinalis, 
 a bulbous plant belonging to the Colchicum family (Melan- 
 thaceaj), native of Mexico. From the seeds Veratria is prepared, 
 which is used in neuralgia and rheumatic affections. 
 
 Cedar. — The word Cedar is a name ojiven in different coun- 
 tries to a considerable number of distinct kinds of trees. Origin- 
 ally it was restricted to those of the family Coniferas, but settlers 
 m new countries having found that the wood of trees of other 
 families had a similar appearance and scent to the cedar wood, 
 the trees were thus called Cedars. Cedar is first mentioned in 
 
CEDAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 99 
 
 Leviticus, where we find that Moses directs the Israelites to take 
 cedar wood. What this cedar was it is impossible to say, but 
 considering that the Israelites were then in the wilderness, and 
 the principal trees of that country were the Shittah (a species of 
 Acacia), and several species of Juniper, such as Juniperus oxy- 
 cedrus, J. phoenicea, and J. sabina, it is supposed by most Bible 
 commentators that it was the wood of one or other of these that 
 was known to Moses by the name of Cedar, in Hebrew Ures. 
 The next mention of cedar trees is that Hiram, King of Tyre, 
 sent cedar trees to David, and that his son Solomon made an 
 engagement with him to hew him cedar trees out of Lebanon. 
 
 There can be no doubt that these trees are the same as those 
 that now exist on Lebanon, and have in modern times become 
 known as the Cedars of Lebanon, in botany called Cedrus lihani. 
 It is recorded to have been introduced to this country in 1683, 
 where it soon became a favourite, and was extensively planted 
 in parks and gardens, and old and very large trees are found in 
 various parts of the country. Its timber is not much valued 
 with us; but at one time it was considered well adapted for 
 natural history cabinets, its scent being supposed to be hurtful 
 to insects. But in time it was found that the specimens became 
 covered with a resinous deposit. 
 
 Cedar, Deodar, also called Indian Cedar {Cedrus Deodara), 
 a large tree, said to attain the height of 100 feet, native of the 
 Himalaya Mountains, similar in habit of growth to the cedar of 
 Lebanon, and by some supposed to be only a variety. Its timber 
 is much valued and used in India. It was introduced in 1831, 
 and the original plant may now be seen, as well as many other 
 fine specimens, growing at Kew. At Dropmore a tree has 
 attained the height of 60 feet. 
 
 Cedar, Atlas {Cedrus atlantica), a tree similar to the two 
 preceding, native of the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa. It 
 was introduced into this country about 1840. A plant at Kew has 
 attained the height of 30 feet. It is supposed by some botanists 
 that the three forms here described — namely, C. lihani, C. Deodara, 
 and C, atlantica — are only varieties of one species, but their 
 
100 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CEDAR 
 
 appearance and habit of growth seem to indicate that, if they 
 did originate from one type, they have, in the progress of time 
 and the influence of different climates, assumed the different 
 appearances under which they are now seen. 
 
 Cedar of Goa {Cupressits Lusitanica), a tree of the family 
 Coniferse, in general appearance resembling the common cypress, 
 but growing much taller, and having leaves of a more glaucous 
 hue. Although it is called the Portuguese Cypress, and forms 
 natural forests in Portugal, it is nevertheless supposed to be of 
 Indian origin, and to have been introduced in early times from 
 the colony of Goa on the west coast of the Indian Peninsula, 
 hence it has also received the name of Cedar of Goa. It was 
 introduced into this country in 1783, but is too tender to grow 
 in the open air. 
 
 Cedar, Japan {Cryiotomeria jaiwnica), a large and hand- 
 some evergreen tree of the C}^ress tribe of Coniferse, native of 
 China and Japan, where it is extensively cultivated as an orna- 
 mental tree. It was introduced to this country in 1843 by 
 Captain Sir Everard Home. The first and original plant is to 
 be seen growing in the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, and has become a 
 favourite ornamental tree. 
 
 Cedar, Bermuda (Juniperus hejinucUana), a small tree, or 
 often a bush, of the Cypress tribe of Coniferse, native of the 
 Bermudas. It is called the Pencil Cedar, its wood being 
 employed in the manufacture of black-lead pencils. 
 
 Cedar, Red or Virginian (Juniperus virginiana). — This 
 is a tree sunilar to the preceding, native of the Southern United 
 States, and its wood is used for the same purpose. It is hardy, 
 and forms a small evergreen tree. 
 
 Cedar, White (Cupressus tJiyoides), a small tree, often 
 having the appearance of a shrub, attaining a height of 20 to 
 30 feet. The whole plant has a whitish or glaucous hue. A few 
 years ago fine specimens of this were growing near the pagoda 
 in the pleasure-grounds at Kew. 
 
 Cedar, Port Orford [Ciiirressus LawsoniaTia), or, as it is 
 now called, Chamcccyparis Laivsoniana, a tree of the Cupressineae 
 
CEDAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 101 
 
 section of the Coniferte family, native of the Oregon coast, 
 California. It attains a large size, and is highly esteemed for 
 its timber, especially for inside works, and possesses to a high 
 degree many valuable properties. 
 
 Cedar, White, of California {Thuja giganfea), a large and 
 taU tree belonging to the Cypress tribe of Coniferse. It is also 
 called British Columbian Cedar and Oregon Cedar, being a native 
 of these countries. 
 
 Cedar, Jamaica or West Indian (Cedrela odorata), a large 
 tree of the Mahogany family (Meliacese), native of Honduras, 
 Jamaica, and other parts of tropical America. It is said to be 
 the most valuable timber tree of Jamaica. It is well adapted 
 for the interior of house fittings, furniture, and aU cabinet-work. 
 Its wood is of a reddish-brown colour, arid has a pleasant smell ; 
 but its bark, leaves, and flowers give out, especially when young 
 and after rains, a most disagreeable alliaceous odour, resembling 
 asafoetida or garlic, mixed with that of highly- dried tobacco. 
 Such being the case, the specific name odorata must be con- 
 sidered inappropriate, except that the wood has a similar smell 
 to the cedar. 
 
 Cedar, New South Wales {Cedrela australis), a lofty tree 
 of the Mahogany family (Meliacese), having a circumference of 
 20 to 30 feet. Its wood is soft, of a reddish colour like maho- 
 gany, and is known by the name of Eed Cedar in the 
 colony of New South Wales. It is used for house -building, 
 interior fittings, and cabinet-work. Formerly it was abundant 
 in the Illawarra forests, but it has been in such demand that 
 large trees are now very rare, and nurseries have been formed 
 for raising young trees for future use. Judging from its growth 
 in the greenhouses at Kew, it appears to be a rapid grower, and 
 scarcely distinct from C. odorata of Jamaica. 
 
 Cedar, Indian {Cedrela Toona), a large tree of the Maho- 
 gany family (Meliacese), native of the Bengal and Pegu forests of 
 India. Its wood is fine and close-grained, of a red colour ; its 
 bark is astringent, and has been used as a substitute for Peru- 
 vian bark. The flowers are of an agreeable odour, resembling 
 
102 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CEDAR 
 
 fresli honey, and contain a yellow colouring matter which is 
 used for dyeing, but is not permanent. 
 
 Cedar, Brazilian {Cedrcla hrasiliensis), a tall tree attaining 
 a height of 120 feet, and 4 J feet in diameter, native of Southern 
 Brazil. It possesses similar properties and uses to C. Toona. 
 {See Cedar, New South Wales.) 
 
 Cedar, Queensland {Pentacems australis), a tree of the 
 family Eutacese, native of Queensland and New South "Wales. 
 Its wood is tough and close-grained. 
 
 Cedar Wood of Guiana {leica altissima), a tree of the 
 Myrrh family (Burseracese), attaining a height of 60 to 100 
 feet, and 4 to 5 feet in diameter, native of the interior of 
 Guiana. Its wood is light, durable, and used for' the inside fit- 
 tings of houses, furniture, and bookcases, its highly aromatic 
 odour having the property of preserving the books from insects. 
 The Indians prefer it to any other wood for making canoes. 
 One used by Schomburgk was 42 feet long and 5 J feet '^dde, 
 and was hollowed out of a single trunk, and although much used 
 by being pulled over cataracts, was, at the end of four years, as 
 sound as when first purchased. The resin of this species is 
 known as Carana resin. The genus Idea consists of a num- 
 ber of species chiefly natives of tropical America and the 
 West Indies, all of which are odoriferous, and yield gum-resins, 
 which are sometimes used as incense. 
 
 Cedrat. {See Citron.) 
 
 Cedron {Simaha Ceclron), a small slender tree, 12 to 16 feet 
 high, of the Quassia family (Simarubacese), native of Panama, New 
 Grenada, and Darien. It has winged leaves, and fruits about 
 the size of a swan's Qgg, covered with downy hairs like a peach. 
 It contains a single seed, which when perfect separates readily 
 into two cotyledons ; they are white, and somewhat larger than 
 almonds; they are very bitter, and are highly valued by the 
 natives as a cure for snake-bites, and as a bitter tonic are con- 
 sidered by some to be nearly equal to quinine in cases of fever, 
 in consequence of which most of the natives carry a seed with 
 them for use if required. The tree, with its fruit and uses, is 
 
CENTAURY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 103 
 
 fully described in Hooker's Journal of Botany by Purdie and 
 Seemaim, botanical collectors for Kew, who had the opportunity 
 of seeing the tree growing, the first in New Grenada and the 
 second in Darien, between the years 1843 and 1850, and by 
 whom living plants were introduced to Kew. It was taken to 
 Trinidad by Purdie. 
 
 Ceiba Tree. {See Silk Cotton Tree.) 
 
 Celery (Apium graveolens)^ a biennial herb of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), native of various parts of England and 
 throughout Europe, also widely dispersed over the temperate 
 regions of the southern hemisphere. In its wild state it is, to a 
 certain degree, poisonous, but under cultivation and by bleaching 
 its leaf- stalks become a wholesome salad and pot-herb. Sir 
 Joseph Hooker, in the Flora Antarctica, says he could see no 
 difference between the European form and the Southern, but the 
 latter in its wild state was mild, and was constantly used by the 
 ship's crew ; this, he thinks, may be due to the less degree of 
 sunshine, for which blanching is the substitute. 
 
 Celery -leaved Pine {Flmjllocladns rliomloidalis), a tree of 
 the Yew family (Taxaceae), native of Tasmania. A curious tree, 
 having no leaves; the terminal branches are united and flat, 
 performing the functions of leaves. It attains a height of 30 to 
 40 feet ; the wood is hard, and used for many purposes. 
 
 Centaury, Common {Erytlircea centaurium), an annual herb 
 of the Gentian family (Gentianacese), native of this country, 
 common throughout Europe, varying from a few inches to a foot 
 in height, and from a single to a much-branched stem ; it has 
 pretty pink flowers. The whole plant is intensely bitter, and is 
 extolled for its medicinal properties by the ancient physicians 
 Galen and Dioscorides, as also by the old herbalists of this 
 country. 
 
 Centaury, Australian {E. australis), is a pretty little 
 plant, with pink flowers, growing in the fields about Sydney ; 
 it is very similar to the European species, but is by botanists 
 considered distinct. It is collected and used as a tonic, and 
 is considered valuable in cases of dysentery and diarrhoea. 
 
104 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CENTAURY 
 
 Centaury, Californian {E. chironoides), a plant similar in 
 habit of growth to the preceding, native of California, where it is 
 called Canchalagna, and is held in high repute as a bitter tonic. 
 It is also found in Mexico, and has by Grisebach, in his Flora 
 of the West Indies, been separated from Erythrcea as a distinct 
 genus under the name of G-yrandra. 
 
 Cereus, the name of a section, or by some considered a genus 
 of the Cactus family (Cactacese). It contains — 1st, the well- 
 known domestic window-plant, the Creeping Cereus {C.fiagellifor- 
 mis), native of Peru, recorded to have been introduced into this 
 country in 1690. 2d, Night-flowering Cereus {C. graiidiflorus). 
 This, like the preceding, is a slender, trailing or climbing species. 
 It is a native of Jamaica and other West Indian islands, and 
 was early introduced. It is remarkable for its large white and 
 partially straw-coloured flowers, which open in the evening 
 and close early in the morning. It is, however, surpassed by 
 C. MacDonaldice, a native of Honduras, introduced to Kew 
 about thirty years ago, the flowers of which are also white, and 
 only of a few hours' duration, and when fully expanded are more 
 than a foot in diameter, consisting of numerous petals, thus 
 vying with the Victoria Lily in size; and wdien eight or ten 
 flowers are open in one night (as with a plant at Kew) the sight 
 is magnificent. {See Torch Thistle.) 
 
 Ceylon Moss {Plocaria lichenoides), a plant of the Seaweed 
 family (Ceramiacete), a delicate w^hite seaweed found growing 
 upon rocks in the Indian and Malayan Seas, and known also by 
 the Malayan names of Agar Agar, or Agal Agal. It is largely 
 collected, and made into a jelly, and forms an extensive article 
 of trade at Singapore and in Borneo, constituting part of the 
 cargo of the Chinese junks on their return voyages. It is also 
 used as a varnish, more especially for the paper employed in 
 the manufacture of Chinese lanterns, to which it imparts a 
 yellow tinge. When boiled with sugar it forms a sweet jelly, 
 much resembling that made from calves' feet, and is liighly 
 esteemed both by Europeans and natives for the delicacy of its 
 flavour. 
 
CHARA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 105 
 
 Another species of Plocaria (P. tenax) is also of great im- 
 portance as a food plant to tlie Chinese. It is closely allied to 
 the preceding, and native of the same seas. In the Bay of Siam 
 are caves and precipitous rocks on which the sea-swallows build 
 their glutinous nests, which are made from the fronds of the latter 
 species, and highly prized by the Chinese. The nests are collected 
 at regular seasons of the year, and form an extensive article of 
 commerce with China, and are largely used as food in the pre- 
 paration of soups and jellies ; they are also used as size and gum, 
 and believed to be the chief ingredient of the Chin-Chin glue. 
 In collecting these nests the natives are exposed to many perils 
 in mounting and descending the rocks, and lives are occasionally 
 lost. 
 
 Champaca, a name in India for MicJielia Chamjpaca, a large 
 tree of the Magnolia family (Magnoliacese) ; its flowers are Like 
 an unfolded tulip of a deep yellow colour, and highly fragrant ; 
 they are used to ornament the hair, both of men and women ; the 
 bark is an aromatic bitter tonic, and used medicinally ; it yields 
 the oil called Sumpunghee. An allied species, if. Cathcartii, is 
 a large tree, native of Sikkim ; it is conspicuous in April for its 
 abundance of white blossoms, which in the distance give it the 
 appearance of being covered with snow. 
 
 Champignon. {See Fairy Pdngs.) 
 
 Chanay K^ldngu, a name in India for the tubers of Tacca 
 jpinnatifida ; in Travancore it is cultivated, and grows to a large 
 size, forming an important article of trade. {See Pi.) 
 
 Chara, the name of a genus of the order Algse, of the class 
 Cryptogamia of Linnaeus, and the type of the Limewort family 
 (Characese) of modern botanists. They consist of small fresh- 
 water plants, having articulated stems and branches, which grow 
 in whorls, either transparent or coated with carbonate of lime. 
 The organs of reproduction consist of globose, nut-like bodies of 
 two sizes, covered by spiral tubes, which give them a striated 
 appearance. 
 
 This singular family comprises about thirty described species, 
 found in stagnant water in most parts of the world. They grow 
 
106 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHARLOCK 
 
 very rapidly, and soon fill shallow waters, sometimes forming 
 great masses, which decay and become offensive, causing malaria 
 in many districts, as in the Pontine Marshes near Eome. They 
 have no known uses, and must only be regarded as botanical 
 curiosities, more especially as they beautifully illustrate the 
 circulation of the sap, such being readily seen by the aid of a 
 microscope in the joints of their stems. Nitella transhtcens is 
 best suited for that purpose, but as Cliara vulgaris is the most 
 common, it may be substituted. By shutting up a portion of 
 this species in a phial containing a little water it will grow, 
 adhering to the sides of the glass, and be perfectly free 
 from the lime, and on being placed under the microscope the 
 circulation is clearly seen. There are six species natives of this 
 country. 
 
 Charlock. {See Mustard.) 
 
 Ohaulmoogra Oil, the name of an oil obtained from the 
 seeds of Gynocardia oclorata, a tree of the Indian Plum 
 family (Flacourtiaceae), native of India, common in the hot 
 valleys of Sikkim, attaining a height of 30 or 40 feet, having 
 glossy, entire, alternate leaves ; the fruits are globular, ash- 
 coloured, the size of a shaddock, and enclose numerous seeds 
 embedded in pulp, which contain an oil used by the natives as 
 a remedy for cutaneous diseases, and also for internal com- 
 plaints. Within the last few years it has been introduced into 
 this country, and is found beneficial in rheumatic affections, 
 sprains, diseases of the joints, etc. 
 
 Chaw Stick {Gouania domingensis), a flexible - stemmed 
 shrub, climbing by the aid of tendrils to a great length, belonging 
 to the Buckthorn family (PJramnaceae). In Jamaica, the stems, 
 which are about the thickness of the finger, and fibrous, are cut 
 into short lengths and used for tooth-brushes, as they whiten 
 and preserve the teeth better than any tooth-powder ; pieces of 
 it put into liquor cause fermentation, and impart a pleasant 
 bitter flavour to cooling drinks. 
 
 Chayroot, a name in India for Oldenlandia umhellata, a 
 weedy annual of the Cinchona family (Cinchonacese), wild, and 
 
CHERRY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 107 
 
 extensively cultivated in India. Its long, slender roots yield a 
 blue dye, which by different mordants is changed from pale to a 
 very deep red, with which turbans and handkerchiefs are dyed. 
 
 Cheese Rennet, a common name for Galium verum, a peren- 
 nial of the Madder family (Eubiacese), native of this country, 
 growing in meadows and roadsides, and conspicuous for its pale 
 yeUow flowers ; it has been long known to have the power of 
 curdling milk. The roots are of a bluish colour, and yield a 
 dye equal to madder, for the making of which it is extensively 
 collected. 
 
 Cherimoyer, the name of the fruit of Anona Cherimolia, a 
 tree of the Custard Apple family (Anonaceae). A loose, spread- 
 ing tree attainincj a heigrht of 20 to 25 feet. It is a native of, as 
 well as cultivated in, most parts of tropical America, and also in 
 Jamaica and other West Indian Islands. The fruit is somewhat 
 oblong, 2 to 5 inches in diameter, of a light-green colour, with 
 white pulp and a few black seeds ; it is highly esteemed, and 
 considered by some to be the finest fruit in the world. 
 
 Cherry (Cerastes vulgaris), Wild Cherry or Gean (Cerasus 
 avium), moderate-sized trees of the Plum family (Drupacese). 
 Both are found wild in this country, and are widely distributed 
 over Southern Europe and the temperate cou.ntries of Western 
 Asia. It is generally admitted that these are the parents of 
 the numerous fine varieties of cherries now cultivated. It is 
 also thought by some botanists that the supposed species 0. 
 duracina, 0. Juliana, and C. caproniana, said to be natives of 
 Southern Europe, have, by cross breeding, contributed to produce 
 some of the fine sorts of cherries. 
 
 Cherries being a favourite early fruit are extensively culti- 
 vated in this country, large cherry orchards being common in 
 many Southern counties ; they are not only valued as dessert 
 fruits, but are made into tarts and pies, and preserved in various 
 ways. In Germany a spirit called Kirschwasser is made from a 
 small black variety, as is also in France the liqueur called 
 Maraschino, and Eatafia from a variety of the morello cherry. 
 In the preparation of these liqueurs the fruit, stone, and kernel 
 
108 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHERRY 
 
 are pounded ; the latter contains prussic acid, which gives 
 flavour to the liqueurs. Cherry tree wood is highly valued by 
 cabinet and musical instrument makers. 
 
 Cherry, Australian {Exocarjpus cupressiformis), a small tree 
 of the Sandal- wood family (Santalaceae). It has numerous 
 green, wiry, rigid or filiform, apparently leafless branches 
 collected in a dense conical head, and the leaves reduced to 
 minute alternate scales. It is found in Queensland, iSTew South 
 Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South and West Australia. The 
 wood is hard, and valuable for gun-stocks, axe-handles, etc. 
 
 Cherry, Barbadoes. — Mal'pighia glahra and M. imnicifolia, 
 two small trees of the Malpighiad family (Malpighiaceae), 
 natives of the West Indies and many parts of tropical America. 
 They are favourite trees with the natives, who plant them near 
 their dwellings as hedges, and also for the sake of the fruit, 
 which is about the size and appearance of a cherry. The 
 common name is derived from the fact of the plants being found 
 originally in Barbadoes. 
 
 Cherry, Bird {Cerasus Fadus), a deciduous shrub or small 
 tree of the Plum family (DrupacCce). When grown with a 
 single stem it often attains a height of 20 to 30 feet. It 
 is a native of this country, and widely spread throughout 
 Europe and the temperate regions of ISTorth-West Asia. The 
 fruit is small, black, and not palatable ; it is used by some for 
 flavouring brandy and home-made wines. In Sweden, Lapland, 
 and some parts of Eussia, the bruised fruit is fermented, and 
 yields a strong kind of spirit. The wood is hard and yellow, 
 and has a disagreeable odour ; it is highly valued by cabinet- 
 makers. The Bird Cherry is represented in America by C. 
 virginiana, G. caroliniana, and others, which are grown in 
 shrubberies in this country. 
 
 Cherry Laurel {Cerasus Laurocerasus), an evergreen shrub of 
 the Plum family (Drupaccce), native of Armenia and countries 
 bordering on the Black Sea. Introduced and cultivated in this 
 country. Every part of the Cherry Laurel contains prussic acid ; 
 its leaves are used to give the peculiar flavour of that acid to 
 
CHESTNUT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 109 
 
 culinary dishes and drinks ; care is therefore necessary not to 
 use them in excess, as fatal consequences are known to have 
 occurred. The leaves contain a volatile oil, which forms the 
 bases of Laurel Water ; it is highly poisonous, and is sold by 
 druggists for killing flies ; several instances are on record of its 
 having been criminally used for poisoning. 
 
 Chervil, Garden {Anthriscus Cerefolium), an annual herb of 
 the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), native of Europe, but now 
 become wild in some parts of England, and has been cultivated 
 as an aromatic pot-herb for more than two centuries. Myrrhis 
 odorata, called Great Chervil or Cicely, is also cultivated. 
 
 Chestnut, Cape {Calodendwn capense), a beautiful tree of the 
 Eue family (Eutaceae), native of the Cape of Good Hope. It 
 has broad, elliptical leaves and snowy white flowers. The fruit 
 is a five-celled, five-angled, prickly capsule, having some resem- 
 blance to the fruit of the Sweet Chestnut, hence its name Cape 
 Chestnut. The seeds are shining black. The tree was intro- 
 duced to this country in 1789 ; a specimen in the Palm-house 
 at Kew was in 1857 25 feet high, with a diameter of 5 inches 
 near the base. 
 
 Chestnut, Horse (^sctdus Hijpiwcastanum), a large, well- 
 known tree of the Soapberry family (Sapindacese), native of the 
 l^orth-West Himalayas or Caucasus ; it has migrated westward, 
 but there is no evidence of its having been a tree of Mount 
 Lebanon, Palestine, or any part of Western Syria, in the time of 
 Solomon, but most probably it found its way to Europe by way 
 of the Caucasus and Armenia. It is recorded to have been 
 cultivated in this country in the first quarter of the seventeenth 
 century. Its principal use is as an ornamental tree for parks, 
 pleasure-grounds, roadsides, and avenues. The celebrated 
 avenue in Bushey Park, planted by William III., affords a 
 fine example of the adaptability of the Horse Chestnut for 
 ornamental planting. It is not particular as to soil, and 
 generally produces yearly an abundant crop of nuts, which are 
 not, however, utilised for any special purpose in this country, 
 but in France they are largely employed in the manufacture of 
 
110 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHESTNUT 
 
 starch. An oil is also expressed from tlie nut which has been 
 recommended in rheumatism. The nuts are somewhat sapo- 
 naceous, and after being macerated in water are reported to 
 have been used in some parts of Ireland to whiten linen. In 
 Turkey they are ground with other food and given to horses, 
 hence the name. 
 
 Chestnut, Moreton Bay {Castanospermum australe), a large 
 tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having shining winged 
 leaves ; a native of Queensland, where it is said to attain a 
 height of 70 to 100 feet. It takes its name from the seeds, 
 which are similar to and of the size of Sweet Chestnuts. They 
 are contained in a cylindrical, stiff pod, 6 or 7 inches in length. 
 They are eaten by the natives, but are unpalatable to Europeans. 
 
 Chestnut, Sweet (Castanea vulgaris), a large, spreading 
 branched tree of the family Cupuliferse. It is supposed to be a 
 native of Northern India throughout the range of the Himalayas. 
 If so it must have early migrated westward, as it is common 
 throughout the whole of Western Asia, the countries of the 
 Mediterranean and Central Europe ; even in the Alps it has the 
 appearance of being an original native. It has been supposed 
 also by some to be a native of Britain; but that is not likely, as 
 its fruit only ripens in favourable seasons, and there is no trust- 
 worthy account of any natural forests having at any time 
 existed ; on the contrary, some suppose it to have been introduced 
 by the Eomans. It is now common in parks and gardens, and 
 some trees are recorded as being very old and having attained a 
 large size. In some places it is grown as a brushwood for hoop- 
 making. As already stated, the nuts ripen to perfection in 
 favourable seasons, but the quality and quantity is small com- 
 pared to the importations from the Continent, chiefly from 
 France, Portugal, and Spain. In Italy and Spain the nuts are 
 ground into meal, and it forms an important article of food for 
 the poorer classes. In saying it is a native of the whole of 
 Western Asia, Palestine and Western Syria generally must be 
 excluded ; for although the chestnut tree is mentioned in the 
 Bible in the time of Jacob, nevertheless, even in the time of 
 
CHESTNUT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. Ill 
 
 Solomon, and up to the present, there is no evidence in proof 
 that the chestnut tree grew in Palestine in early times, it being 
 considered by Bible commentators that the plane tree (Flatanus 
 orientalis), which is common in Palestine, represents the chest- 
 nut tree of Jacob. 
 
 Chestnut, Tahiti {Inocmyus edulis), a large tree, originally 
 placed in the Spurge Laurel family, but by modern botanists 
 considered to belong to the Csesalpiniese section of Leguminosse. 
 It is also called the South Sea Chestnut, being common in the 
 tropical islands of the South Sea. The stem is 60 to 80 feet 
 high, and when young is fluted like a Grecian column, and when 
 old these projections become buttresses extending some distance 
 all round the tree, and gradually lessening upwards to the first 
 branches. It has a thick crown, furnished with simple, oblong, 
 leathery leaves of a dark -green colour. The flowers are incon- 
 spicuous; the fruit, a pod, is flat and kidney -shaped, containing 
 seeds resembling chestnuts in taste. They are much esteemed 
 either baked or boiled, and eaten entire, or grated for making 
 bread and puddings. In the several islands there are at least 
 eisfht different names for it. 
 
 o 
 
 Chestnut, Water, also called Water Caltrops (Trapa Tuctaiis), 
 an aquatic plant belonging to the family Onagrariacese. It is a 
 native of Southern Europe, and has creeping, floating stems, 
 producing hair-like roots, from which rises a cluster of triangular, 
 toothed, floating leaves with swollen foot -stalks which buoy 
 them up. The flowers are small. The lobes of the calyx two 
 or four, increasing in size, and with its tube involving the 
 ovary, which becomes a hard, horned fruit about the size of a 
 chestnut. They contain much farinaceous matter, and form a 
 considerable article of food. In Italy they are known by the 
 name of Jesuit Chestnuts, and in France as Water Chestnuts. 
 In Cashmere the seeds of T. hispinosa form an important article 
 of food to a large population. T. hicornis is also extensively 
 used for food in China under the name of Ling. The stiff, 
 horn-like projections of these fruits convey to the mind the idea 
 of Caltrops. 
 
112 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHIA 
 
 Chia, the name in California for a mealy preparation made 
 of the seeds of Salvia columharia, a herb of the Mint family 
 (Labiatse). It is cultivated for its seeds, which are roasted, 
 ground, and mixed with water. When the powder swells to 
 several times its original bulk, becoming a mucilaginous mass, 
 it is sweetened, and forms an important article of diet, the 
 taste being similar to that of linseed meal. It is also prepared 
 thin, and used as a drink. It is highly valued as a demulcent, 
 in the same way as linseed is in this country. Seeds of Chia, it 
 is said, have been fotmd in old graves, showing that it was 
 cultivated in early times by the Mahua race of Mexicans. 
 
 Chica, a pigment derived from the maceration in water of 
 the leaves of Bignonia Chica, a tall climber of the Trumpet 
 flower family (Bignoniacese), native of the upper countries of 
 the Orinoco. It is of a red colour, and is a highly important 
 article in the toilet of the Indians, who use it to paint parts or 
 the whole of their bodies. The trade in Chica is a monopoly of 
 the missionaries, and the article is sold at a high price, so that 
 it is only the wealthy Indians who can afford to smear the 
 whole of their bodies with it. It is common to hear one say 
 of another — " That man is so poor that he has not enough to 
 paint half his body." 
 
 Chick Pea, an annual of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 
 cultivated in India for its seed, which when ground into meal 
 forms an important article of food called Gram. 
 
 Chicory {Ciclwrium intylus), a hard perennial of the Com- 
 posite family (Compositae), native of Britain, growing by road- 
 sides and waste places, particularly in calcareous soils. It has 
 a strong thick tap-root, and produces branching stems 2 to 3 feet 
 hi<^h, bearing pretty blue flowers. It is cultivated as a salad 
 plant, the young leaves being blanched like endive, and in this 
 way is largely used in France, but is chiefly valued for its roots, 
 which are roasted, ground, and mixed with coffee for the purpose 
 of imparting an agreeable flavour. It is extensively cultivated 
 both in this country and on the Continent. From Belgium and 
 Holland the best qualities are now imported Its frequent use 
 
CHOCO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 113 
 
 for mixing with coffee as an adulterant has led to an Act of 
 Parliament being ^^assed prohibiting its sale except alone or 
 when definitely stated. It possesses diuretic qualities. In 1880 
 the quantity imported amounted to 145,457 cwts. 
 
 Chignite. {See Butter Tree.) 
 
 Chillies. {See Capsicum.) 
 
 China Grass. {See Grass Cloth.) 
 
 China Root, the thick rliizome of Smilax China, {See Sar- 
 saparilla.) 
 
 Chinese Olive, a name for the fruit of Canarmm commune, a 
 wing-leaved tree of the Myrrh family (Amyridacese), native of 
 Java, Moluccas, and Malayan Islands generally. Cultivated for 
 its fruit, a three-sided drupe, from which an oil is expressed, 
 used as a condiment when fresh, and for burning in lamps. A 
 kind of gum, like Gum Elemi, exudes from the stem. 
 
 Chirata {Ophelia Chirata), a slender branching annual 
 of the Gentian family (Gentianacese), 2 to 3 feet high, with 
 yellow flowers ; native of India, where the stems are held in 
 high repute as a tonic and febrifuge both by native and 
 European practitioners. Allied to Chirata, and possessing the 
 same qualities, is 0. elegans, native of the north of India, where 
 it is made up into bundles a foot in length, about as thick as a 
 man's arm, and sent to the bazaars. Its native name is Salaras,. 
 and it is said to be exported in considerable quantities. 
 
 Chittagong Wood. {See Mahogany, Indian.) 
 
 Chives {Allium scha^noprasuin), a cultivated pot-herb of the 
 Lily family (Liliaceae), allied to Garlic ; native of the North of 
 Europe. It has hollow, grass -like leaves, and is cultivated 
 in kitchen gardens. 
 
 Choco, a name in the West Indies for Sechium edule, a 
 tendril climber of the Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It has a 
 large, fleshy tuber resembling a yam, and sometimes weighing 
 as much as 20 lbs. It is eatable when cooked, but is not very 
 palatable. The fruit is oblong, gourd-like, 4 inches in length, 
 covered with small, blunt tubercles ; when ripe, of a yellowish 
 colour. These fruits may sometimes be seen m Covent Garden 
 
 I 
 
114 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHOCOLATE 
 
 Market. They are largely cultivated in Jamaica for feeding 
 hogs. 
 
 Chocolate Nut or Bean {Thcdbroma Cacao), a small tree of 
 the Chocolate Nut family (Byttneriacese), native of tropical 
 America, now widely distributed, and cultivated in most tropical 
 countries. It grows from 16 to 18 feet high, and has broad, 
 oblong, pointed leaves of a thin texture. The flowers are small, 
 and produced on the old stem and branches, and in time are 
 followed by a pod -like fruit, 6 to 10 inches in length, and 3 to 
 5 in girth, more or less marked with longitudinal ribs, and con- 
 taining 50 or more seeds. When ripe these seeds, which are 
 covered with mucilage, are taken from the fruit and are allowed 
 to undergo a slight fermentation, after which they are dried in 
 the sun, when they acquire a brown colour, and become the 
 Chocolate Bean or Nut of commerce; roasted, and split or 
 broken, they are the Cocoa Mbs of the shops ; on being 
 ground they become Cocoa Powder, and thus made into paste 
 form cakes called Chocolate, which is generally flavoured with 
 vanilla and sugar. In analysing some samples of chocolate 
 some years since, they were found to be adulterated with red 
 earth. This was afterwards attributed to the beans being 
 sprinkled with water and dusted with red earth to give them a 
 brighter appearance and enhance their value. Chocolate or 
 cacao seeds come to Europe principally from Brazil, Venezuela, 
 New Grenada, and Trinidad. Above 2000 tons are annually 
 imported. The first notice of cacao in this country is contained 
 in a newspaper dated 16th June 1659. The use gradually 
 increased, and in 1880 the quantity entered for home consump- 
 tion was over 10,000,000 pounds. 
 
 Ohola. {See Gram.) 
 
 Chooree. {See Butter Tree.) 
 
 Chowlee, a name in India for DolicJws sinensis, by some 
 called Vigna sinensis. An annual climber of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosae), cultivated in India for its jDods, which are two 
 feet in length, and contain a number of pea-like seeds, which 
 form a considerable article of food. The young green entire 
 
CHUPA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 115 
 
 pods are also used. Other species of Dolichos are cultivated 
 as food plants. 
 
 Christ's Thorn. — Several plants are accredited with the 
 honour of having formed the Crown of Thorns ; some Bible 
 commentators consider it to have been made of the prickly 
 shoots of the bramble ; others, that it was one of the three more 
 formidable spiny shrubs — Paliurus acideatus, Zizyphus spina 
 Christi, or Z. vulgaris. They all belong to the Buckthorn family 
 (Rhamnace?e), and are widely spread throughout the Mediter- 
 ranean regions and Palestine ; they are strong-growing shrubs, 
 with large slight hooked spines, forming impenetrable thickets, 
 often chmbing up other plants and holding on by their hooks, 
 but when growing singly they form trees, especially Z. spina 
 Christi. Z. vulgaris bears the fruit called Jujube ; it is cultivated 
 in gardens, and may therefore be considered to have been the 
 most readily obtainable for the soldiers to form the Crown of 
 Thorns. {See Lotus.) 
 
 Christopher, Herb. {See Baneberry.) 
 
 Chrysanthemum, a name given to a genus of herbs of the 
 Composite family (Compositse) represented in this country by 
 the Ox-eye Daisy {C. leucanthemum) and the Corn Marigold {C. 
 segetum) ; but the most conspicuous species of the genus is 
 C. sinense, a native of China, introduced about 1764, and culti- 
 vated by Philip Miller at Chelsea. It was long kept as a 
 greenhouse plant, but having been proved to be hardy, and 
 many varieties having been introduced and also raised in this 
 country, it has now become a favourite in all gardens, and 
 Chrysanthemum shows now yearly take place during the 
 flowering season, which is in the autumn. 
 
 Chupa-Chupa, a name in New Grenada for the fruit of 
 Matisia cordata, a tree of the Sterculiad family (Stercu- 
 liacese). Although never exceeding 60 feet in height, its broad 
 cordate leaves and curious mallow-like flowers, succeeded by a 
 cluster of fruit as if stuck on its trunk and larger branches, 
 make it one of the most interesting of tropical trees ; the fruit 
 is of an oval form, firm, 5 inches in length and 3 broad, covered 
 
116 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CHUSAN 
 
 with a silky ash-coloured down ; it has a fleshy interior, divided 
 into five cells, each of which contains a single angular seed about 
 an inch in length. The celebrated traveller Humboldt de- 
 scribes the taste of the fruit as being like that of the apricot, 
 and that it is carefully cultivated in Peru and 'New Grenada ; 
 and W. Purdie, botanical collector in New Grenada for Kew in 
 1845, says it is among the finest of tropical fruits, its flavour is 
 more like that of the mango, better even than the apricot. It 
 was introduced to Jamaica through Purdie, and Mr. Wilson, for 
 some time director of the Jamaica Botanic Garden, in a letter 
 to the writer says: " It is now a tree 20 or 25 feet high, and last 
 year produced seven dozen fruits, one of which weighed two 
 pounds two ounces; it is full of stringy fibre, and not a good 
 fruit for dessert." Since then the tree has become common in 
 Jamaica. 
 
 Chusan Palm {Chamcerops Fortunei), a fan-leaved palm, 
 native of Chusan and the north of China, attainino: a height 
 of 12 or more feet. The sheath at the base of the leaves be- 
 comes with age strongly fibrous, similar to that of the Piassaba . 
 of tropical America. The agricultural labourers in the north of 
 China make coats and hats of the fibrous substance, which has a 
 very Eobinson- Crusoe-like appearance ; but is good for keeping 
 out the rain. It is also used for making ropes and cables, and is 
 very strong and durable, even under water. This palm w^as 
 introduced into this country in 1844, and is hardy in sheltered 
 situations in southern counties. It was first supposed to be 
 C. excelsa of Thunb., a palm similar in habit, native of Japan, and 
 applied to similar purposes, of which, about fifty years ago, a 
 few plants were introduced to Holland, one being in 1837 sent 
 to Kew, and is now 12 feet high, with a girth of 1 foot 7 inches. 
 One of the originals sent by Mr. Fortune to Kew in 1844 was 
 planted in the front of the royal residence, Osborne, Isle of 
 Wight ; in 1881 it attained the height of 14|- feet, and girth 3 
 feet ; spread of leaves, 9 feet across. 
 
 Cicely. {See Chervil.) 
 
 Cinchona, the name of a Linnsean genus belonging to the 
 
CINCHONA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 117 
 
 natural order Cinclionacese. It consists of a number of species of 
 trees seldom exceeding 40 to 50 feet in height. The leaves are 
 opposite, simple, entire, stipuled at the base; flowers small, in 
 cymose panicles ; seeds numerous, small, winged. The plants 
 are natives of the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and New 
 Grenada. This genus has come into considerable repute conse- 
 quent on many of its species yielding the important medicine 
 called Quinine — the most powerful agent in the cure of 
 fevers. It is obtained from the bark of the trees in greater or 
 less quantity in different species, the healing powers of which 
 were early known to the Spanish Jesuits ; and the Countess 
 de Chinchon, lady of the Viceroy of Peru, having been cured of 
 fever by it, led it to become know^n in Spain in 1638 under the 
 name of Jesuits' Bark, and for many years the ground bark 
 and port wine was a favourite medicine. This, however, in pro- 
 cess of time gave way to the active principles of the bark being 
 prepared in the form of alkaloids, the most valuable of which is 
 called Quinine; it is a bitter, white crystalline powder. From 
 the bark, by chemical manipulation, certain other alkaloids are 
 obtained, known as Cinchonine, Cinchonidine, Quinidine, etc. 
 The great demand for quinine, and its high price, led to a great 
 increase in the bark trade of South America, and, in order to 
 obtain it readily, bark collectors made no scruple in cutting 
 down the trees, and, as the respective Governments took no steps 
 to prevent this or to make fresh plantations, it was feared that 
 in time the valuable medicine would be entirely lost. In 1839 
 the late Dr. Eoyle suggested that it would be advisable to in- 
 troduce the trees yielding quinine into India. This suggestion 
 lay in abeyance for at least twenty years. In 1852 it cost the 
 Indian Government £7000 for quinine, and in 1857 £12,000; 
 this, and the fear of the plants becoming extinct, led the Indian 
 Board at once to make arrangements to attempt the introduc- 
 tion of Cinchona trees mto India, and in 1859 the Secretary of 
 State for India appointed Mr. Clements Markham of the India 
 Office to superintend all the necessary arrangements for the 
 above purpose. Accordingly, two expeditions were arranged — 
 
118 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES CINNAMON 
 
 one headed by Mr. Markliam himself, assisted by a gardener, 
 the other by Mr. Eichard Spruce, a botanical collector, then 
 residing in New Grenada, to whom Eobert Cross, a gardener 
 from Kew, was sent out as assistant. To the above (after much 
 peril) is due the successful introduction of the Cinchona plants 
 into India. To the latter, however, the greatest share of credit 
 must be given, he having during the last twenty years been 
 despatched four times by the Indian Government to the different 
 Andean regions in order to obtain Cinchona plants known to be 
 richest in quinine, and in these expeditions he has been emi- 
 nently successful, and is now (October 1880) on his way to India 
 with plants of the kind called Grey Bark. To give a special 
 account of the various expeditions would occupy a volume. 
 This, indeed, has been done ; and, while the present work is in 
 preparation, Mr. Clements Markham has published an account 
 under the title of Peruvian Bark, extending from the year 1860 
 to 1880. 
 
 It will suffice for our purpose to say that the undertaking 
 has been crowned with complete success, and that the quinine- 
 yielding trees in the eastern hemisphere are now counted by 
 millions, and their bark forms an important article of trade. 
 The principal Government plantations are at Ootacamund in 
 the Nilgiris and Darjeeling in Sikkim, also at Ceylon and Mau- 
 ritius; the Dutch have likewise extensive plantations in Java 
 and other islands. In the West Indies plantations have also 
 been formed in Trinidad and Jamaica. The names of the prin- 
 cipal cinchona barks of commerce are — 1. Eed Bark {C. succi- 
 rulra), New Grenada ; 2. Calisaya Bark {C. Calisaya and C. 
 Boliviano), Bolivia; 3. Loxa Crown Bark {C. Conclaminea, or 
 officinalis) Loxa ; 4. Cuenca Bark or Yellow Calisaya {C. species?), 
 Ecuador; 5. Pitayo Bark (G. Pitayensis), near Popayan; 6. Cali- 
 saya of Santa Fe, or Soft Columbian Bark {G. lancifolia) ; 
 
 7. Carthagena or New Grenada Bark {C. species ?), New Grenada; 
 
 8. Grey Bark (C. ])eruviana). 
 
 Cinnamon, the aromatic bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum of 
 the Laurel family (Lauraceae). It is a small tree, with willow- 
 
CLEARING OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 119 
 
 like branches and alternate, oblong, elliptical, smooth, entire 
 leaves, with longitudinal veins running from the base to the 
 apex ; flowers inconspicuous ; fruit a small berry. The Cinnamon 
 is a native of Ceylon, India, Malacca, and islands of the Malayan 
 Archipelago generally. By making longitudinal incisions the 
 bark readily separates from the branches, and rolls up in the 
 form of a pipe about the size of the finger, and of various lengths, 
 and when scraped and dried is of a brown colour, and is the 
 Cinnamon of commerce, which is of different qualities accord- 
 ing to the countries from whence it comes. The best is 
 cultivated in Ceylon. The Cinnamon tree is known under a 
 great number of varieties, producing Cinnamon of varying 
 qualities. The bark of C. Cassia, known as Cassia or Cassia 
 lignea, is thicker and stronger in flavour, and is much used 
 to adulterate genuine Cinnamon ; this species also furnishes 
 some of the Cassia buds, which consist of the unexpanded 
 flower-buds. Cinnamon is chiefly used as a condiment, and for 
 flavouring confectionery. 
 
 Citron {Citrus medico), a thorny, much-branched, small tree 
 of the Orange family (Aurantiacese), attaining a height of 8 
 to 10 feet ; it has shining laurel-like leaves of a pale -green 
 colour, and sweet-smelling white flowers ; the fruit is oblong, 5 
 to 6 inches in length, with a rough yellow rind ; the pulp is white 
 and edible, very acid, but pleasant prepared as a sweetmeat ; 
 of one kind a conserve is made. The oil called Citron or 
 Cedrat Oil is obtained from the rind of the fruit. It takes the 
 name meclica from the country of the Medes, where it is de- 
 scribed by Theophrastus as having been cultivated more than 
 three hundred years before the Christian era. It appears to 
 have been grown by the Jews in Palestine after their return 
 from the Babylonian captivity, the fruit being used in the cere- 
 monies of the Feast of Tabernacles, and it continues to be so 
 used at the present day. According to Pliny, it was known in 
 Eome in his time. 
 
 Citronella. {See Lemon Grass.) 
 
 Clearing Nut, a name given in India to the seeds of Strycluios 
 
120 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES CLOUDBERRY 
 
 'potatorum, a small tree of tlie Nux Vomica family (Loganiacese) ; 
 native of India. It has hard wood, which is used for various 
 economic purposes ; but it is most remarkable for its fruit, which 
 is black, about the size of a cherry, and contains one seed. The 
 seeds are dried, and then used to clear muddy water, which is 
 effected by rubbing one of them round the vessel that is to 
 contain water, which, being then poured in, quickly becomes 
 clear, but by what agency is not known to us. 
 
 Cloudberry. {See Bramble.) 
 
 Clove, the name of the well-known, sweet-smelling garden 
 flower, the Clove Pink (Diantlius caryophylhis), of which the 
 Carnation or Gilliflower is a variety. It is a grass-leaved her- 
 baceous plant of the Pink family (Caryophyllacese). Its name 
 is derived from the French word " clou," English " clout," a 
 nail, from the fancied likeness of the flower of the Clove to a 
 broad-headed nail ; and the specific name caryo]jhyllus appears 
 to have been given by Tournefort (a French botanist, who died 
 in 1708) or by some earlier botanist, the grass-like leaves of the 
 Clove being likened to many of the short-leaved species of the 
 genus Carex and its allies, the leaves of which are hard with 
 sharp edges, often when incautiously handled causing wounds 
 difiicult to heal, termed Caries, hence the word caryopliyllus. 
 This word is, however, not restricted to the Clove Pink, for 
 in consequence of the dried flower -buds of a tree, native 
 of the Moluccas, being in the form of a nail, they are also 
 called Cloves, and although there is no resemblance between 
 the Clove Pink and the Clove of the Moluccas, nevertheless 
 Tournefort's name of Caryoijliylliis aromaticus was adopted by 
 early botanists for the well-known spice called Cloves, which 
 are the unexpanded dried flowers of a tree of the Myrtle family 
 (Mjrrtacese), attaining a height of 20 or 30 feet, with smooth, 
 laurel-like, elliptical leaves, 3 to 5 inches in length, and flowers 
 produced in bunches (corymbs), which are collected before 
 opening by beating and shaking the trees ; the foot-stalks being 
 jointed, they readily part, and are caught on cloths spread 
 below, and after drying constitute the well-known Cloves of 
 
CLUB OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 121 
 
 tlie shops. The Clove presents a singular history of monopoly 
 by the Dutch, who restricted the cultivation of the plant to the 
 island of Amboyna, and vast quantities of Cloves were destroyed 
 by them at Amsterdam in order to sustain a certain price. In 
 time, however, the plant was introduced to other islands, and is 
 now cultivated in Zanzibar, India, Ceylon, Mauritius, and the 
 West Indies. The Clove tree is known by modern botanists 
 under the name of Eugenia caryophyllata. 
 
 Clove Bark (Dicypellmm caryopliyllatum), a large tree of 
 the Laurel family (Lauracese), native of Brazil. The bark is 
 made up in rolls of several layers, 2 feet in length, and about 
 an inch in diameter. It has the nature and flavour of cinnamon, 
 and when ground occasionally forms one of the ingredients of 
 some mixed spices. 
 
 Clover {Trifolium pratense), a herb of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse) ; the common red clover extensively cultivated as 
 cattle food, of which there are several varieties, by some botanists 
 considered as distinct species, the principal being Zigzag Clover 
 {T. medium), Carnation or Scarlet Clover (T. incarnatuin), Alsike 
 Clover [T. hyhridum). The White or Dutch Clover {T. repens), 
 well known as a cultivated fodder plant. T. joennsylvanicwn, 
 native of the United States, resembles the White Clover ; it is 
 extensively grown in this country, large quantities of seed being 
 annually imported from America. 
 
 Club Gourd. {See Bottle Gourd.) 
 
 Club Moss, a common name for different species of Lyco- 
 podium, a genus of Cryptogams of the family Lycopodiace?e, of 
 which there are six species, natives of Britain, found abundantly 
 in moorland bogs and heaths, both low and elevated. They are 
 by rustic practitioners considered to possess medicinal pro23erties. 
 A decoction of L. clavatum is used for a disease of the hair called 
 Plica poloniea. The spores of this species are like fine dust 
 (usually called pollen), highly absorbent, and have been used 
 to prevent excoriation in the skin of young children. This dust 
 is highly inflammable, and large quantities are collected called 
 Vegetable Sulphur, and at one time was used for producing arti- 
 
122 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES COB 
 
 ficial lightning in theatres ; it makes a slight explosion without 
 producing much heat. In Germany it is called Witches. 
 
 Cob Nut. {See Hazel.) 
 
 Coca {ErytliToxylon Coca), a shrub of the Coca family (Ery- 
 throxylaceae), native of N'ew Grenada and Bolivia. It has oblong 
 lanceolate leaves, and attains a height of o to 6 feet. It is not 
 only found abundantly wild, but is also cultivated for its leaves, 
 which are universally chewed by the Indians, both men and 
 women. It is very stimulating, and its use enables them to do 
 hard work with little food for several days, and when food is 
 taken it does not affect the digestive organs. After partaking 
 of their morning meal they stuff a loose handful of leaves into 
 their mouths with a little calcined lime ; a few fresh leaves are 
 added during the day, which enlarges the cheek, giving it the 
 appearance of being swollen. It is not ascertained whether its 
 excessive use shortens life, but aged Indians have been seen 
 chewing Coca in a state of quietness, conveying the idea that 
 they w^ere asleep. Experiments have been made upon it lately, 
 and much has been written in medical journals respecting its 
 effects. 
 
 Coca, Mexican, a name given in the Southern States 
 of North America to Richardsonia scahra, a perennial decum- 
 bent herb of the Madder family (Eubiacete), widely dis- 
 tributed throughout Peru, tropical America, Mexico, and the 
 West Indies ; also throughout the Southern States, especially 
 in Alabama. Its succulent leafy stems form a nutritious fodder, 
 equal to clover, for horses, cattle, and sheep. Its roots are used 
 in medicine as a substitute for Ipecacuanha. (See Ipecacuanha.) 
 
 Cocculus Indicus, the common name of the berry-like fruit 
 of Anamirta Cocculus, a climbing shrub of the Moonseed 
 family (Menispermacese), native of Ceylon, various parts of 
 India, and the Eastern islands. Its berries are imported into 
 this country to the extent of about 30,000 lbs. annually ; the 
 quantity actually consumed, however, is not known. Its use 
 in medicine is simply in the preparation of an ointment to 
 destroy pediculi, and in some obstinate forms of chronic skin 
 
COCOA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 123 
 
 disease. Cocculiis indicus is said, however, to be used in large 
 quantities by brewers and publicans for increasing the bitterness 
 and intoxicating powers of malt liquors ; but a heavy penalty 
 is inflicted upon those detected in so doing, and upon druggists 
 who supply it to brewers, as it contains an acrid irritant poison, 
 called Picrotoxin. It is also used for what is termed drugging, an 
 overdose of it causing death. It is further used as a fly poison. 
 
 Cochineal. {See Nopal.) 
 
 Cockscomb (Celosia cristata), an annual of the family 
 Amaranthaccce, native of India, introduced into this country 
 300 years ago ; the typical form is a branching plant, bearing 
 loose spikes of flowers. The crested head of the garden cocks- 
 comb is a monstrosity brought about by cultivation. 
 
 Cocoa Nibs. {See Chocolate Nut.) 
 
 Cocoa Nut (Cocos nucifera), a palm, native of the coasts 
 of tropical Africa, India, Malay, and islands of the Indian and 
 Pacific Oceans. It is generally cultivated throughout all tropical 
 countries, but thrives best near the sea, and requires no special 
 care. The tree varies in height from 50 to 100 feet, and has 
 long winged leaves, the so-called nuts being produced in 
 bunches of 10 to 20 or more together. They are of a triangular 
 form, about a foot long, consisting of a thick coat of fibre, 
 enclosing a hard shell, which, with its contents, is known as 
 the Cocoa Nut. It is commonly said that the uses of the 
 Cocoa Nut are as numerous as the days in a year, affording 
 food, drink, domestic utensils, and materials for building and 
 thatching. In some parts of India and other countries, the 
 white albumen of the nut forms nearly the entire food of the 
 natives, and the white fluid or milk serves them for drink. 
 It also yields wine and sugar. Cocoa-nut Oil is obtained by 
 pressing the albumen. When fresh it is transparent, and is 
 then used in cookery. Large quantities of it are imported into 
 this country under the name of Copra ; the thicker portion, 
 called Stearine, being used for making candles, wliile the 
 clear oil is used for burning in lamps. The well-known sub- 
 stance Glycerine is obtained in the process of purifying Cocoa- 
 
124 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES COCOA 
 
 nut oil. Formerly the fibre was used for making coir ropes 
 only, but within the last thirty years it has been manufactured 
 into floor-matting, brushes, and brooms, and is used for stuffing 
 cushions, as well as for many other purposes. The hard shell 
 is made into cups and other domestic utensils. The wood is 
 known as Porcupine- wood. 
 
 Cocoa Nut, Double [Lodoicea secliellaruui). — This may be con- 
 sidered the largest and most remarkable of palms. It is a native 
 of a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean called the Sey- 
 chelles. It is said to attain a height of 100 feet, its stem being 
 1 J to 2 feet in diameter, bearing at the summit a crown of fan- 
 shaped leaves. It is remarkable for growing in a socket of a hard 
 woody texture, perforated with holes made by the roots. This 
 curious appendage derives its origin from the cotyledon, which in 
 this palm attains the extraordinary length of 2 feet, growing 
 downwards like a root, having the germ (plumule) seated in its 
 thickened end. When perfect the tliick end opens on one side like 
 a sheath, out of which rise the first succeeding leaves of the plant, 
 roots also being produced, which make their exit by piercing the 
 end of the sheath. In time the nutriment of the nut becomes 
 exhausted, and the part of the cotyledon between it and the 
 young plant withers. The latter, however, retains its placental 
 vital connection with the sheath end of the cotyledon, which is 
 henceforth nourished by the plant, and increases in size with 
 its growth, which thus continues seated in the cradle of its 
 birth through life. This formation appears, however, to be 
 common to the palms, but very much more largely developed 
 in the Lodoicea. The fruit is a large oblong nut, covered 
 with a tliin rind. After the removal of the outer envelope 
 or rind, the fruit has the appearance of two oblong nuts, 
 firmly united together, and often weighs 30 to 40 lbs. They 
 are borne in bunches, each consisting of nine or ten nuts, so 
 that a whole bunch will often weigh 400 lbs. It takes ten 
 years to ripen its fruit, the albumen of which is similar to that 
 of the common cocoa nut, but is too hard and horny to serve as 
 food. The shell is converted into many useful articles by the 
 
COFFEE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 125 
 
 natives, but the most important part is the leaves, which are 
 made into hats, baskets, and the like. The demand has of late 
 years become so great that in order to obtain the leaves the 
 trees are cut down, and as no care is taken to form new planta- 
 tions, it was at one time feared this palm would eventually 
 become extinct. In 1864 the leading botanists in this country 
 petitioned the Government for its protection. By more recent 
 information, however, it appears that in one island alone there 
 are many thousands of trees. 
 
 Cocoa Plum {Chrysobalanus Icaco), a small tree of the Cocoa 
 Plum family (Chrysobalanacese), native of the West Indies, intro- 
 duced into this country in 1752, and cultivated in the hothouses 
 as a rare plant. It produces a small pulpy fruit, which is made 
 into a preserve, and forms an article of trade. 
 
 Cocum Butter. {Sec Gamboge.) 
 
 Coffee {Coffea arabica), a small much-branched tree of the 
 Cinchona family (Cinchonacese), not exceeding 20 feet in height, 
 much resembling a cherry tree, but has a whitish bark, and more 
 slender and horizontal spreading branches. It has opposite 
 leaves, of a light -green colour and elliptical lance -like form, 
 about 6 inches in length. The flowers are in clusters in the 
 axils of the leaves, and are white, like orange-tree flowers, and 
 perfume the air. The young fruit is first of a green colour, but 
 on ripening becomes red, and is about the size of a small cherry, 
 but somewhat oblong, each containing two seeds closely united 
 by their flat sides, which, on the pulp being removed, separate 
 and constitute the Coffee berries of commerce, and when roasted 
 and ground, the Coffee of the shops. The native country of the 
 Coffee tree is supposed to be Abyssinia, where it has been known 
 from time immemorial under the name of Coffa, hence comes 
 Coffee. From Abyssinia it is supposed to have been introduced 
 into Arabia Felix about the end of the fifteenth century, and 
 has been cultivated in the province of Yemen and used as a 
 beverage. About the middle of the sixteenth century its use be- 
 came known in Constantinople. It was first used in London by a 
 Smyrna merchant, who, in order to have it properly made, brought 
 
126 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES COFFEE 
 
 with him a Levantine girl, who married his coachman, and in 
 1652 they opened the first public coffee shop in London. With 
 regard to the history of the introduction of the Coffee tree into 
 America, it is stated that a living plant was obtained by the 
 Dutch and placed in the Botanic Garden, Amsterdam, where it 
 was propagated, and a plant was conveyed to the Dutch settle- 
 ment of Surinam. One of the Amsterdam plants was in 1714 
 presented to Louis XIY., by whom it was introduced into 
 Martinique in 1717. From these plants the cultivation of Coffee 
 spread throughout the warm countries of America and the West 
 Indies, also in time in Ceylon and India, where it is now ex- 
 tensively cultivated. The principal supply of Coffee to this 
 country is from the West Indies, British Guiana, Brazil, Ceylon, 
 and India. The Coffee of the shops in course of time became 
 greatly adulterated, the principal adulterant being the ground 
 roots of chicory, which led to an Act of Parliament being passed 
 to make the adulteration of Coffee by cliicory, or any other 
 adulterant, a statutable offence. Sixty years ago (1820), when 
 genuine Coffee was high priced (3 to 4 shillings a pound), roasted 
 corn under the name of " Kent's Eoasted Corn " was sold in 
 London, and was patronised for some time. The number of 
 Coffee trees in Brazil is computed to amount to 530,000,000, 
 covering a surface of 1,150,000 square acres, and it is calculated 
 that Coffee is now used by 100,000,000 of the human race. In 
 1880 the quantity of Coffee from all countries imported into this 
 country was 1,555,939 cwts., valued at £7,062,016. Of late 
 years the Coffee crops, especially in Ceylon and India, have 
 become much deteriorated from the ravages of a disease 
 termed the Coffee Blight, which is caused by a fungus {Hemi- 
 leia vastatinx) spreading over the leaves. It first appears with 
 rapid grow^th within the parenchymatous tissue of the leaf; 
 the perfect fungus is developed on its under-side ; its fruit is 
 composed of numerous clusters of orange -coloured sporangia, 
 which protrude through the stomata (that is, the breathing spores 
 of the leaf), and entirely destroy the functions ; the trees then 
 become sick, and failure of crops is the consequence. It spreads 
 
COLA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 127 
 
 rapidly; its first appearance in Ceylon was in 1869, Southern 
 India 1869-70, Sumatra 1876, and in Java 1879. No cure has 
 yet been found for tliis formidable disease. 
 
 Of late years a kind of Coffee has come into special notice 
 called Liberian Coffee, the produce of a tree native of Liberia 
 and West Africa ; it is a much stronger plant than the Coffea 
 arabica, and is considered to be a distinct species under the 
 name of Coffea liherica. Its berries are large, but do not contain 
 so much caffeine as the original species. 
 
 Cohune Palm (Attalea Cohune), a wing-leaved palm similar 
 in appearance to the cocoa nut, but it does not attain such a 
 great height, and has a thicker stem. It is abundant in Hon- 
 duras and Darien. The fruit is produced in large bunches, each 
 fruit being about the size of a turkey's Qgg. The kernel of the 
 nut tastes like that of the cocoa nut, but contains more oil, which 
 is of a finer quality. It is obtained by crushing the nuts. This 
 palm may also be termed a wine palm, the trunk containing a 
 great quantity of liquor, which is obtained by cutting the tree 
 down and making a deep hole near the top, and by slightly 
 raising the butt-end the liquor flows into the hole, and is readily 
 obtained by slipping in a small vessel. This supply continues 
 a considerable time, and forms a cooling drink to passers-by. 
 
 Cola Nut {^Cola acummata), a tree of the Sterculiad 
 family (Sterculiacese), native of Western tropical Africa. It 
 attains a height of 30 to 40 feet, having smooth, entire, 
 oblong, elliptical leaves, 6 to 8 inches in length. The fruit is 
 a follicle containing several nut-like seeds, which are called 
 Cola or Goora Nuts. Tliey form a considerable article of trade 
 amongst the negroes, by whom they are held in high estima- 
 tion, as they are supposed to give strength, allay thirst, promote 
 digestion, and stay hunger, possessing the same properties as the 
 Coca leaf of tropical America. The tree is now common in the 
 Y/est Indies and Brazil, having been early introduced during the 
 slave trade. Some degree of superstition is attached to it by the 
 negroes ; the fetishman or necromancer relies especially upon 
 feeding the spirits with Cola nuts to obtain for his votaries good 
 
128 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES COLCHICUM 
 
 health and happiness ; and the nuts form an important portion 
 of the presents of a bridegroom to the bride's father, 
 
 Oolchicum (Colchictom autumnale), a bulb of the Hellebore 
 family (Melanthacese), native of the South of Europe. This is 
 rarely found wild, although it is common in gardens. It is 
 known as Meadow Saffron and Autumn Crocus. It has a 
 solid bulbous root (corm), from which crocus-like flowers are 
 produced in the autumn, succeeded by grass-like leaves. It is 
 found throughout the warm parts of Europe, and is highly 
 poisonous, but is of importance in medicine, more especially for 
 gouty affections. 
 
 Coleworts and Kohl-rabi. (See Cabbage.) 
 
 Colic - root, a name in the United States for Aletris 
 farinosa, a herb of the Bloodroot family (Hsemadoraceee), having 
 distichous, lance-shaped, radical leaves, from which rises a simple 
 flower-stem 1 to 3 feet high, terminating in a spike of white bell- 
 shaped flowers. It is one of the most intense bitters known, and 
 is used medicinally in many complaints. 
 
 Colocynth {Citndlus Colocyntliis), a trailing annual of the 
 Gourd family (Cucurbitacese). It is common in Syria, Egypt, 
 and countries of the Mediterranean, and has become widely 
 diffused in other parts of the world. The fruit is about the size 
 and colour of an orange, has a smooth hard rind when dry, and 
 contains a soft spongy pulp, which is intensely bitter and poison- 
 ous, but is used medicinally as a purgative. It is the wild 
 gourd mentioned in the book of Kings. Its seeds are, however, 
 wholesome. The natives of some parts of North Africa, especi- 
 ally in the Sahara, deprive them of their skin and make a paste 
 of the kernel, which is eaten with dates. 
 
 Colt's-foot (Tussilago Farfara), a perennial of the Com- 
 posite family (Compositse), common on roadsides and waste 
 places ; often seen abundant in railway cuttings. It has large 
 angular - shaped leaves of a greyish colour. It is bitter and 
 astringent, containing a large quantity of mucilage, and is much 
 used in cases of asthma, being smoked like tobacco. 
 
 Columbine {Aquileyia vulgaris), a perennial herb of the 
 
COMPASS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 129 
 
 Buttercup family (Eanunculacese), native of Britain. In its 
 wild state the flowers are generally blue, but from its being 
 long a favourite garden plant, many varieties have been raised 
 of different colours, and some with double flowers. It derives 
 its name Columbine from the curved petals being compared to 
 birds, the sepals forming the wings. 
 
 Colza Oil. {See Eape.) 
 
 Comfrey {Symplujtum officinale), a strong-growing peren- 
 nial of the Borage family (Boraginacese), native of Britain. It 
 has long had its virtues extolled, but, like those of Borage, 
 they are imaginary. The young sprouts are sometimes blanched, 
 and used as asparagus. >S^. peregrimtm, generally described as 
 ^S'. asperrirmtm, grows taller, and, with its pretty blue pendulous 
 flowers, is a more showy garden plant than the preceding; 
 native of the Caucasus ; introduced about the beginning of the 
 present century. Although a rough-leaved plant, it is neverthe- 
 less relished by cattle. Some years ago it came into notice as 
 a fodder plant, and trials of it show that, if properly cultivated, 
 an acre will yield as much as 40 to 50 tons of green food. It is 
 found to be rich in gum mucilage and sugar. 
 
 Compass or Polar Plant, a name given in the United States 
 to SilpJimm laciniatum, a strong-growing perennial of the Com- 
 posite family (Compositae). It grows to a height of 4 to 6 
 feet, the upper part branched, each branch terminated by a head 
 of yellow florets. Its leaves are of an ovate form, but winged 
 and jagged, of which Dr. Asa Gray says — " On the wide open 
 prairies the leaves are said to present their faces uniformly north 
 and south. From this circumstance it is called the Compass 
 plant." There are several other statements to the same effect, 
 but taking them altogether, there is still a degree of uncertainty 
 regarding the direction of the leaves always pointing north and 
 south. It is also known by the name of Eosin, or Turpentine 
 Plant, consequent on the resinous substance which issues from 
 its stem. It has been noticed by travellers in the prairies that 
 mosses and lichens grow most abundant on the north side of the 
 trees, which circumstance serves as a guide to travellers. 
 
 K 
 
130 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CONFERVA 
 
 Conferva, tlie name of a genus forming part of the Linnsean 
 order Algse, whicli has by modern botanists been separated into 
 different families — Conferva and its allies forming one termed 
 Confervaceae, of which about 350 species are recorded. They 
 vary considerably in habit, from microscopic globules, simple 
 hair or thread like, or united forming a web, to broad ribbon- 
 like expansions. They grow on rocks, or in fresh or salt water, 
 or on the surface of moist ground, stones, or other bodies, some- 
 times like slime, scum, or jelly. A few only, such as Laver 
 (which see), are of economic value. Some, by their rapid growth 
 and union, and the extent of surface they occupy with their 
 different colours of red, green, and black, form conspicuous objects 
 in nature. For instance, in Angola, Western tropical Africa, the 
 mountain rocks during the rainy season become striped and 
 ultimately covered with a black mantle, which, when the season 
 becomes dry, peels off like paper, and the rocks assume their 
 natural grey tint, this singular appearance being due to the 
 rapid growth of a Conferva called Scytonema cliorogra'phiGum. 
 In this country several species of Conferva are extremely 
 troublesome in ornamental ponds, lakes, and plant aquariums, 
 covering the surface with a fetid scum, or in flannel-like masses. 
 Sometimes the water becomes of a green colour, and thick. This 
 is caused by a microscopic globular alga that increases rapidly, 
 floating in clusters of such density as to give the water the 
 appearance above stated. It has received the name of Clath- 
 rocystes ceruginosa. 
 
 Contrayerva Root, a name given to the rhizome of Dorstenia 
 contrayerva, a perennial of the Nettle family (Urticacese), native 
 of Brazil. The root is said to possess medical properties, and is 
 imported into this country. 
 
 Cooper's Wood (Fomaderris apetala), a moderate - sized 
 erect branching tree of the Buckthorn family (Ehamnacese), 
 native of New South Wales and Tasmania. Its wood is hard, 
 and is used for staves for casks and for many other purposes. 
 
 Copaiva. (See Balsam Copaiva.) 
 
 Copai-yb Wood, a name in Guiana for Vochysia guiancnsis, 
 
COQUITO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 131 
 
 a tree of the family Vochysiaceae, native of the forests of 
 Guiana, attaining a height of 50 to 60 feet, and 2 to 2 J feet 
 in diameter. The wood is not very durable, but is used for 
 making staves for sugar hogsheads, boat-oars, etc. 
 
 Copal, a hard resinous substance resembling amber, a 
 natural exudation from certain tropical trees. It is also called 
 Gum Anime. 1. Brazilian, Hymencea Courbaril {see Cour- 
 baril). 2. Madagascar, Trachylobium {Hymencea) verrucosa. 3. 
 Zanzibar, Trachylobiuiii {Hymencea) Hornemannianum, a large 
 tree of the Bean family (Leguminosae), native of the country 
 of Zanzibar. It is yielded by trees now growing ; but the 
 greatest quantity is found in the sand in localities where no 
 trees now exist, but the remains of insects and even leaves and 
 flowers found embedded in the resin are sufficient evidence to 
 prove that it is the produce of trees that once grew where the 
 resin is now found. It is known in commerce as Anime, or 
 Fossil Copal. Other Copals are found in Western tropical Africa, 
 furnished by Guihourtia cojpalifera and other plants. 4. Indian, 
 the produce of Valeria indica, a tree of the family Diptero- 
 carpaceae, native of Ceylon and Malabar. On wounding the bark 
 a white pellucid fragrant acrid and bitter resin exudes, wliich in 
 the sun becomes yellow and brittle. In its fluid state it is 
 called Piney Varnish, Pinne being the native name of the 
 tree. 5. New Zealand {see Cowdy Pine). 
 
 Copra. {See Cocoa Nut.) 
 
 Coquilla Nut, the fruit of Attalea funifcra, the Piassaba 
 Palm. These fruits, which are produced in bunches, are each 
 about 3 inches in length, covered with a thin skin enclosing 
 a hard nut, which, when polished, is used for bell-pulls and door- 
 handles. 
 
 Coquito Nut {Juhxa spectaUlis), a wing-leaved palm rising 
 to a considerable height, having somewhat the appearance of the 
 Date Palm. It is a native of Chili. The stem contains a 
 sugary sap, to obtain which the tree is felled and the leaves 
 closely cut off, the sap then begins to flow, and it continues to 
 do so for several months till the whole of the stem is exhausted. 
 
132 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CORAL 
 
 The sap is then boiled, aud is of the consistency of treacle. In 
 Chili it forms an article of trade, being used as a substitute for 
 sugar under the name of Meil de Palma, or Palm Honey. In warm 
 situations in this country this palm will thrive in the open air. 
 
 Coral Tree {Erythrina corallodendron), a gouty-stemmed low 
 tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having trifoliate leaves 
 and long spikes of large scarlet papilionaceous flowers. Its seeds 
 are hard and red, and are made into necklaces so as to resemble 
 coral. It is a native of the West Indies. 
 
 Coriander (Coriandncm sativum), an annual of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), native of Southern Europe, and cultivated 
 in this country for the sake of its aromatic fruits, which are used 
 in confectionery, and also for flavouring spirits. 
 
 Coriarla, a genus consisting of a few shrubs, representatives 
 of the family Coriariaceae. 1. C. myrtifolia, an erect caespitose 
 shrub, 2 to 3 feet high, having erect opposite myrtle-like leaves. 
 It is a native of the South of Europe, and has received the name 
 Coriaria, which means leather, on account of its leaves being 
 used for tanning in the same manner as Sumach, and it is also 
 known by the name of M}Ttle-leaved Sumach. Its fruit is 
 highly poisonous, fatal effects having occurred to soldiers in 
 Spain through eating it. 2. C. ncpalensis, a more spreading 
 species than the preceding, native of Xepal, where its fruit, which 
 is not unwholesome, is said to be eaten. 3. C. sarmentosa, 
 native of ^N'ew Zealand. It is a shrub from 10 to 15 feet high, 
 assuming the character of a small tree, with pendulous branches. 
 It occupies large tracts of land, its presence indicating good soil. 
 The fruit consists of a small black shining pulpy berry, from 
 wliich a refreshing wine is made by the natives, and it is called 
 the wine-berry shrub by the settlers. The seeds are poisonous, 
 and eating them has proved fatal in several instances, the action 
 being similar to that of strychnine, but not so rapid. It is 
 called Tutu by the natives. 4. C. thijmifolia, also a native 
 of New Zealand. The juice of its fruit is first of a reddish 
 colour, but soon turns black. It is very lasting, and is called by 
 the settlers the Ink Plant. 
 
CORNELIAN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 133 
 
 Cork Trees. — The soft, spongy, and somewhat elastic bark of 
 several trees is employed for making bottle corks, barrel bungs, 
 and for several other purposes ; the most important being the Cork 
 Oak (Quercus Suher), a stout middle-sized tree of the Oak family 
 (Cupuliferae), native of South Europe and North Africa. 
 According to the age of the tree the bark tliickens, becoming 
 firm, spongy, and somewhat elastic. It naturally falls off; 
 but for commercial purposes it is removed before this can 
 take place, care being taken not to injure the inner bark, so that 
 it again grows. It is taken off in large pieces, soaked for some 
 time in water, and then submitted to pressure, and formed 
 into sheets of cork, of which the greatest supply to this country 
 comes from Spain, Portugal, France, and some from Italy. The 
 quantity imported in some years has exceeded 2500 tons, a 
 great part of which is used for making bottle corks and bungs ; 
 also for soles for shoes, fishermen's floats, life boats and buoys, 
 as well as for Kamptulicon and Linoleum, now much used for 
 floor coverings. In Algeria Cork trees attain a height of 65 
 feet, and a circumference of 10 to 16 feet. In some parts of 
 Spain they -attain an equal height. 
 
 Cork Woods {Ochroma Lag opus), a tree of the Silk Cotton 
 family (Bombacese), attaining a height of about 40 feet, 
 common on the coast of the West Indies and many parts of 
 tropical America. The wood is soft, easily compressible, and is 
 used for corks, floats, rafts, etc. Its fruits contain a mass of 
 silky hairs of the same nature as those of the silk cotton trees, 
 and it is used for the same purpose. 2. Anona palustris (see 
 Alligator Apple). 
 
 Corn, a general term for all kinds of cultivated grasses, 
 yielding farinaceous grains (their fruit), such as wheat, maize, 
 barley, etc. When ground it becomes flour and meal, forming 
 the general bread food of man. 
 
 Cornelian Cherry (Comics mascula), a bushy tree or shrub 
 of the Dogwood family (Cornacece), a native of many parts of 
 Europe and ISTorthern Asia. Its numerous small yellow flowers 
 make it a conspicuous object in the spring. The fruit is oblong, 
 
134 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAH NAMES COSTUS 
 
 clear, and shining, of a cornelian colour, and about the size of 
 a small plum. It is not very palatable, but is sometimes used 
 as a substitute for olives. It is also preserved and used in con- 
 fectionery, and by the Turks for flavouring sherbet. It is 
 considered useful in dysentery, and during the raging of cholera 
 in Constantinople was the only fruit allowed to be sold in the 
 streets. It fruits freely in tliis country, but is not made any 
 use of. 
 
 Costus of the Ancients has of late been ascertained to be 
 the roots of Aplofaxis auriculata, a strong-rooted perennial plant 
 of the Composite family (Compositse), a native of Cashmere, 
 having a flowering stem attaining 5 or 6 feet in height, bearing 
 heads of purple-coloured flowers, like thistles, on the apex of the 
 branches. Its roots are extensively collected, it is stated to the 
 amount of 2,000,000 lbs. a year, forming an important article of 
 trade. It is conveyed to Bombay, and thence shipped to the 
 Persian Gulf, Eed Sea, and China. Its chief use is in perfumery, 
 and in China it is burnt in the temples, and used medicinally to 
 excite the appetite. In Cashmere it is not much used except 
 to keep away insects from shawls. It is known by the name of 
 Koot in the bazaars. 
 
 In the Bible there are two Hebrew w^ords translated Cassia. 
 The first, " Kiddah " (Exod. xxx. 24), is supposed to be cinna- 
 mon obtained from Ceylon. The second, " Ketzioth " (Ps. xlv. 8), 
 is supposed to be the Koot or Costus roots as now known. 
 
 Cotton, an ancient name for cloths made of the woolly hairs 
 attached to the seeds of Gossypium hey^laceum, of the Mallow 
 family (Malvaceae). There are many varieties, which assume 
 different aspects under cultivation. It is generally treated as an 
 annual, but if left alone it becomes a branched shrub. The typical 
 form that supplies the great bulk of the Cotton of coramerce is 
 generally known by the name of Gossypium harhadense, which 
 under different forms is cultivated in all Cotton-producing 
 countries, which extend about 36° on both sides of the equator. 
 It varies in height according to soil, climate, and mode of cultiva- 
 tion, seldom exceeding 2 or 3 feet, but as a shrub attaining a 
 
COTTON OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 135 
 
 height of 15 to 20 feet; its leaves are generally heart-shaped, 
 three or five lobed, and of a soft texture. The flowers are 
 showy, either yellow, pink, or red, succeeded by a three or five 
 celled capsule, which, when ripe, bursts open, presenting a mass 
 of white filaments, and these, after separation from the seed, 
 form the Cotton of commerce, which, next to food-plants, may 
 be considered of the first importance to man ; the cloth woven 
 from its fibre being now in general use, it may be said, by all 
 nations of the earth. The first notice of it is found in ancient 
 Indian books, written more than 800 years before the Christian 
 era. It, however, does not appear to have been known in Greece 
 and Western Asia in the time of Herodotus, 500 years B.C. 
 That ancient writer says that the Indians had a plant that 
 bore, instead of fruit, a wool like that of sheep, but finer and 
 better, of which they made clothes. Two hundred years after 
 this Theophrastus speaks of it as growing in Ethiopia. It also 
 appears about that time to have become known in Egypt. 
 Cotton also seems to have been early known in America. On 
 the discovery of that country in 1492 Columbus found it in 
 common use by the natives in Cuba. Cortez and Pizarro found 
 the Cotton plant was utilised in Mexico ; and remains of Cotton 
 cloth having been found in the tombs of the Incas in Peru, 
 prove its use to be of ancient date both in America and India. 
 The seeds of Cotton are about the size of small peas. They 
 contain a large quantity of oil, and are crushed and made into 
 cakes for food for cattle. 
 
 Cotton Grass {Eriojplionim angustifolium), a perennial plant 
 of the Sedge family (Cyperacese), a native of this country, which, 
 with other species, occupies tracts in marshy ground. When 
 in flower it forms conspicuous masses consequent on its grassy 
 stalks being terminated by a head of flowers, which when per- 
 fect becomes a tuft of white cotton -like down, with which 
 cushions are sometimes stuffed. 
 
 Cotton Thistle {Onoioordon Acanthium), a biennial of the 
 Composite family (Composite), a magnificent thistle, native of 
 South Europe; it has become indigenous in this country. 
 
136 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAE NAMES COTTON 
 
 Generally found cultivated in gardens, attaining the height 
 of 6 or 8 feet; it has numerous hoary, stiff branches, each 
 terminated by a thistle head of pink flowers ; the whole having 
 the appearance of a magnificent candelabrum. 
 
 Cotton-wood, a common name for Fopuhis moiiilifera. (See 
 Poplar.) 
 
 Coumarin, an odoriferous principle common to the Tonquin 
 Bean (Dipteryx odorata), Faham Tea of the Mauritius (Angrcecum 
 fragrans), Sweet Woodruff {Asperida odorata), Melilot {Melilotus 
 officinalis), Swiss Melilot {Melilotus cxridea), and the sweet- 
 smelling Vernal Grass {Antlioocanthum odoratum). This last is 
 a common grass in hay-fields, and it imparts the sweet odour to 
 newly-made hay ; and it is probable that hay fever, as it is 
 called, to which many people are liable during the hay harvest, 
 may be attributed to the Coumarin in the atmosphere. Hay 
 fever is also thought to be due to the amount of pollen floating in 
 the air during the flowering season of the corn and grass crops. 
 Besides the above-mentioned sources of Coumarin, it is also found 
 ill Uupatorium aromaticum and JE. gluthiosum, perennial herbs of 
 the Composite family (Compositae), natives of North America. 
 
 Courbaril Tree (Hymcncea Oourharil), a large tree of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosee), with simple bilobed leaves, native 
 of the West Indies and tropical America, where it attains a 
 large size, the diameter of the true stem being 6 to 9 feet, sur- 
 rounded by buttresses, measuring round the base above 80 feet 
 in circumference; some trees are supposed to be more than 
 1000 years old. The pods are thick, flat, 3 to 4 inches in 
 length, and 2 inches broad. They contain a few bean-like seeds 
 embedded in pulp, which becomes mealy as the pod ripens, and 
 is eaten by the natives. It early received the name of the West 
 Indian Locust Tree. It yields a kind of copal gum, wliich is 
 found in lumps under the roots of the tree. (See Copal.) 
 
 Cow Parsley, a name given to the different species of the 
 genus CJia^ro2JhyUu7n, perennial herbs of the Carrot family 
 (Umbelliferse). C. sylvestre is a native of this country, and known 
 by the name of Wild Chervil. The most important of the 
 
cow OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 137 
 
 genus is G. hulhosum. Its stem is smooth, with swollen joints, 
 and dissected leaves, bearing on its branches umbels of white 
 flowers, like the white carrot. It is a native of Europe, and is 
 cultivated in some parts of Germany for the sake of its tubers, 
 which are about the size of a hen's ^gg ; when well cultivated 
 it is very prolific, and two acres will yield about ten tons of roots. 
 They are very nutritious, and contain a large quantity of starch. 
 They may be dug up in June, but are not perfect till September, 
 when they have the flavour of vanilla, and form a wholesome 
 food. Another tuberous-rooted edible species is C. Prescottii, a 
 native of Siberia, described as having roots as large as a parsnip. 
 Tuberous roots are also characteristic of the genus Peucedanum, 
 allied to the above, represented in this country by F. officinale, 
 known as Sulphurwort ; but the most worthy of notice are 
 P. triternatum and P. nudiccmle, natives of Sierra Nevada and 
 California. They have tuberous roots about the size of nuts, and 
 have a mild sweet taste, and contain much starch and other 
 nutritious matter. They are largely collected by the Indians, 
 and form a large portion of their food. 
 
 Cow Parsnip {Eeradeum sphonclylium). — The common Cow 
 Parsnip is a perennial of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), 
 native of this country. Its stem attains a height of 4 to 5 
 feet, bearing broad bipinnate leaves, and large umbels of whitish 
 flowers. It possesses no special property ; toy pop-guns are 
 made of its hollow stems. H. giganteum is remarkable for its 
 great size, attaining the height of 10 to 12 feet, and bearing 
 large umbels of yellow flowers ; it is a native of Siberia. It is 
 the tallest plant of the Umbelliferee. 
 
 Cow Tree [Brosimum Gcdactodendron), a tree of the Bread- 
 fruit family (Artocarpaceae). This is the Palo de Vaca or Cow 
 Tree, first described by Humboldt. It is a native of Vene- 
 zuela, where it attains a height of from 80 to 100 feet, 
 and forms large forests ; it has oblong pointed leaves of a 
 rusty colour on the under side, strongly veined and firm. On 
 incisions being made in the trunk, a copious flow of milky 
 sap is obtained, which is extensively used by the natives as a 
 
138 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES COW 
 
 substitute for milk, and has been daily used by Europeans 
 without producing any ill effects. With this knowledge, and 
 impressed with Humboldt's comparing the trees to cows, an 
 Englishman w^as led to entertain the project of introducing and 
 naturalising them in this country, thus conferring a great boon on 
 the people. Accordingly, in 1830, he arrived in England with 
 a great number of young trees — it was said 1000. To his philan- 
 thropic views he added that of profit, and expected that his 
 trees would be eagerly purchased for a guinea each ; but in this 
 he was disappointed, for few were bought, tree-cultivators being 
 aware that a forest tree from Venezuela could only be grown as 
 a curiosity in a hothouse, which circumstance had not been 
 thought of by the speculator ; and further, it was afterwards 
 found that his trees were not true Cow trees, but a species of 
 Achras, as proved by one of the trees grown at Kew. 
 
 2. Taherncemontana iitilis, the Cow tree of British Guiana, 
 where it is called Hya-hya, a large much -branched tree 
 of the Dogbane family (Apocynacese), with simple elliptical 
 leaves. On wounding the stem a copious flow of milky sap 
 issues, of the taste of sweet milk, but rather sticky, consequent 
 on containing some caoutchouc. 
 
 3. Collopliora, a tree of the Dogbane family (Apocynacese), 
 native of the countries of Eio Negro. It attains a height of 
 30 to 35 feet, with a diameter of 12 inches. Its leaves are 
 simple, and, with the branches, grow in verticels of threes ; in 
 the flowering season it is profusely clad with corymbs of red 
 flowers, which are conspicuous in the forest. On the bark being 
 wounded, the milk flows abundantly, and is of the consistency 
 of cow's milk, of the purest w^hite, and sweet to the taste. The 
 Indian mode of taking this milk is to apply the mouth directly 
 to the wound, and thus receive the milk as it flows. Dr. Spruce, 
 the celebrated South American traveller, says — "I have many 
 times partaken of it without experiencing any ill effects." It is 
 however, sHghtly viscid, which shows it to contain a little 
 caoutchouc, and on that account it is considered useful as a 
 medicine in dysentery. The natives caU the trees Cuma. 
 
COWRIE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 139 
 
 4. The Cow tree of Para is a lofty tree, attaining a height 
 of 100 feet, belonging to the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), and 
 is supposed to be a species of Mimusoijs (3f. elata). On incisions 
 being made in the bark, a milky juice flows most copiously ; it 
 is about the consistence of thick cream, from which, but for a 
 slight peculiar flavour, it can scarcely be distinguished. By 
 exposure to the air it thickens, and forms an adhesive glue, 
 something like gutta-percha. The fruit is about the size of an 
 apple, very juicy, and is sold in the markets of Para. The 
 timber is very hard, and used for many purposes. In Para the 
 tree is known by the name of Massaranduba. 
 
 Cowbane (Cimita viwsa), a perennial aquatic of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), producing an erect, hollow, much- 
 branched, striated stem, 3 to 4 feet high, furnished with dis- 
 sected leaves. It is like the hemlock, highly poisonous, and 
 fatal accidents have occurred from eating its roots, and to 
 cattle from eating its leaves. It is also called Water Hemlock. 
 It is a native of this country, but, fortunately, not common. 
 (Enanthe Phellandrium is also called Water Hemlock ; it 
 belongs to the same family, and is similar in habit to the pre- 
 ceding, and is equally poisonous ; indeed, it may be said that all 
 aquatic Umbelliferse are poisonous. 
 
 Cowberry. {See Bilberry.) 
 
 Cow-itch, or Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens), a strong tri- 
 foliate-leaved climbing plant of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 
 having somewhat the habit of the scarlet runner ; it and allied 
 species are natives of tropical countries. The name Cow-itch 
 is a corruption of the Indian name Cowhage. The pod is 
 densely covered with small, very light, and short hairs, which 
 are removed by the slightest touch, settling on and penetrating 
 the skin, producing an intolerable itching well known to many 
 travellers, and to those who incautiously handle the pods, or 
 even open packages in which they are contained ; when mixed 
 with honey or syrup they are used as a vermifage. 
 
 Cowrie, Kawrie, or Cowdie Pine (Dammara mistralis). (See 
 Dammar.) 
 
140 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES COWSLIP 
 
 Cowslip (Primula veris), a perennial herb of the Primrose 
 family (Primiilaceae), native of this country ; it is known in some 
 parts of the country by the name of Pea Gulls. It grows in moist 
 places. By the ancient herbalists it was held in high repute 
 for the cure of many disorders, but it has now lost its reputa- 
 tion. In some parts of the country wine is made from the 
 flowers, known as Cowslip Wine, which is very sparkling and 
 pleasant. 
 
 Cowslip, American {Dodecatlieon Meaclia), a perennial herb 
 of the Primrose family (Primulacese), native of the warm parts 
 of North America ; introduced to this country about the middle 
 of the last century, and has been always held in esteem as an 
 ornamental and interesting plant in botanic gardens, and in 
 private collections by amateurs. The scientific name is of 
 fanciful derivation, meaning "twelve divinities," and in the 
 Western States it is called Shooting Star. 
 
 Cowslip, Cape, a name given to the different species of Zachen- 
 alia. There are a considerable number of species native of the Cape 
 of Good Hope ; they are bulbous-rooted plants of the Liliaceae, 
 producing radical lanceolate leaves often spotted; the flowers 
 are pendulous, produced on a stalk about 6 inches high, and are 
 generally of a yellow colour. The species form ornamental 
 plants in our greenhouses. 
 
 Crab's Eyes. (See Bead Trees.) 
 
 Crab Oil, a name in Guiana for the oil expressed from the 
 seeds of Carapa gidanensis, a tree of the Bead-tree family 
 (Meliacese), native of Guiana ; it attains a height of 60 to 80 
 feet, having large, shining, winged leaves of firm texture. Its 
 fruit consists of a globose hard shell about 4 inches in diameter, 
 containing a number of large, brown, thick, wedge-shaped seeds, 
 closely packed, which yield an oil used by the Indians for anoint- 
 ing their hair, and small quantities are imported into this 
 country. Its wood takes a fine polish, and is used for many 
 purposes in Demerara. Under the name of C. guineensis, a 
 similar tree has been described, native of Western tropical 
 Africa. It differs but little from the preceding except in having 
 
CREAM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 141 
 
 larger fruit, sometimes 6 inches in diameter. It also produces 
 an oil. This species is now sunk under the former. 
 
 Crab Tree. {See Apple.) 
 
 Cranberry {Vaccinium Oxy coccus and V. macrocarjpum), 
 slender, trailing-stemmed, small-leaved shrubs, belonging to the 
 Cranberry family (Vacciniaceae). They are natives of this 
 country and North America, growing in boggy heaths. The 
 fruits are berries about the size of currants, which are collected 
 for preserving and for making tarts. V. macrocarpitm has the 
 largest fruit, and is imported from North America, where it is 
 extensively cultivated, especially near Berlin, Wisconsin, where 
 about one-foui'th of 750 acres of marsh is under cultivation. 
 It is flooded during winter ; in the spring the water is drained 
 off, and in October picking commences. Sometimes there are 
 as many as 3000 pickers employed. The ground is so marshy 
 that a wooden railway is laid from the centre of the operations 
 to convey the berries in trucks to the warehouse, where they are 
 laid on the upper floor, and on the lower are large fanning 
 mills to which the berries are let down in hoppers, and are thus 
 cleaned from leaves and other impurities. 35,000 bushels are 
 sometimes collected from this spot in one season, the greatest 
 quantity of which is sent to the Chicago market. This quan- 
 tity is far surpassed in New Jersey, where in favourable seasons 
 125,000 bushels are collected, valued at £60,000. 
 
 Crassula, a genus of Crassulaceae, consisting of a great 
 number of species, natives of South Africa, many of which are 
 cultivated for their showy red flowers, especially C. falcata and 
 C. coccinea. The latter has of late years come into bad repute 
 for its narcotic qualities, symptoms of poisoning having in some 
 instances followed the mere smelling of the flowers, the effect in 
 some cases continuing several days, even requiring medical aid. 
 As it is a favourite window plant, it is advisable that it should 
 not be kept in close rooms. 
 
 Cream-fruit, a name in Sierra Leone for a fruit supposed 
 to be produced by Boiqjellia grata, a handsome creeper of the 
 Dogbane family (Apocynacese). It has pretty white flowers 
 
142 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES CREA3I 
 
 tinted with pink ; its fruit is a follicle full of silky hairs, and 
 therefore does not agree with the description of the true Cream- 
 fruit, which is said to be a lofty tree growing abundantly on the 
 island of Plantains ; the fruit when wounded yields a quantity 
 of fine white juice resembling the best milk, with which the 
 negroes allay their thirst. 
 
 Cream of Tartar Tree (Adansonia Gregorii). (See Baobab.) 
 
 Creasote Shrub, the common name for Larrecc mexicana, a 
 shrub of the Bean Caper family (Zygophyllacese). Very abundant 
 in some parts of Mexico, forming a dense scrub, particularly on 
 the Colorado desert. It grows on the most sterile sandy soil. 
 Its strong creasote odour renders it disagreeable to travellers, as 
 also to animals. It is unfit for firewood, as it can scarcely be 
 made to burn, its only apparent use being to fix the desert 
 sands. The resinous exudation that is found upon the branches 
 has, however, recently been proposed as a substitute for lac dye. 
 
 Cress, Garden (Lepidium sativum), a weedy annual of the 
 Cabbage family (Cruciferae), supposed to be a native of Persia. 
 It was in use in this country more than 300 years ago ; it is in 
 general cultivation along with mustard, both being used in 
 their young state as salad. 
 
 Cress, Indian, the garden name for Tro2:)ccolum minus and 
 T. majus, annual plants of the Indian Cress family (Tropaeo- 
 lacese). They are well-known showy garden annuals, varying 
 in the colours of their flowers ; the fruits are pickled and known 
 by the name of Nasturtium Pickles. They possess the flavour 
 of the common cress, and are used as a substitute for capers. 
 Their flowers and leaves are used as salad. 
 
 Cress, Water {Nasturtium officinale), a floating perennial 
 of the Cabbage family (Cruciferse), common in rivers and brooks 
 in tliis country, and cultivated in the neighbourhood of all large 
 cities, being in general use as a salad cress. In London the 
 cry of the Water-cress seller is one of ancient date. The plant 
 is considered a good antiscorbutic. It has become naturalised 
 in New Zealand, and grows so rapidly and strong as to choke 
 up rivers. 
 
CUCUMBER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 143 
 
 Crocus. {See Saffron.) 
 
 Crocus, Autumn. {See Colcliicum.) 
 
 Crosswood, a name in San Domingo for Jacquinea ruscifolia, 
 a small tree of the Myrsine family (Myrsinaceae), native not 
 only of San Domingo, but also of tropical America. It derives 
 its name Crosswood from the circumstance of its branches 
 being produced in whorls of four, thus forming a cross. It is 
 held in high repute by the natives as a stauncher of blood and 
 internal haemorrhage, and they tell a long story how this pro- 
 perty was discovered. Sir Eobert Schomburgk, however, found 
 its vaunted properties to be wholly imaginary. 
 
 Croton Oil, the name of an oil obtained from Croton tiglmm, 
 a shrub of the Spurge wort family (Euphorbiacese), native of 
 India. The oil is a powerful purgative, and only used in small 
 doses. It is made into pills, for if taken by itself it produces a 
 burning heat in the throat; one drop is sufficient for a pill; 
 when taken in large quantities it acts as a poison, causing 
 symptoms like cholera, and frequently death. 
 
 Crown Imperial {Fritillaria imperialis), a bulb of the Lily 
 family (Liliacese), native of the South of Europe and Western 
 Asia. It was introduced to this country about the end of the 
 sixteenth century. Besides the brown-flowered varieties there 
 is one with pure yellow flowers. Their bulbs contain starch, and 
 in France their cultivation has been attempted as a substitute 
 for the potato. F. Meleagris is a rare British plant, being found 
 only in one or two localities, one of which is the meadows 
 between Kew and Mortlake. It has solitary nodding flowers 
 beautifully chequered with reddish brown. 
 
 Cubebs. {See Pepper.) 
 
 Cuckoo Buds. {See Buttercups.) 
 
 Cucumber {Cucumis sativus), a tendril climber or trailing 
 annual of the Gourd family (Cucurbitacese). According to 
 Bible history, the Cucumber was cultivated in Egypt in the time 
 of Moses, and is still cultivated there, and forms a great part of 
 the food of the people. It is also cultivated in most warm 
 countries, and even in England produces a crop in the open air ; 
 
144 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CUCUMBER 
 
 but to obtain early and fine fruit it is grown in heated frames. 
 There are many varieties, some producing fruits of great length. 
 Ghirkins are simply Cucumbers gathered in a young state, and 
 form a well-known pickle. The principal ingredient in the 
 West India Pickles is the fruit of C. angiiria. 
 
 Cucumber Tree. {See, Magnolia.) 
 
 Cudbear {Lecanora tartar ea), a crustaceous lichen growing 
 abundantly on stones, rocks, walls, and on dry ground; early 
 employed in Scotland and "Wales for dyeing woollen cloth. Its 
 name Cudbear is a corruption of the Christian name of Dr. 
 Cuthbert Gordon, who was the first person to bring it into 
 extensive use, and who took out a patent for a new process of 
 preparing it. In the North of Scotland it is scraped off the 
 rocks and sent to Glasgow market, but the quantity collected 
 in the whole of Britain is small compared with the demand; 
 a considerable quantity comes from other countries, Sweden 
 alone supplying 150 tons annually. This dye, however, like that 
 of Archil, is now being superseded by the aniline dyes made from 
 coal-tar. 
 
 Another crustaceous lichen used as a dye is Parmelia 
 parietina, its colour varying from yellow to red. It grows 
 abundantly on brick and stone walls. 
 
 Cujumary Bean. (See Nutmeg.) 
 
 Culcit (Balantium culcita), a fern of the tribe Dicksonise ; 
 the fronds are decompound, 3 to 4 feet high, produced from a 
 decumbent progressing caudex, which is densely covered with 
 long, brown, silky hairs, which are used by the people of Madeira 
 and Azores (where it is a native) for stuffing cushions and the 
 like. 
 
 Cuma. (See Cow Tree.) 
 
 Cummin (Ciiminum Cyminiirn), an annual of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), with fennel-like leaves, and seeds like the 
 celery, having an aromatic but somewhat bitter flavour. It 
 appears to have been early cultivated in Palestine, as it is 
 mentioned in Isaiah as well as in the New Testament. 
 
 Cundurango, a name in New Grenada for Gonolobus con- 
 
CUSSO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 145 
 
 dnrango, a milky, twining climber of the Swallowwort family 
 (Asclepiadacece), famed in New Grenada and other parts of 
 tropical America as a cure for cancer. 
 
 Curare or Ourare Poison. {See Urari.) 
 
 Curatella, a genus of small trees of the family Dilleniacese. 
 C. americana is a native of the Savannahs of Guiana. It has 
 rough leaves, used by the Indians as a substitute for sand-j)aper 
 to polish their blow-pi^^es, w^ar-clubs, etc. ; hence it has received 
 the name Curatahie, from which the generic name Curatella 
 is derived. 
 
 Currant, Black {Eihes nigrum), Red {B. rulrum), and 
 White a variety of the latter. Deciduous bushy shrubs of 
 the Gooseberry family (Grossulariacese), natives of many parts of 
 Europe, North and West Asia, and North America, and found 
 wild in some parts of this country. By cultivation their fruits 
 have been greatly improved. They are used in the fresh, ripe 
 state as a cooling dessert fruit, as well as for tarts, wine, etc., 
 besides which many tons are made into preserves, especially of 
 the red and black sorts. Currant is also the commercial name 
 of the small variety of the grape-vine which comes from the 
 island of Corinth, the word currant being a corruption of Corinth. 
 (See Vine.) 
 
 Cuscus, Khus-Khus, or Koosa, the Indian name of Andro- 
 pogon muricatus, a perennial tufted grass of great economical use 
 in India, its fibrous roots being woven into a kind of fabric, 
 used as blinds to keep flies and mosquitoes, as well as hot, dry 
 winds, out of rooms and verandahs. Occasionally sprinkled 
 with w^ater, they emit a pleasant perfume. 
 
 Cusso, the Abyssinian name for Hagenia ahyssinica, a tree 
 of the Eose family (Eosaceas). The Abyssinian traveller 
 Bruce describes it as one of the most beautiful and handsome 
 trees of that country. Its properties are powerfully anthel- 
 mintic, and it is very efficacious in ex]Delling worms, not only 
 tape-worms, but the kind called Ascarides, to which the Abys- 
 sinians are very subject. It is a moderate-sized tree, with winged 
 leaves. 
 
 L 
 
146 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CUSTARD 
 
 Custard Apple {Anona reticulata), a tree of the Anona 
 family (Anonace^e), native of the West Indies and tropical 
 America, where it is cultivated for its fruit. Its habit of 
 growth is like that of a standard peach-tree, but taller. In 
 shape its fruit is like a bullock's heart, a name by which it is 
 sometimes known. Its pulp is yellowish white, containing 
 many seeds of an agreeable flavour, but somewhat gritty if 
 gathered too soon. 
 
 Cycas, a genus of the Cycad family (Cycadaceae), of which 
 there are several species. The best known is Cycas revohita, 
 said to be a native of China and Japan, but common in many 
 countries, even found in New Guinea. It was introduced in 
 1737, and its palm-like appearance has caused it to become a 
 favourite ornamental plant, its tliick cylindrical stem often 
 -attaining the height, according to age, of 3 to 4 feet. It is now 
 •common in the West Indies and many parts of America. The 
 pith of the stem contains a kind of sago, which has led to its 
 iDcing called the Sago Palm. Another species {C. circinalis) 
 is abundant in Malabar and many other parts of India, as well 
 as in the Moluccas, Malay, and other islands. It is a taller and 
 more slender-stemmed species than the preceding, attaining the 
 height of 20 feet, and sometimes forked. In New Ireland the 
 natives make use of the nutty seeds for food. 
 
 Cyperus, the name of an extensive genus, consisting of 
 several hundred species, the type of the Sedge family 
 (Cyperace?e). They are annual or perennial grass-like plants, 
 growing in tufts, having harsh sharp-edged sheatliing leaves, and 
 generally three-sided flower-stalks, varying from a few inches 
 to 5 or 6 feet in height ; flowers consist of imbricated glumes or 
 branched spikelets. They are common throughout the tropical 
 and sub- tropical regions of both hemispheres. Two are natives 
 of this country, C. fuscus and C. longus. Both are rare ; the 
 latter is sweet-scented, and known by the name of English 
 Galingale. 
 
 The roots of several species produce fleshy tubers, which 
 form articles of food in different countries, being especially 
 
CYPRESS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 147 
 
 cultivated in India, China, and some parts of tropical America. 
 C. esculentiis is cultivated in France, Italy, and the South of 
 Europe. The taste of the roots when roasted is compared to 
 potatoes. It is by some used as a substitute for coffee. Several 
 species are extensively cultivated for their flower - stalks, of 
 which ropes and mats are made. The Indian floor-matting is 
 made of the culms of C. Pangorei, and in China C, tegetiformis 
 and C. {Lepironia) mucronata are extensively cultivated. They 
 are aquatic, and grow in the water like rice, attaining a 
 height of 5 to 6 feet ; and in a manufactory near Canton forty 
 looms are said to be constantly employed in making mats, which 
 are of varied designs. They are generally of a pale yeUow, but 
 some are variously coloured. They are largely imported from 
 Canton to Hong-Kong, United States, this, and other countries. 
 {See Papyrus.) 
 
 Cypress, Deciduous {Taxodmm disticlm7ii), a tree of the 
 Coniferse family, of considerable size, native of the Southern 
 United States, having horizontal branches and small flat 
 leaves, set in two rows (distichous), and are deciduous. It is 
 perfectly hardy in this country, attaining a height of 50 or 
 more feet. Its heart-wood is of a beautiful pink-red colour, 
 but soft. It is remarkable for the hollow excrescences produced 
 by the roots at a considerable distance from the tree, which rise 
 to a height of 2 or 3 feet from the ground. They are used for 
 many domestic purposes in its native country. 
 
 Cypress, Evergreen {Cupressus sempervirens), native of 
 Western Asia. It has long been cultivated in this country and 
 throughout the southern parts of Europe. It is much planted 
 about Mohammedan burial-grounds, as may be seen in the 
 neighbourhood of Constantinople. It attains the height of from 
 40 to 60 feet, but in this country seldom reaches 20 feet, and 
 maintains a compact pyramidal form. 
 
 Cypress, Funeral {Cupressus ftinebris), a remarkable tree, 
 native of China, attaining a height of 60 feet, having pendu- 
 lous branches like the weeping willow. It has been introduced 
 into this country, but is not found to be quite hardy. 
 
148 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CYPRESS 
 
 Cypress, Portuguese. {See Cedar.) 
 
 Daffodil {Narcissus, iDseiido-narcissus), a bulbous herb of the 
 Amaryllis family (Amarylliclaceae), native of this country, and 
 very generally cultivated in gardens for its early flowers. It 
 contains an acrid principle, which produces injurious effects 
 when the flowers are kept in rooms, Narcissus being derived 
 from the word Narke, which means stuj)or. 
 
 Dahlia, a genus of Compositas, consisting of thick tuberous- 
 rooted, strong-growing herbs, attaining a height of 3 to 5 feet, pro- 
 ducing solitary terminal flowers on the branches. There are two 
 kinds — one with female rays, D. sirjjerfliia, the other neuter, D. 
 friistranea. They are, however, considered to represent but one 
 species. The Dahlia is a native of Mexico, introduced into Eng- 
 land about the beginning of the present century. At first it 
 was considered that the tuberous roots could be used as a 
 vegetable, but cultivation did not improve them, and they con- 
 tinued hard and unpalatable. It was not till 1820 that they 
 again came into notice by double flowers having been obtained, 
 and for a number of years the Dahlia has held a high place as a 
 florist's flower, and prizes have been awarded for them at all 
 horticultural exhibitions. A species named D. imperialis has 
 of recent years been imported from Mexico. It is remarkable 
 for its height, its stem being from 12 to 14 feet high, branching 
 towards the apex, each branch terminated by a drooping head 
 of florets 6 to 7 inches across. It is known as the Tree 
 Dahlia. 
 
 Dammar, the name of a resin produced by species of Dam- 
 mar a, a genus of the Fir family (Coniferse). About six s^^ecies 
 are known, widely distributed throughout the Malayan and 
 other Asiatic islands of the southern tropic, one extending to 
 New Zealand. They are tall trees, having nearly horizontal 
 branches producing whorls which are articulate at the trunk, 
 and on falling away leave a clear round scar or mark ; leaves 
 entire, smooth, varying from rusciform to oblong ellij)tical, of a 
 leathery texture, with longitudinal veins, destitute of a midrib. 
 
 1. D. orientalis, native of Amboyna, Ternate, and other 
 
DAJVIMAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 149 
 
 of the Molucca Islands, where it grows to a great height on the 
 mountains. Its wood is said to be like cedar, light, and wholly 
 unfit for exposure to the weather. It gives a resin called Dammar, 
 which, as it flows from the tree, is thin and viscous, but in a 
 few days it hardens, and is used for many purposes. 
 
 2. D. cmstralis, native of New Zealand, known as the Kawii 
 or Cowdie Pine ; of this species trees are known to have attained 
 the height of 200 feet, and as the stems of old trees are per- 
 fectly clean and free of branches for a considerable height they 
 are greatly valued for ship's spars. 
 
 The timber is in so much demand by the settlers that in 
 time it is feared it will become exterminated if means are not 
 taken for the preservation of the forests, and making new 
 plantations. A resin like that produced by the first-named 
 species issues from the trees, and forms hard lumps like copal. 
 It is also found in large masses where no Kawri trees now grow, 
 and large quantities are imported into this country, as also to 
 the United States. It is used as a varnish and for dressing 
 woven fabrics. 
 
 3. D. vitiensis, or by some called 7nacrophylla, native of 
 the Fiji Islands, called by the natives Dakna. In one of the 
 islands (Korovono) some trees attain a height of from 80 to 
 100 feet, and at 4 feet above the base, 16 feet in circumference, 
 and free of branches to the height of 60 feet. It is stated that 
 specimens have measured 18 to 27 feet in circumference. The 
 wood is white, and is used for masts, booms, and spars, and all 
 those purposes for which deal is usually employed in Europe. 
 Great havoc has already been made in some of the islands by 
 the axe and saw of the white man. This species also yields a 
 resin, lumps of wliich have been found of fifty pounds weight 
 under old stumps, and it is also found abundantly in districts 
 where trees now grow ; it is called Mcibradra by the natives, but 
 has not yet been turned to any profitable account. Quite 
 recently a resin has been introduced to the London market 
 under the name of Fijian Copal. It is probable that this is the 
 produce of D. vitie7isis. 
 
150 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES DA^DVIAR 
 
 4. D. ohtusa, native of !N"ew Hebrides ; 
 
 5. D. Moorii, native of New Caledonia ; 
 
 6. D. Tobusta, native of Queensland, — are similar to the 
 preceding. 
 
 Dammar, Indian, is the produce of different species of the 
 family Dipterocarpacese, one of which is Hopea micrantlia, a tall 
 tree native of Borneo. {See Wood Oil.) And in Malabar 
 Canctrium strictum, a tree of the Myrrh family (AmyridaceaB), 
 produces a resin known as Black Dammar. 
 
 Damson. {See Plum.) 
 
 Danchi, or Dhunchi, in India the name of a fibre obtained 
 from Seshania aculeata. A slender pricldy-stemmed annual of 
 the Bean family (Leguminos?e), having winged leaves formed 
 of numerous leaflets, which in some degree partake of the nature 
 of the sensitive plant. In India it is cultivated for its fibre, 
 which, although rough, is strong, and lasts a long time under 
 water. It is also cultivated in some parts of tropical America. 
 
 Dandelion {Taraxacum officinale), a perennial plant of 
 the Composite family (Compositce), having spreading lanceolate 
 sinuous leaves rising from a tap root in the form of a rosette, 
 producing single yellow flowers on a hollow stalk. A native 
 of and a common weed in this country, also widely spread 
 throughout the northern hemisphere. It is held in repute for 
 its medical properties, its roots being a powerful diuretic, and by 
 some they are used with coffee instead of chicory. Its leaves 
 are bitter and tonic, and used as a salad like endive. It takes 
 its name from Dent-de-lion, or lion's tooth, from the leaves 
 being su]3posed to resemble the teeth of a lion. 
 
 Danewort, also called Dwarf Elder {Samlucus Ubulus), a 
 strong-growing perennial herb of the Woodbine family (Capri- 
 foliaceae), native of this country, growing in copses and margins 
 of woods, but not common. It grows to a height of 2 to 2 J 
 feet ; its flowers are purple, in cymes. It has leaves and black 
 berries like the common elder, but nauseous and fetid. There 
 is a superstition attached to it, that it sprang originally from 
 the blood of Danes slain in battle. 
 
DATE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 151 
 
 Darnel (Lolium tcmulentum), an annual grass, native of 
 this country and Europe generally, and countries of the East. 
 It is a troublesome weed in corn-fields, its ears being similar to 
 rye. It is one of the few poisonous grasses, and if ground with 
 true corn is highly deleterious to those who eat the bread made 
 of it. It is considered to be the tares among the wheat, men- 
 tioned in the New Testament. 
 
 Date Palm {Pho&nix dactylifera), a wing - leaved palm, 
 attaining a height of 50 or more feet. It is a native of North 
 Africa, Egypt, Syria, and Arabia, and has become naturalised 
 in Spain and other parts of Southern Europe. It may truly be 
 called the " Palm of the Desert," occupying the fertile spots 
 called Oases. Its fruits are produced in bunches of twenty, 
 thirty, or more. They contain a great quantity of sugar, and are 
 highly nutritious, forming an important article of food to millions 
 of people. The hard kernels of the fruit are ground, and serve as 
 food for camels and other domestic animals. Date stones have 
 recently been brought to notice as a substitute for coffee, and 
 are now roasted and sold in large quantities under the name of 
 Date Coffee. Dates form an important article of trade to this 
 country, chiefly from the North African ports. 
 
 Date Plum, American, also called Persimmon {Diospyros 
 virginiana), a tree belonging to the Ebony family (Ebenacese), 
 native of the United States. It attains a height of 50 or 60 feet, 
 and has a rough, hard bark, and unisexual or bisexual flowers. 
 The fruit is nearly round, about an inch in diameter, and of a 
 yellowish orange colour ; it is very austere, but after being frosted 
 is edible. These fruits are pounded and made into cakes, from 
 which a kind of beer is prepared, and a spirit is obtained by 
 fermentation and distillation. The tree is rare in this country. 
 One, 40 feet high and 100 years old, may be seen at Kew, which 
 in some seasons produces fruit. 
 
 Date Plum, Chinese {Biospyros Kahi), a tree, native of 
 China and Japan, where, as well as in India, it is cultivated for 
 the sake of its fruit, which is about the size of a small apple ; it 
 is said to be delicious, and is made into a preserve. It has 
 
152 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES DATE 
 
 been introduced into Egypt, whence it is called Lotus Tree. It 
 lias fruited at Kew. 
 
 Date Plum, European {Diospyros Lotus), a low - growing 
 tree, native of the South of Europe. It produces a small fruit, 
 which is supposed by some writers to be one of the fruits eaten 
 by the people called Lotophagi. {See Lotus.) 
 
 Datura, the botanical name of a genus of annual or soft- 
 wooded, single -stemmed shrubs or small trees of the l^ight- 
 shade family (Solanacese). The best known in gardens is 
 D. Stramonium, the Thorn Apple, a rude -growing, strong- 
 smelling annual, 2 feet high, with stiff spiny branches and 
 large ovate leaves, the margins of which are irregularly 
 toothed. The flowers are white, large, spreading, trumpet-like, 
 and the fruit a capsule about the size of a walnut, containing 
 numerous seeds. The plant is a native of India, and was first 
 cultivated in gardens in this country, but it has now become 
 w^ild on margins of cultivated ground and rubbish heaps. It is 
 highly narcotic and poisonous, deaths having occurred from 
 eating its leaves in mistake for spinach ; the leaves wdien 
 smoked as tobacco are considered beneficial in asthma. It is 
 supposed that the seeds of D. Stramonium, have the effect of 
 producing delirium, and are said to have been used by the 
 priests of Apollo at Delphi to produce their ravings, which were 
 called prophecies. They are also used by the Thugs or poisoners 
 in India to carry on their nefarious practices, and in this 
 country for drugging. D. fastuosa, D. Metel, and others, all now 
 widely spread throughout warm countries, possess the same 
 properties as stramonium. 
 
 2. D. arhorca, better known as D. suaveoleTis, is an old in- 
 habitant of the gardens of this country, native of Peru, having 
 been introduced about 150 years ago. A thick, soft- wooded, 
 single-stemmed shrub or small tree, not exceeding 20 feet in 
 height. It has large, soft, elliptical leaves, and in cultivation 
 it produces a profusion of large, white, fragrant, bell-shaped 
 flowers, and is a highly ornamental conservatory plant. This 
 and the following species have by modern botanists been 
 
DIKA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 153 
 
 separated from Daturct as a distinct genus under the name of 
 Brugmansia, the principal distinctive character being their 
 arborescent habit and smooth fruits. 
 
 3. D. sanguinea is, like the preceding, a soft- wooded shrub 
 or small tree, with large, orange-coloured, tubular flowers, wdiich 
 are highly ornamental in the conservatories of this country. It 
 is a native of Peru, Darien, and other parts of Central America. 
 Its seeds, like those of stramonium, are highly narcotic. Much 
 superstition is attached to it by the Indians, who prepare a 
 drink from the seeds called Tonga, the use of which, they 
 believe, brings them into communication with the spirits of their 
 forefathers. Shortly after drinking stupor comes on, and the 
 eyes become fixed on the ground ; in about a quarter of an hour 
 the mouth is convulsively closed, and the eyes begin to roll, 
 and the whole body becomes frightfully convulsed. This is 
 succeeded by several hours' sleep ; on awakening the sufferer 
 relates his visions to his friends. 
 
 In Darien the Indians give the drink to their children, 
 and it produces a state of excitement in which they are sup- 
 posed to possess the power of discovering gold ; where they faU 
 the spot is dug, and as gold dust is more or less found in every 
 part of the soil, sufficient is generally obtained to confirm their 
 belief in the method of detecting gold. 
 
 Dawa, a name of a tree in Fiji. {See Litchi.) 
 
 Deal, the name given to woods of the Pine tribe. (See Fir 
 Trees.) 
 
 Deodar. (See Cedar.) 
 
 Devil's Tree. (See Dita Bark.) 
 
 Dewberry. (See Bramble.) 
 
 Dhal, an Indian name for the seeds of Cajanus inclicus. 
 (See Pigeon Pea.) 
 
 Dhourra, the Egyptian and Indian name for Millet. 
 
 Dika, or Udika Bread, a name in the Gaboon country of 
 Western tropical Africa for a preparation made from the seeds of 
 Irvingia Bartcri, a tree of the Quassia family (Simarubacese) ; the 
 fruits are pulpy, the size of a peach or large plum ; as they fall 
 
154 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES DIKAI^IALI 
 
 from the tree they are placed in a large heap, where they remain 
 two or three days, until they begin to decompose ; the seeds are 
 then separated and cracked, the kernels are taken out, put into 
 a large mortar, and crushed into a homogeneous mass, after 
 which they are put in the sun and allowed to melt, forming a 
 greasy substance, which is made into cakes by finally pressing it 
 into bluntly conical moulds. This substance keeps a long time 
 without becoming rancid, and the natives use it for food. The 
 solid oil or fat which is expressed from the kernels also has the 
 property of retaining its sweetness for a long time. 
 
 Dikamali Resin, also called Cambi Resin, names given in 
 India to a gum-resin obtained from Gardenia lucida, a large, stiff- 
 branched shrub of the Cinchona family (Cinchonacese), native 
 of many parts of India. It is cultivated in the gardens of the 
 Deccan, and is found wild in the island of Elephanta, near 
 Bombay. The resin exudes in transparent drops or tears from 
 the extremities of the young shoots, and especially from the 
 flower-buds. It is formed into small cakes or lumps, and 
 becomes very hard, and of a blackish-green colour, and when 
 pounded has an aromatic smell like myrrh, which it resembles 
 in its medicinal properties. It is also applied externally for 
 ulcers as a preventive against mortification. 
 
 Dill (Anetlmm graveolens), a weed-like annual of the Umbel 
 family (Umbellifene), cultivated for its aromatic fruits (generally 
 known as seeds in commerce), which are similar to caraway. 
 Dill-water is obtained by distillation of the fruits, and is used 
 in medicine. The plant is a native of Southern Europe and 
 Western Asia, and appears to have been early cultivated in 
 Palestine, it being the Anise of the New Testament, but not the 
 Anise plant as now known (which see). 
 
 Dillenia, the name of a genus and type of the family Dil- 
 leniace?e. It consists of large trees inhabiting dense forests in 
 India, Burmah, and the Malayan Peninsula and Islands. They 
 have large alternate leaves, generally of an oval or oblong shape, 
 and strongly marked with parallel veins running straight from 
 the midrib to the margin, ending in sharp teeth. Flowers 
 
DODDER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 1-55 
 
 yellow, large, and showy. Dillenia indica and I), j^^^ntafjyna 
 are common in India, attaining a height of 30 to 40 feet. 
 The leaves of JD. 2')entagyna are very large, averaging in old trees 
 from 1 to 2 feet long, and in young trees even longer. D. scahi^ella 
 is a smaller tree, and has very rough leaves, which are used 
 instead of sand-paper. The fruit of D. indica is about 3 inches 
 in diameter, consisting of the calyx, which is enlarged and 
 fleshy ; it is edible, but acid ; the natives in India use it in 
 curries or for making jelly, and the acid juice sweetened with 
 sugar forms a cooling drink. The wood is hard, and used for 
 making gun-stocks and the like. 
 
 Diss, an Alo-erian name for the fibrous stems of a reed-like 
 grass (Ampelodesmos tenax), used for paper-making. 
 
 Dita Bark, a name in India, especially about Bombay, for 
 the bark of Alstonia scJiolaris, a tree of the Dogbane family, 
 (Apocynacese). It is widely diffused throughout India and the 
 Malayan Islands ; it is a stiff-branched tree, attaining a height 
 of 50 to 80 feet, with a furrowed trunk ; it has oblong leaves, 3 
 to 6 inches long and 2 to 4 wide, produced in fours round the 
 branches. The bark is intensely bitter, and used by the natives 
 in bowel complaints, and its milky juice as a kind of gutta- 
 percha. It has recently been introduced into tliis country for 
 use in medicine. It is also called Devil's Tree. 
 
 Divi-Divi [Cccscdpinia coriaria), a tree 20 to 30 feet high, 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosee), with compound-winged leaves, 
 native of the West Indies, Mexico, and many parts of South 
 America. It has tougli curved pods of a reddish-brown colour, 
 largely imported into this country for dyeing and tanning, under 
 the above name of Divi-Divi. 
 
 Dock, a common name for different species of Rumex, a 
 genus of the PJiubarb family (Polygon aceee), of which there are 
 many species widely distributed over the northern hemisphere, 
 fifteen being natives of Britain. They are weedy plants, and 
 pests in cultivated ground. Two species are cultivated in 
 gardens. {See Sorrel.) 
 
 Dodder, a common name for the species of Cuscuta, a genus 
 
156 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES DOGWOOD 
 
 of the Dodder family (Cuscutacese), of which there are several 
 species ; they are slender, thread-like, twining, leafless parasites, 
 involving and destroying the whole plant on which they grow. 
 Two species are natives of this country, viz. C. Epitliymum, which 
 grows abundantly on Ericas, and C. europea upon thistles and 
 nettles or other soft plants within its reach, and bringing them 
 to final destruction. Of late years two other species have acci- 
 dentally been introduced, viz. Flax Dodder {C. Trifolii) and 
 Clover Dodder.(6'. Upilinum). The first destroys whole fields of 
 flax, and the latter preys to a great extent on clover, both plants 
 being the cause of great losses to the agriculturist. In India 
 some species are very large and powerful, involving trees of 
 considerable size in their grasp. 
 
 Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), a shrub or small tree of the 
 Cornel family (Cornaceae), common in hedges and waste places 
 in tliis country and throughout Europe and Northern Africa ; 
 well known by its pretty, smooth red branches and black 
 berries. It received the names of Dogwood and Hound's Tree 
 from the circumstance of a decoction of its bark having been 
 used for washing mangy dogs. The wood is hard, and is 
 sometimes used for butchers' skewers, toothpicks, etc. The 
 fruit is black, about the size of a currant, very bitter, and yields 
 an oil used in France for burning in lamps and for soapmakiug. 
 The plant is also called Cornel Tree. The name Dogwood is also 
 applied to the stems of Rhommus Frangida, which are largely 
 used for makino- charcoal for the manufacture of the best rifle 
 gunpowder. {8ce Buckthorn.) 
 
 Dogwood, Tasmanian [Bedfordia scdicind), a small tree of the 
 Composite family (Compositse), seldom exceeding 15 feet in height. 
 Its wood is hard, of a beautiful grain, and used for cabinet-work. 
 
 Donax {Arundo Donax), a strong-growing, cane-like grass, 
 resembling the bamboo in habit, but only averaging 8 to 10 feet 
 in height. It is a native of the South of Europe and Palestine. 
 Its stems are used for many domestic purposes, such as walking- 
 sticks, measuring-rods, and musical pipes ; pan-pipes are made 
 of them. 
 
DRAGON OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 157 
 
 Doon, a Cingalese name for Doona zeylanica, a large tree of 
 the Dipterocarpacete family, native of Ceylon; the timber is much 
 esteemed for building purposes. A resin exudes from the trunk 
 resembling dammar, which is mixed with paddy -husks, and 
 used for burning in lamps. 
 
 Doorda, or Doorwa, the name in India for Cynodon dadylon, 
 a creeping-rooted, perennial, low grass, its flowers being digitate 
 in spikes; it is a native of this country, but rare. In many 
 countries it occupies large areas ; Dr. Spruce describes it as 
 abundant on the eastern sloj^es of the Andes. By its creeping 
 roots it spreads rapidly, and may be called a conqueror, as other 
 plants give way to it. In India it abounds in the Sunderbunds. 
 When its leaves dry up in the sun, its roots form a never-failing 
 supply for feeding horses in Calcutta, and a cooling drink is 
 said to be made from them. 
 
 Doum Palm. {See Gingerbread Palm.) 
 
 Dragon's Blood {Calamus draco), a w^ing-leaved, slender- 
 stemmed palm, similar in habit to that which furnishes the 
 chair canes. It is a native of Sumatra and other Malayan 
 islands. The fruits, which grow in bunches, are about the size 
 of a cherry, and are covered with imbricating scales of a red 
 colour coated with a resinous substance, which is collected 
 by placing the fruits in a bag and shaking them ; the friction 
 loosens the resin, which is then formed into sticks or cakes, and 
 constitutes the best Dragon's Blood of commerce. It is used for 
 varnishing and staining wood, etc. Other species of Calamus 
 help to furnish the Dragon's Blood of commerce. 
 
 Dragon's Blood Tree {Dracmna draco), a tree of the Lily 
 family (Liliacea^), native of the West Coast of Africa, Canaries, 
 and adjacent islands. Young plants of this have a similar 
 appearance to Yucca gloriosa, but it grows into a large tree ; 
 after having attained a certain height it produces branches. 
 The famous dragon tree of Orotava, in Teneriffe, believed to be 
 the oldest vegetable organism in the world, is stated to have 
 been 70 feet high and 48 feet in circumference ; its stem was 
 hollow, and had a staircase in it as high as the point where its 
 
158 ' DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES DRAGON 
 
 branches commenced. It was entirely destroyed in 1867, hav- 
 ing previously suffered much from storms. A portion of one of 
 its branches is preserved in the Kew Museum. Dracmna draco 
 was introduced into the Eoyal Gardens many years ago, and in 
 1864 one specimen had attained the height of 30 feet, bearing a 
 crown of sword-shaped leaves on a cylindrical stem six inches 
 in diameter. A red resinous substance called Dragon's Blood 
 is a secretion of matter that collects at the base of the leaves, 
 which, after the leaves fall, hardens, and is scraped off, and is 
 similar in its nature to the preceding. 
 
 Dragon's Plant, Common, Dracimculus xulgare [Arum 
 Bracnncuhis, Lin.), a tuberous-rooted herb of the Arum family 
 (Aroidese), having a snake-like, mottled stem and pedate leaves, 
 and attaining a height of about 3 feet. It produces a large, 
 dark- coloured spathe, which emits an offensive odour, and while 
 the pollen is discharging it gives off sufficient heat to be felt on 
 putting the hand into the spathe. It is a native of the South of 
 Europe, and is common in botanic gardens. 
 
 Dry-rot is the name given to decayed timber caused by the 
 mycelium of several species of fungi which under certain con- 
 ditions of heat and moisture attack woodwork in ships, houses, 
 and wooden erections in general, growing in the dark, and 
 rapidly increasing in bulk, first covering the surface with a 
 series of thread-like filaments, which are continually being added 
 to, and ultimately forming a tliick, leathery, white substance, 
 such as is often found behind the partitions of walls and under 
 floors. It penetrates the wood in all directions, reducing it to 
 powdery rottenness, in many cases doing irrej)arable mischief 
 before it is observed. The perfect plant is only occasionally 
 seen issuing from a crevice or some opening in the woodwork. 
 The following are the names of two of the principal Dry-rot 
 fungi : — Polyporus hyhridus, which affects oak timber in ships, 
 and P. destructor, as also Thelephorci ^utca7ia, chiefly on pine-w^ood, 
 in dwelling-houses and other buildings. Merulius lacrymans 
 differs from the preceding in the thick mycelium being moist, 
 often dripping like tears, hence its name lacrymans. Dadalea 
 
DURIAN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 159 
 
 (jucrcina grows on decaying stumps of trees, often attaining a 
 large size. 
 
 Dulse (EJiodomenia pcdmata), a sea plant of the family 
 Ceramiaceae, growing abundantly on the rocky shores of this 
 country, and also in Ireland, being found at the lowest ebb of 
 the tide. It has divided fronds about 6 inches in length, of a 
 red colour, and is eaten in a raw state as a salad, and considered 
 extremely beneficial in scrofulous complaints, its efficacy being 
 no doubt due to the iodine it contains. 
 
 Dumbcane {Dieffeiibadiia seguina), a plant of the Arum 
 family (Aroideae), native of the West Indies, having a fleshy 
 cane-like stem, 1 J inches in diameter, and from 4 to 6 feet high. 
 Its leaves are oblong elliptical. It is highly acrid and poisonous. 
 If a portion be chewed in the mouth it causes the tongue to 
 swell and loss of speech for some time ; hence the name Dumb- 
 cane. 
 
 Durian (JDurio zibethmus), a tree of the family Stercu- 
 liaceae, native of the Indian and Malayan Archipelagoes, a 
 large forest tree attaining a height of 70 or 80 feet, in general 
 appearance resembling the elm. The leaves are simple, oblong 
 elliptical, acuminate. The flowers are of a pale yellow colour, 
 produced on the main stem and larger branches. The fruit 
 is a five - valved capsule of globose or oval form, about 10 
 inches long by 7 wide. The rind is thick and hard, covered 
 with strong prickles. It is five - celled, each cell containing 
 four or five seeds, wdiich are as large as pigeons' eggs, and 
 are embedded in a cream-coloured pulp, which is extremely 
 luscious and enticing to eat, having the taste of a rich cus- 
 tard, flavoured with almonds; but the flavour varies, some- 
 times being like cream cheese, sherry wine, onion sauce, and 
 other flavours. It is the general opinion that there is no other 
 fruit either of tropical or temperate climes that combines in 
 itself such a delicious flavour with such an abominably offensive 
 odour, an odour that may be compared to putrid animal matter, 
 or rotten onions. This makes the fruit very repugnant to 
 Europeans ; but when once this repugnance is overcome, the 
 
160 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES DUTCH 
 
 Durian is liigiily esteemed. The tree is extensively cultivated, 
 and during its season tlie fruit forms a great part of the food of 
 the natives. The seeds are roasted, and the unripe fruit is 
 boiled as a veg;etable. 
 
 Dutch Bulbs, a name given to bulbous-rooted plants, ex- 
 tensively grown around Haarlem, in Holland, and forming an 
 important export trade to this, America, and other countries. 
 They consist chiefly of Hyacinth, Narcissus, Crocus, Tulips, 
 Anemones, and Eanunculus. Besides the quantities imported 
 by nurserymen and seedsmen, large quantities are sold in 
 different auction-rooms in London. 
 
 Dutch Rushes, the name given to different species of 
 Equisetum, well known in this country as Horsetails. In 
 Holland they grow on the banks of canals, and on the sea 
 ramparts, which are often bound together by their strong and 
 matted roots. Their stems, under the name of Dutch Rushes, 
 form an article of trade, being employed for polishing the 
 smooth surfaces of wood, bone, and even metal ; the pro- 
 perty which gives it its value for tliis jDurpose is due to the 
 presence of a very large quantity of silex (sand), which is 
 deposited in the form of little crystals, rendering the surface 
 rough like a rasp or file. The best for this purpose is Eq_uisctum 
 liyemale. 
 
 Dwal. {See ISTightshade.) 
 
 Dyer's Weed. {See Woad). 
 
 Eagle-wood, a name in India for the wood of Aquilaria 
 Agallocluij a tall tree of the Wood Aloe family (Aquilariacese), 
 having alternate lance-shaped leaves. It is a native of India, 
 Java, and other islands. The wood is fragrant, and contains a 
 resinous oil, which is burnt as a perfume in temples. 
 
 Earth Chestnut, also called Pignut {Bunium hulbocastcmum 
 and Bunium flexuosa), perennial multifid- leaved herbs of the 
 Carrot family (Umbelliferse), natives of this country, growing 
 on banks and waste places. Their roots bear nut-like tubers, 
 which are sweetish to the taste, and are dug up and eaten by 
 children. They are also called KipjDcr and Pignuts, and in 
 
EBONY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 161 
 
 Scotland Lousy-ar-nuts, so called on the supposition that eating 
 them breeds lice. 
 
 Earth Pea, or Ground Nut (Arachis hypogcea). It ia an 
 annual clover-like plant belonging to the family Leguminosoe, 
 attaining a height of 2 feet. It is supposed to have been 
 originally a native of America, but is now cultivated in most 
 warm countries. It is curious for its seed-pod being perfected 
 under ground. It is about 2 inches long, and contains two or 
 three pea-lilvc seeds of an earthy flavour, extensively used as 
 food by the negroes. They contain an oil, and are imported in 
 large quantities into this country, and the oil expressed by crush- 
 ing is very sweet, and is largely used for adulterating olive oil. 
 An allied plant, Voandzeia suhterranea, is a decumbent annual, 
 also extensively cultivated as an article of food in Western and 
 South Africa, and has become naturalised in the warm parts of 
 America. 
 
 Eau-de-Cologne. {See Eosemary.) 
 
 Ebony. — This is furnished by several species of Diospijros, a 
 genus of the Ebony family (Ebenaceae) — Ceylon Ebony by D, 
 Ehenum; Indian Ebony by D. Ehenaster and D. melanoxylon ; and 
 Mauritius Ebony by D. reticulata. They are large but slow- 
 growing trees, with firm, dark-coloured, simple leaves. By age 
 the interior of the wood becomes hard and black, and is the 
 Ebony of commerce ; the exterior remaining white and spongy. 
 Ebony is mentioned in the Bible as an article of merchandise,, 
 obtained probably from Ceylon. 
 
 Ebony, Jamaica or West Indian {Brya Ehenus), a slender 
 tree of the Bean family (Leguminosae), attaining a height of 
 30 feet or more, having slender spiny branches and winged 
 leaves. It is a native of Jamaica, and has hard wood of a 
 greenish-brown colour, which takes a good polish. It is some- 
 times called Green Ebony, and is also known by the name of 
 Cocus Wood. In an article in the journal of the Linnsean 
 Society in 1857 it is stated that a turner by the name of Ford 
 was employed by Government to turn some thousands of round 
 rulers of this wood, and that it made his hand become green,. 
 
 M 
 
162 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES EBONY 
 
 which could not be removed by the application of different 
 washes. 
 
 Ebony, St. Helena {Melhania melanoxylort), a small tree of 
 the Cocoa Nut family (Byttneriaceae), one of the special plants 
 found only in St. Helena, where it is indigenous ; the trees 
 having, however, been cut down in large numbers for firewood, 
 and the young plants destroyed by goats which were introduced 
 into the island, the plant has become nearly, if not entirely, 
 exterminated. Dr. Eoxburgh, who botanised in St. Helena in 
 1816, says the few trees remaining are about 10 to 15 feet high, 
 their trunks crooked and about as thick as a man's thigh, the 
 branches very numerous and spreading. In old trunks the wood 
 is hard and black like Ebony. A supposed second species is M. 
 erythroxylon, which has red wood, but which is not now found 
 in the island. 
 
 Eddoes. {See Lotus and Taro.) 
 
 Egg" Plant (Solanw/i Melongenct), an annual herb of the 
 iSrightshade family (Solanaceffi), native of South America, and 
 now spread over the tropics. It was introduced into Britain in 
 1597. It is a tender annual plant, cultivated for curiosity. Its 
 fruit resembles an egg. There are several varieties, the fruits of 
 which vary in colour from white to red, yelloAv or dull purple, 
 and in shape more or less round or oblong. It is much culti- 
 vated in France, as also a sort called Bringall or Brinjal, of 
 w^hich French cooks make great use for culinary purposes. 
 
 Elaterium. {See Squirting Cucumber.) 
 
 Elder Tree {Samhucus nigra). — This well-known tree belongs 
 to the Woodbine family (Caprifoliacese). It seldom exceeds 20 
 or 30 feet in height. Its various parts are applied to many 
 domestic uses. Its wood is white and hard, and used for making 
 skewers, shoemakers' pegs, and for articles of turnery. Elder 
 Wine is made from its black berries, which are also used for 
 colouring port wines. A well-known eye-wash is made from its 
 flowers, which is also used as a lotion for the skin and for 
 fomentations. Herbalists make an ointment of the leaves, and 
 a tea is made from the flowers, to which many virtues are 
 
ELM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 163 
 
 ascribed. The strong smell of the leaves has been supposed to 
 keep insects from plants. It is a native of England and Europe 
 generally, and in this country is to be seen growing in neglected 
 and waste places and about ruins. In Scotland it is called the 
 Boutry Tree, and is considered poisonous, and a great deal of 
 superstition is attached to it. 
 
 Elecampane {Inula Helenium), a strong-growing perennial 
 herb of the Composite family (Compositse), with large entire 
 leaves, and flower-stem 3 or 4 feet high, bearing large yellow- 
 rayed flowers. It is a native of this country, and is cultivated 
 for its roots. The whole plant has an aromatic bitter flavour, 
 especially the root, which abounds in a mucilaginous principle 
 resembling starch. It has been famed as a medicinal plant of 
 great virtue, but is now out of repute, and is only used for 
 flavouring sweets. 
 
 Elemi, the name of a fragrant gum-resin obtained from 
 different trees, chiefly from species of Amyris and Idea belonging 
 to the Myrrh family (Amarydacese). They are natives chiefly of 
 tropical America and India. A. elemifera, of Mexico and Vera 
 Cruz, yields Mexican Elemi. Canarium commune, a tall tree of 
 the same family, native of Amboyna, Luzon, the Moluccas, and 
 Penang, produces Manilla Elemi. 
 
 Elephant Apple {Feronia elepliantuni), a large wing-leaved 
 tree of the Orange family (Aurantiacese), common throughout 
 India, Ceylon, and Burmah. The fruit is about the size of a 
 large apple, and has a hard woody rind, containing numerous 
 seeds embedded in pulp, which tastes like that of the Bengal 
 quince, and has similar medicinal properties. It is also known 
 by the name of Wood Apple. 
 
 Elephant's-foot Plant. {See Tortoise Plant.) 
 
 Elm {Ulmus campestris). — The common elm is a well-known 
 tree of the family Ulmaceiie, valued for its timber, which is used 
 for many purposes, particularly for works underground or in 
 water. The Wych Elm {Ulmus montana) also affords good 
 timber, but does not grow to so large a size. The Elm is exten- 
 sively grown in this country, lives to a great age, and is some- 
 
164 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ELM 
 
 times of large dimensions. In consequence of U. campestris not 
 producing perfect seeds in this country, and there being no 
 evidence of its being found in a wild state, it is therefore sup- 
 posed that it is not a native ; while U. montana seeds freely, 
 and is abundantly wild in Scotland. 
 
 Elm, American {Ulmus americana), native of North 
 America, abundant in Nova Scotia and Canada, extending to the 
 Southern United States. It is a tree resembling the English 
 Elm, but has larger leaves, and attains a greater height, even 
 that of 100 feet. The wood is used for the same purposes as the 
 preceding, but is not so hard, and is less durable. Its inner 
 bark is very tough, and is used for weaving into seats for common 
 chairs and the like. 
 
 Emden Groats. {See Oats.) 
 
 Endive (Cichormm Undivia), an annual of the Composite 
 family (Composita^), said to be a native of the East Indies or 
 Cliina. It was introduced about 300 years ago ; it is in general 
 cultivation as a winter salad plant. There are several varieties, 
 the principal being the broad-leaved and curled endive. 
 
 Ensete, a name in Abyssinia for Iftisa Eiisete, a noble plant 
 of the Banana family (Musacese). It was originally discovered 
 by Bruce, the distinguished traveller and collector, more than a 
 century ago. His account of this plant, like many other parts 
 of his history of that country, was doubted until 1853, when 
 seeds and a description of it were sent to the Eoyal Gardens, 
 Kew, by W. Plowden, Esq., then British consul in that country. 
 Plants raised from these seeds grew rapidly, soon forming a stem 
 8 feet high, with a girth (at 6 inches above the soil) of 7 feet 
 6 inches, its leaves being 17 feet long by 3 feet 4 inches T\ide. 
 This plant thus produces the largest entire leaf of any vegetable 
 organism at present known. The flower-stalk rises from the 
 centre of the plant as in the banana, and is as thick as a man's 
 arm, forming a considerable article of food to the natives. The 
 fruit is not succulent, but small and dry, being quite useless as 
 food. 
 
 Ergot {Oidiuin alortifaciens), a microscopic mildew common 
 
EUCALYPTUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 165 
 
 on grasses, attacking one or more of the young grains in the ear, 
 which it affects in such a manner as to cause it to swell into a 
 substance very distinct from that of the grain, being solid and 
 of a fatty nature, generally in the form of a spur, sometimes an 
 inch or more in length. This is common to rye, whence the 
 name Spurred Eye. In its earliest stage the surface of the spur 
 is covered with mildew of a chalky- white colour, which moisture 
 readily removes, hence the spurs (Ergot of shops) are of a black 
 colour, the mildew filaments being the Oidium or true plant. 
 The spur is very poisonous ; and in Germany and other parts of 
 Europe where rye bread is extensively used, it causes those who 
 eat it to be afflicted with incurable gangrenous diseases. This 
 led to the interference of Government to test the purity of rye 
 before being ground. Ergot being common to grasses on which 
 sheep and cattle browse, it is supposed to be the cause of diseases 
 to them, and of their early dropping their lambs and calves. 
 Although it is of such a poisonous nature, it is a most valuable 
 medicine in the hands of the accoucheur. 
 
 Ervalenta. {See Lentils.) 
 
 Eryngo Root. {See Sea Holly.) 
 
 Esparto Grass {MacrocMoa tenacissimd), a strong-growing 
 perennial, caespitose, rush-like grass, occupying extensive sandy 
 tracts of the Mediterranean coast, especially in Spain, Algeria, 
 Morocco, and the Sahara. It is used for making hats, mats, 
 baskets, and other domestic articles, and of late years has become 
 extensively used for paper-making. In 1873, 100,000 tons were 
 imported for this purpose, and now double that quantity is said 
 to be imported. The grass, when stored, is liable to ferment, and 
 by spontaneous combustion to break out into fire. Various fires 
 have originated in this manner. 
 
 Eucalyptus, the botanical name of an extensive genus of 
 trees of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceoe). They are natives chiefly 
 of Australia and Tasmania, where they form large forests. 
 There are about 140 species described, but they vary so extremely 
 in different kinds of leaves being produced on various parts of 
 the same tree, thus presenting distinct specific characters, and 
 
166 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES EUCALYPTUS 
 
 in the varying nature of their bark, that the determination of 
 species is very difficult. In Tasmania they are described as 
 rising to a height of from 200 to 400 feet, with a diameter of 
 from 6 to 8 feet. Their naked gaunt stems, of 100 to 150 feet 
 clear of branches, present the appearance of a forest of natural 
 columns. These, sometimes blackened by the fires of the natives 
 and with the shaggy loose bark hanging about them, afford a 
 grand but dismal spectacle. Trees of equal, if not larger, size 
 are found in Victoria, a fallen one measuring 480 feet in length, 
 while one still larger measured 80 feet in circumference. 
 
 According to the nature of their bark they receive various 
 names, such as Stringy Bark (JE. oUiqua), Iron Bark (E. sider- 
 oxylon), Blue Gum (JE. glohuhts), Peppermint Tree {E. amygdo.- 
 lina). Some also receive the name of Native Mahogany, which, 
 with the kind called Gray Iron Bark, etc., are sometimes im- 
 ported into this country. The wood of some is very hard and 
 durable, and so heavy as even to sink in water. Many yield a 
 kind of Kino or gum, such as E. resinifera and E. amygdcdina. 
 Essential oils, used in perfumery, are also produced in large 
 quantities from their leaves. E. mannifera, and others, yield 
 sweet secretions analogous to manna. It is also stated that 
 E. Gunnii furnishes a great quantity of liquid that ferments and 
 forms a kind of beer. They produce abundance of seeds, which 
 vegetate freely, and have, through the agency of man, become 
 naturalised in many countries. As they are of robust growth, 
 a " struggle for life " in the natural vegetation is the consequence. 
 Many years ago large quantities were raised at Kew, and expe- 
 riments tried with them in the open air. They grew vigorously, 
 and several species withstood ordinary winters, but the severe 
 cold of January 1838 destroyed them, after their having attained 
 a height of 15 feet. Since then a species named E. ])olyantlicmos 
 has stood for the last thirty years in an exposed part of the 
 gardens. The young shoots are occasionally injured, but it is 
 otherwise perfectly hardy, and might become a useful timber 
 tree in the southern parts of England. 
 
 During the last twenty years many species of Eucalyptus, 
 
EUPHORBIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 167 
 
 especially the Blue Gum {E. globulus) and E. amygdalina, have 
 come into high repute as sanitary trees, and have exercised on 
 regions of the warm temperate zone a greater influence, scenic, 
 industrial, and hygienic, than any other single species of arboreous 
 vegetation ever reared anywhere, even Pines or Oaks and other 
 classes of leading trees not excepted. Thus the features of wide, 
 formerly treeless, landscapes have already afforded, in many 
 places, timber and fuel for rapidly-increasing settlements, and 
 rendered also many a miasmatic locality permanently habitable, 
 such as the Pontine Marshes near Eome and other parts of Italy; 
 also in Algeria and in some parts of India they begin to assume 
 the character of natural forests. 
 
 Euphorbia, the name of an extensive genus, the type of the 
 Spurgewort family (Euphorbiacese). The species are very vari- 
 able in habit. They are represented in this country by about a 
 dozen annual and perennial herbs, the most common being EJielio- 
 sco^pia, an annual well known as Little Goody. In the Canaries, 
 West, South, and East Africa, and India, numbers of the species 
 are of succulent habit, varying much in form, some consisting 
 of simple globose or branching stems not more than a foot in 
 height, while others become hard and woody, stiff-branched 
 small trees, generally leafless, or nearly so. E. grandiclens, 
 native of the Cape of Good Hope, attains a height of 20 to 30 
 feet ; its branches are nearly horizontal, in the form of a chan- 
 delier. The flowers in many of the species are small and incon- 
 spicuous, while in others they are showy, as in E. splendens, a 
 spiny species, native of Madagascar. E. punicea, native of 
 the West Indies, and the splendid E. pulcherrima, native of 
 Mexico, better known as Poinsettia pulcherrima. Most of the 
 succulent species agree in habit and general appearance with 
 analogous forms of cacti, but are readily distinguished on being 
 punctured or cut by a copious flow of milky juice, which is 
 more or less acrid and poisonous in the different species, 
 especially on coming in contact with wounds or witli the eyes. 
 Fish are readily destroyed by placing pieces of E. piscatoria, 
 E. Tirucalli, or E. pendula, in waters where fish abound. As a 
 
168 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES EVENING 
 
 practical instance, it may be mentioned that some years ago the 
 Victoria Lily Aquarium at Kew became overcrowded with gold- 
 fish, and, as it was found they ate the leaves of the Victoria, it 
 became necessary to get rid of them. To effect this a few pieces 
 of E. Tirucalli were thrown into the tank in the evening. The 
 next mornincc the surface of the water was found covered with 
 dead gold-fish, not one being left alive. E. resinifera yields 
 the gum called Gum Euphorbium. The chief supply comes 
 from jMorocco and Barbary. It is obtained by making incisions 
 in the stem and branches ; the milky juice then flows, and, after 
 becoming hard and dry, is scraped off. Great caution is, how- 
 ever, necessary in collecting it, as it is very excoriating, and the 
 small particles rising in the air affect the eyes, and cause 
 incessant sneezing. It was originally used as a powerful 
 medicine in certain complaints, but on account of its violent 
 action is now little used. Its chief use at the present time 
 is in the preparation of an anticorrosive paint for ships' 
 bottoms. The milk of most of the species contains a small 
 amount of caoutchouc, which in E. Cattimandoo, a succulent 
 arborescent species, native of the Madras Presidency, furnishes 
 a sufficient quantity of caoutchouc to make it worth the trouble 
 of collectmg. 
 
 Evening Primrose {(Enothera biennis), a biennial of the 
 family Onagraceae, native of Virginia, and now become 
 naturalised in many parts of Europe. It is cultivated as an 
 ornamental garden-plant, and in Germany it is grown for the 
 sake of its young shoots, which are used as a vegetable in the 
 early spring. 
 
 Faham. (Sec Tea, Bourbon.) 
 
 Fairy Rings. — In autumn several species of fungi spring up 
 suddenly on grassy lawns, growing in rings of greater or lesser 
 diameter. They were formerly supposed to be produced by 
 some supernatural agency, and the spirits called fairies were 
 believed to have held their midnio-ht revels within the circles. 
 Their formation is, however, very simple, natural, and easily 
 accounted for. The centre of the circle begins with a single 
 
FENNEL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 169 
 
 fungus, which performs its functions and dies. The next season 
 another patch appears outside the spot occupied by the original 
 forming a small ring, and this repeated from year to year, the 
 ring increasing in size. The decay of the previous fungi render- 
 ing the soil unfit for the reproduction of the same species, the 
 mycelium or spores find fresh soil on the external margin of the 
 ring, and again germinate. One species of fairy-ring fungus, 
 Marasmius oreades, is edible, and is called the Champignon. 
 
 Fan Palms, a name applied to all palms having fan-shaped 
 or flabelliform leaves, represented in Southern Europe and 
 North Africa by Chamcerops humilis, occupying extensive sandy 
 plains and rocky places, generally growing in a crowded caes- 
 pitose manner without stem, the length of the leaves not 
 exceeding 3 or 4 feet, but in cultivation, by the suppression of 
 the suckers, it forms a stem which attains a height of 20 to 30 
 feet. A tough fibre is obtained from the leaves, which is used 
 for many purposes, such as for making ropes, brushes, etc. 
 
 Feather Grass {Stipa pennata), a perennial wiry grass, 
 native of Britain, but rare. The flowers are produced in loose 
 panicles, which, when dried and coloured, form ornaments for 
 rooms. It is common on the steppes of Tartary. In the region 
 of the Volga mares' milk forms a great part of the daily food 
 of the Tartars, and it is supposed their freeness from consump- 
 tion is due to its use ; the peculiar quality of the milk is 
 attributed to the mares feeding on the feather-grass. 
 
 Fennel (Foeniculurn mdgare), a perennial of the Carrot 
 family (UmbeUiferse). Its stems attain a height of 5 to 6 feet, and 
 are furnished with finely-cut leaves. It is a native of Europe, 
 and has become naturalised in some parts of this country. It 
 is cultivated in gardens for its leaves, which are strongly 
 aromatic, and are used in fish sauces. Fennel oil is extracted 
 from its fruits. 
 
 Fennel Flower {Nigella sativa), an annual of the Butter- 
 cup family (Eanunculacese). It grows a foot or more in height, 
 and has finely-cut leaves, with white or light-blue open flowers, 
 and a five - celled capsule containing numerous black seeds. 
 
170 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FENNEL 
 
 It grows wild in South Europe, Egypt, and Syria, in whicli 
 countries it is also cultivated for its seeds, wliicli are strongly 
 aromatic. In India they are used for putting with wooUen 
 goods to keep away insects. In Palestine and Egypt they are 
 frreatly used for flavouring curries, and spread over cakes like 
 comfits. The Egyptian ladies use them to produce stoutness, 
 considered by them to be a point of beauty. The seeds are 
 the Fitches of Scripture. Tliis species and iV". damascena are 
 cultivated in gardens, and known by the vulgar name of 
 Devil-in-a-bush. 
 
 Fennel, Giant [Ferula communis), a tall perennial of the 
 Carrot family (Umbelliferse), native of Southern Europe, the 
 stem often attaining a height of 8 to 10 feet, and a diameter 
 of 2 to 3 inches, having finely-divided compound leaves and 
 umbels of yellow flowers. The stems are full of white pith, 
 which when dry ignites like tinder, and is used in Sicily and 
 other parts as such. When once ignited it burns very slowly, 
 and without injury to the tube of the stem. It is used for 
 preserving and carrpng fire from place to place. Tliis custom 
 is of great antiquity, and serves to explain the passage in 
 Hesiod, where, speaking of the fire Prometheus stole from 
 heaven, he says " he brought it in a Ferula." The stems are 
 very light, and Bacchus, the God of Wine, recommended that 
 his votaries should carry them, so that if they quarrelled from 
 the effects of too much wine, they could strike one another 
 without inflicting injury. F. dulcc is considered to be a variety 
 of the preceding, but differs from it in the radical leaf-stalk being 
 swollen, thick, and becoming united, thus forming a kind of 
 tuber, which is used extensively in France and Italy as a culi- 
 nary vegetable under the name of Finocchio or Finicho. It is 
 not much cultivated in this country, but is sometimes to be 
 seen in the vegetable markets in London. 
 
 Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-groccum), an annual similar 
 in habit to Lucerne, and belonging to the same family (Legu- 
 minosse), native of Southern Europe, Egypt, and Western Asia. 
 Its seeds have a strong odour, and were used in medicine by the 
 
FERNS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 171 
 
 ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Eoman doctors. They are now 
 only employed for giving false importance to horse-medicine 
 and damaged hay. They contain the principle called Cou- 
 niarin, which is also found in the vernal grass, Anthoxanthum 
 ocloratum, which imparts the pleasant smell to hay. 
 
 Ferns, a common name for a family of plants, botanically 
 termed Filices, of which about 2500 species are named and 
 described; they are found in greater or less numbers in all 
 regions favourable to plant life, and vary in size and form from 
 that of a blade of grass to lofty trees 50 or more feet in height, 
 terminated by a crown of finely -cut leaves, termed fronds, 
 often 15 or more feet in length. They are reproduced by seeds 
 termed spores, which are generated on the under side of the 
 fronds, or in spikes formed of contracted fronds. Having 
 therefore no true flowers, they belong to the grand division 
 termed Cryptogams or flowerless plants. It might be ex- 
 pected that, in such an extensive and widely -distributed 
 family of plants, many of them would possess useful pro- 
 perties, but such is not the case, few being useful either as 
 food, medicine, or in the arts. One of the most important food 
 products furnished by ferns is the underground stem or- 
 rhizome of Pteris aq_idlina, which, under different forms, is 
 common and abundant in most countries {see Brake). In New 
 Zealand and other islands of the South Sea, where tree ferns 
 abound, the centre of the stems of Alsophila excelsa and Cyathca 
 medidlaris consists of a mucilaginous pith, used as food, as also 
 the thick mealy foot -stalks of Angiopteris evcda, a fern very 
 abundant throughout the tropics. The most important in 
 medicine is the common Male YQTnLastrea Filix-mas (which see). 
 During the last fifty years ferns have come into high favour not 
 only as ornamental plants, but also as competition plants at 
 horticultural exhibitions, for which prizes are awarded, which 
 have been the means of raising the value of certain kinds, vary- 
 ing from £1 to £50. The introduction and cultivation of ferns 
 has consequently become an important branch of commerce. 
 
 In 1823 the collection in the Eoyal Botanic Garden, Kew, 
 
172 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FESCUE 
 
 numbered only 40 exotic species ; in a catalogue published in 
 1864 the number had increased to 600 species, and in a work 
 entitled Ferns BintisJi and Foreign (1866), 1084 species of ferns 
 and their allies are recorded. Of that number only about 40 (true 
 ferns) are natives of Britain, of which it may be well said, no 
 class of plants of so small a number has been more written upon, 
 and announcements of new works are frequently to be seen. 
 
 Fescue Grass, a name applied to the various species of 
 Festuca, an extensive genus of the Grass family, widely spread 
 over the earth. Nine species are natives of Britain — F. ipratense 
 and F. duriuscula being fodder grasses, and F. ovina, a short, 
 wiry grass on which sheep feed. 
 
 Feverfew {Fyrethrum Parthenium), an erect bushy plant of 
 the Composite family (Compositas), a foot or more in height, 
 with much- divided leaves, and white -rayed flowers like the 
 camomile. It is wild in many parts of this country, often 
 seen growing on old walls. It is bitter and tonic, and from 
 early times has been valued by herbalists as a remedy for fever. 
 A double variety of it is grown as an ornamental garden plant. 
 
 Fig (Ficus Carica), a tree of the Mulberry family (Moracese). 
 It is generally understood that the Fig is a native of Western 
 Asia, and was in early times introduced to the islands and 
 countries on both sides of the Mediterranean and Southern 
 Europe, where it has become indigenous, and occasionally 
 attains the height of a tree. It is cultivated in this country 
 generally in the form of a shrub, having long branches requir- 
 ing support. The so-called fruit of the Kg is not a true 
 fruit, but a fleshy receptacle of a conical form, attached by 
 the narrow end, the broad end or apex having a small open- 
 ing like a pore, the true flowers and seeds lining the interior, 
 which may be seen on opening a Fig. The fertilisation of the 
 Fig is peculiar, and is termed caprification ; it is believed to be 
 promoted by a winged insect, called Cynips, entering the young 
 fruit by the pore at the apex, and by the movements of the 
 msect the pollen is loosened from the anthers, and thus comes 
 in contact with the stigmas, as effected by insects in the flowers of 
 
FIG OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 173 
 
 other plants. There are many fine varieties of the Fig cultivated. 
 The dried Figs that come to this country form a large article 
 of trade with Turkey, the islands of the Mediterranean, and 
 ports of the African coast. 
 
 The genus Ficus consists of about 100 species, varying in 
 size from small-leaved adhering creepers like ivy to lofty trees, 
 some being of gigantic size {see Banyan Tree and Peepul Tree). 
 The following is an account of one growing on a mountain in 
 the island of Trinidad : — " We carved our names on a gigantic 
 Ficus, with the date of our visit. This tree is a noble specimen ; 
 four of us standing on its spurs 6 feet from the ground could 
 only just span it." Many are climbers, some may be termed 
 epiphytal, having roots as thick as a man's arm. These clasp 
 and destroy trees on which they grow ; specimens may be seen 
 in the museum at Kew. The whole of the species abound in a 
 milky juice, which contains more or less caoutchouc. In Assam 
 this substance is extensively produced by Ficus elastica. (See 
 Caoutchouc and Banyan Tree.) 
 
 Fig Marigold, the common name for the species of the 
 genus Mesemlryanthemum, belonging to the family Ficoidese. 
 It consists of about 300 species, some of which are much- 
 branched, fleshy plants, 1 to 3 feet in height ; others are stem- 
 less, consisting of opposite succulent leaves only, which are 
 either triangular or in the form of tongues, or with their edges 
 variously toothed, resembling the jaws of animals, hence the 
 names Tiger -chap {M. tigrinum), Dog -chap {M. ca7iinitm), 
 Cat -chap {M. felinum), Mouse -chap {M. mitrinum). There 
 is also a group of species, consisting of simple bodies of various 
 forms, about an inch in height, such as the Small Dumpling 
 (if, minimum), Greater Dumpling {M. obcordellum), Cloth 
 Button {M, fibuliforme), Nut-like (if. nuciforme). The flowers 
 are white, yellow, or pink, and, with the exception of if. noc- 
 turnum^ they open only during midday sunshine, which has led 
 to their being called Mesemtryanthcmiom, which means " flowering 
 at midday." Their fruit is a fleshy capsule, in the form of a 
 small fig, and having been eaten by Hottentots, they are called 
 
174 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FILBERT 
 
 Hottentot Figs. With a few exceptions they are all natives 
 of South Africa; they are represented in Australia by M. 
 ccquilateraU, the fruit of which is eaten by the natives. 
 
 Filbert. {See Hazel.) 
 
 Filmy Ferns, a name applied to the tribe of ferns termed 
 Hymenophylleae, of which there are nearly 200 species described, 
 found in all regions conducive to fern life. As a tribe they 
 differ from other ferns by the extremely delicate and, in general, 
 thin pellucid texture of the fronds, which, in the different 
 species, vary much in form and size, from half an incli to a foot 
 and a half in length, entire, or variously lobed or multifid. 
 Tln^ee species are native of this country, but are rare, and are 
 becoming more so in consequence of the interest taken in them by 
 amateurs, who grow them in Wardian cases, in which they form 
 interesting objects. In 1864 the Kew collection consisted of 
 sixty exotic species of Hymeno'pliylliim and Triclwmanes. 
 
 Finocchio, or Finicho. {Sec Fennel, Giant.) 
 • Fiorin Grass {Agrostis stolonifera), a wide-spreading, creep- 
 ing, bent grass, which, with A. alha, was highly extolled by the 
 late Dr. Eichardson as a winter fodder grass ; he brought the 
 subject so prominently before the Agricultural Society and the 
 public that he was caricatured mowing grass in winter with his 
 coat off and the snow on the ground. 
 
 Fir Trees are typically represented by the well-known Xor- 
 way Spruce, Silver, and Balm of Gilead Firs, which, with the 
 recently-discovered allied species, form a part of the important 
 family ConifcKe. They were originally included under the genus 
 Pinus of Linnaeus, but modern botanists have considered it 
 proper to separate them as a distinct genus under the name of 
 Abies, which by some authorities also includes the Larch and 
 Cedar of Lebanon (which see). The species of Ahics are readily 
 distinguished from those of Pinus by having short linear leaves 
 separately attached, closely set on the branches, imbricate in 
 two or more distinct rows, while those of Pinus are long, narrow, 
 and needle-like, produced in fascicles of two, three, or five. 
 
 During the present century many new species of Ahics have 
 
FIR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 175 
 
 been discovered, natives of Mexico, California, North -West 
 America, also the Himalayas, and a few in the Caucasus and 
 Europe. Many of them are lofty trees, and are not only valued 
 for their timber, but also for the production of tar, turpentine, 
 and balsamic resins. The number of species now known amounts 
 to about 20, of which we need but notice a few of the most 
 important. 
 
 Abies excclsa, Norway Spruce Fir, native of northern and 
 alpine regions of Central Europe, in some localities forming 
 extensive forests, and said to attain a height of 100 to 150 
 feet. Its timber is highly valued, and imported to this country 
 from ports in the Baltic under the name of White Deal, and 
 employed for all purposes of house -building, interior fittings 
 of houses, etc. When grown close together the trees run up 
 erect and slender, and to a considerable height; such furnish 
 good scaffold poles ; the wood takes a high polish, and is used 
 by cabinet and musical instrument makers, etc. This Spruce, 
 like other allied species, yields an odoriferous resin, which is 
 obtained by making incisions in its bark, and on being boiled in 
 water and strained becomes Burgundy Pitch. The tree is 
 extensively grown in this country, both for its timber and for 
 ornamental purposes. 
 
 A. Douglasii, Douglas Spruce Fir, a large tree, native of 
 British Columbia, North - West America ; introduced to this 
 country in 1826 by its discoverer, David Douglas (Botanical 
 Collector for the Eoyal Horticultural Society), after whom it is 
 named. It attains a height of 150 to 200 feet. Its wood 
 is white, soft, and brittle. In 1861 a specimen of a trunk, 
 forming a flag-staff 159 feet long, was presented to the Eoyal 
 Gardens, Kew, and set up on one of the Temple-mounds raised 
 by George III. more than a hundred years ago. The tree has 
 been extensively planted in this country, but it is a question 
 whether it will be useful otherwise than as an ornamental tree. 
 
 A. canadensis, called the Hemlock Spruce Fir, native of 
 Canada, and extending southward through the United States 
 on mountains. In Canada it attains a height of 60 to 80 feet. 
 
176 DICTIOjSTAPtY OF POPULAR NAMES FIR 
 
 It is an elegant tree from the symmetrical disposition of its 
 branches, which droop gracefully at their extremities, and it 
 has light and tufted foliage. Its wood is not of much repute, 
 but its bark is highly valued for tanning. Its young branches 
 make excellent Spruce beer. It was introduced in 1736, but 
 considered only an ornamental tree. Forty years ago there 
 were two fine examples in the Eoyal Pleasure Gardens, Kew. 
 
 A. lalsamea, Balm of Gilead Fir, native of Canada, Nova 
 Scotia, and other parts of North America. It is a low-growing 
 tree compared with many of its allies, seldom exceeding a 
 height of 20 to 40 feet. Its cones and bark yield a turpentine 
 called Canada Balsam, which is used in the arts, and valued for 
 preserving microscopic objects. 
 
 A. Picea, Silver Fir, native of Central Europe and temperate 
 Northern Asia. It attains a height of 100 and even (it is 
 said) 200 feet. It takes its name from the leaves being silvery- 
 white underneath, and when standing singly it is a beautiful tree. 
 There are many good trees growing in different parts of this 
 country. Its timber is not much valued, but said to be durable 
 under water. A resin is obtained from it, which when purified 
 is known as Strasburg Turpentine. 
 
 In California the genus Ahies is represented by about a 
 dozen species, all large trees, of which A. nobilis, A. hracteata, and 
 A. Menzlesii are conspicuous. A. religiosa, native of Mexico, is 
 a fine tree, but not hardy in this country. 
 
 In India the genus is represented by A. Smithiana, A, Web- 
 biana, and its variety A. Pindroio ; the first is hardy, the two 
 latter are not. 
 
 P. Nordmanniana, native of the Crimea, P. Cejphalonica and 
 P. pinsapo, natives of Southern Europe, are fine trees, hardy in 
 this country. 
 
 Fir, Scotch. {See Pine.) 
 
 Fitches of Scripture. (See Fennel Flower.) 
 
 Flag. (See Fleur-de-Luce.) 
 
 Flame Trees. — Different trees in different countries havinir 
 brilliant scarlet flowers, in most cases flowerint? before the 
 
FLAX OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 177 
 
 expansion of the leaves; when seen in the distance have the 
 appearance of being on fire. Examples are — 1. Rhododendron 
 arhoreum, native of Nepal, a tree of considerable size, which 
 when in fio^ver imparts a blaze of colour to the forest. 2. Ster- 
 cidia acerifolia, a tree of the Cola Nut family (Sterculiacese), 
 native of New South Wales, attaining a height of 60 to 
 100 feet, and a circumference of from 6 to 8 feet, havino- 
 smooth, large, lobed leaves and racemes of showy red flowers. 
 3. Nuytsia ligustrina and N. floribunda, the first native of 
 New South Wales, and the latter South - West Australia. 
 They belong to the Mistletoe family (Loranthaccce), and are ex- 
 ceptions to the general rule of that family in not being parasites 
 on other trees ; but they grow in the ground, forming bushy 
 trees 20 or 30 feet high. 4. In the region of the Dead Sea, 
 the pretty flowering tree Acacia Farnesiana, belonging to the 
 Leguminosse, is densely covered with a species of parasitical 
 Loranthus, which when in flower gives the trees the appearance 
 of being on fire. 
 
 Flax (^Linum usitatissimuiii), a wiry, erect-stemmed annual of 
 the Flax family (Linacese). It appears to have been cultivated 
 from remotest antiquity, maimfactured Flax fibre having been 
 found in the prehistoric lake-cities of Switzerland; and the 
 mummy cloth of Egyptian tombs was made of Elax fibre. Elax is 
 now generally cultivated in many countries of the north tem- 
 perate zone, growing as well in Northern Eussia as in the 
 valley of the Nile and plains of India. It is cultivated in tliis 
 country, but more extensively in Ireland ; the quantity, however, 
 falls short of the demand. It is largely imported from Eussia, 
 and various other parts of Europe ; also from Egypt and Turkey. 
 Elax undergoes many operations before its fibre is ready for spin- 
 ning. The seeds are also an important article of commerce, ship- 
 loads being imported from the Baltic and the Black Sea for the 
 purpose of crushing, from which Linseed Oil is obtained. The 
 compressed refuse of the seeds forms Oil-cake, used for feeding 
 cattle, and the crushed or ground seeds form Linseed Meal, a 
 valuable emollient for poultices. In dressing, Elax goes tln-ough 
 
 N 
 
178 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FLAX 
 
 the process of hackling, by which it is cleared of all extraneous 
 short fibre, wliich forms the article called Tow. The woven fabric 
 of Flax is called Linen, which varies in texture according to the 
 deo-ree of hackling and other preparations the Flax fibre has 
 underc^one. In Scotland, Flax in all its stages, before it is 
 converted into thread, is called Lint, — thus a Lint-field, a Lint- 
 mill, etc. In 1880 the quantity of Flax imported from all 
 countries amounted to 1,896,249 cwts. 
 
 Linseed Oil is now extensively employed in the preparation 
 of printers' ink. By heating and other processes it assumes the 
 character of varnish, the black colour being given to it by lamp- 
 black, carbon black, Prussian blue, or indigo. Large quantities 
 of printers' ink, even to hundreds of tons, are now annually 
 made from Linseed Oil. 
 
 The best writing paper is made from the pulp of linen rags. 
 
 Flax, New Zealand {Phormium tenax), a stemless per- 
 manent sword-leaved plant of the Lily family (Liliacese), native 
 of New Zealand. The leaves are smooth, 4 to 6 feet long, and 
 2 inches wide, of a firm texture, and abounding in stout 
 fibre. The flowers are red, borne on a scape in panicles. Scape 
 10 or even more feet in height. In jS'ew Zealand it occupies 
 large tracts of country, and is used by the natives for making 
 ropes, mats, etc. Large quantities have been imported into this 
 country. It is tolerably hardy, and about sixty years ago (1822) 
 a company was established for its cultivation in the South of 
 Ireland, but its slow growth caused it to be abandoned. 
 
 Flea-bane, African {Tarchonanthus camj^liorata), a strong- 
 growing shrub, often attaining the size of a small tree 10 to 15 
 feet high, having elliptical, greyish leaves, smelling strongly of 
 camphor, which has led it to be considered efficacious in driving 
 away fleas. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It 
 belongs to the Composite family (Compositse), and is the largest 
 and most woody representative of this extensive family in 
 South Africa. It is also known by the name of Wild Sage. 
 
 Flea-bane Powder, — Pyrethrum carneum, P. rosewn, and P. 
 purpiLreum, natives of Caucasus, and probably varieties only of 
 
FOOL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 179 
 
 one species. They are perennial herbs of the Composite family 
 (Compositae), with much-divided leaves, varying in the colour 
 of their flowers, as indicated by their names. A powder made 
 of the dried flowers has long been used in Persia and Russia 
 for the destruction of, or rather driving away, fleas. The plant 
 from which it was prepared was long kept a secret, till it 
 was discovered by an Armenian merchant, who communicated 
 it to his son, who in 1828 manufactured the article for sale. It 
 is estimated that the amount of this powder consumed annually 
 in Eussia alone is nearly 1,000,000 lbs. It has become popular 
 in Germany, Holland, and France. 
 
 Fleur-de-Luce (Iris germanica), one of the Iris family 
 (Iridacese), indigenous to Germany and other parts of Europe. 
 It is the common large blue Iris or Flag well known in gardens, 
 and was a heraldic emblem in the arms of the Kings of France. 
 
 Flintwood, a name in New South Wales for Eucalyptics 
 pihUaris, a tree of the Myrtle family (Myrtacea^). Its wood is 
 hard and used for many purposes. 
 
 Flower-fence, a name in India for Ccesalpinia {Poinciana) 
 pulcherrwia, a prickly shrub of the Ca3salpinia section of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosse). It is common in India and other tropical 
 countries. It has pretty yellow flowers, and is used as an orna- 
 mental hedge-plant. 
 
 Fly Trap, Venus's. (See Venus's Fly Trap.) 
 
 Fool's Parsley (jEtlmisa Cynapinm), meaning Dog's Parsley, 
 an annual of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), native of this 
 country, and common as a weed in cultivated grounds, some- 
 times growing amongst parsley, which it much resembles 
 (especially the broad-leaved variety), and for which it has been 
 mistaken. It is, however, distinguished by its leaves being of 
 a bluish tint. The reputed poisonous properties of this plant 
 have recently been proved by Dr. Harley (of St. Thomas's 
 Hospital) to be fallacious ; he says he " carefully prepared 
 a quantity of juice from young plants, as also in their more 
 mature condition ; the quantity thus prepared he gave in doses 
 from two drachms to two ounces, himself taking two to four 
 
180 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FORBIDDEN 
 
 fluid ounces ; effects were carefully looked for, but tliere were 
 absolutely none in either case after any one of the doses." In 
 conclusion, he says that "the JEtliv.sa Cynapium of Sussex, 
 Kent, Surrey, and Herefordshire is not only absolutely free 
 from the noxious properties attributed to it, but that it is 
 pleasant to sight, smell, and taste, and in the absence of more 
 fragrant and succulent plants, might well be used as a pot-herb 
 and salad." He has analysed all the recorded cases of the dele- 
 terious effects of this plant, and in almost every case it is clear 
 that j^thusa was not the poison, and that in some cases the 
 hemlock Coniiim maculatum was the offender, the leaves of 
 which in their young state have been mistaken for parsley. 
 Forbidden Fruit. {See Shaddock.) 
 Forest Oak. {See She Oak.) 
 
 Foxglove {Digitalis purpiirea), a plant of the Fig wort 
 family (Scrophulariacese), one of our most showy native plants, 
 generally found growing on margins and open parts of woods, 
 and conspicuous by its tall spike of pink flowers ; there is also 
 a variety with wliite flowers. From its leaves is obtained a 
 most important medicine, known as Digitalis, but it requires 
 much caution in its use, for if unduly administered it suspends 
 the action of the heart, causing sudden death. 
 
 Frangipanni — in English, Breadbreaking — said to derive its 
 name from an ancient family of Eome, who held the office of 
 breaking the bread in the Holy Sacrament, A descendant of this 
 family first invented a method of perfuming gloves, but what the 
 perfume consisted of is not now known. Frangipanni is still the 
 name of a perfume known in commerce. In the West Indies 
 Plumerict rubra and alba, shrubs of the Dogbane family (Apocy- 
 nacese), are called Frangipanni on account of their deliciously- 
 scented flowers ; they are soft- wooded shrubs or small trees, and 
 contain a milky sap. 
 
 Frankincense. — Much uncertainty prevails as to the plant, 
 herb, or tree, that yields the fragrant substance first spoken of in 
 Exodus under the name of Frankincense. At the time it was 
 first mentioned the Israelites had not been more than a year out 
 
FRANKINCENSE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 181 
 
 of Egypt, and were encamped in the desert; therefore, their 
 knowledge of Frankincense and other sweet-smelling substances 
 mentioned with it must have been acquired during their sojourn 
 in Egypt. Admitting that there is, however, no herb or tree 
 native of Egypt that can be identified as producing Frankincense, 
 and the other sweet-smelling substances mentioned in Exodus, 
 we must suppose that they came to Egypt by trade with other 
 countries, and it was long thought to have been the exudation of 
 some species of Juniper, and to have come from Mount Lebanon, 
 hence the Hebrew word Lcbonah for Frankincense ; also as the 
 Fir (Pimis halepensis) is a native of Palestine, and yields an 
 aromatic resin, it might with equal propriety, if not more so, 
 be supposed to be the Frankincense known in Egypt, to come 
 from Lebanon by trade from the ports of Tyre or Sidon. 
 Frankincense is not again mentioned till the time of Solomon, 
 when we find that it and other sweet-smellingj substances 
 were brought from the South (Arabia) as presents to Solomon 
 by the Queen of Sheba. In modern times much has been 
 ^vritten in order to determine the tree that yielded the Queen of 
 Sheba's Frankincense. Eecently, a plant supposed to be identical 
 with that tree has been discovered growing in Arabia yielding 
 Frankincense. It is a species of Bosivdlia, a genus of the 
 Myrrh family (Amarydacese), and has been named B. Carterii, 
 in honour of Mr. Carter, who was the first to figure and describe 
 it in 1843, and who conveyed a living plant of it from Arabia 
 to Bombay, which in 1859 was growing in the Agri-Horticultural 
 Society's Garden at Bombay. Frankincense is also produced by 
 two other species of Boswellia, namely B. Frereana and B. Bliau 
 Dajiana, which latter is included by some authorities under B. 
 Ca7ierii. These are natives of the Somali country of East 
 Africa, and furnish the principal part of the Frankincense of 
 commerce, more generally known as Olibanum. Frankincense 
 trees have winged leaves, and a general resemblance in appear- 
 ance to the mountain ash, though smaller, more straggling, and 
 much less graceful. Olibanum is also known to be produced by 
 B. thiLrifera, a tall tree, native of India, abundant in the pro- 
 
182 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FRENCH 
 
 vince of Beliar and Western India, having its leaves crowded at 
 the tops of the branches. The Olibanum is obtained by making 
 incisions in the bark, when the sap exudes and becomes hardened 
 in transparent masses. It finds its way to Bombay, which is 
 also the emporium for African Olibanum. OUbanum, better 
 known as Frankincense, is extensively used as incense in the 
 Greek and Eoman Catholic Churches. A gum-resin called 
 Sierra Leone Frankincense is the produce of Daniellia tJmrifera, 
 a large tree of the Caesalpiniese section of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosae), native of Western tropical Africa. The name 
 Frankincense is also applied to the turpentine, which hardens 
 by exposure on the trunks of some species of the Pinus, such as 
 P. australis, P. tceda, and others. 
 
 French Bean. (See Kidney Bean.) 
 
 French Honeysuckle (Hedysarum coronariiim), a biennial 
 clover-like plant of the Bean family (Leguminosse), native of 
 the South of Europe, and cultivated as food for cattle. 
 
 Fringe Flower {CJdonanthus virginica), a shrub or small 
 tree of the Olive family (Oleaceae), with simple ovate leaves, and 
 white flowers produced in terminal panicles; the corolla is divided 
 into long narrow segments, which gives rise to the name Fringe 
 Flower. It is a native of Virginia, and is hardy in this 
 country. 
 
 Fringe (Water) {Limnanthemum nymphceoides), a floating 
 aquatic of the Gentian family (Gentianacese), native of this 
 country, and originally known by the name of Menyantlies 
 nymjphmoides, the Fringed Buckbean, from which it differs in 
 having floating round leaves like (but smaller than) the white 
 water-lily. It has pretty yellow flowers fringed in the interior 
 with fine hairs. It is found in the Thames near Oxford, and 
 some years ago it was also found in pools and ponds of the 
 Thames VaUey, near London. 
 
 Fuchsia, a genus of the Evening Primrose family (Onagra- 
 ceae), named by Linnseus in honour of Fuchs, a celebrated 
 German botanist. The typical species of the genus F. coccinea 
 was introduced in 1788 ; it is a native of Chili. It was not till 
 
FUNGI OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 183 
 
 1823 tliat other ornamental species began to be introduced, and 
 between that time and 1837 the fine Mexican species, F.fulgens, 
 F. cordata, and F. corymhiflora, were introduced ; since then many 
 others have been added, and numerous fine varieties raised from 
 seed which have become conspicuous and highly patronised 
 garden plants. The fruit of F. corymhiflora is an oblong pulpy 
 berry, pleasant to eat and not unwholesome. 
 
 Fucus, the name of a Linnsean genus of sea- weeds, originally 
 comprehending a considerable number of species, which by 
 modern botanists have been broken up and characterised under 
 a number of distinct genera, the genus Fucus being the type 
 of the family Fucacese, part of the order Algse, of the class 
 Cryptogamia of Linnaeus. The species are more or less abun- 
 dant on the rocky coasts of most countries. They are represented 
 in tliis country by Fucus noclosus, F. serratus, F. vesiculosus, 
 Laminaria digitata, and Z. hulhosa, known as Tangle ; they are 
 strong-growing species, and may be considered as the shrubs of 
 the ocean. During storms the force of the waves uproots large 
 quantities of sea- weeds of different species, which are wafted on 
 shore and left by the receding tides, such being known by the name 
 of Wrack, the drying and burning of which at one time furnished 
 employment to large numbers of people in Scotland and Ireland. 
 The ashes contain an alkali called Kelp, used in the manufacture 
 of soap and glass ; but since barilla has been used for these pur- 
 poses the burning of sea-wrack has almost ceased. From the 
 alkali of sea -weeds an important chemical substance called 
 Iodine is obtained, and is well know^n in medicine and the 
 arts as a powerful absorbent. In agricultural districts wrack 
 is eagerly sought after for manure ; its virtue as such depends 
 principally on the salt it contains. On some parts of the coast 
 of Japan sea-plants are largely collected. They are exported to 
 China and conveyed to the interior, where salt is scarce. Many 
 of them are also edible. 
 
 Fungi, the name of one of the orders of the class Crypto- 
 gamia of Linnaeus, which consists of flowerless plants, the most 
 obvious representatives being those that are well known as toad- 
 
184 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FUNGI 
 
 stools, wliicli include the numerous species of the Mushroom 
 tribe ; it also includes a number of microsopic bodies, such as 
 mildew, moulds, dry-rot, etc., which grow on living but more 
 abundantly on decayed animal or vegetable matter. They are 
 important factors in reducing all organised bodies to their 
 orio-inal elements. The number of so-called species may be said 
 to be beyond calculation ; indeed, it seems as though new forms 
 spring into existence according to the nature of the substance 
 upon which they grow ; they almost appear to be organisms of 
 chance, many coming into existence and living only a single night. 
 According to the Eev. M. J. Berkeley, the greatest modern writer 
 on this family, the number of species (so called) amounts to about 
 4000, of which 2380 are natives of Britain. They are found in 
 all countries and situations where animal and plant life exist ; 
 they not only grow on lofty trees, in dry pastures and buildings, 
 but also in mines, cellars, drains, and stinking ditches. Penicillmm 
 glaitcum is the blue mould of cheese, jelly, preserves, and woven 
 fabrics when long damp ; the iron mould (so called) on linen is a 
 kind of mildew. The most formidable, however, are the potato 
 murrain, grape mildew, dry-rot, smut, coffee and salmon disease, 
 all caused by microscopic species. Fungi are the sole agents in 
 fermentation of sugary liquids, and it is found that yeast, which 
 causes dough to rise, is a fungus. Many such — as mushrooms, 
 morells, and truffles — are wholesome and delicious food, while 
 others are poisonous in the highest degree ; many of the latter, 
 being similar to and taken for the true mushroom and used as 
 such, have led to fatal results. Fungi are reproduced by spores, 
 which are so numerous that in the puff-ball when ripe and 
 pressed they are seen to rise in the air like smoke ; but to 
 determine their size and form requires the aid of a powerful 
 microscope. They float in the air, and alighting on substances con- 
 genial to then- development and growth, they thus become spread 
 in different localities. Those that emanate from foul cisterns, 
 water-closets, and drains, are now considered to be the actual 
 cause of contagious diseases, such as typhoid and scarlet fever, 
 cholera, and even diphtheria. It has been proved that milk 
 
FUNGI OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 185 
 
 quickly becomes impregnated with microscopic fungi from the 
 dairies not being kept clean, and the vessels washed with foul 
 water, which a few years ago was found to be the cause of 
 typhoid fever in London, and it led to an Act of Parliament 
 being passed for the inspection of dairies. Wine cellars are 
 often infested by a filamentous fungus {Zasmidium cellare), 
 which covers the walls and casks with a coating like felt; it also 
 attacks the corks of wine bottles, and its appearance is considered 
 a test that the wine is old ; this has been taken advantage of by 
 some dealers to make new wine have the appearance of being 
 old by placing a false Zasmiclium made of spiders' webs, rotten 
 sawdust, and logwood ; the wine then passes off as crusted old 
 port. The walls of cellars and mines are also liable to be covered 
 with a fungus-growth termed RliizomoT'plia ; some are phosphor- 
 escent to such a degree that in the coal mines near Dresden the 
 roof, walls, and cellars are often entirely covered with them, and 
 their light is so bright as to dazzle the eye, and give the idea 
 of an enchanted cave. Phosphorescent fungi are also commonly 
 to be seen in the dark on decayed wood, rotten leaves, and other 
 decomposed vegetable substances. Tallow stores are often in- 
 fested with a microscopic fungus, known as Grease Mould {Muco- 
 rini ;pliycomyce) ; it covers the walls with a filamentous web ; it 
 also attacks the casks and pervades the grease, destroying all fatty 
 matter, and often causing great loss to the merchant. In gar- 
 dens Polyadis vulgaris, a mould fungus, is a great pest; it appears 
 suddenly in a night, its mycelium spreading rapidly over all 
 moist surfaces, doing irremediable miscliief in propagating pits 
 by overrunning low plants, cuttings, and seed-pots. Fruits, 
 such as apples and pears, are often attacked by a fungus {Mucor 
 mucedo), originating from a small wound in the skin, for although 
 looking perfectly sound their substance is pervaded by a fila- 
 mentous fungus, which renders them extremely bitter and unfit 
 to eat. 
 
 Fungi not only attack living and decaying vegetable matter, 
 but also living animals, and especially insects. In New Zea- 
 land the caterpillar of the moth, Charagia virescens, buries itself 
 
186 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES FUNGI 
 
 in the ground to undergo its metamorphosis, where it is attacked 
 by a fungus called Sjplia^ria Eobertsii, which rises in the form of 
 a simple spike about 6 inches in height, from the 'head of the 
 caterpillar, the body of which becomes a dry mummy ; a second 
 species, >S'. Gunnii, is found in Tasmania, but it differs from the 
 preceding in being branched ; and a third species, ^S'. sinensis, is 
 found growing on caterpillars in a similar manner in China, and 
 is held in high estimation as a medicine, said to possess the 
 properties of ginseng. Another species has lately (1879) been 
 discovered in Ceylon growing on a white grub ; it rises 2 to 3 
 inches above the ground; its upper part, which contains the spore- 
 cases, is thickened and of a red colour ; it is said to be a new 
 species of the genus Torruhia. In the West Indies wasps are 
 affected with a species of Sphceria, which grows on the head 
 like two horns ; the spores impregnate them when alive, and the 
 fungus grows to a considerable size before the wasp dies. It is 
 generally understood that fungi do not grow in water, but it is 
 nevertheless now considered that the flocky matter that grows 
 on and destroys gold-fish and salmon is a fungus, Saprolegnia 
 ferox. Within the last twenty years great loss has been sus- 
 tained by the silk cultivators of Europe, consequent on the 
 silkworm being attacked by a microscopic mould fungus, allied 
 to the salmon fungus, known by the name of Botrytus hassiana, 
 by some supposed to be a changed form of the Alga Achyla 
 prolifera. The thready mycelium covers and perforates 
 the body of the caterpillar, which becomes mummified. This 
 disease has become endemic to the silk-producing countries of 
 Europe, which has rendered it necessary to procure fresh eggs 
 annually from Japan and other countries not yet affected by the 
 disease. In the autumn the common house-fly may be seen dead 
 and adhering to the mndow pane, the glass surrounding the 
 body being dim ; on examining the fly \\A\h a lens it will be 
 found to be involved with white flocky matter, the mycelium of 
 a mould fungus, the germ-spores of which had been taken up 
 by the fly in some kind of food. 
 
 It is said that a blue-bottle fly might carry about " sufficient 
 
FUSTIC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 187 
 
 fever spores to infect a parish." (N.B. — Most of tlie above will 
 be specially noticed under their respective names, as also others, 
 such as ergot, smut, pepper-brand, etc.) 
 
 Fungus Melitensis (Cynomormm coccineum), a fungus-like 
 plant of the family Balanophorace£e, native of Malta and also 
 found in Northern Africa, the Canary Islands, and Syria. It 
 consists of a fleshy flower-stem, about a foot m height, of a red 
 colour. It was originally much valued for its medicinal 
 virtues, and at Malta, when it first became known, it was 
 specially guarded by a military sentinel, and persons appointed 
 to collect it. In some parts, as the Island of Lancerrotta, it 
 is eaten by the natives, and as it grows on the roots of Spartium 
 monosjoermicm (the juniper of Scripture), may explain the passage 
 in Job, "juniper roots for their meat." 
 
 Fungus, New Zealand. (See Jew's Ear.) 
 
 Furze, Gorse, Whins, common names for Ulex eurojpceus, a 
 spiny, almost leafless shrub of the Bean family (Leguminosce), 
 occupying commons and mountain slopes in Scotland and 
 this country, more abundantly in the south. Its most im- 
 portant economical uses are for firewood and as fodder for 
 cattle and horses ; for the latter purpose it is crushed between 
 rollers. There is a variety having no prickles, which does not 
 need crushing. Its golden flowers form a beautiful sight, espe- 
 cially when seen on distant hills, and they impart an odour to 
 the air in the vicinity of furze brakes. It has become naturalised 
 in the mountains in Jamaica, where it forms a small tree. 
 
 Fustic, a name given to certain yellow woods employed in 
 dyeing — 1. Madura tindoria, a large tree of the Mulberry 
 family (Moraceas), native of the West Indies and tropical 
 America. 2. Rhus Cotinus, a bushy shrub of the Cashew Nut 
 family (Anacardiaceae), native of Southern Europe, having simple 
 shining roundish leaves. Its flowers are in globose heads, which 
 become white and feathery, giving the idea of a head of white hair, 
 hence the name Wig -tree by which it is sometimes known. 
 It is used for dyeing, and is called in trade Young Fustic to 
 distinguish it from Madura. The yellow wood of several species 
 
188 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GALANGALE 
 
 of the genus Xanthoxylon are also known by the name of 
 Fustic. 
 
 Galangale, the name of an aromatic rhizome or tuber 
 produced by different species of the Ginger family (Zingi- 
 beraceae). 1. Alpinia Galanga, a herbaceous plant with reed- 
 like leafy stems, 4 to 5 feet high, terminated by a head of 
 flowers; native of India. The rhizome (root -stock) is used 
 medicinally, and forms an article of commerce. 2, Kcempferia 
 Galanga, a stemless herb, annually producing its leaves and 
 flowers direct from the ground ; the flowers appear before the 
 leaves, having much the appearance of the autumn crocus. It 
 is a native of India, where its tuberous roots are much used as 
 an aromatic stimulant. 
 
 Galangale, English {Cy;perus longus), a perennial of the 
 Sedge family (Cyperacese), native of this country, but rare. It 
 has thick roots, which are aromatic and used as a scent. 
 
 Galbanum, a gum -resin issuing from the stems of several 
 perennial plants of the Carrot family (Umbelliferae), referred 
 to Ferula galbaniflua, F. ruhricaulis, and other species, natives 
 of Western Asia. They are strong - rooted plants, the stems 
 of which attain a height of 3 to 6 feet, having finely- 
 divided leaves and umbels of yellow flowers. The gum issues 
 from the stem naturally, or is obtained by cutting it across 
 when young a little above the surface of the ground. The 
 milky juice exudes and soon hardens, and forms one of the 
 kinds of Galbanum of commerce, that issuing from the stem 
 naturally being called Galbanum in tears. The odour of Gal- 
 banum is strongly balsamic and pungent, and is used in medi- 
 cine. The Galbanum spoken of in Exodus has been supposed 
 to be the produce of Galbanum officinale, a Syrian plant, or of 
 Opoidca galbanifera, both of which, however, are doubtfully 
 determined. Another kind of Galbanum is derived from £2chon 
 galhanum, a plant allied to Ferula, native of the Cape of Good 
 Hope. It does not possess the properties of true Galbanum ; 
 the plant, however, is in high repute among the natives for its 
 medicinal virtues. 
 
GAMBOGE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 189 
 
 Gale, Sweet. {See Candlebeny Myrtle.) 
 
 Galuncha, a Hindoo name for TinosjJOi^a cordifolia, a 
 climbing shrub of the Moonseed family (Menispermacese). It 
 is esteemed by the Hindoos for its antispasmodic and diuretic 
 properties. 
 
 Gama Grass. {See Buffalo Grass.) 
 
 Gambler {Uncaria Gamhir), native of the Malayan Penin- 
 sula and Islands. It is a slender-growing shrub of the Cin- 
 chona family (Cinchonaceae), climbing by the aid of abortive 
 flower-stalks, that become hard hooks. The leaves are oblong, 
 about 2 or 3 inches in length. It is cultivated at Singapore, 
 Sumatra, and other Malayan islands, for the sake of its leaves, 
 from which, by a process of boiling and evaporating, a pasty sub- 
 stance of a light yellow colour is left, wliich hardens, and is 
 made into cakes or blocks, forming the Gambler of commerce. 
 It is known also by the name of Terra Japonica, large quantities 
 of which are exported to China, where it is used by the natives 
 for chewing with the Betel-nut ; as also to this country, for 
 tanning and dyeing. In 1880, 26,364 cwts. were imported. 
 
 Gamboge, a gum-resin obtained from the stems of different 
 species of Garcinia, a genus of the Gamboge family (Guttifera^). 
 They are natives of Ceylon, India, Siam, and the Malayan 
 Archipelago. There is some uncertainty as to the identity of 
 the several species from which the Gamboge of commerce is 
 obtained. The best comes from Siam, and is supposed to be the 
 produce of Garcinia Haribitrii. Ceylon Gamboge is obtained 
 from Garcinia Morella. Garcinia 'pictoria is abundant in 
 Mysore and Western coast jungles, and yields Gamboge, but is 
 more important for the oil which is obtained from its fruit, and 
 called Gamboge Butter; the fruit also of an allied species, 
 G. 'purfurea, furnishes a similar butter, called Cocum Butter. 
 These oil butters are obtained by pounding the seeds in a 
 mortar ; the whole is then boiled, when the oil rises to the 
 surface. It is used for burning in lamps, or as a substitute for 
 butter. Gamboge is used in the arts, chiefly in water-colour 
 painting, as well as for brass lacquering. In medicine it 
 
190 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GAMBOGE 
 
 is a strong purgative, and is one of the principal ingredients in 
 Morison's pills. 
 
 Gamboge, American, is the produce of Vismia guianensis, 
 a small tree of the Tutsan family (Hypericacese), native of 
 Guiana. 
 
 Gamote, a native name for the tuberous roots of Cymopterus 
 montanus, a perennial herb of the Carrot family (Umbelliferae), 
 allied to Thapda and Cheer opliylhcm, native of New Mexico, where 
 it forms an article of food, its parsnip-like roots being eagerly 
 sought after and collected by the women of certain tribes of 
 native Indians. They are prepared by slicing, drying, and 
 grinding, then stored for future use. It is only in the young 
 state that the tubers can be eaten, when old they become hard. 
 The name Gamote is also applied to the sweet potato (which 
 see). 
 
 Garlic. {See Onions.) 
 
 Garlic Tree, a name in Jamaica for Cratceva tapia, a tree 
 of the Caper family (Capparidacese), native of the West Indies. 
 The fruit has a strong smell of Garlic, hence the common name 
 of the tree. 
 
 Gaub, or Gab, names in India for the astringent fruits of 
 Diospyros Umhryojyteris. 
 
 Genip-fruit [Genipa americana), a tree of the Cinchona 
 family (Cinchonacese), native of British Guiana. Its fruit is the 
 size of an orange, and has a thick rind and a succulent agreeable 
 pulp of a brownish colour, equal in flavour to the best orange 
 marmalade. 
 
 Genip Tree. {See Honeyberry.) 
 
 Gentianella {G-entiana), a considerable genus of annual and 
 perennial herbs, the type of the Gentian family (Gentianacese), 
 many of which are favourites in gardens, such as the plant 
 weU known under the above name. G. aeaulis is a native of 
 the Alps, and said also to be found wild in Wales. But the 
 most important is G. lutea, native of Switzerland. It is a 
 showy growing species, with an erect leafy flower-stem, attaining 
 a height of 2 or 3 feet. The leaves are broad and strondv 
 
GEOIAN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 191 
 
 veined. Flowers yellow, axillary, in tufts. The roots, known 
 as Gentian Eoots, are strong, about the thickness of the finger, 
 and highly valued as a tonic in stomach complaints. 
 
 Geranium, the Linnsean name of an extensive genus of 
 plants. The name is derived from the Greek word "Geranos," 
 a " Crane." In modern times the genus has been broken up 
 into three sections, namely. Geranium proper, Felargonium, and 
 Erodium. Geranium consists of 40 to 50 species of annual and 
 perennial herbs, the greater number native of Europe, of which 
 twelve are natives of Britain. Their flowers are showy white, 
 blue, or red, and are regular — i.e, having five equal-sized 
 petals — which character distinguishes them from the more 
 extensive genus Felargonium, the flowers of which consist of 
 five unequal petals. . It derives its name from " Pelargos," a 
 " Stork," hence its name Stork-bills. There are a considerable 
 number of species, all native of the Cape of Good Hope, of 
 which 130 are recorded in Hortus Kmvensis as having l)een 
 introduced previous to 1813. They consist of soft-stemmed 
 herbaceous plants ; their sweet smell and pretty flowers led 
 them to become early favourites with all under the name of 
 Geraniums; but during the last fifty years they have become 
 extensively cultivated by nurserymen and amateurs, and by 
 hybridising numerous varieties have been established, and 
 Pelargoniums now form one of the principal features at horti- 
 cultural shows. 
 
 Geranium Oil. — This fragrant oil is obtained from Pelar- 
 gonium roseum, a small fleshy-stemmed plant of the Geranium 
 family (Geraniacese), native of the Cape of Good Hope. It is 
 largely cultivated in France under the name of Rose de 
 Linours. It also yields an acid called Pelargonium Acid, which 
 is used for flavouring wine. 
 
 German Tinder, known also by the name of Amadou, is a 
 substance prepared from a solid fungus {Polyporus fomcntarius), 
 which grows on trees in this country, but more abundantly in 
 Germany, where it is collected in large quantities, and forms a 
 considerable article of trade. It is also cut in slices and beaten 
 
192 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GHERKINS 
 
 out into large sheets like thick felt, and used for warm under- 
 clothing, and when mixed with saltpetre forms the substance 
 known as German Tinder. 
 
 Gherkins. {See Cucumber.) 
 
 Gilliflower. {See Clove.) 
 
 Ginger {Zingiber officinale), a perennial herb of the family 
 Zingiberaceffi. It is universally cultivated throughout the 
 tropics, and it is impossible to state its native country, but prob- 
 ably it is India. Ginger of commerce is the fleshy rhizome or 
 underground stem, which is lobed or fingered in a peculiar 
 manner, from which proceed reed-like stems clothed with grass- 
 like foliage. Many varieties are in cultivation. It is imported 
 into this country in its dried and bleached state from l^oth the 
 East and West Indies, Africa, and China, but Jamaica Ginger is 
 considered the best. It is largely used as a condiment, and in 
 its green state makes an excellent preserve. In 1880 the 
 importation from all countries amounted to 49,995 cwts. 
 
 Gingerbread, or Doum Palm of Egypt {Eyphmne thehaica), 
 native of Upper Egypt, Nubia, Abyssinia, and adjacent coun- 
 tries. Its stem is a foot or more in diameter, and by age 
 becomes branched, attaining the height of 20 or more feet, each 
 branch bearing a crown of fan leaves. Its fruits are borne in 
 large pendulous bunches, bearing one or two hundred each. 
 Each fruit is about the size of an apple, and is covered with a 
 fibrous pulp, which has the flavour of Gingerbread, and forms 
 part of the food of the lower classes of Upper Egypt. 
 
 Gingerbread Plum {Farinarium macrophylhwi), a small 
 tree of the Cocoa Plum family (Chrysobalanaccije), native of 
 Western tropical Africa. Its leaves are oblong and rigid, 
 white on the under side, and strongly veined. The fruit is the 
 size of a magnum bonum plum of an oblong form. Another 
 species, P. excehum, is one of the largest trees on the Sierra 
 Leone Mountains. When in flower its terminal bunches of 
 white blossom render it a peculiar ornament to the forest. The 
 fruit is similar to the last, and on account of the colour of its 
 skin is called the Grey Plum. It is produced in great abun- 
 
GLASSWORT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 193 
 
 dance, is dry and farinaceous, and of an insipid taste ; neverthe- 
 less, it is much esteemed by the negroes. Another species is 
 P. laurinum, a tree 50 feet high, native of the Fiji Islands, 
 where it is called Makita. It yields a perfume much used for 
 scenting oil. In the time of paganism the leaves of this plant, 
 with the fronds of Acrostichiim aitreum, were used for thatching 
 the roofs and sides of the heathen temples. 
 
 Ginger Grass (Andropogon Nardus), an Indian grass, similar 
 in habit to A. Calamus aromaticus, before mentioned. It yields 
 an essential oil, smelling strongly of ginger, used in j)erfumery 
 and medicinally by Indian doctors. 
 
 Gingilie Oil, a name in India for an oil obtained from Sesa- 
 mum indicum, an annual herb of the Pedaliad family (Pedalinea), 
 native of India, where it is extensively cultivated for its seeds, 
 which yield an oil similar to olive oil, for which it may be 
 substituted, and with which it is frequently adulterated. 
 
 Ginkgo Tree. {See Maidenhair Tree.) 
 
 Ginseng {Panax Seliinseng), a low perennial herb of the Ivy 
 family (Araliacefe), with forked conical roots ; producing pal- 
 mate leaves from a sheathing foot-stalk, bearing umbellate green 
 flowers ; a native of Manchuria, IsTorth China, but its great use 
 as a medicine in China has caused it to become scarce. The 
 Chinese fancy the forked root resembles the human form, and 
 consider that it wards off* all diseases. It consequently has an 
 enormous value with them. It is slightly bitter and aromatic, 
 but of no repute with European doctors. Its scarcity has led to 
 P. qidnquefolmm, an allied species, native of North America, 
 being substituted for it, large quantities being exported to China 
 from New York. 
 
 Glasswort {Salicomia herhacea), a succulent, jointed stemmed 
 plant of the Spinach family (Chenopodiacece), native of the 
 muddy sea-shores of this country. It grows to a height of 6 
 or more inches ; the stems make a very good pickle. 
 
 Salsola Kali and S. Soda are branching annual plants, 
 having succulent almost leafless stems, growing to the height of 
 1 or 2 feet, and found abundantly on the sandy sea-shores of 
 
 o 
 
194 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GLASTONBURY 
 
 the temperate and warm countries of the northern hemisphere ; 
 abounding on the shores of the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, 
 etc. By burning, a soda is obtained, which at one tine was 
 largely imported under the name of Barilla, and used for making 
 soap and glass ; but since the production of soda from common 
 salt, the imports have not been so large. 
 Glastonbury Thorn. {See Hawthorn.) 
 Glucose, a name in the United States for a sweet spaip pre- 
 pared from grains of Indian corn, of which there are numerous 
 manufactories. It is calculated that during the present year 
 (1881) 11,000,000 bushels of corn will be used, and it is probable 
 that it will be doubled in 1882. It is used as a table syrup, in 
 brewing, in vinegar-making, by tobacconists, wine-merchants, 
 and distillers ; also in candle-making. 
 
 Glue, Vegetable {Comhretum guayea ?), a strong climber of 
 the Myrobalan family (Combretacese), native of the countries 
 on the Orinoco. It is remarkable for containing a great quantity 
 of gummy matter, which exudes in abundance on the bark being 
 cut, and is used by the carpenters of Angostura for the same 
 purpose as animal glue is with us. Another species is C. huty- 
 Tosum, a native of South-East Africa, producing a peculiar sub- 
 stance like butter, called by the Caffres Chignite. It is white 
 and hard, somewhat aromatic, and is taken to Mozambique as 
 an article of commerce. It is not known if this substance is 
 obtained from the stem or the kernel of the fruit, and some 
 doubts are entertained as to its really being the produce of a 
 Oomhretum, but judging by the gluey substance obtained from 
 the preceding species, it seems not improbable that a kind of 
 butter may be produced by an allied species. 
 
 Goa Bean. — The seeds of Psopliocarpus tetragonolobus are so 
 called in India, It is a tuberous-rooted, herbaceous, twining 
 plant of the Bean family (Leguminosaj), and is sometimes 
 cultivated in gardens in India for the sake of its seeds, which 
 are like those of the scarlet-runner. It takes its specific name 
 from its four- winged pod, similar to the garden-winged pea of 
 Europe, Lotus tetragonolobus. 
 
GOOSEBERRY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 195 
 
 Gold Cups. {See Buttercup.) 
 
 Gold of Pleasure. (See Eape.) 
 
 Gold Thread, a name given to the slender yellow roots of 
 Cojptis trifolia, a small trifoliate perennial of the Eanunculus 
 family (Eanunculaceai), native of Canada and Siberia. It is 
 used by the natives for dyeing sldns and wool. In medicine it 
 is used as a bitter tonic, and large quantities are sold in the 
 dry herb shops of Boston. 
 
 Golden Rod, a common name for numerous species of Soli- 
 dago, a genus of the Composite family (Compositse). They are 
 herbaceous perennials, the flower-stems rising to a height of 
 1 to 2 feet, terminated by racemes or panicles of yellow flowers. 
 They are cultivated as ornamental garden plants ; with a few 
 exceptions, they are natives of North America, represented in 
 this country by the common Golden Eod (aS'. virgaurea). The 
 leaves of S. odora are sweet-smelling, and yield by distillation 
 an essential oil. 
 
 Golden Samphire {Imda crithmoides), a hardy perennial 
 of the Composite family (Compositse), native of England, 
 growing in salt marshes. The leaves are fleshy and succulent, 
 and the young branches are often sold as true Samphire. 
 
 Gomuti, a name for Sagiis Rumpliii. {See Sago.) 
 
 Googul, a name in India for the gum obtained from Bal- 
 samodendron Mukul, a tree of the Myrrh family (Amarydacese), 
 growing on limestone about Kurrachee and surrounding dis- 
 tricts. The gum is obtained by making incisions in the 
 branches of the tree ; the juice is collected as it flows, or is 
 allowed to harden and is then collected. It is chiefly used as a 
 horse medicine, and is given in the cold season, in the belief 
 that it keeps them in health and condition. It is also called 
 Indian Bdellium. 
 
 Goora Nut. {See Cola Nut.) 
 
 Gooseberry, the name of a spiny bush {Bihes grossularia), 
 producing the well-known fruit called Gooseberries; it is the 
 type of the Gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae), which includes 
 the red, white, and black currants. It is found wild in several 
 
196 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES GOOSEBERRY 
 
 parts of this country, and is supposed to be indigenous. It is 
 recorded to have been grown in the garden of Edward I. at 
 Westminster in 1276 as an indigenous fruit. 
 
 The Gooseberry appears to have been well known in the 
 time of Henry YIII. and Elizabeth. The name is of uncertain 
 derivation; it is probably a corruption of the French word 
 groseilU, from grosse, large, meaning large berries ; and if the first 
 in o-ooseberry is read r, we have the French word Groseberry, 
 hence the Scotch name Grosers and Groserts ; and as the kind first 
 cultivated in Scotland, and the only kind grown in some old 
 o-ardens up to the beginning of the present century, was known 
 by the name of Green Gascoyns, it leads to the inference that 
 the first bushes came from Gascony in France, and that the 
 word Gooseberry should be read Groseberry. By cross breeding 
 many fine varieties have been raised, and are now in general 
 cultivation m this and all temperate countries. 
 
 Gooseberry, Barbadoes (Pcreshia acuhata), a genus of the 
 Cactus family (Cactacese), a hard-wooded, trailing or climbing, 
 leafy, prickly, bramble-like shrub, native of the West Indies. 
 Its fruit is about the size of a gooseberry, and is made into a 
 preserve. P. grandiflorus is an allied but larger growing species 
 with a hard woody stem, several inches in diameter, and densely 
 covered with long, black spines of formidable character. It has 
 pretty pink flowers. 
 
 Gooseberry, Cape. (/Sec Winter Cherry.) 
 
 Gorgon Plant {Euryale ferox), a plant of the Water Lily 
 family (Nymphaeacese), native of India, having circular leaves 
 2 or 3 feet in diameter, lying flat on the w^ater, very prickly on 
 their upper surface. The fruit is also prickly, about the size of 
 a small orange, containing black seeds the size of peas, which 
 are full of albumen, and are used by the Hindoos and Chinese 
 for food. It is said to have been cultivated in China for 
 upwards of 3000 years. 
 
 Gorse. {See Furze.) 
 
 Gourd, a general name for an extensive family of plants, 
 caUed the Gourd family (Cucurbitacese), represented by the 
 
GRAPPLE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 197 
 
 Melon, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Vegetable Marrow, Squasli, Colo- 
 cynth, Snake Gourd, etc. (which see). 
 
 Gouty Stem Tree. {See Baobab.) 
 
 Grains of Paradise, or Melegueta Pepper {Amomum 
 Melegucta), a plant of the Ginger family (Zingiberacese), native 
 of Western tropical Africa. It throws up a reed-like, herbaceous 
 stem, which produces a pod or capsule containing the seeds, to 
 which the above names are applied. They are carminative, 
 aromatic, and are used to give a false strength to beer and other 
 liquors. Grains of Paradise are also produced by other species 
 of the genus grown in India. 
 
 Gram. {See Chick Pea.) 
 
 GranadiUa, the name given in the West Indies to the fruits 
 of different species of Passiflora, a genus of the Passion Flower 
 family (Passifloracese), natives of the West Indies and tropical 
 America. P. quadrangulaTis has fruit of an oblong form, about 
 6 inches in diameter, some weighing 3 lbs. When ripe it is 
 of a greenish -yellow colour, and contains a soft pulp of a sweet 
 acid flavour, very grateful and cooling in a hot climate. P. echdis 
 is abundant m the West Indies. The fruit is of a light -blue 
 colour and oval, the size of an egg, and is of an agreeable and 
 cooling taste. P. laurifolia. — This produces an oval fruit of a 
 lemon colour, about the size of a peach or nectarine. It has a 
 soft skin, and is full of a watery pulp, which is very agreeable. 
 In the West Indies it is called the Water Lemon. P. mali- 
 formis, a smaller fruit than the water lemon, but similar in 
 flavour, is called the Sweet Calabash. P. fceticla, Wild Water 
 Lemon, or West Indian Love in a Mist. The fruit of this is 
 about the size of a small cherry ; the pulp is very delicate, but 
 the smell of the leaves is very unpleasant. Several other species 
 are esteemed in the West Indies for their fruits. P. quadran- 
 gular is and P. edidis are grown for the sake of their fruits in 
 this country. 
 
 Grapes. (See Vine.) 
 
 Grapple Plant (Harpagophytum procumhens), a prostrate 
 herbaceous plant of the Sesamum family (Pedalinese), native of 
 
198 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES GRASSES 
 
 the Cape of Good Hope ; its leaves are opposite and palmate ; 
 the flowers axillary, on short stalks, of a purple colour; the 
 fruit is a two-valved oblong capsule, about 3 inches in length, 
 furnished on all sides with strong-branched, very sharp hooks, 
 Ijy means of which it lays hold of the clothes of travellers and 
 the skins of animals, and is difficult to remove. When brows- 
 ino-, cattle often get these fruits into their mouths and roar with 
 agony at the pain they endure. 
 
 Grasses. — This name includes all species of the Grass family, 
 represented by Wheat, Barley, Oats, Eye, Maize, Eice, and 
 Millet, and pasture, meadow, and cane grasses, each of which 
 is noticed under its respective name. About twenty herbs, 
 cliiefly natives of Britain, are improperly called grasses, such as 
 Arrow-grass, Penny-grass, Eib-grass, Scurvy and A^Tiitlow grass, 
 as also grass of Parnassus. Only a few of these are of economic 
 interest. 
 
 Grass Cloth, a name given to the woven fibre of Bcekmeria 
 nivea, a perennial of the Nettle family (Urticacese), native of 
 China. It sends up numerous rod-like stems 4 to 6 feet high, 
 having heart-shaped leaves, silvery- white on the under surface. 
 The stems contain a quantity of fine fibre, which is now im- 
 ported in considerable quantity from China and India, and 
 woven into the fine linen -like cloth known as China Grass 
 Cloth. It is now extensively cultivated in Jamaica, as also in 
 the Southern United States ; and the British Government have 
 lately become interested in its cultivation in such of the colonies 
 as are favourable to its growth. There is, however, some diffi- 
 culty in separating the fibre from the bark and wood, which has 
 led the Government of India to offer a reward of £5000 for the 
 best mode of overcoming the above difficulty. The plant grows 
 freely in this country, but in severe winters the roots are liable 
 to be injured; it might, however, be profitably cultivated in 
 Cornwall and the western counties. The fibre in Assam called 
 Ehea is also the produce of this species. 
 
 Puya Fibre {Boilimeria Puya) is a plant similar to the pre- 
 ceding in habit of growth, but has longer leaves. It is exten- 
 
GRASS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 199 
 
 sively cultivated in Upper India ; the fibre is used for making 
 ropes and sail-cloths. 
 
 Grass Gum Trees, a name applied to the different species of 
 Xanthorrhoea, a genus of the Lily family (Liliaceae). This re- 
 markable genus consists of nine or ten species, natives of 
 Australia. Stems cylindrical, formed by the closely -packed, 
 broad bases of grass-like leaves, and attaining a foot or more in 
 diameter. X. arhorea and X. quadrangularis attain a height 
 of 6 to 10 feet, and the flower-stem springs like a stout rod from 
 the centre of the crown of leaves, and frequently is 10 to 20 
 feet long, the upper part being densely covered with small 
 yellowish -white flowers. The leaves are often burnt by the 
 grass fires, leaving the blackened stems standing, w^hich, at a 
 distance, have the appearance of black men, from wliich circum- 
 stance the name Black Boy Trees has been applied to them. 
 The smaller species look like thatched beehives. They yield a 
 fragrant resin of two kinds, called Black Boy, or Botany Bay 
 Gum, and Gum Acaroides. This last yields Picric acid when 
 treated with Nitric acid, and is extensively used in the pre- 
 paration of the highly explosive compound Picrate of Potassium. 
 This acid is used for dyeing silk and wool, and imparts to them 
 a yellow colour. The gum-resin is sometimes made into candles. 
 These plants are of very slow growth, requiring many years 
 before they form a stem, as shown by an example of a plant at 
 Kew thirty years old, and still stemless. 
 
 Grass Tree [Kingia aiistralis), a remarkable plant of the 
 Eush family (Juncacese), native of South and South -West 
 Australia, growing in dry places. It has a trunk a foot in 
 diameter, composed of the bases of the hard, three-sided grass- 
 like leaves. The leaves are successively produced from the top 
 of the stem, and curve downwards. The older ones fall away, 
 or more often are burnt away by the grass fires, leaving the 
 charred and blackened stems, which in old plants attain a 
 height of 6 to 8 feet. The flowers are small, borne in dense 
 round heads on a foot-stalk about a foot long, several rising 
 from the crown of leaves. 
 
200 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GRASS 
 
 Grass Wrack [Zostera marina), an aquatic of tlie family 
 J^aiadacese ; it has long, narrow, tape-like leaves 3 to 4 feet in 
 length. It is a native of this country, being generally found in 
 the estuaries of tidal rivers, and even in the sea. When dried 
 it is used for packing, stuffing beds, cushions, etc., and is known 
 by the name of Alva marina. 
 
 Grease Mould. {See Fungi.) 
 
 Greenheart. — Two trees are so called, and a third Bastard 
 Greenheart. 1. Nectandra Roclixi, a large tree of the 
 Laurel family (Lauracese), native of Guiana. It has a clear 
 stem, attaining a height of 40 to 50 feet, with a diameter of 
 between 2 and 3 feet. Its timber, before the more general use of 
 iron, was highly valued for shipbuilding, and was imported from 
 Demerara for that purpose. 2. Cohtbrina ferruginosa, a tree of 
 the Buckthorn family (Ehamnacese), native of Martinique. It 
 has twisted wood, which has led it to be called Snake- wood. 
 3. Bastard Greenheart {Calyjptrantlies Chytraculia), a large-grow- 
 ing shrub of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native of Jamaica. 
 
 Greenwood is an artificial production, formed by the green- 
 coloured mycelium of Peziza a^7nirjinosa {Helotium ceruginosum), 
 a filamentous fungus which penetrates and traverses the small, 
 fallen branches of the oak tree, and imparts to them a per- 
 manent and vivid green colour, which is highly prized for 
 making small ornaments and toys. The genus Peziza is a group 
 of small fungi, varying from mere specks to masses of several 
 inches in diameter, and also varying in form and colour, which is 
 generally bright, many of them having the appearance of small 
 lichens ; but they differ in their place of growth, which is always 
 on decayed substances, such as fallen leaves, branches, etc., some 
 even on the naked ground. 
 
 Groats. {See Oats.) 
 
 Ground Nut. {See Earth Pea.) 
 
 Groundsel {Senecio vulgaris), an annual of the Composite 
 family (Compositae), native of this country. One of the 
 common pest weeds of all cultivated ground. Sold in the 
 streets of London as green food for cashed birds. 
 
GUAVA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 201 
 
 Gru-Gru Palm. {See Macaw Palm.) 
 
 Guaco (Mikania Guaco), an opposite -leaved climber of the 
 Composite family (Compositse), having numerous flower-heads, 
 each consisting of only four florets. It is common throughout 
 tropical America, and is famed as a cure for snake-bites. The 
 name Guaco is also applied to species of Aristolochia (see Birth- 
 wort) and other climbing plants, which are likewise believed 
 to cure snake-bites. Although this has been known since the 
 time of Humboldt, there has, however, not been much evidence 
 in proof of its efiicacy ; but in a recent communication to Sir 
 Joseph Hooker from Mr. White, who has resided loug in New 
 Grenada, he says that when quickly and properly applied, both 
 inwardly and outwardly, it is known to prevent fatal results. 
 
 Guarana, the name of a substance in Brazil prepared from 
 the seeds of Paullmia sorbilis, a strong -growing, wing -leaved 
 climber of the Soapberry family (Sapindacea^), native of Brazil, 
 principally the region of the Amazon. The fruit is a pear- 
 shaped, three -sided, three -celled capsule, each cell containing a 
 solitary seed, half enveloped in a somewhat thick aril. The 
 Indians pound the seeds to a meal, which they make into a 
 paste. It is formed into rolls, and when dried becomes hard, 
 and of a dark colour, resembling large sausages. Under the 
 name of Guarana these rolls form an important article of trade 
 to all parts of Brazil. A beverage is prepared by grating about 
 a tablespoonful of the substance from a roll, and placing it in 
 about half a pint of sugar and water. It is greatly used by 
 those employed in laborious work, especially by miners. Its 
 virtue consists in its containing a stimulating principle having 
 properties similar to the theine in tea. 
 
 Guava, the name of the fruit of several species of Psiclmm, 
 a genus of the Myrtle family (JMyrtaceoe), native of the West 
 Indies and tropical America. They are small-sized trees. 
 
 Psidium Guaiava, with the varieties P. 'pomiferum and P. 
 pyriferum, are universally cultivated in most tropical countries. 
 The chief difference is in the shape of their fruits, one being- 
 apple and the other pear shaped, of a yellow colour outside, and 
 
202 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GUAVA 
 
 the pulp red. They are highly esteemed, and come to this country 
 as a preserve under the name of Guava jelly and cheese. 
 
 Guava Berry {Eugenia lineata), a small tree of the Myrtle 
 family (Myrtaceae), native of the island of Tortola. Its fruit is 
 small, and is excellent for dessert. It is likewise used as a 
 preserve, and forms a favourite cordial. 
 
 Guava Real, the name in Nevr Grenada and Panama for 
 Jnga spedctbilis, a tree of the Mimosa section of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosse). It is a large, showy tree, with simple, 
 winoed leaves. It is cultivated for the sake of its pods, which 
 are two or more feet long and three inches broad, and pendulous. 
 The seeds are embedded in a sweet pulp, which is eaten by 
 the natives. Different species of Inga are common throughout 
 the whole of tropical America and the West Indies. The pods 
 of all contain a sweet, mucilaginous, edible pulp. Some kinds 
 are purgative. 
 
 Guelder Rose ( Viburnum Opulus), a stout branching shrub of 
 the Woodbine family (Caprifoliaceae), native of this country, 
 growing generally in hedges. The flowers are produced in flat 
 umbels, the outer series of florets being abortive, and the 
 petals large and white ; but in the cultivated variety the whole 
 of the petals are abortive, and form the well-known snowball 
 flower. 
 
 Guinea Corn {Sorghum vulgar e). — There are many varieties 
 cultivated throughout the tropics. [Bee Millet.) 
 
 Guinea Grass, a name in Dominica ioY Panicum jumentorum, 
 a strong-growing perennial fodder grass. 
 
 Guinea Pepper {Xyloina aromatica), a tall tree of the 
 Custard Apple family (Anonaceae), native of Western tropical 
 Africa. It has pointed, egg-shaped leaves, woolly underneath ; 
 the fruit consists of a number of dry carpels, about two inches 
 in length, which are aromatic and used as pepper, being some- 
 times caUed "Negro Pepper," and by old authors "Piper 
 ^thiopicum." 
 
 Gulfweed, a common name for Sargassum lacciferum, a sea- 
 weed of the Fucus family (Algse). Its cord-like stems rise from 
 
GUM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 203 
 
 a great depth, from the apex of which are produced broad leaves 
 (fronds), wliich float on the surface of the water in such density as 
 to impede the navigation of vessels. It abounds in the meridian 
 of 40° w^est, and between the latitudes of 20° and 45° north, 
 covering the surface of the ocean for 1,000,000 square miles, 
 known as the Sargasso Sea. 
 
 Gum, a general name for sticky matters exuding naturally 
 or by artificial wounds from many different kinds of trees, shrubs, 
 and herbs, of which the following are a few of the principal. 
 They consist of two kinds, those that dissolve in water and have 
 no smell, and those that contain a resin termed Gum-resin, and 
 burn with an aromatic odour, and dissolve in alcohol or other 
 solvents. 
 
 Gum Acaroides. {See Grass Gum Trees.) 
 
 Gum Alk, a gum -resin yielded by Pistaeia TerehintJms, sl 
 small tree of the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiacese), native of 
 North Africa. 
 
 Gum Anime. {See Gum Copal.) 
 
 Gum Arabic. — This is obtained from several species oi Acacia, 
 a genus of the Bean family (Leguminosse). The principal gum- 
 yielding species are A. Seyal, A. arabica, A. nilotica, A. Senegal, 
 and A. Stenocarpa ; with a few exceptions, they are small spiny 
 trees, the first three being found widely dispersed in India, Western 
 Asia, and Central Africa, and the latter in Western Africa. The 
 gum exudes from the trees naturally, or is accelerated by making- 
 incisions in the stems and branches ; it soon hardens, and is then 
 collected. It begins to flow at the commencement of the dry 
 season, which is generally about November. About the middle 
 of December the Moors encamp on the border of the Acacia forest, 
 and the harvest lasts six weeks, during which time the Moors 
 live almost entirely upon the gum. It is highly nutritious ; 
 six ounces of gum are sufficient to support a man , for twenty- 
 four hours. It may be stated that Gum Arabic is collected in 
 localities throughout the whole of Africa, and is conveyed in 
 skins or bags of leather on camels to the ports of the Atlantic, 
 Mediterranean, and the Eed Sea, for shipment to various coun- 
 
204 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GUM 
 
 tries. It is largely imported into this country, the quantity in 
 1880 being 73,926 cwts., valued at £200,375, and used for 
 various purposes in the arts and manufactures, being extensively 
 employed for stiffening and giving lustre to crape, silk, and 
 other woven fabrics. 
 
 Gum, British. {Sec Starch.) 
 Gum Cistus. {See Ladanum.) 
 
 Gum Dragon, a name given in commerce to Gum Traga- 
 canth (which see). 
 
 Gum Elemi. {Sec Jamaica Birch.) 
 Gum Euphorbium. {See Euphorbia.) 
 Gum Guaiacum. {See Lignum Vitae.) 
 Gum Kino {Pterocarpus marsupium), a tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminoste), native of India, which, with P. erinaceus 
 of Western Africa, yields a gum. It is obtained by making 
 incisions in the bark, and is imported for tanning and dyeing. 
 A Gum Kino is also yielded by P. DaTbergioides, a large tree, 
 native of Burmah and the Andaman Islands, where it grows 
 to the diameter of 4 feet. Its wood is hard and similar to 
 mahogany. Butea frondosa and B. sicperha, East Indian legu- 
 minous trees, yield quantities of a reddish-coloured gum-resin, 
 known as Bengal Kino. {See Pulas.) 
 Gum Senegal. {See Gum Arabic.) 
 
 Gum Tragacanth {Astragalus gummifei), a harsh, spiny, 
 low, wing-leaved leguminous shrub, native of desert and moun- 
 tainous regions of Western Asia. A gum issues from the stem 
 and branches spontaneously, and forms an article of commerce. 
 It is used in the arts as a substitute for glue. Tragacanth is 
 also produced in some of the Greek islands and other parts by 
 several allied species of Astragalus. 
 Gum Trees. {Sec Eucalyptus.) 
 Gunjah. {See Hemp.) 
 Gunny-bags. {See Jute.) 
 
 Gutta-percha {Dichopsis gutta), a tree of the Star Apple 
 family (Sapotaceae), attaining a height of from 60 to 70 feet. 
 It has smooth, ovate, entire leaves, of a rusty-brown colour on 
 
HARD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 205 
 
 tlie under side. It is a native of the Malayan Peninsula, Borneo, 
 and other islands. It contains a milky juice, which forms Gutta- 
 percha. This substance came into special notice in 1845, and 
 its important uses soon became obvious, and led to a great 
 demand for the article, to meet which the natives cut down the 
 trees. It is consequently now extinct in Singapore, from whence 
 it was first obtained ; and if precaution is not taken by Govern- 
 ment it will in time become extinct in other localities. The 
 numerous uses to which Gutta-percha is applied are well known ; 
 the most important is for covering the electric wires of telegraph 
 cables, it being a perfect insulator, and it is also said to be inde- 
 structible under water. A number of other trees of this family 
 yield Gutta-percha in varying abundance and quality. The best 
 is obtained from Mimuso]JS glohosa, a large tree, native of British 
 Guiana, and apparently also of Surinam, and called BaUata. It 
 is imported in fluctuating quantities from British Guiana, and con- 
 sidered equal to the best Gutta-percha of the East. The total 
 quantity imported in 1880 was 63,334 cwts., valued at £529,452. 
 
 Hag or High Taper. {Sec Mullein.) 
 
 Hand-flower Tree (Cheirostemon flatanoides), a large tree 
 of the Silk Cotton family (Bombacese), a native of Guatemala, 
 but first known by a single tree of great size growing near the 
 city of Mexico. It has a soft-wooded stem and heart-shaped lobed 
 leaves, and is remarkable for the stamens being flesh-coloured, 
 and so united and turned to one side of the flower that they 
 bear some resemblance to an infant's hand, hence its name. 
 
 Hard or Goat Grass, the name given to species of jEyilops, 
 of which there are six recorded as natives of the South of 
 Europe. They are annual grasses of dwarf habit and harsh 
 nature, and although extremely unlike wheat, they are neverthe- 
 less, according to the Darwinian theory of the origin of species, 
 supposed to have during the lapse of time, either by natural 
 agency or artificial cultivation, assumed the character of culti- 
 vated wheat. This is in some degree proved by experiments 
 carried on for a number of years by M. Eabre in France, and in 
 this country by the Agricultural Society in their College Garden 
 
206 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR XAMES HARE 
 
 at Cirencester, regarding which, in a report, it is stated that ^. 
 ovata was sown in a plot in 1854. Seeds were taken and sown 
 in different parts of the garden, and their progeny were from 
 year to year carefully re-sown, and the crop for 1860 had many 
 specimens upwards of 2 feet high, and with spikes of flowers 
 containing as many as twelve spikelets. If wheat really origin- 
 ated from j^gilops ovata, it must have done so in very early 
 times, as we read of wheat in the time of Jacob 3600 years 
 0,00 ; also, wheat grains are found in the prehistoric lake-cities of 
 Switzerland. 
 
 Hare's-foot Fern {Davallia canariensis), a multifate fronded 
 fern. It derives its name from the rhizome being covered with 
 soft grey scales, giving it the appearance of a hare's foot. It is 
 a favourite with amateur fern-cultivators. ^Being a native of 
 Madeira and the Canary Islands, it requires greenhouse pro- 
 tection in winter. 
 
 Haricot Bean. {See Kidney Bean.) 
 
 Hassagay Tree {Curtisia faginea), a middle-sized tree of 
 the Dogwood family (Cornacese), a native of South Africa. It 
 is especially important for its wood, of which the Kafirs and 
 other native tribes form their spears, termed hassagays, or assa- 
 gays, which in their hands form such formidable weapons, as 
 shown by their effects in the late Zulu war. 
 
 Hawthorn, or Quick {Crataegus Oxyacantlia). — This well- 
 known hedge-tree belongs to the Apple family (Pomacese), and 
 is a native of most parts of Northern Europe and Asia. When 
 grown singly it attains a height of 20 or more feet, and lives 
 to a great age. It is, however, principally used for forming 
 hedge fences. There are several varieties, distinguished by the 
 colour of their fruit, and in having single or double flowers. 
 The common white May is sweet-smelling ; but the variety vdth 
 scarlet flowers has a disagreeable odour. The Glastonbury 
 Thorn is a variety which flowers in early spring, or even at 
 Christmas, if the w^eather is mild. In this country the berries 
 are called Haws. C. aronia is a bushy species, ha"sdng a red 
 fleshy fruit larger than the preceding. It is a native of Soutliern 
 
HEATHER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 207 
 
 Europe and Western Asia, and is common about Jerusalem, 
 especially on the Mount of Olives, where its fruit is collected 
 for preserves. 
 
 Hay. — In this country various grasses are cultivated for Hay, 
 the principal being Lolium perenne, L. italicum, Phleum pra- 
 tense, Foa pratense, Cynosurus cristatus, and other fodder grasses 
 that grow spontaneously in pasture lands ; also, Anthoxanthum 
 odoratum, the sweet-scented vernal grass. It is this that con- 
 tains the principle called Coumarin, which imparts the smell to 
 new Hay. 
 
 Hazel and Filbert Nuts {Conjhts Avellana), a bushy shrub of 
 the Oak family (Cupuliferse), throwing up straight rod-like stems, 
 growing wild in woods throughout this country, as also in the 
 temperate parts of Europe, as well as in Western and Northern 
 Asia. The specific name Avellana is derived from the name of 
 a place in Italy, where large quantities are grown for exporta- 
 tion. The great supply of the finest nuts comes from Spain, 
 and are called Barcelona Nuts. About 140,000 bushels are 
 recorded to have been imported before 1870, the quantity had 
 then increased to 294,236 bushels. 
 
 Heart's-ease. {See Violet.) 
 
 Heather, also called Ling, names in Scotland for the common 
 heath {Erica \Calluna\ vulgaris), a small-leaved shrub, the type of 
 the Heath family (Ericaceae). It covers extensive tracts of hills 
 and moors in this country, and also more especially in Scotland. 
 It is also abundant in many other parts of Europe, and is highly 
 important as a fodder plant for cattle, especially in winter. It 
 is, however, astringent, and not very nutritive ; and it is said to 
 impart a red colour to the milk of cows, and that the flesh of 
 sheep fed on it is richer than that of those fed on grass alone. 
 Moor-fowl feed on the young shoots. Heather forms an import- 
 ant article in the domestic and rural economy of the people, 
 being employed for thatching and lining houses. Layers of heath 
 are also used as beds, as well as for making brooms, scrubbing- 
 brushes, ropes, baskets, and the like. The young tops yield 
 a yellow dye, which gives colour to woven fabrics. The flowers 
 
208 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HEATHS 
 
 of the common heath, as well as of three other native species, 
 abound in honey, and are much frequented by bees ; and it is 
 the custom of bee-keepers in many parts, about the month of 
 Auo-ust, to convey their hives to the heath districts and to remain 
 during the flowering season. The honey produced is dark, and 
 of a peculiar flavour. 
 
 Heaths, a common name for the species of Erica, the type 
 of the family Ericaceae. They consist of small bushy shrubs, 
 seldom exceeding 6 to 8 feet high, all having small leaves, and 
 various-coloured, tubular, globose, urceolate or campanulate 
 flowers. About 500 species are described in books ; but many 
 are hybrids raised in gardens in this country, some of which are 
 of extreme beauty, and prizes are offered for the best cultivated 
 and the most showy at horticultural exhibitions. The greater 
 mass of the species are natives of South Africa, of which about 
 200 were cultivated at Kew a few years ago. They are sparingly 
 represented in the northern hemisphere, ten being found in 
 Europe, of which six are native of Britain, and two extend to 
 Western Syria, one only being found in North America. In 
 Algeria E. arhorea and E.midtiflora are common on the mountains. 
 
 Hedgehog Thistle, the common name of a considerable 
 number of species forming the section or genus Echinocactus of 
 the Cactus family (Cactaceae). The greater number are natives 
 of Mexico. Their stems consist of round or oblonc^ masses of 
 
 o 
 
 succulent matter, with numerous ridges, on which are produced 
 many clusters of straight or crooked spines of various sizes. 
 In 1846 two plants were received at Kew from St. Luis Potosi, 
 in Mexico, one measuring 4|- feet in height, and 2| feet in 
 diameter, weighing 713 lbs. ; the other 9 feet in height, rather 
 more than 3 feet in diameter, and weidnnGj about one ton. This 
 species has received the name of E. xisnaga, on account of its 
 stiff spines having been used as tooth-picks. It is calculated 
 that the number of spines on the smaller plant was 17,600, and 
 on the larger 51,000. An allied species is E. Staincsi, of which 
 plants were received at Kew 4 to 5 feet high. In the high 
 plains of Mexico, where water is scarce, the Echinocacti supply 
 
HEMLOCK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 209 
 
 drink to herds of cattle. Although the juice is slimy, it is 
 nevertheless valued for its cooling antifebrile qualities by the 
 Indians. Cattle, especially mules, are very clever in breaking 
 up the cacti with their hoofs, and sucking the juice. 
 
 Heliotrope, a familiar name for Heliotropmm iwruvianum, 
 native of Peru, a shrub of the Sebesten family (Cordiaceii)), intro- 
 duced to this country about the middle of the last century, and 
 has become a general favourite on account of its peculiar smell, 
 and is known by the name of Cherry-pie. It is also called 
 Peruvian Turnsole, but it is not the true Turnsole (which see). 
 
 Hellebore, Black {Hellehorus niger), Stinking {H. fmtidus), 
 Green (.ff.m?'^^), strong perennial-rooted plants of the Buttercup 
 family (Eanunculacese). The leaves are palmate or pedate, and 
 Avith the flower-stalks do not rise more than a foot in height. 
 The Black or Christmas Eose, as its name implies, flowers in 
 December, and is conspicuous at that season for its large white 
 flowers, which are produced on short foot-stalks. It is a native 
 of Southern and Eastern Europe. The root is black, and 
 about as thick as the finger. They have been held in high 
 repute, in ancient as well as in modern times, for the cure of 
 many diseases, being a strong drastic purgative, but dangerous 
 when used in over-doses. 
 
 Hellebore, White ( Veratrum album), a perennial herb of the 
 Colchicum family (Melanthacese), native of some parts of 
 Europe, especially in Alpine regions. It has broad elliptical 
 pointed leaves, with prominent longitudinal veins, and a flower- 
 stem rising to a height of 3 to 4 feet, bearing panicles of 
 greenish-white flowers. The roots are thick and fleshy, of a 
 poisonous nature, and though sometimes used medicinally, are 
 not of much repute m this country. 
 
 Hemlock {Conium maculatum), a biennial of the Carrot and 
 Fennel family (Umbelliferee), common in this country, growing 
 in waste places, hedges, and roadsides. It has a hollow stem 
 marked with reddish spots, rising sometimes to a height of 3 
 or 4 feet, bearing umbels of white flowers, and much-divided, 
 parsley-like leaves, the whole of a pale-green colour, with a 
 
 p 
 
210 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HEMLOCK 
 
 nauseous smell when bruised. The plant is poisonous in the 
 highest degree, the most active part being the fruit. In medi- 
 cine it is called Coniu^n, and is beneficial in some diseases, when 
 properly administered. 
 
 Hemlock Spruce. {See Fir Trees.) 
 
 Hemlock, Water. {See Cowbane.) 
 
 Hemp (Cannabis sativa), an annual plant of the Nettle 
 family (Urticacese), found wild in Northern India and the 
 western parts of Asia; but generally cultivated in temper- 
 ate and warm regions. It attains an average height of from 8 
 to 10 feet, but sometimes exceeds the latter. Its fibre is the 
 Hemp of commerce, imported to this country from many parts, 
 the total quantity in 1880 being 1,320,731 cwts. (£1,874,231), 
 the greatest supply being from Eussia, and the finest from Italy. 
 It is the principal material of which ropes, ships' cables, and 
 door mats are made, and when woven is known as canvas, and 
 is made into ships' pails, sacks, etc. In India the dried plant 
 is known by the names of Gunjah and Bhang. Gunjah is 
 smoked like tobacco ; Bhang is macerated in water and made 
 into a drink : both are stimulating and intoxicating. A resin is 
 collected from the plant, called Churras, in which the properties 
 of Gunjah and Bhang are concentrated. It is collected by 
 coolies, who run violently amongst the plants, the resin sticking 
 to their bodies, or to skins with which they are purposely 
 clothed. The resin, when used in small quantities, produces 
 pleasant sensations; but, if taken in excess, leads to insanity. 
 The seeds are used for feeding cashed birds. 
 
 Hemp, African, or Bowstring (Sanseviera guineensis), a plant 
 of the Lily family (Liliaceee), native of tropical Africa, having 
 strap-shaped leaves 2 to 4 feet long, and 2 to 3 inches wide. S. 
 Roxhurghiana, a native of India, has flat leaves similar to the 
 last ; but in S. angolensis, native of Western tropical Africa, the 
 leaves are cylindrical, and about 1 inch in diameter. The leaves 
 of these plants contain much fibre, which is used for making 
 ropes, and it is stated that the latter produces the best kind of 
 fibre for deep-sea soundings and dredorinc? lines. 
 
HENBANE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 211 
 
 Hemp, Canada (Apocynum cannahimim), a perennial herb 
 of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceic), native of North America, 
 having running roots from which rise numerous erect branching 
 stems 2 to 3 feet high, which contain strong fibre, of which the 
 Indians make twine, fishing-nets, bags, and lines, and even a 
 woven fabric like linen. A. androscemifoliitm^ an allied species, 
 also contains fibre. 
 
 Hemp, Kentucky. — Urtica canadensis and U. cannahina, 
 strong-growing perennial herbs of the Nettle family (Urticacese), 
 natives of Canada and the Northern United States. They con- 
 tain a strong fibre, which is known by the name given above. 
 
 Hemp, Manilla, the fibre of Micsa textilis, a perennial of the 
 Plantain and Banana family (Musacese), native of the Philippine 
 Islands, where it is largely cultivated in groves, and attains a 
 height of 20 to 30 feet. It is also cultivated in India and other 
 countries for its fibre, which is obtained by hand labour, and 
 when dressed consists of two qualities. The finer is made into 
 beautiful shawls, and the coarser into ropes. In 1880 over 
 407,000 cwts. were imported to this country alone. 
 
 Hemp, Sunn, a name in India for the fibre of Crotalaria 
 juncea, a branching shrub of the Bean family (Leguminosae), 
 native of India. It grows from 8 to 12 feet high, with simple 
 white downy leaves and pretty yellow flowers, but when grown 
 under cultivation the seeds are sown so thickly that the plants 
 rise with a single unbranched stem. When perfect they are cut 
 and put in water for two or three days, which loosens the fibre 
 from the bark and wood. The fibre is then cleaned by beating 
 and washing. It is very strong, and made into ropes, canvas, etc. 
 
 Hemp, Jubbulpore (Crotalaria tenuifolia), a plant closely 
 allied to the preceding. 
 
 Henbane {Hyoscyamus nigei'), an annual or biennial, erect, 
 weedy plant of the Nightshade family (Solanace*), with soft 
 broad leaves, growing both in cultivated and waste places. The 
 biennial kind is much valued in medicine, the chief preparation 
 being an extract of the leaves, which is used in the place of 
 opium, also by oculists for dilating the pupil of the eye. 
 
212 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HENNA 
 
 Henna. {See Campliire.) 
 
 Herb Christopher. {See Banebeny.) 
 
 Herb of Grace. {See Eue.) 
 
 Herb of Patience (Bumex Patientia), a strong-growing per- 
 ennial of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), native of Italy. 
 It is cultivated in this country and used as spinach, as also in 
 
 France. 
 
 Herb of St. Martin, a name very general in tropical 
 America and the West Indies for Sauvagesia erecta, an annual 
 or biennial herb of the Violet family (Violaccce). Its leaves are 
 alternate, lanceolate, mucilaginous, and eaten as spinach. They 
 are considered diuretic, and in Brazil are used in affections of 
 the eye. 
 
 Hercules' Club {Zanthoxylum clava-Herculis), a tall, rough- 
 stemmed tree, with winged leaves, of the Bean Caper family 
 (Zanthoxyllacea3). Its w^ood is yellow, and is a useful timber. 
 In young trees the stems are very prickly, and from them walking- 
 sticks are made and sold under the name of West Indian Briar. 
 
 Hickory Nut {Carya alba), a large tree of the Walnut family 
 (Juglandaceae), native of North America, yielding the white 
 hickory nut, which is eaten in large quantities in the United 
 States, and occasionally imported into this country. 
 
 Hinau, the name in New Zealand for Elmocaiyus Hinau, 
 a tree attaining a height of 40 to 60 feet, and a diameter of 3 
 to 4 feet. It belongs to the Lime Tree family (Tihacese), and 
 produces a hard white timber, but is not much valued on account 
 of being apt to split. The pulp of the fruit is eaten by the 
 natives, and the bark they use as a black dye. 
 
 Hing, a common name in India for Asafoetida (which see). 
 
 Hog-gum {Symjplionia globulifera, better known as Mo7'onohea 
 coccmea), a lofty tree, 80 to 100 feet high, belonging to the Gam- 
 boge family (Guttiferse), native of the West Indies and many 
 parts of tropical America. By incisions it yields a gum of the 
 consistency of Burgundy pitch, obtained in considerable quan- 
 tities. In Jamaica it is known as Hog-gum, on account, it is 
 said, of hogs rubbing themselves against it as it issues from the 
 
HOLLYHOCK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 213 
 
 trees. Under old trees it is found in lumps measuring G to 8 
 inches in diameter. It is inflammable, and burns witli an 
 aromatic odour. In South America torches are made of it. It 
 is used medicinally in many ways for outward application, and 
 also for pills as a substitute for balsam of copaiba. 
 
 Hog-plum of Jamaica {Spondias lutca), a tree of the Cashew 
 Nut: family (Anacardiacese), attaining a height of 40 to 50 feet, 
 in general appearance resembling the common ash tree of this 
 country. It is commonly cultivated in Jamaica for the sake of 
 its fruit, wliich is of an oval shape and yellow colour, having 
 flesh resembling the common plum. It is not much appreciated, 
 but is used for feeding swine. 
 
 Holly {Ilex aqidfolium), the type of the Holly family (Aqui- 
 foliaceae). The common green - leaved Holly is a native of 
 Middle and Southern Europe, as also of this country. It some- 
 times attains a height of 30 or 40 feet, and has white wood, 
 which is held in repute by cabinetmakers and turners. It is 
 often blackened so as to resemble ebony, and is then used for 
 making teapot and knife and fork handles. Bird lime is made 
 from its bark. It is much planted as an ornamental tree, as 
 well as for forming hedges, the numerous gold and silver leaved 
 varieties being obtained by cultivation. Although its berries 
 afford abundance of food for birds, they are nevertheless poison- 
 ous, fatal cases having been recorded through children eating 
 them. The use made of holly and other evergreens for ornament- 
 ing churches and dwelling-houses at Christmas is well known, 
 but the origin of the custom is uncertain ; it is said to have been 
 practised by the Druids. It was a custom with the Eomans to 
 send sprigs of holly with their gifts to their friends during the 
 Saturnalia, as an emblem of good wishes. This was adopted by 
 the early Christians, and the first record of its having been 
 practised in England is in the reign of Henry VI. 
 
 Hollyhock (Althea rosea), a strong-growing single-stemmed 
 biennial of the Mallow famUy (Malvaceae), a well-known showy 
 garden plant, native of China, of which there are many varieties 
 patronised by florists. Of late years Hollyhocks have been 
 
214 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HOLY 
 
 attacked by a mildew fungus called Puccinia malvaceariim, which 
 blackens the leaves, and the plants die, causing great pecuniary 
 loss to nurserymen. No cure has yet been found for this pest. 
 
 Holy Grass {HierocMoa horealis), a strong perennial grass, 
 native of many parts of Northern Europe, and in consequence 
 of its being found in Caithness-shire is recorded as a native of 
 Britain. It is a sweet-smelling grass ; and in Germany is strewed 
 before the doors of churches on festivals, and is therefore called 
 Holy Grass. 
 
 Hominy Meal. {See Maize.) 
 
 Honey-berry of Europe. {See Nettle Tree.) 
 
 Honey-berry of Guiana [Melicocca hijiiga), a tree of the 
 Soapberry family (Sapindaceae), native of Guiana, where it 
 forms large forests. It is also a native of New Grenada, and 
 has become common in most of the West Indian Islands. In 
 Jamaica it is called Genip tree, and attains a height of 40 to 
 60 feet, and a circumference of 4 to 5 feet. It produces numerous 
 egg-shaped fruits about an inch to an inch and a half in length, 
 the pulp having an agreeable vinous somewhat aromatic flavour. 
 
 Honey-flower {Melianthus major), a soft-wooded shrub be- 
 longing to the natural order Sapindacese, with large, unequal, 
 winged glaucous leaves, having a strong odour of pea-meal. 
 The flowers are of a dark-brown colour, produced on terminal 
 racemes a foot or more in length, containing a large quantity of 
 sweet glutinous fluid-like honey, which is collected by the 
 natives of Cape Colony, where the plant is native. 
 
 Honey -flowers. — In general the flowers of plants contain 
 honey in greater or less quantity, some in such abundance that 
 it can be collected, and this is particularly the case with Protea 
 mellifera, a pretty flowering shrub of the Protea family (Pro- 
 teacese), native of the Cape of Good Hope ; its flowers are formed 
 in a large involucre, which contains a sweet watery liquor, and 
 is collected and considered of great use in coughs and pulmonary 
 affections. 
 
 Honeysuckle, Australian, a name given in Australia to 
 Banksia austmlis and other species, smaU trees of the Protea 
 
HORNBEAM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 215 
 
 family (Proteaceae). They are called Honeysuckles on account 
 of tlieir flowers being full of a sweet liquid like honey, wliich is 
 sucked by the natives ; it is so abundant in B. ericifolia and B. 
 Cunninghamii that when in flower the ground underneath large 
 cultivated plants is in a complete state of puddle ; bees and 
 wasps become intoxicated, and many lose their lives in it. 
 
 Honeysuckle, Common. {See Woodbine.) 
 
 Hop {Humidus Lwpulus), a well-known perennial plant of 
 the Hemp family (Cannabinacese), found wild in the eastern 
 parts of Europe, and known to the ancients. It is now generally 
 cultivated throughout Europe ; it was introduced into England 
 about 300 years ago. The female flowers consist of leafy cone- 
 like catkins (strobili) of a light colour, which are called Hops, 
 and are well known as giving the best bitter to beer. The plant 
 is extensively cultivated, more especially in Kent, where the 
 finest Hops are produced. Like its congener Hemp, Hop is a 
 good fibre plant, and in Sweden the manufacture of Hop yarn 
 and linen has long been an established branch of industry. 
 
 Hornbeam, Common {Carpinus Betulus), a small bushy tree 
 of the Oak family (CupuliferEc), native of Europe, North 
 America, and the Levant. Its wood is white, hard, heavy, 
 very close-grained and tenacious ; it is used for many domestic 
 purposes where large timber is not required. It makes an 
 excellent hedge plant, bears pruning and clipping, and in age 
 becomes very stiff. 
 
 Hornbeam, Hop {Ostrya vulgaris), a tree of the Oak family 
 (Cupuliferse), attaining a height of 30 or 40 feet, native of 
 Southern Europe and North America. In general appearance 
 it is similar to the Common Hornbeam, but it is readily dis- 
 tinguished by its female catkins consisting of blunt scales, which 
 are closely imbricate, and when perfect are white, resembling 
 the female catkin of the hop, but it contains no bitter principle. 
 As a tree it possesses no special properties, except that it is 
 ornamental, especially when loaded with its white catkins. A 
 fine specimen more than 100 years old is to be seen in the 
 original part of the Botanic Garden, Kew. 
 
216 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HORSE 
 
 Horse Gram, also called Kooltee, names in India for Dolichos 
 Uflorus, a trifoliate -leaved annual of the Bean family (Legu- 
 minosse). It is cultivated for its pods, wliicli are flat, and curved 
 in the form of a sickle, and are used for feeding cattle. 
 
 Horse-radish (CocliUaria Armoracia), a strong-rooted peren- 
 nial of the Cabbage family (Crucifer^e), in general cultivation 
 for its pungent roots, which form a universal condiment with 
 roast beef Although cultivated in private and market gardens 
 in this country, the supply is far short of the demand, and large 
 hogsheads of it are annually imported from Germany. 
 Horse-tails. {See Dutch Eushes.) 
 Hounds' Tree. (See Dogwood.) 
 
 House-leek [SemiJervivum teciorum), a well-known domestic 
 plant of the family Crassulaceae, often seen growing on the 
 roofs of cottages and outhouses. In Ireland it is regarded as a 
 charm, the patch of House-leek on the house being considered a 
 safeguard against fire, and conveying to the poor inhabitants a 
 feeling of great security. In Scotland it is called Fuet, which 
 is a name also given to other similar fleshy-leaved plants, and 
 which seems to agree with the word phut, or phyt, the Greek 
 for a " plant." It is a common remedy for the cure of warts 
 and corns, and is also a rustic remedy for ringworm. 
 
 Humble-plant {Mimosa imdica), a small spiny plant of the 
 Mimosa section of the Bean family (Leguminosse), originally a 
 native of tropical America, but now become indigenous through- 
 out the tropics ; its leaves are subdigitate, consisting of generally 
 3 to 4 pinnae, which are pinnate, the pinnules small, numerous, 
 and the whole highly sensitive, collapsing on being touched or 
 shaken, and on that account cultivated in hothouses as a 
 curiosity. An allied species is Mimosa sensitiva, the sensitive 
 plant, native of Brazil. It is also a spiny plant, but difi'ering 
 in the leaves being conjugate pinnate, each pinna bearing two 
 pairs of ovate leaflets, which are sensitive, but less so than in the 
 preceding species. A specimen of this, cultivated at Kew, formed 
 a spiny bush 2 to 3 feet high, and apparently a cHmber. 
 
 Humiri, the name in Brazil for a fragrant balsam obtained 
 
HYACINTH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 217 
 
 from Humirium halsamifera and H. floribundicm, trees of the 
 Hiimiriad family (Hiimiriacese), natives of Brazil and Guiana ; 
 they attain a height of 30 to 40 feet, having a thick bark, 
 which when wounded yields a reddish balsamic juice smelling 
 like storax, which hardens and becomes brittle ; it is then burnt 
 as a perfume. It is also used medicinally for various complaints, 
 and the bark is used for flambeaux. The wood is of a red 
 colour and used for house-building, and is called Kedwood. 
 
 Huon Pine {Dacrydium Franldinii), a large tree of the Yew 
 family (Taxacese), native of Tasmania. The wood is very beauti- 
 fully marked, something like bird's-eye maple, and is conse- 
 quently much valued in Tasmania for cabinet-work. 
 
 Hurtleberry, the fruit of Vaccinmm Myrtillus. (See Bil- 
 berry.) 
 
 Husks of Scripture. (See Carob Tree.) 
 
 Hutu, or Futu, the name in Tahiti and other islands for 
 Barringtonia speciosa, a tree of the Anchovy Pear family (Bar- 
 ringtoniacese). It is a large branching tree, attaining a height 
 of 40 to 50 feet, and a girth of 10 to 14 feet; it has large, shining, 
 ovate, elliptical leaves, and bears a profusion of pink flowers. Its 
 fruit is four-sided and pear-shaped, about 3 inches across the 
 middle, and consists of solid fibrous matter, having only one 
 seed. When dry the fruit is used for fisliing-floats. It is a 
 native of the Malayan, Polynesian, and other islands of the 
 Pacific Ocean, growing on the sea-shore. The fruits of this, 
 together with many similar buoyant fruits, are often carried with 
 the cu.rrents in the ocean, and cast on distant shores, where they 
 veo-etate and establish themselves. It is a rare and handsome 
 plant in the hothouses in this country. 
 
 Hya-Hya. (See Cow Tree.) 
 
 Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), native of Syria and other 
 parts of Western Asia. It was introduced into this country 
 before the end of the sixteenth century, and is a favourite sj^ring 
 flowering bulb of the Lily family (Liliacese), there being many 
 single and double varieties of various colours. It is extensively 
 cultivated at Haarlem in Holland, where there are large farms 
 
218 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES HYSSOP 
 
 devoted entirely to the growth of the Hyacinth and other bulb- 
 ous plants for the yearly supply of the market of this and other 
 countries. 
 
 Hyssop {Hyssojpus officinalis), a small shrub of the Mint 
 family (Labiatse), not exceeding 1 to 2 feet in height, native of 
 Southern Europe, introduced more than 300 years ago. A 
 favourite aromatic pot-herb, also used in the form of tea as a 
 cure for colds. 
 
 Hyssop of Scripture. — As the common Hyssop does not grow 
 in Egypt or Palestine it cannot be the Hyssop of Moses, or that 
 which " springeth out of the wall." In my History of Bible 
 Plants I have endeavoured to show that the Hyssop (Esob of 
 Hebrews) of Moses was the name of any common article in the 
 form of a brush or broom, and may be made of any material 
 suitable for such a purpose. For a full account see History of 
 Bible Plants, page 214. 
 
 Ice Plant (^Mesembryanthemitm crystallinnm), a decumbent 
 annual of the Fig Marigold family (Ficoidese), native of the 
 coast countries on both sides of the Mediterranean ; it is also 
 a native of the Canary Islands and the Cape of Good Hope. It 
 was introduced into this country about 150 years ago, and, on 
 account of its leaves glistening like ice on the hottest summer 
 days, has led to its becoming cultivated in many gardens as a 
 curiosity. In countries where it abounds it, with other species, is 
 burned for its ashes, which contain an alkali used in glass-making. 
 Iceland Moss {Cetraria islandica), a foliaceous lichen, grow- 
 ing about 6 inches high, common in boggy moorlands in the 
 northern parts of this country, and throughout Northern Europe 
 generally; it is extensively collected and made into a nutritious 
 jelly for invalids. 
 
 Hang -Hang, the name of a perfume derived from the 
 flowers of Cananga odorata, a large tree of the Custard Apple 
 family (Anonace?e), cultivated in India for its sweet-smelling 
 flowers. It is stated to be a native of Sumatra, and introduced 
 to the Calcutta Botanic Garden in 1797. The perfume is very 
 liighly esteemed in this country. 
 
INDIAN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 219 
 
 Indian Fig. — Opuntia Tuna and 0. Ficus-indica and other 
 species of the Cactus family (Cactacete) have received the 
 names of Indian Figs or Prickly Pears. They are common 
 throughout the tropical and sub-tropical countries of America, 
 and since the discovery of that continent they have become 
 naturalised in Southern Europe, many countries of Africa and 
 Asia, even growing on the old walls of Jerusalem. Their stems 
 when young are fleshy and nearly flat, but in age they become 
 cylindrical, hard, and branched ; the branches consist of oblong 
 fleshy joints, superposed upon one another, smooth or more gener- 
 ally furnished with strong spines. They seldom exceed a height 
 of 10 to 12 feet, but Humboldt says he saw at Cumana "erect 
 Cactee (Cereus) and Opuntias 30 to 40 feet high, 4 feet 9 inches in 
 circumference, and covered with lichens, and the wood becomes 
 so hard from age that it resists for centuries both heat and 
 moisture." They make impenetrable hedges. Their fruits are 
 pear or egg shaped, flat at the top, 2 to 3 inches in length, 
 covered with tufts of small spines, and are of a green, yellow, 
 or red colour ; they are wholesome, and are esteemed for their 
 cooling juice. They abound on the lava slopes of Mount Etna, 
 and are the pioneers of cultivation, their roots penetrating and 
 breaking up the lava ; they naturally decay in time, forming a 
 rich vegetable mould on which vines are planted. The fruit is 
 collected and sold in large quantities in the markets, forming 
 an extensive article of food to the inhabitants. They contain 
 saccharine matter ; their juice is used for colouring confection- 
 ery, and in Mexico a drink called Colinche is prepared from 
 them. The plants grow abundantly in other parts of South 
 Europe and in Algeria, from which place the fruits are imported 
 into this country. When old the fibrous parts of the joints of 
 the stems become hard and firm, and are made into ornamental 
 articles. 
 
 Indian Paper is made from the bark of Daphne cannahina, 
 a small tree of the Spurge Laurel family (Thymelaceoe), native 
 of India, China, and Japan. Also of the bark " of Edgeworthia 
 Gardneri, a shrub or small tree of the same family, native of 
 
220 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES INDIAN 
 
 the Himalaya. Their bark is by a process of manufacture 
 made into sheets about a yard square, remarkable for tough- 
 ness, durability, and freeness from the attack of insects, and 
 it is in general use in India for all purposes to which paper 
 is applied. 
 
 Indian Shot {Canna indica), a well-known ornamental plant 
 of the Arrowroot family (Marantaceas), said to be a native of 
 India, but now indigenous to most tropical countries. It takes 
 its name from the seeds being black and extremely hard, about 
 the size of swan-shot. There are many varieties which are 
 very beautiful summer decorative plants, and much used in 
 what is termed sub-tropical gardening. Canna edulis is culti- 
 vated in the West Indies, its fleshy rhizomes yielding a large 
 quantity of starch, which is used for food known as Tons les 
 mois. 
 
 India-rubber Trees. (See Caoutchouc.) 
 
 Indigo {Indigofera tindoria), a slender twiggy shrub of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosae), with winged leaves, attaining a 
 height of 3 or 4 feet, native of India, and an allied species, 
 I. Anil, native of the West Indies, have become very generally 
 disseminated throughout the tropics and sub -tropics of both 
 hemispheres. To obtain the blue colouring matter known as 
 Indigo the whole plant is immersed in w^ater, where it under- 
 goes fermentation and maceration by heating ; the water is then 
 drawn off and allowed to settle, the blue matter in suspension 
 falls to the bottom, the clear water is then poured away, and the 
 muddy settlement is dried and made into cakes of various 
 sizes. In Jamaica and parts of tropical America its cultivation 
 has been abandoned, India supplying nearly sufficient for the 
 demand, the import in 1880 being 59,873 cwts. (£1,698,374). 
 The recent discovery of the means of preparing artihcial 
 Indigo by a chemical process will no doubt in course of 
 time seriously affect the Indian plantations. Indigo is also 
 obtained from several other plants. 1. In Egypt from 
 Tephrosia Apollinea, and on the Niger from T. toxicaria, slender 
 shrubs of the Bean family (Leguminosi^.), allied to Indigofera. 
 
IPECACUANHA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 221 
 
 The dye is obtained by soaking the plant in water, the same as 
 with true Indigo. T. toxicaria is found in many parts of the 
 tropics, and is employed for poisoning fish; but it does not 
 make them unwholesome. 2. Marsdcnia tindoria, a strong 
 perennial, or rather small shrub, of the Swalloww^ort family 
 (Asclepiadacese), native of Pegu and other parts of Eastern India ; 
 its willow-like leaves macerated in water yield a fine kind of 
 Indigo, and as the plant is permanent, of free growth, and readily 
 propagated from cuttings, it was thought l)y Dr. Roxburgh and 
 others that it might be cultivated to such an extent as to yield 
 a greater quantity of Indigo than is obtained from an equally 
 cultivated extent of the true Indigo plant. 3. Wriglitia tinc- 
 toria, a shrub or small tree of the Dogbane family (Apocy- 
 nacese), native of India. By maceration in water its leaves . 
 yield a kind of Indigo, in Southern India called Pala Indigo. 
 4. Randict aculeata,a shrub of the Cinchona family (Cinchonaceffi), 
 native of the West Indies. In Jamaica it is called Ink 
 Berry, its fruit yielding a kind of Indigo. 5. Polygomtm 
 tinctoi'ium. Indigo of good quality is made from this plant 
 in China and Japan. 
 
 Indigo, Chinese Green. {See Buckthorn.) 
 
 Ink Berry. {See Indigo.) 
 
 Ink Plant. {See Coriaria.) 
 
 Insect Wax. {See Ash and Wax Trees.) 
 
 Iodine, a chemical substance obtained from the alkali of 
 burnt seaweeds, used medicinally as a powerful absorbent. {See 
 Fucus.) 
 
 Ipecacuanha {Oephaelis Tpecacumiha), a small soft-stemmed 
 plant, a foot or more in height, having opposite, ovate, oblong 
 leaves IJ to 2 inches in length, and terminal heads of small 
 inconspicuous flowers. The stems are ca^spitose, rising from a 
 creeping knotty root. It belongs to the Cinchona family 
 (Cinchonaceas), and is a native of the forests throughout Brazil. 
 The roots of this plant are highly valued in medicine in the 
 treatment of dysentery, and as a safe emetic or tonic. From 
 the great demand for these roots it is becoming extirpated 
 
222 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR- NAMES IRIS 
 
 in many parts of Brazil. Attempts have recently been made 
 to introduce it into India and Ceylon, and plants were first 
 sent to Ceylon from Kew in 1848. Since then its cultiva- 
 tion has been tried in different parts of India. The nature of 
 the plant, however, seems to indicate that it would grow better 
 in a wild state than under cultivation. Several other plants are 
 used as substitutes for true Ipecacuanha. 1. Richardsonia rosea 
 and K scabra, strong-rooted perennial decumbent herbs of the 
 Cinchona family (Cinchonaceae), natives of Brazil, where they are 
 called Poaga de Campo. B. rosea is extensively cultivated for 
 the sake of its roots, which come to Europe. R. scabra is known 
 as Wliite I]3ecacuanha. 2. Psychotria emctica, a small tree of 
 the Cinchona family (Cinchonacese), native of Peru, where it is 
 called Striated Ipecacuanha, but it is of an inferior quality to 
 true Ipecacuanha. 
 
 Iris, the botanical name of an extensive genus of herbs, the 
 type of the order Iridacese. The root-stock is a fleshy creeping 
 rhizome, from which rise sword-shaped leaves and flower-stems 
 bearing showy flowers of various colours, all liighly ornamental 
 garden plants. About 100 species are recorded in books, all 
 being natives of the north temperate zone. /. germanica, the 
 common blue Iris, known as Fleur-de-Luce, was the emblem of 
 the French kings. /. florentina, native of the South of Europe, 
 furnishes the bulk of the sweet -smelling Orris-root of per- 
 fumery. The genus is represented in Britain by the common 
 yellow Iris (/. yseudacorus) and /. fmtidissima., known by the 
 name of Stinking Gladwyn. 
 
 Iron-bark. {See Eucalyptus.) 
 
 Ironwood. — Not less than between 20 and 30 different 
 kinds of trees are in various countries called Ironwoods, of which 
 the following are a few : — 
 
 Ironwood, Bourbon {Stadtmannia Sideroxylon), a wing-leaved 
 tree of the Soapberry family (Sapindacese), native of Mauritius 
 and Bourbon. 
 
 Ironwood, Indian (Xylia dolahriformis), formerly Inga 
 Xylocarpa, a lofty straight-stemmed tree, with bipinnate leaves, 
 
ITCH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 223 
 
 belonging to the Bean family (Leguminosse). It attains a 
 large size in the Pegu and Prome forests. Its wood is hard, 
 like ebony. 
 
 Mesua ferrea, a tree of the Gamboge family (Guttiferse), 
 native of India and islands of the Indian Archipelago. It has 
 smooth bark and hard heavy wood. Its flowers are fragrant, 
 and a kind of attar is distilled from them. 
 
 Ironwood, Jamaica {ErytJiroxylon areolatum), a tree of the 
 Coca family (Erythroxylaceae). 
 
 Ironwood, Morocco (Argania Sideroxylon), a small tree of 
 the Star Apple family. {See Argan.) 
 
 Ironwood, Norfolk Island {Notclma longifoUa), a tree of 
 the Olive family (Oleacese), native of Norfolk Island. 
 
 Ironwood, North American, or Lever - wood {Ostrya 
 virginica, also Carjpinus americana), trees of the Oak family 
 (Cupuhferse). 
 
 Ironwood, South African. — Olea undulata and 0. capensis, 
 smaU trees of the Olive family (Oleacese), also Sideroxylon 
 capensG, a tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotace?e). 
 
 Ironwood, Tasmanian and New South Wales {Notelcea 
 ligustrina), a bush of the Olive family (Oleacese), 6 to 8 feet 
 high, but occasionally having a single stem 30 feet high. Its 
 wood is very close and hard, and is used in medicine, and for 
 making pulley-blocks, and for turnery and fancy cabinet-work. 
 
 Ironwood, White [Vep-is lanceolata), a tree of the Paie 
 family (Paitacese), native of Mauritius. 
 
 Ita Palm. (See Miriti.) 
 
 Itch Tree (Oncocarpiis vitie7isis), a tree of the Terebinth 
 family (Anacardiacese), native of the Fiji Islands. It attains 
 a height of 50 to 60 feet, having large oblong leaves and a 
 curious corky fruit, somewhat resembling the seed-shell of the 
 walnut. The whole tree, especially the bark sap, is higlily 
 irritating, a drop falling on the hand imparting the sensation of 
 being touched with a red-hot poker. Dr. Seemann relates an 
 instance of a person having obtained a tree for a flag-staff. In 
 preparing it by peeling, he sat upon the trunk. Shortly after- 
 
224 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES IVORY 
 
 wards he was seized with intolerable itching, first in his legs 
 and soon all over his body ; all became inflamed, breaking out in 
 pustules, emitting a yellow matter with a fetid odour. The 
 itching continued long painful and irritating, and it was nearly 
 two months before he recovered. 
 
 Ivory Nut Palm {PliyteUjiilias macrocarjpa), native of New 
 Grenada and other parts of Central America. The stem is 
 generally 6 to 8 inches in diameter, suberect, decumbent, or even 
 creeping on the ground, bearing a fascicle of pinnate leaves 18 
 to 20 feet long, the pinnae being narrow like those of the date 
 palm. The fruit consists of about forty nuts enclosed in a 
 spathe of a globular form, the size of a man's head, borne on a 
 short foot-stalk issuing from the axis of the leaves, the whole 
 head weighing about 30 lbs. The nuts are about the size of 
 green walnuts, not quite round, covered with a thin pulpy coat, 
 of which a favourite beverage is made by the natives. The nut 
 is very solid, hard, and white, and when polished has the 
 appearance and hardness of ivory. Large quantities are im- 
 ported to this country and the United States, and made into 
 buttons, umbrella-handles, knobs for doors, work-boxes, toys, etc. 
 This plant was at one time classified amongst the palms, but is 
 now put in an order under the name Phytclepliasiece. 
 
 The term Vegetable Ivory is also given to the seeds of 
 Sagiis amicarum, a palm closely allied to the Sago palm, a native 
 of the Friendly Islands. Its nuts are used for the same purpose 
 as the preceding, but are not so hard. 
 
 Ivy [Hedera Helix), the typical representative of the Ivy 
 family (Araliaceee). It is very widely spread through Europe 
 and the temperate countries of Asia to Japan. It is generally 
 found in woods adhering to trees, which it ultimately destroys. 
 It also clings to walls and other buildings, and in some cases is 
 considered ornamental. Although a climber, its stem attains a 
 considerable size, one at Montpellier being ^ feet in girth, and 
 said to be 433 years old. The name Hedera was given to it . 
 by the ancient Romans, and its specific name Helix by LinnaBus 
 on account of its harbouring snails. The whole plant is aro- 
 
JACK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 225 
 
 matic, and a fragrant resin exudes from the old stems when 
 bruised. It was at one time highly valued in medicine, but 
 is now discarded. Its berries afford abundance of food for 
 birds late in the autumn. In ancient mythology the Ivy was 
 dedicated to Bacchus, the God of "Wine, and many reasons are 
 assigned for this. In the Book of Maccabees we read that on 
 the Feast of Bacchus being kept, the Jews were compelled to 
 go in procession carrying Ivy. 
 
 Ivy, Chinese (Parecldtes Thiinhergii), better known in gar- 
 dens by the name of Ehynchospermum jasminoides, a shrub with 
 privet-like leaves, and with sweet-scented jasmine-like flowers. 
 It may be grown as a bush, but its natural habit is to cling to 
 walls like Ivy. 
 
 Ivy, West Indian [Marcgravia umhellata), the type of the 
 small family termed Marcgraviaceae. It is a climbing sub- 
 epiphytal shrub, adhering to trees like Ivy. Its leaves are 
 alternate, oval -oblong, and smooth, those on the ascending 
 stem, lying flat to the tree ; on reaching the top of the tree, 
 numerous leafy branches are produced the same as in common 
 Ivy. Its flowers are produced in umbels of a green colour 
 and of peculiar structure, which makes this family botanically 
 interesting. It is represented in the hothouses at Kew by M, 
 umhellata and Norantca coccinea. 
 
 Jacaranda, a name in Brazil for certain trees of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosee), producing the fancy woods called Yiolet- 
 wood. King-wood, and Tiger- wood. The first two are said to 
 be the woods of species of Dalbergia, and the third that of 
 Machcerium SchomhiirgMi, which is also spoken of as a kind 
 of rosewood (which see). It may here be stated that the 
 botanical names of many of the trees that furnish the fancy 
 woods of commerce have not been clearly determined. 
 
 Jacaranda is also the botanical name of a genus of Brazilian 
 trees of the Trumpet-flower family (Bignoniaceae), of which 
 J. mimoswfolia, J. jjuhescens, and others, are cultivated in our 
 hothouses. 
 
 Jack-fruit {Artocarpus integrifolia), a tree of the Bread- 
 
 Q 
 
226 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES JAGGERY 
 
 fruit family (Artocarpacese), native of tlie Indian and Malayan 
 Archipelagoes, where it is extensively grown for the sake of the 
 fleshy portion of the fruit. It is not so palatable to Europeans 
 as the bread-fruit; it is about the size of a large vegetable 
 marrow, often from 12 to 18 inches in length, and 6 to 8 inches 
 in diameter ; its nuts, which are the true fruits, are roasted and 
 eaten. The taste of these has been compared to the melon and 
 pine -apple combined, but to some the smell is anything but 
 inviting. 
 
 Jaggery Sugar. {See Palm Wine.) 
 
 Jagua Palm, the native name for Maximiliana regia, a 
 noble wing-leaved palm, native of jSTorthern Brazil and the 
 regions of the head -waters of the Orinoco and Amazon. It 
 attains a height of 100 feet, with a head of leaves each 30 
 feet in length. Its inflorescence consists of a dense bunch of 
 small flowers contained in a spathe 5 feet in length, and when 
 open 2 feet wide, much resembling a boat with a long point like 
 a bowsprit. These spathes when dry are hard and rigid, and 
 used for a variety of domestic purposes by the Indians, such 
 as nursing cradles, baskets, and water-vessels. A palm called 
 Inaja by the Indians appears to be the same species as the 
 Jagua. 
 
 Jalap, a well-known purgative medicine, obtained from the 
 tuberous roots of Exogonium imrga, a climber of the Bindweed 
 family (Convolvulacese), native of the mountainous regions 
 of Mexico near Xalapa. hence the name Jalap. Although it has 
 been long prescribed as a purgative medicine under the name of 
 Jalap, its botanical source was not definitely ascertained till 
 about 1830 ; its tuberous roots are roundish and of variable size, 
 the largest being about the size of an orange and of a dark 
 colour; they contain a resinous principle, which is highly 
 purgative. Jalap of inferior qualities is in different countries 
 obtained from many species of Iijomma, an extensive genus of 
 Bindweeds. Ipomcea Orizctbensis furnishes what is called Jalap 
 tops, Orizaba root, or Male Jalap, imported from Mexico as 
 a substitute for true Jalap. /. tuherosa, known in Jamaica as 
 
JELLY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 227 
 
 the Arbour Vine, is also a Jalap-producing plant ; it lias trusses 
 of pretty pink flowers, and grows freely in our hothouses. 
 
 Jambolana [Eugenia Jamholana), a large tree of the Myrtle 
 family (Myrtacese), native of the East Indies. Its wood is hard 
 and durable, and the bark, which is used for dyeing, is astringent. 
 The fruit is about the size of a pigeon's egg, and is eaten. 
 
 Japanese Clover (^Lespedeza striata), a perennial clover-like 
 herb of the Bean family (Leguminosee), native of Japan. It 
 has become naturalised in the Southern States of North America, 
 where it is known by the name of Japan Clover, and is used for 
 feeding horses and cattle. 
 
 Jarool. {See Bloodwood, Indian.) 
 
 Jarrah, a name in New South Wales for the wood of 
 Eucalyptus Marginata, a tall tree of the IMyrtle family (Myr- 
 tacese). 
 
 Jasmine, Common White (Jasminum officinale), a slender- 
 stemmed, wing - leaved, trailing shrub of the Olive family 
 (Oleaceae), supposed to be originally a native of India, but to 
 have become early indigenous in Southern Europe, and it also 
 appears to have been known in this country about the middle 
 of the sixteenth century ; its sweet-smelling white flowers make 
 it a general favourite, and being perfectly hardy, its rambling 
 growth makes it well adapted for covering arbours. J. Samhac 
 is a native of India, generally known by the name of Arabian 
 Jasmine ; it has simple opposite leaves, and white fragrant 
 flowers, of which there are single and double varieties. Allied to 
 the preceding are J. azoricum, native of Madeira, and J. liirsutum, 
 said to be native of China, all well suited for growing on treUises 
 and walls in greenhouses. J. nucliJloru7ii, native of China, is 
 nearly hardy, and is interesting as producing its pretty yellow 
 flowers early in the spring, before the leaves expand. J. grandi- 
 folium is a wing-leaved, large-flowered, fragrant species, native of 
 the East Indies, known by the name of Spanish or Catalonian 
 Jasmine. The flowers of the J. officinale, J. Samhac, and others, 
 yield fragrant oils, known as Oil of Jasmine. 
 
 Jelly Plant of Australia, a name in Australia for Eucheuma 
 
228 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES JERUSALEM 
 
 speeiosum, a plant of the Seaweed family (Fucacese) ; it is gelati- 
 nous, and forms an excellent jelly. 
 
 Jerusalem Artichoke (Eelianthus tuberosus). — It is a strong- 
 rooted perennial of tlie Composite family (CompositiB), having 
 rod -like stems attaining a height of 6 to 10 feet, with 
 alternate broad leaves and solitary terminal yellow flowers. 
 It is said to be a native of Brazil, and was introduced to this 
 country about 250 years ago, and cultivated in gardens 
 for its roots, wdiich are similar to small potatoes, and before 
 potatoes were known they w^ere much used in this country as 
 an article of food. This plant is quite distinct from the true 
 artichoke ; the name has nothing to do w^ith Jerusalem, but is 
 derived from the Italian " Gerasoli articocco," meaning Sun- 
 flower Artichoke. 
 
 Jerusalem Thorn, in Jamaica a name for Parkinsonia 
 aculeata, a bushy, spiny, wing-leaved shrub of the Bean family 
 (Leguniinosse), attaining a height of 10 to 15 feet, common 
 throughout the whole of tropical and sub-tropical America, and 
 has also become naturalised in many parts of the eastern hemi- 
 sphere. It is chiefly used as a hedge plant. 
 
 Jesuit's Bark. {See Cinchona.) 
 
 Jesuit's Tea {Psoralea glandulosa), a trifoHate-leaved bushy 
 shrub of the Bean family (Leguminosse). It is a native of 'Chili, 
 where it is used as tea, but it appears to be more valued for 
 its vermifuge properties as a medicine than as a pleasant 
 beverage. The plant has been introduced to the Mauritius, and 
 has acquired some reputation as a remedy for diseases of the 
 respiratory organs. 
 
 Jew's Ear [Himeola auricula Jucla^), a species of the Fungus 
 family belonging to the Tremellini group. It consists of a dark, 
 soft, cup-shaped body, about the size and resembling the shape 
 of the ear. It is generally found growing on elder trees in damp 
 places. It is considered to possess some medicinal virtues, and is 
 represented in New Zealand by R. polytricha, common through- 
 out that colony on decaying trees. It is largely collected and 
 imported to China, where it is highly prized as a medicine and 
 
JUJUBE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 229 
 
 for use in soups, and is eaten on fast-days. Tn 1878 no less 
 than 838 tons of this fungus were conveyed to China, the value 
 of which is estimated to amount to about £50,000. 
 
 Jew's Mallow {CorcJwrus olitorius), an annual of the Lime 
 Tree family (Tiliaceae), similar in habit to the jute plant, and 
 like it cultivated in India for its fibre. It is also common in 
 Syria and Egypt, where its young sprouts are eaten as a vege- 
 table, like asparagus. It is said to be a favourite with tlie Jews, 
 and hence the name Jew's Mallow. It lias, however, no re- 
 lation to the genus Malva. (See Mallows.) 
 
 Job's Tears (Coix laclwyma), an annual grass, a foot or 
 more in height, native of India. The flowers are few, produced 
 in loose panicles, becoming pendulous with the weight of the 
 seeds, which are oblong globose, about the size of peas, hard and 
 pearly ; they are not only used as beads, but are made into little 
 caskets and such like ornamental articles. 
 
 John Crow's Nose, a name in Jamaica for Pliyllocoryne 
 jamaicensis, a curious fungoid-looking plant of the family Bal- 
 anophoracese, native of Jamaica. It has a lobed root-stock, from 
 which rise the flower-stalks, which are about the thickness of 
 the finger and 3 to 6 inches in length, covered with leafy scales, 
 terminated by an oblong head of inconspicuous flowers, l^o 
 virtue is ascribed to it. 
 
 Judas Tree (Cercis Siliquastriwi), a stiff-branched tree, 
 20 to 30 feet high, of the Bean family (Leguminosfe), with 
 simple deciduous leaves and papilionaceous pink flowers, which 
 are sessile, produced on the old wood and branches of the tree 
 before the leaves appear, giving the tree a remarkable appear- 
 ance. It is common throughout Southern Europe and Western 
 Asia and Japan. The wood is hard, blotchy, and waved, and 
 takes a fine polish. It has been long known by the name of 
 Judas Tree, it being supposed to have been the tree on which 
 Judas hanged himself ; but there is no historical evidence to 
 show that Judas hanged himself on a tree. St. Matthew simply 
 says, " He went out and hanged himself." 
 
 Jujube, the name of the fruits of Zizyplms vulgaris, Z. 
 
230 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES JUNIPER 
 
 mucroncda, and Z. jujuha, stiff-branched, hooked, spiny shrubs 
 or small trees of the Buckthorn family (Ehamnaceee). It 
 is widely distributed throughout Southern Europe, North and 
 West Africa, and Western Asia. According to Pliny, it is not 
 indigenous to Italy, but was introduced in the reign of Augustus 
 and planted on the ramparts of Eome. The fruit is a pulpy 
 drupe of an oval form, about the size of a plum. It is rather 
 acid when fresh, but when dried it is eaten in large quantities, 
 and forms the Jujubes of the shops. They were at one time 
 considered good for coughs, and the lozenges known as jujubes 
 were either made from or flavoured with them. Z. jujuba is 
 common throughout India and China, and yields an excellent 
 dessert fruit, of which in China there are many varieties culti- 
 vated. Z. onucronata is common in many parts of Central 
 Africa, and it is described by Mungo Park as having " small 
 farinaceous berries of a yellow colour and delicious taste." These 
 berries are much esteemed by the natives. By drying and 
 pounding them the farinaceous part is separated from the stone, 
 and made into a kind of bread, which has a flavour resembling 
 gingerbread. The stones are put into water and well shaken ; 
 the farinaceous pulp remaining then separates, and the water 
 becomes sweet, and with the addition of a little millet meal 
 makes an agreeable drink. This was probably identical with 
 the Bhamnus Lotus of Linnseus. There is little doubt that it 
 was the Lotus spoken of by Pliny as furnishing the food of the 
 ancient Libyan people called Lotophagi. This is, however, 
 doubted by some. (See Nettle Tree.) 
 
 Juniper (JunijMrus communis)^, a low bushy shrub of the 
 Cypress section of the Coniferse family, found growing in un- 
 cultivated heathy and rocky places throughout Europe. Its 
 berries are used for flavourinfj oin. 
 
 Juniper Roots of Scripture. {Sec Eetama.) 
 
 Jupati Palm, the native name for Raphia tmdigcra, a noble 
 
 wing-leaved palm, native of the lower valley of the Amazon 
 
 and Orinoco. The wood is used by the natives for the walls of 
 
 their houses, and for many other domestic purposes. An allied 
 
KALE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 231 
 
 species is B. Bvffia, native of Madagascar and ^Mauritius, re- 
 markable for its large fruiting spadices. A specimen in the 
 Kew Museum measures nearly 15 feet in length, and weighs 
 between 200 and 300 lbs. Each fruit is about the size of an 
 egg. The shell consists of closely -imbricated smooth scak'.. 
 which when dry are hard and of a brown colour. The cuticle 
 of the leaves of this palm has of late years been imported into 
 this country in considerable quantities for tying plants, instead 
 of bass, under the name of Eaffia or Eoffia. 
 
 Jute, the fibre of Corcliorus capsularis and C. olitorius, 
 plants of the Lime Tree family (Tiliacese). They are slender- 
 stemmed annuals, attaining a height of 8 to 12 feet, native of 
 and extensively cultivated in India. Originally the fibre was 
 principally used for making gunny-bags for the export of sugar, 
 coffee, etc. Of late years it has become an extensive article of 
 commerce in its raw state to this country, as well as to America, 
 and is manufactured largely into carpets, mats, canvas, and 
 other goods, and is even made into such fine threads as to be 
 woven with silk. Jute in bulk in its raw state is liable to 
 spontaneous combustion, and ship and warehouse fires have 
 resulted from this cause. Its extended use is shown by the 
 imports, which in 1851 were 21,000 tons, and in 1880 4,640,645 
 cwts. 
 
 Juvia. {Sec Brazil Nut.) 
 
 Kaffir Tree {Erythrina caffra), a prickly-stemmed tree of 
 the Bean family (Leguminosae), attaining a height of 50 to 
 60 feet, native of South Africa. Its wood is soft, and its trunk 
 is hollowed out for making canoes, and being light, it is some- 
 times substituted for cork in its native country. 
 
 Kale, Indian. — Caladmm sagittifolium, C. oiymijhcv folium, 
 and Arum divaricatumy species of the Arum family (Aroidete). 
 Their leaves are used as a vegetable in the Fiji and Sandwich 
 Islands. 
 
 Kale, Sea {Crambe maritima), a strong-growing perennial 
 of the Cabbage family (Cruciferae), native of the sea-coasts of 
 this country, especially of the South. It has long been culti- 
 
232 DICTIONARY OF POPULAE NAMES KALMIA 
 
 vated ill gardens, and its young stalks when blanched form in 
 early spring a wholesome vegetable. Kale is also a name given 
 to certain loose-leaved varieties of Cabbage, such as Long 
 Kale, Scotch Kale, etc. 
 
 Kalmia, a familiar botanical name for a genus of beautiful 
 evergreen shrubs of the Heath family (Ericaceae), native of 
 Xorth America, and now common in gardens in this country. 
 K. latifolia possesses the poisonous properties common to many 
 of the Heath family. The honey made from its flowers is 
 poisonous, as also the flesh of game that feed on its berries. In 
 1790 great mortality took place at Philadelphia, which was 
 ascertained to be caused by eating honey from, and game that 
 had fed on, Kalmia berries. The fatality led to a public pro- 
 clamation prohibiting the use of either game or honey. 
 
 Kamala, a name in India for the dust-like hairs that cover 
 the capsules of Mallohts j^hilij^j^i^iensis, better known as Bottler a 
 tindoria, a tree of the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), common 
 throughout the Madras Presidency. When ripe the powder is 
 shaken off the capsules ; it is of a red colour, and forms a con- 
 siderable article of trade in Hyderabad and other parts of the 
 Circars, and is also imported into this country. It is used for 
 dyeing silk a beautiful orange colour, and by a different process 
 produces a scarlet. 
 
 Kambala, a name in Calcutta for Sonneratia apetala, a tree 
 of the Myrtle family (Myrtacese), growing abundantly in the 
 Sunderbunds. Its wood is red, and is chiefly used in Calcutta 
 for making boxes for packing beer and wine, and for house- 
 building. 
 
 Kangaroo Grass (Anthistiria australis), a perennial grass, 
 native of Australia, where it occupies vast tracts, and is exten- 
 sively used for feeding cattle. 
 
 Karaka and Kopi, names given by the natives of Xew 
 Zealand to Corynocaoyus Imvigatus, a handsome tree of the 
 Cashew Nut family (Anacardiacese). It is said to attain a 
 height of 40 to 50 feet, having smooth, broad, laurel-like leaves, 
 with small white flowers in clusters. The fruit is obloni]^, about 
 
KAVA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 233 
 
 the size of a plum, jnilpy, and of a sweetish taste, containing a 
 single seed. The pulp is esteemed by the natives, as is also the 
 seed, but the latter in a raw state is highly poisonous. It is, 
 however, rendered wholesome by being first steamed and tlien 
 buried in the earth for some days ; but even when thus prepared 
 fatal results have arisen. In early times such food as this was 
 used in periods of scarcity. It is, however, now displaced by 
 the introduction of other food plants. 
 
 Kat (Catlia ed'idis), a shrub of the Spindle Tree family 
 (Celastraceae). It attains a height of 10 or more feet, and 
 has rusty-coloured leaves not unlike those of the strawberry 
 tree. It is a native of Yemen and other parts of Arabia, where 
 it is extensively cultivated for its leaves, which have properties 
 similar to those of tea and coffee, and they have been used by 
 the Arabs as such from time immemorial. They are either used 
 for preparing a decoction, or are chewed. They are considered 
 by tlie Arabs highly stimulating, producing wakefulness and 
 hilarity. This tea is brought to Aden in bundles on camels to 
 the amount of 300 camel loads per year. 
 
 Kauri Pine. (Sec Dammar.) 
 
 Kava, or Ava {Pijm- methysticum), a knotted, erect, soft- 
 stemmed shrub of the Pepper family (Piperacese), 8 or 9 feet 
 high, with heart-shaped, dark-green leaves. It is a native of 
 many of the islands of the Pacific, where it is in common use 
 for making a stimulating and intoxicating drink, which is pre- 
 pared by chewing the root and ejecting the saliva into a bowl, 
 varying in size according to the rank and number of the parties 
 for which it is prepared. After a certain quantity of juice is 
 obtained, water is added ; it is then well stirred and strained, 
 when it is fit to drink, and the whole party partake of it. The 
 ladle, as it may be called, is a bunch of tow (fibre of the Paper 
 Mulberry, or of Hibiscus tiliaccits), which is dipped into the liquid 
 and squeezed into the drinking cup. The late Captain Sir Everard 
 Home informed me that he was a guest of a royal banquet at 
 Tonga-ta-boo, and witnessed the whole operation of j)reparing 
 the drink, and that as much etiquette and ceremony is observed 
 
234 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES KAW 
 
 in preparing and drinking the Kava as in the most polite 
 societies of Europe on festive occasions. A royal bowl in form 
 of a boat may be seen in the Museum at Kew. The use of this 
 disgusting drink is said to be rapidly dying out. 
 
 Kaw Tabua, a name in the Fiji Islands for Podocaiyus 
 ciipressina, a tree of the Yew family (Taxacese), common through- 
 out the Indian Archipelago, Philippines, New Hebrides, and 
 Fiji Islands. It is a highly - ornamental tree, having hori- 
 zontal yew-like branches. In Penang and Java it is said to 
 attain a height of 200 feet, and is one of the best timber trees 
 of Java. It was introduced to the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, from 
 Penauf*:, and in 1864 a tree had attained the heioht of 20 feet 
 in the Palm-house. 
 
 Kawaka, a name in Xew Zealand for the Cypress Cedar 
 (Libocedrus Doniana), a tree of the Coniferae family, native of 
 New Zealand. This noble tree attains a height of 60 to 100 
 feet, and 3 to 5 feet diameter. Its wood is of a reddish colour, 
 fine-grained and heavy. It is used for carving and for planks 
 and spars. 
 
 Keklani, a name in the Bengal bazaars for the fruit of 
 Limonia carnosaij), a small tree of the Orange family (Auran- 
 tiace^e). The fruit is the size of a hazel nut ; it is a favourite 
 spice in India. 
 
 Kelp. {See Fucus.) 
 
 Kendal Green {Genista tindoria), a low bushy shrub of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosse), native of Central and Southern 
 Europe ; it is common in England, and has become naturalised 
 in the United States. It is also known by the names of Woad- 
 waxen and Dyer's Green Weed. It yields a yellow dye, but 
 by a mordant becomes a permanent green. This was originally 
 used by the Flemish weavers who settled at Kendal in West- 
 moreland, hence it was called Kendal Green. 
 
 Kentucky Coffee Tree {Gymnodadus canadensis), a large 
 hard -wooded tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having 
 large, compound, deciduous, winged leaves, 3 feet in length and 
 2 feet in width, abundant in the Northern United States and 
 
KINO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 235 
 
 Canada. It has small irregular white flowers. The fruit is a 
 true legume or pod, 6 to 8 inches long by 2 broad, hard and 
 flattened, containing flattish seeds embedded in pulp. In Ken- 
 tucky and Tennessee the seeds were in early times used as a 
 substitute for coffee, hence the name Kentucky Coffee Tree, 
 but their use was given up on true coffee becoming easily ob- 
 tainable. In favourable localities the tree attains a height of 
 50 to 60 feet, with an average diameter of 1 to 2 feet, frequently 
 destitute of branches for the first 30 feet, covered with a rough 
 scaly bark, which becomes loosened and rolled up in strips, 
 giving to the tree a remarkable appearance. It is extremely 
 bitter and saponaceous, forming a froth on water like soap. Its 
 timber is hard, and used for many purposes. In the original 
 arboretum at Kew there is a good example of this tree, which 
 in 1864 was a hundred years old, being one of a collection of 
 trees presented by the then Duke of Argyle to George III. on 
 the establishment of the Gardens. In summer its fine foliage 
 forms an important feature, but in winter its thick rigid branches 
 give it the appearance of being a dead tree. 
 
 Kermes. {See Oak.) 
 
 Ketchup. {See Mushrooms.) 
 
 Kidney or French Beans {Phaseolus vulgaris), an erect dwarf 
 annual, supposed to have been originally a native of Western 
 Asia, now universally cultivated for the sake of its young pods. 
 There are numerous varieties, one of which is called Haricot ; 
 the dried beans of this variety form a considerable article of 
 food in France and Italy, and are sometimes used in this 
 country. In the first year of the potato famine (1847), 1200 
 quarters of Haricot beans were imported from America. 
 
 King Cups. {See Bulrush.) 
 
 Kinka Oil ( Verno7iia anthebmntica), an annual herb of 
 the Composite family (Compositse), common in many parts of 
 India. Its seeds by pressure yield a solid green oil, possessing 
 valuable properties, which promise to make it of considerable 
 value in the arts. 
 
 Kino, Gum. {See Gum Kino.) 
 
236 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES KIPPER 
 
 Kipper Nuts. {See Earth Chestnut.) 
 
 Knapweed. {See Bluebottle.) 
 
 Koa, a name in the Sandwich Islands for a species of 
 Acacia called A. Koa, but more probably A. heterophylla.. A 
 tree of moderate height, and a foot and a half or more in dia- 
 meter. It is an extremely handsome dark wood, with shades of 
 lighter colour, and beautifully mottled ; boxes or chests are 
 sometimes made of it. 
 
 Kokoon {Kokoona zeylanica), a native name in Ceylon of 
 a lofty tree of the Hippocratea family. The bark is yellow and 
 corky, and is made into a kind of snuff, and used by the 
 Cingalese ; it excites copious secretions, and is considered bene- 
 ficial in headache. Its seeds yield a lamp oil. 
 
 Kokra-wood {Ajwrosa [Zejndoslachys] Boxbargliii), a tree of 
 the Spurgewort family (Euphorbiace^), with simj^le laurel-like 
 leaves, native of India. The w^ood is used for many purposes. 
 
 Koot. {See Costus.) 
 
 Kotukutuki, name in Kew Zealand for Fuchsia excorticataj 
 a tree of the Evening Primrose family (Onagracese). It attains 
 a height of 10 to 30 feet. Its wood is durable and well 
 adapted for house-building, and by using iron as a mordant 
 forms various-coloured dyes, even to black. 
 
 Kumquat {Citrus japonica), a small tree of the Orange 
 family (Aurantiacese), native of Japan and China. In Chusan 
 it occupies extensive slopes of hills, bearing abundance of yellow 
 fruit, which when ripe presents a very grand appearance. The 
 fruit is preserved in jars, and forms an important export. The 
 plant has been recently introduced into this country, but is too 
 tender for the open air. 
 
 Lablab, a name in India for certain kinds of pulse plants, 
 and now adopted as a genus of the Bean family (Leguminosse). 
 Z. vulgaris and L. euUratus are herbaceous twining plants, similar 
 in growth and habit to the scarlet-runner, originally natives of 
 India, but now cultivated in most w^arm countries for the sake 
 of their pods and seeds. Like the kidney bean, there are many 
 varieties cultivated. The natives use them for covering arbours. 
 
LAC " OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 237 
 
 Laburnum [Cytlsits Lahurmtm), the common Laburnum, and 
 C. alpiiium. These well-known ornamental trees belong to the 
 Bean family (Leguminos?e). They are natives of Switzerland 
 and the elevated regions of France and North Germany. It is 
 recorded that the common Laburnum was grown by iJr. Gerard 
 in his garden at Holborn in 1506. They seldom exceed 
 30 feet in height in this country, 20 feet being about the 
 average ; and about a foot in diameter. The wood is hard, the 
 centre of a dark colour, and takes a polish like ebony, and is 
 valued for turnery work. A poisonous principle pervades the 
 tree, especially in the seeds and roots. The former act as a vio- 
 lent emetic, sufficient to be considered poisonous. The roots 
 are sweet, and taste like stick liquorice ; but they are also poison- 
 ous, as is shown by the fact of a number of boys of the Forest 
 Gate Industrial School having nearly lost their lives from 
 having chewed the roots ; they became drowsy, and fell asleep 
 even while being walked about ; emetics were administered, and 
 they all recovered. A hybrid, between C. Lahuriium and a 
 small shrubby species C. pttrpureus,cdl\Qi]. C. Adami, is remark- 
 able for producing the common yellow and dusky red flowers 
 on the same tree, or even on the same branch, as also tufts of 
 the shrubby C. purpureiis on different parts of the same tree. 
 This curious hybridisation is perpetuated by grafting scions of 
 it on the common Laburnum. This morpliism, which originated 
 in M. Adam's gardens at Paris in 1828, still continues to be an 
 unexplained puzzle to physiologists. 
 
 Laburnum, New Zealand, Edwardsia microphylla and 
 E. grandiflora, showy flowering shrubs of the Bean family (Legu- 
 minosse), natives of New Zealand. Their introduction into tliis 
 country was due to Cook's third voyage, 1772 ; two original 
 plants grew against the walls of the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, 
 Kew, but were killed by the severity of the winter of 1838. 
 
 Lac Tree {Schleichcra trijuga), a tree of the Soapberry family 
 (Sapindace?e), native of Ceylon, India, and abundant in Pegu 
 and other forests in Burmah. It is a valuable timber, and is 
 employed by the natives for all purposes requiring strength. 
 
238 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LACE 
 
 It is also important for producing the substance called Lac, 
 whicli is a gummy exudation caused by a small insect breed- 
 ing upon the young branches. It forms a small portion of the 
 Ceylon Lac of commerce. 
 
 In Ceylon, a resin called Lac exudes from the stem and 
 branches of Croton lacciferum, and in Mexico from C. Draco, 
 which is used as a varnish. 
 
 Lace Bark (Lagetta lintearia), a small tree of the Spurge 
 Laurel family (Thymelseacese), native of Jamaica, growing on 
 limestone rocks, and insinuating its roots in the fissures. It 
 has broad, somewhat roundish leaves, and flowers like lily of 
 the valley, the fruit being a pulpy white berry. It is remark- 
 able for its bark, which separates into twenty or more layers, 
 becoming like lace, and was at one time used in Jamaica for 
 many domestic purposes, such as net-caps, bonnets, veils, ruffles, 
 etc. It is said that Charles 11. had a cravat made of it. With 
 care it will bear washing. During the time of slavery, whips 
 and thoncjs were made of it. 
 
 Lacquer, Japan. (See Varnish.) 
 
 Ladanum, Gum, this is an exudation from the leaves of 
 several species of Cisttcs, a genus of the Eock Eose family 
 (Cistineae) ; the special species are C. villosus, C. creticus, C. sal- 
 vifolius, and C. laclaniferus, natives of the rocky countries of 
 Gilead and other parts of Palestine and the islands of the 
 Mediterranean. The gum is collected during the heat of the 
 day by drawing a bunch of leather thongs, or some loose woven 
 material to which the gum adheres, over the bushes. It also 
 adheres to the beards of goats browsing amongst the bushes, 
 from which it is scraped off. Ladanum is supposed to be the 
 same as the Hebrew word " Lot," which in our Bible is trans- 
 lated '' Myrrh," so that some consider it to be the myrrh which 
 the Israelites carried into Egypt, but not the myrrh of Moses. 
 {See Myrrh.) Gum Ladanum was once held in high medicinal 
 repute, but is now chiefly used in perfumery. 
 
 Lakao. {See Buckthorn.) 
 
 Lancewood, Australian {BacMwusia australis), a small 
 
LARCH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 239 
 
 tree of the Myrtle family (Myrtacere), plentiful on the banks of 
 the ISTepean Eiver, New South Wales. The natives make their 
 bows of it. 
 
 Lancewood, Guiana {Bugudia Guitarensis), a tree of the 
 Custard Apple family (Anonace^), seldom attaining more than 
 20 feet in height. Its wood is tough and elastic, and is imported 
 into this country from Guiana and Cuba ; also that of G^iatteria 
 virgata, Rollinia multiflora, and R, longifolia, trees of the same 
 family, natives of Brazil and Guiana, are used for the same 
 purpose as Lancewood, chiefly for shafts of carriages, whip 
 handles, tops of fishing rods, for cabinet-work, and ornamental 
 articles. 
 
 Lancewood, Jamaica [Uvaria lanceolata), a small tree of 
 the Custard Apple family (Anonacese), native of Jamaica. 
 
 Lanseh, the Malayan name for the fruit of Lansium domesti- 
 cum, a tree of the Bead Tree family (Meliace?e), native of, and 
 cultivated throughout, the Malayan Islands. The fruit is the size 
 of a pigeon's egg, of a yellow colour, and is produced in bunches ; 
 wlien ripe it consists of a transparent pleasant subacid pulp, 
 enclosed in a very bitter skin, which has to be removed before 
 the fruit is eaten. There appear to be several varieties cultivated, 
 some more bitter than others. The natives consider it next to 
 the Mangosteen and Durian in flavour, and Europeans rank it 
 second of the Malayan fruits. 
 
 Larch (Larix europcca), a tree of the Fir family (Conifera3). 
 The larch forms large forests in Switzerland and other parts of 
 Europe, and is extensively planted in this country for its 
 timber. It forms an ornamental tree, sometimes attaining a 
 great height, and is the only European species of the family 
 that sheds its leaves. In Scotland (Perthshire) trees are to be 
 found measuring 21 feet in circumference. It yields Venice 
 turpentine, which is used in medicine. Of late years the Larch 
 in this country has been subject to a disease which has much 
 deteriorated its value as a forest tree. Larix Kcempferi, a native 
 of China, is in habit similar to the European Larix, but with a 
 more glaucous hue in the leaves, and is called the Golden Larch. 
 
240 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LASER 
 
 It is described by Mr. rortune as attaining a height of 120 to 
 130 feet, with a clear stem of 50 feet, and a girth of 5 feet near 
 the ground. It was introduced about fifteen years ago, grows 
 freely, and appears quite hardy. 
 
 Laser Cyrenaicum. {See Carrot, Deadly.) 
 
 Lattice hea^f (Oicvirandra/enestralis'), a plant of the family 
 iSTaiadaceae, native of shallow waters in Madagascar. Its leaves 
 have long foot-stalks, which grow from a rhizome, and vary from 
 12 to 18 inches in length and from 2 to 6 inches in breadth. 
 They consist of nerves only, which form a skeleton leaf, the 
 openings being square like lattice- work. It produces a forked 
 spike of flowers similar to Aponogeton. This plant was intro- 
 duced in 1855, and was successfully cultivated at Kew, produc- 
 ing leaves 3 feet in length. 
 
 Laurel, American. (See Kalmia.) 
 
 Laurel, Bay, or Sweet Bay {Zcmrus nohilis), a tree of the 
 Laurel family (Lauracese), native of Southern Europe, where it 
 attains a heio'ht of even 40 or 50 feet. It is well known in this 
 country, but is often killed to the ground in severe winters, 
 which circumstance keeps it down to a bushy shrub. The 
 leaves are aromatic, and used for flavouring custards, puddings, 
 and a few are often packed in fig boxes to give the figs a flavour. 
 Though known as Bay Laurel it is distinct from the common 
 shrub called Cherry Laurel {Primus Lcmrocerasus), which belongs 
 to the Cherry family. 
 
 Laurel, Canary {L. canarie7isis), a large tree having oblong 
 elliptical leaves of a rusty colour, native of the Canary Islands. 
 
 Laurel, Cape of Good Hope (Z. hullata), a small branching 
 tree, which on account of the fetid smell of its wood is well 
 known in the Cape Colony as Stink-wood. 
 
 Laurel, Jamaica {L. chloroxyloii), a lofty straight tree of 
 uniform girth, having oval, elliptical, three-nerved leaves. The 
 wood is hard, resisting the axe ; it is used for many purposes, 
 chiefly for sugar-works and machinery, and a single tree has 
 been known to produce a straight beam 40 feet long and 10 
 inches square. 
 
LAVENDER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 241 
 
 Laurel, Madeira (Z. indica), a large timber tree with broad, 
 elliptical, smooth leaves. Its timber is mahogany-like, but 
 coarse, and is called by the natives Vinatico. L. fcetcns, a 
 large tree with broad shining leaves, native of ^Tadeira, and is 
 also found in the Canary Islands ; it is called foetens on 
 account of the fetid odour of its wood, which it retains for many 
 years. It is also known by the name of Til. 
 
 Laurel, New Zealand {Laurelia ^ MvcE-Zelandice), one of the 
 largest of the New Zealand trees, growing to a height of 150 
 feet and 3 to 7 feet in diameter, having buttresses at the base 15 
 feet thick. The wood is soft and yellow, and is much used for 
 boat-building. The fruit is aromatic. 
 
 Another New Zealand species is Z. Koliekolic, a fine hand- 
 some tree, with a trunk free of branches to a height of 40 
 feet, and a diameter of 3 feet ; its w^ood is red and fine-grained, 
 and makes handsome furniture. 
 
 Laurel, Tasmanian, a name given to Anopterus glandidosct, 
 a small tree of the family Escalloniacese, having opposite leaves 
 and pretty white flowers ; native of Tasmania. 
 
 Lavender {Lavandida ^vera), a shrub of the Mint family 
 (LabiatcB), native of the South of Europe bordering on the 
 Mediterranean. It attains a heisfht of 2 to 3 feet, havins: 
 narrow leaves. It is much cultivated in some parts of this 
 country, especially at Mitcham in Surrey, for the sake of 
 its flower- spikes, which are used as a domestic perfume. 
 From these is obtained by distillation the Oil of Lavender, 
 which dissolved in spirits of wine forms Lavender Water. 
 L. Spica and L. stcecJias, also natives of the South of Europe, 
 yield an oil used by artists for varnishing, etc. Eed Lavender 
 drops of the shops are made by a mixture of lavender and 
 rosemary. 
 
 Lavender, Sea (Statice Limonium), a perennial herb of the 
 Leadwort family (Plumbaginace?e), native of the southern coasts 
 of this country. It is also called Sea Thrift; it differs from 
 the grass-leaved thrift {Armeria maritima) in its leaves being 
 
 ^ A genus of the family Monimiaceos. {See Sassafras.) 
 
 K 
 
242 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LAVER 
 
 oblong, obtuse, and smooth, and flowers, which are blue, i^ro- 
 duced in loose branched panicles. 
 
 Laver, a name for ribbon-like seaweeds, of which there are 
 different kinds — Purple {For'pliyra vulgaris and P. laciniata). 
 Green (Jllva latissima and U. compressa), sea plants, natives of the 
 rocky shores of this country and Europe generally. In Scotland 
 they are called Sloak,in Ireland Slook, and in some parts they form 
 an article of food for the poor, or dressed with lemon juice they 
 appear on the table of the rich. They contain iodine, and are con- 
 sidered to be good for those suffering from scrofulous complaints. 
 
 Leadwort (Plumbago europma), an erect, leafy, stemmed 
 perennial, wdth axillary small blue flowers. It is the type of the 
 Leadwort family (Plumbaginacese), native of Southern Europe, 
 and introduced to this country about 300 years ago ; the whole 
 plant is acrid and blistering, and is said to be used by beggars to 
 make artificial sores to excite pity. P. scandens of the West Indies 
 is, on account of its blistering qualities, called Devil's Herb. 
 
 Leather-coat Leaf-tree, a name in the West Indies for 
 Goccoloba puhesccns, a small, slender, unbranched tree of the Buck- 
 wheat family (Polygonaceae), 10 to 20 feet high, bearing alter- 
 nately near its apex a few large, round, rigid, pubescent leaves. An 
 old and conspicuous inhabitant of the hothouses of this country. 
 
 Leather-wood {Dirca j^^^^hostins), a low bush or slender- 
 branched shrub, native of Xorth America ; the branches are 
 tough and leather-like, and used as thongs, etc. 
 
 Leba, a name in Eiji for Eugenia neurocalyx, a small tree of 
 the Myrtle family (Myrtacese). Its fruit is round, ribbed, often 
 3 inches long and 8 in circumference, and contains five large 
 seeds of an angular shape and crimson colour. It is a favourite 
 with the natives for scenting cocoa-nut oil. 
 
 Leek. {8ee Onion.) 
 
 Lemon {Citrus Limonum), a small tree with smooth, shin- 
 ing, laurel-like leaves, of the Orange family (AurantiaceaB). It 
 is found wild in Northern India, and is supposed to have 
 migrated westward in early times ; it is recorded to have been 
 growing in Palestine in the thirteentli century, and is supposed 
 
LETTUCE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 243 
 
 to have been introduced into Italy by llio Crusaders, and 
 ultimately spread into all countries of the INIediterranean suit- 
 able to its growth ; it has also been naturalised in the West 
 Indies and Florida. The fruit is oblong, oval or ovate, the apex 
 terminated by a small blunt knob ; it is similar to that of the 
 citron, but differs in the rind being smooth. Lemons are im- 
 ported into this country from Spain and ports on the Mediter- 
 ranean chiefly for their agreeable acid juice and essential oil, 
 used for flavouring confectionery and the like, as well as for 
 making acid drinks ; citric acid is also prepared from it. 
 
 Lemon Grass {Andro^'iogon Schcenanthus), a perennial tufted 
 grass with long leaves, growing wild, as well as cultivated, in 
 many parts of India. It yields an essential odoriferous oil used 
 in perfumery. {See Citronella.) 
 
 Lemon, Wild Water. {See Granadilla.) 
 
 Lentil {Lens escidenta, better known as Ervum lens\ a weak, 
 pea -like, wing -leaved annual of the Bean family (Legu- 
 minosoe), cultivated in Egypt and Palestine from remote 
 antiquity ; its seeds being the Lentil of Scripture spoken of in 
 the time of Jacob, of which the red pottage given to Esau was 
 made. It is still cultivated in Southern Europe and many parts 
 in the East. The meal of Lentils is very nutritious, and in this 
 country is advertised as an invalid food under the quack names 
 of " Ervalenta " and " Eevalenta." 
 
 Lentisk Tree. {See Mastic.) 
 
 Leopard-wood. {See Letter-wood.) 
 
 Letter-wood, Snake-wood, or Leopard-wood {Brosimitm 
 Auhletii), a large tree of the Bread-fruit family (Artocarpaceae), 
 native of tropical America, and also found in Trinidad. Its 
 beautiful mottled and streaked wood is much valued by cabinet- 
 makers, and is used for inlaying. 
 
 Lettuce {Lactuca sativa), an annual plant of the Composite 
 family (Compositse). Its native country is unknown, but it is 
 generally supposed to be Asia. It has been cultivated in this 
 country for 300 years. There are several varieties, the summer 
 or Cos Lettuce being the best. Their properties are narcotic ; the 
 
244 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES LEVER 
 
 milky juice, wliicli abounds greatly in the wild species (Z. virosa), 
 native of this country, resembles opium in its properties. A 
 recent instance occurred (July 1879) of the death of a man at 
 Liverpool — it is supposed from eating Lettuce. A post-mortejji 
 examination showed that death had resulted from apoplexy, 
 which was induced from the quantity of opium contained in the 
 Lettuce. 
 
 Lever-wood. (See Ironwood.) 
 
 Libidibi. (See Divi Divi.) 
 
 Lichen, Lichenes, names of one of the orders of the class 
 Cryptogamia of Linnaeus, of which there are about 2500 species 
 described ; the greater part of these grow on old walls, stones, 
 rocks, and trees, or on plains and mountains. A few only are 
 of economic importance, such as Iceland and Eeindeer Moss, 
 Orchil and Cudbear (which see). 
 
 Lignum Rhodium. (See Oil of PJiodium.) 
 
 Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale), a small tree of the 
 Bean-caper family (Zygophyllaceae), rising to a height of 20 to 
 30 feet, having a round head of stiff branches and conjugate 
 winged leaves, the whole of a yellowish tinge, and producing 
 clusters of pretty blue flowers like Hejjatica. It is a native of 
 Jamaica and other West Indian Islands and of parts of tropical 
 America. The wood is extremely hard ; although of small size, it 
 is of great importance, and is extensively used in the dockyards, 
 its hardness making it well suited for pulleys and the bearings 
 of steam machinery, as well as for pestles and rulers. It 
 contains a resin known as Gum Guaiacum, which has long been 
 in use as a medicine, especially in rheumatic afl'ections. Gum 
 Guaiacum is also produced by G. sa7ictitm. 
 
 Lilac, Common (Syringa xidgai'is)^ a bushy erect shrub of 
 the Olive family (Oleaceee), native of Persia, recorded to have 
 been introduced into this country about 300 years ago, and has 
 become one of the most common ornamental shrubs. There are 
 several varieties, the principal being blue and white. 
 
 Lilac, Persian (>S^. jpersica), native of Persia, introduced 
 about 240 years ago. It differs from the preceding in its 
 
LIME OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 245 
 
 branches being slender and spreading, and in the trusses of 
 flowers being fragrant. 
 
 Lillypilly Trees, a name in Australia for the species of 
 Acmena, a genus of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceffi). A. ellijjtica 
 is a handsome tree, densely furnished with small elliptical 
 leaves, and in its season with abundance of white flowers. The 
 wood is hard and close-grained, but is apt to split in drying. 
 An allied species (A. pendula) attains a height of 30 to 60 
 feet, and a circumference of 5 to 6 feet. 
 
 Lily, Lilies, names for pretty flowering plants in general, 
 but in Botany restricted to the genus Lilium, the type of the 
 Liliacese, of which there are many species, natives of the 
 temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. They are showy 
 flowering plants, favourites in gardens, represented by the 
 White Lily (Z. candidum), the Orange Lily (Z. hidhiferum), Tiger 
 Lily (X. tigrimim), and of recent introduction the splendid 
 L. auratum native of Japan, and L. giganteinn native of ISTepal. 
 
 Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), a perennial herb 
 of the Lily family (Liliaceae), native of Britain and other parts 
 of Europe, being generally found in shady places in woods, and 
 commonly cultivated in gardens for its pure, waxy, sweet- 
 smelling flowers. This is not the Lily of the Valley spoken of 
 by King Solomon. (See my History of Bible Plants) 
 
 Limblee Oil, an oil obtained from the seeds of JBergcra 
 Kcenigii, now known as Murraya Koenigii, belonging to the 
 Orange family (Aurantiacese), native of India and Ceylon. The 
 leaves are used for seasoning curries, to which they impart a 
 peculiar flavour. 
 
 Lime Fruit {Citrus Zimetta), a small tree of the Orange 
 family (Aurantiaceae). It is a native of Northern India, and, 
 like the orange and lemon, became early introduced into 
 the countries of the Mediterranean. It has smooth, laurel- 
 like leaves, and fruits similar to the orange, but of an oval form, 
 and the apex depressed, forming a hollow. From it and the 
 fruit of the lemon is obtained the lime juice of commerce, 
 which is highly antiscorbutic, and now forms a special article 
 
246 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LIME 
 
 of tlie stores of ships on long voyages, being a powerful antidote 
 in cases of scurvy. 
 
 Lime Tree, also familiarly known as Linden Tree {Tilia 
 nw^o/?o^a), belonging to the Lime Tree family (Tiliacese), found wild 
 throughout Europe and parts of Northern Asia. It is a bushy- 
 headed tree, seldom exceeding 40 to 60 feet in height. The 
 wood is light and white, and is extensively used by carvers, 
 musical instrument makers, and others. One of the most im- 
 portant parts of the Lime Tree is its bark ill the North of Europe, 
 especially in Eussia, and it is extensively used for making ropes 
 and garden mats, shiploads of which are yearly imported from 
 Archansjel. The' bark of old trees is used instead of tiles for 
 covering houses, and shoes, baskets, nets, and other articles of 
 domestic use, are made of it. The sap of the tree, which is drawn 
 off in the spring, yields a considerable quantity of sugar. The 
 fruit of the Lime Tree, which is not much larger than a pea, has 
 been found to contain a principle similar to chocolate ; this was 
 in the time of Frederick the Great (about 1658), who took great 
 interest in its discovery, but it was found the chocolate did not 
 keep, which^ with other causes, led to its abandonment. The 
 Lime Tree is planted in Germany and other parts for forming 
 avenues.. 
 
 Limewort. {8m Chara.) 
 
 Linaloa, or Linaloe, a Mexican wood, probably furnished 
 by a species of Bursera. It is higlily fragrant, and is imported 
 into this country for the extraction of a fragrant oil used in 
 perfumery. The wood is said to come from the highlands of 
 Mexico, and to be brought down in pieces about the size of a 
 railway sleeper. It is used in the country where produced for 
 veneering small fancy articles. It has been known in Mexico 
 for at least fifty years, and is referred to by Guibourt under the 
 name Bois de Citron de Mexique. The name Linaloa is 
 probably derived from Lign Aloes, in the Bible, with which, 
 however, it has no connection. 
 
 Linden Tree. {See Lime Tree.) 
 
 Ling. {See Heather ; also Chestnut, Water.) 
 
LIQUORICE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 247 
 
 Linseed Oil. {See Flax.) 
 
 Lint, the woolly flock obtained by scraping linen. 
 
 Lion's - leaf {Leontice ZeontojMtalum), a herbaceous plant 
 of the Barberry family (Berberide?e). It consists of a round, 
 tuberous corm or root -stock, from the centre of which rise a 
 few compound leaves, and the leafy flower-stalk about a foot in 
 height, bearing yellow flowers. It is a native of Southern 
 Europe and Sp^ia. In Aleppo the root is pounded and used as 
 a substitute for soap. Dioscorides speaks of it as a cure for 
 snake-bites. At the present day the Turks employ it as an 
 antidote against an overdose of oj^ium. Allied to this is Bon- 
 gardict Baiiwolfii. It has a large, flat, superficial tuber, 4 to 6 
 inches in diameter. It is a native of the same countries as the 
 last. The Persians roast or boil the tubers for food, 
 
 Liquidambar, the name of a gum obtained from Ziquidamhar 
 styraciflua and L. orientale, trees of the family Altingiacese. 
 The first is a native of North America, and the second a native 
 of Armenia, Syria, and the southern parts of Eastern Europe. 
 The first yields the substance called Gum Storax of commerce. 
 The chief supply comes from ports in the Mediterranean. 
 These gums are used in medicine and as varnishes, and are 
 different from true storax (which see). 
 
 Liquorice {G-lycyrrhiza glabra), a strong-rooted perennial of 
 the Bean family (Leguminosse), with winged, clover-like leaves. 
 It attains a height of 2 to 3 feet, and is a native of the South 
 of Europe, where it is extensively cultivated, as also in some 
 parts of this country, especially about Pontefract in Yorkshire. 
 The root contains a sweet juice, which is expressed, and is used 
 for making the Pontefract cakes, so called. By boiling it 
 tliickens, and forms the well-known stick or Spanish liquorice, 
 which is. imported from Italy and Spain, from whence ship-loads 
 are exported to the United States, and used for sweetening 
 tobacco, and it is also used as a demulcent and in the prepara- 
 tion of lozenges. The great quantity grown is, however, indi- 
 cative that some other use is made of it, the general belief being 
 that it is used by brewers for giving an apparent body to inferior 
 
248 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LITCHI 
 
 porter. It is used in tlie preparation of the purgative medicine 
 known as Black Draught, 
 
 Litchi, Longan, and Rambutan, the Chinese names for 
 three fruits, produced by three species of Nciilidmm, a genus of 
 the Soapberry family (Sapindacese). They consist of small 
 trees, seldom exceeding 20 feet in height, having winged, firm 
 leaves. The flowers are small, produced in loose bunches. 1. 
 Ne^lidinmLitclii. The Litchi is the most celebrated native fruit of 
 China. It is nearly round, about an inch and a half in diameter 
 the shell is tough, becoming brittle, of a chocolate-brown colour, 
 covered all over w^ith wart-like protuberances. AVlien fresh it is 
 filled with a white, almost trans^^arent, sweet, jelly-like pulp, in 
 which lies a rather large, shining, brown seed ; the pulp is of a 
 delicious sub-acid flavour when fresh. The Chinese dry it, when 
 it becomes black, like a prune, and thus preserve it for use 
 throughout the year ; in this state it is frequently to be seen in 
 the London fruit shops. The species grow-s freely in hothouses ; 
 before 1859 a plant 12 feet high in the Palm-house at Kew bore 
 an abundance of fine-flavoured fruit. 2. Longan (N. Longanum). 
 In general appearance this tree is similar to the Litchi, but 
 smaller, and the fruit is also smaller, being about half an inch 
 to an inch in diameter, quite round, nearly smooth, of a dusky 
 brown colour. The pulp is similar to the Litchi in flavour. 
 3. Eambutan {N. lappaceitm), a smaU tree with winged leaves 
 similar to the preceding. The fruit is of an oval form, 2 inches in 
 length, slightly flattened, and of a red colour, covered with long, 
 soft, fleshy spines. It contains a pleasant acid pulp, and is as 
 much esteemed as the pulp of the two preceding. These fruits 
 are in general cultivation in the southern provinces of China 
 and in the islands and countries of tropical Asia. Like most 
 other cultivated plants, there are many varieties, their fruits 
 varying in form, size, and flavour. 4. Dawa, a name in the Fiji 
 Islands for the fruit oi Nephelmm pinnatum, a tree 60 feet high, 
 forming forests in Fiji, and also found in New Hebrides, New- 
 Caledonia, and other islands. Its leaves are pinnate, and when 
 unfolding have a brilliant red tinge, which at a distance con- 
 
LOCUST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 249 
 
 veys the idea of tlie trees being in bloom. Its fruit is about the 
 size of a walnut, and contains a honey-like, glutinous, white 
 pulp, which is esteemed by the Fijians. 
 
 Lithi, a name in Chili for Rhus caustica, a stiff shrub with 
 firm oval leaves of a brownish colour, belonging to the Cashew 
 ^Rut family (Anacardiaceee). It is dreaded by the natives for 
 its baneful effects in blistering the skin, equal to those of the 
 Poison Oak {Rhus toxicodendron). 
 
 Litmus. (Sec Orchil.) 
 
 Liverworts, a general name for the plants comprehended 
 under the family Hepaticese, of the class Cryptogamia of Linnaeus, 
 now separated under two distinct families, Marchantiaceae and 
 Jungermannieae. Nearly 700 species are recorded, natives of 
 moist and shady places in most hot and temperate climates ; 
 many are epiphytal, and in some respects they may be com- 
 pared to mosses. They possess no economic properties, but are 
 highly interesting to the microscopic botanist ; such, for instance, 
 as the numerous species of the extensive genus Jungermannia, 
 many of which are natives of this country. The common 
 Liverwort {Marchmitia polymorpha) grows in moist situations, in 
 gardens, sometimes in pots, and even in the hothouse. Another 
 common species is Riccicc fiiiitans, which grows in pools and 
 ditches. 
 
 Locust, Honey {Gleditschia triacantJios), a large thorny tree 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosae), native of North America, 
 attaining a height of 60 feet. The wood is hard, and prin- 
 cipally used for making fences, posts, etc. The stem and main 
 branches are furnished from top to bottom with tripartite, rigid 
 spines, 3 to 4 inches in length, presenting a most formidable 
 barrier to the ascent of climbing animals. The pods are thin, 
 flat, curved, and twisted, a foot or more in length ; they contain 
 numerous seeds, embedded in a sweet pulpy substance, from 
 which a kind of sugar is extracted. 
 
 Locust Trees, a name given by early botanists in America 
 to trees bearing pods similar to the locust tree of Palestine 
 Ceratonia Siliqiia (see Carob Tree). West Indian (see Cour- 
 
250 DICTIO^^ARY OF POPULAE XAMES LODH 
 
 baril). Locust Tree, or False Acacia {Bobinia Pseud-acacia), 
 a tree of the Bean family (Leguminosee), native of North 
 America, and has been gro^Ti in this country for more than 200 
 j^ears. It attains a height of 40 or 50 feet, averaging 2 J feet in 
 diameter. The wood was at one time considered valuable for ship- 
 building, but if now used, it is only for trenails. The roots smell 
 and taste like liquorice, but are poisonous. African {see Nitta). 
 
 Lodh Bark, a name in India for Symi^tlocos racemosa, a tree 
 of the Storax family (Styracese), about 20 feet high, native of 
 several parts of India. The bark is used with munjeet for dyeing. 
 The leaves of most si^ecies of Symplocos turn yellow with age. 
 S. tinctoria, native of Georgia and Carolina, is used for dyeing 
 3^ellow. S. Alstonia, a branchmg tree growing 10 or 12 feet 
 high, native of New Grenada, very much resembles the Chinese 
 tea plant, and it has been long used as a substitute for tea, and 
 is considered to have medicinal virtues. 
 
 Logwood (Ha3matoxylo7i cam2^ecManum), a small tree of 
 the Bean family (Leguminosce), from 20 to 30 feet high, with 
 winsjed leaves, consisting of from three to four small leaflets. It 
 is a native of Campeachy and other parts of Central America, 
 and has become naturalised in Jamaica and other West Indian 
 islands. Its wood is of a deep red colour, and was early intro- 
 duced for dyeing purposes, and continues to form an important 
 article of import, especially from Jamaica. 
 
 London Pride, properly London's Pride, also known as 
 None-so-pretty {Saxifraga icmhrosa), a pretty, rosulate- leaved 
 herb of the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). It is a native of 
 this country and Ireland. It appears to have been first brought 
 into special notice as a pretty plant by George London, who 
 was, between the years 1681 and 1717, a celebrated nurseryman 
 and gardener, and with his partner. Wise, held more than 100 
 acres of ground at Brompton, well known until recent years as 
 Brompton Park Nursery ; now occupied by the South Kensing- 
 ton Museum, Horticultural Society's Garden, and Albert Hall. 
 
 Longan. (See Litchi.) 
 
 Loquat, or Japan Medlar {PJwiinia [Eriohotrya] japonica), 
 
LOTOS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 251 
 
 a good-sized tree of the Apple family (Pomaceai) ; it has large, 
 elliptical, rough, strong- veined leaves. In Japan and China 
 it is cultivated for its fruit, which is about the size of a 
 small plum, produced in clusters, and has the flavour of 
 an apple. It is cultivated in the Australian Colonies, and in 
 France and other parts of Southern Europe, where it fruits 
 abundantly, but is not sufficiently hardy to bear the severe 
 winters of this country. 
 
 Lotos, an ancient Egyptian name for a plant growing in the 
 Mle, of which the Greek historian Herodotus (b.c. 413), who 
 visited Egypt, says — " When the river swells, great numbers of 
 lilies, which the Egyptians call Lotos, shoot up through the 
 water. These they cut down, and after they are dried in the 
 sun, take out the heart of the plant, which resembles a mekon 
 (poppy) ; they mould it into paste and bake as bread. They like- 
 wise eat the Lotos,-^ which is round, and equal to an apple in 
 bigness." This is, no doubt, the Nympliea Lotus of Linnceus, the 
 white water lily of Egypt, the representative of the white water 
 lily of this country, NympJiea alba {see ISTelumbium). It would 
 have been well if we could have ended the history of the Lotus 
 plant with the above ; but much discussion and difference of 
 opinion has arisen regarding the identification of the plant 
 called Lotos by the Greek poet Homer, who flourished 400 
 years before Herodotus. In the ninth book of the Odyssey he 
 
 says : — 
 
 " Nine days our fleet tli' uncertain tempest bore 
 Far in wide ocean, and from sight of shore ; 
 The tenth we toucli'd, by various errors tost, 
 Tlie Land of Lotos and the flowery coast. 
 "We climb'd the beach, and springs of water found ; 
 Then spread our hasty banquet on the ground. 
 Three men were sent, deputed from the crew, 
 (An Herald one), the dubious coast to view, 
 And learn what habitants possess'd the place. 
 They went, and found a hospitable race ; 
 Not prone to ill, nor strange to foreign guest 
 They eat and drink, and nature gives the feast, 
 
 ^ The tuberous root. 
 
252 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES LOTOS 
 
 The trees around tliem all their fruit produce, 
 
 Lotos the name, divine nectarious juice, 
 
 Which whoso tastes. 
 
 Insatiate riots in the sweet repasts ; 
 
 Nor other home, nor other care intends, 
 
 But quits his house, his country, and his friends." 
 
 In order to assist in the determining any unknown plant, a 
 knowledge of its native country is of sp)ecial value. Here we 
 have a tree called Lotos, the fruit of which, to liim who eats it 
 for the first time, is so delicious as to make him wish for no 
 other home than the Flowery Land of the Lotos tree. Homer 
 does not inform us in what country tliis desirable home was 
 situated ; but, according to commentators in ancient history, 
 it is considered to be an island or country on the African coast, 
 near the ancient Lesser Syrtes, situated on the coast known in 
 modern times as Barbary, which comprehends Algeria and Tunis. 
 Presuming that such might be the case, and that Homer's story 
 of the Lotos tree is not all poetic fiction, and as dates no doubt 
 then, as they do now, formed one of the principal articles of 
 food to the inhabitants of those parts of Africa, and not being 
 known in Greece, we may readily suppose that the three Greek 
 sailors would eat of them, and on their return to Greece would 
 speak of them in such terms as to say they would wish for no 
 other home, and this saying coming to the knowledge of Homer, 
 furnished him with the idea of the Lotos. By subsequent 
 writers, the people of the country of the Lotos tree were called 
 Lotophagi, and various opinions were formed as to the identity 
 of the Lotos tree. The first worthy of notice is that of Dios- 
 corides, a Greek physician and writer on plants, who flourished 
 about the middle of the first century (950 years after Homer), 
 who, in a manuscript still extant in the library at Florence, 
 figures and describes under the name of Lotos a tree known to 
 modern botany as Celtis australis, a small tree of the Elm 
 family, common on both shores of the Mediterranean, bearing 
 abundance of sweet berries ; and being known to the Greeks, 
 it therefore can have no claim to be the Lotos of Homer, any 
 
LUNGWORT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 253 
 
 more than the following Rliammis Lotus, so named by Linnaeus 
 {see Jujube), nor the Diospyros Lotus (see Date Plum). The 
 Lotos is also described by some as a spiny shrub, and its fruit 
 as possessing intoxicating properties. In an article in Annals 
 of Natural History (1849) Mr. Giles Munby, who resided many 
 years in Algeria, says that in his opinion the spiny shrub 
 Nitraria tridentata is the true Lotos ; that its fruit is a berry 
 sweet to the taste, and has slightly intoxicating properties, 
 quite sufficient to make a man forget his home while under its 
 influence ; it is a thorny shrub of the Desert, common through- 
 out Western Asia and North Africa {see Mtre Bush). As, 
 however. Homer describes the Lotos as a tree, we cannot accept 
 Mr. Munby's opinion that Nitraria was the Lotos tree of Llomer. 
 Linnaeus has further complicated the Lotus by adopting it as the 
 name of a genus of the Bean family (Leguminosae), consisting 
 of herbs and small shrubs, represented in this country by the 
 pretty clover plant Bird's-foot Trefoil {Lotus corniculatus), and 
 in our greenhouses by L. Jacohea, a small shrub, native of Cape 
 Verd, remarkable as being one of the few plants that have truly 
 black flowers. 
 
 Lousy-ar-nut. {See Earth Chestnut.) 
 
 Love Apple. {See Tomato.) 
 
 Lucerne. {See Medick.) 
 
 Lung Lichen {Sticta pulmonacea), a broad foliaceous Lichen, 
 growing in short grass, and called by the English peasant the 
 Lung of the Oak. It is mucilaginous, and is sometimes used as 
 a substitute for Iceland Moss. 
 
 Lungwort {Pulmonai^ia officinalis), a low perennial herb of 
 the Borage family (Boraginaceai). Its leaves are about 6 inches 
 in length, ovate, cordate, somewhat rough, marked with white 
 blotchy spots. These spots being likened to the disease spots on 
 the lungs of consumptive patients, early led it to become a remedy 
 for consumption. The soft mucilaginous nature of the leaves did 
 much to assist in the belief that it was beneficial for that disease. 
 But, like many other plants that had a value under the " doctrine 
 of signatures " of the old herbalists, it is now discarded. 
 
254 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES LUPIN 
 
 Lupin {Lupinus albas), an annual of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse), which, according to history, has been cultivated 
 in Egypt from the most remote period. It is extensively culti- 
 vated in the South of Europe for ploughing in as manure ; and 
 in Germany, and some parts of this country, the Yellow Lujoin 
 (Lupinus luteus) is grown for the same purpose. The seeds of 
 both, as well as those of the Blue Lupin (Z. hirstctus), are in the 
 raw state highly poisonous ; but when boiled the poisonous 
 property is removed, and in Italy they are used as food. 
 
 Mabolo {Diosinjros Mctbola), now described as D. discolor, a 
 tree of the Ebony family (Ebenacese), native of the Philippine 
 Islands, and commonly cultivated in many islands of the East. 
 It has also been introduced into the West Indies. It is a 
 middle-sized tree, having large, firm, coriaceous leaves of a light 
 colour. The fruit is like a large quince, and in some places is 
 called Man^osteen. Its flavour is aGjreeable. 
 
 Macaroni and Vermicelli, trade-names for similar products 
 made from a small hard-grained wheat grown in Italy. 
 
 Macaw Palm,orGru-Gru {Acrocomiafusiformis),?it?(\l,^tovit, 
 prickly-stemmed, wing-leaved palm, native of Jamaica and other 
 West Indian islands. The fruit is round, about the size of a 
 small apple, and produced in bunches. The nut is hard, and 
 contains oil, which is obtained either by crushing or grinding in 
 a mill to a paste, and after being purified it is similar to butter of 
 a light yellow colour. It has the odour of violets, and a sweetish 
 taste. It is employed in the manufacture of scented toilet soap. 
 The hard shell of the nut is ornamentally carved by the negroes, 
 and formed into toys and trinkets. The wood of the stem is 
 very hard, and used for many purposes. Tliis is now found to 
 be the same palm as the Cocos acuUata of Hortus Kev:ensis, 
 named by Martins A. sclerocarpa. 
 
 Maccasar Oil. {See Safflower.) 
 
 Mace. {See Xutmeg.) 
 
 Madder (EuMa tinctorum), a strong-growing perennial of 
 the Madder family (Rubiace^), native of the South of Europe 
 and Western Asia. It is cultivated in many parts for its roots. 
 
MAGNOLIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 255 
 
 which yield the important red dye called Madder. An allied 
 species {E. cordifolia) furnishes the Madder of India called 
 Munjeet, [and ship-loads are imported into this country. The 
 cultivation of Madder and Munjeet is now threatened with total 
 extinction, in consequence of the general use of the coal tar or 
 anihne dyes. 
 
 Madia Oil {Madia saliva), a clammy annual of the Com- 
 posite family (Composita3), native of Chili, and cultivated in 
 many parts of America for the sake of its seeds, which after 
 the oil is expressed are made into oil-cake for feeding cattle. 
 
 Madroma, a name in California for a beautiful tree (Arhuhis 
 Menziesii) of the Heath family (Ericaceae), native of the western 
 coast of Mexico and California. It bears a large edible berry, 
 and is much sought after by Mexicans and Indians. Its wood 
 is very hard, and is used for making the wooden stirrups of the 
 Indians. 
 
 Magnolia, the name of a genus of conspicuous trees and 
 shrubs, the type of the family MagnoliaceaB, natives of North 
 America, China, and Japan. Their flowers and bark have an 
 aromatic principle, but they possess no special medicinal pro- 
 perties. Their large sweet-scented flowers and large green 
 leaves give them rank as ornamental trees in the gardens and 
 shrubberies of this country. Those native of North America 
 are hardy, of which the following are the principal : — 1. 
 Magnolia grandiflora, one of the most conspicuous of trees, 
 sometimes attaining a height of 80 feet or more. It is an 
 evergreen, and has firm, elliptical leaves, from 8 to 10 inches 
 long, smooth and shining on the upper surface, and of a rusty 
 brown on the under. The flowers are of a yellowish-white 
 colour, and stand upright, in the form of a cup 6 to 8 inches in 
 diameter. They are highly fragrant, and are the largest flowers 
 ol any trees growing in the open air in this country. There are 
 several varieties, some of which are not so hardy as others. 
 One tree at Kew, more than a hundred years old, for many 
 years growing against a wall, but now for more than thirty years 
 standing fully exposed, has attained the height of 23 feet, and a 
 
256 DICTIONARY OF POPULAK NAMES MAGUEY 
 
 girth of 3 feet. 2. Magnolia glauca, a low, bushy, deciduous tree, 
 called Swamp Sassafras. Its flowers are highly fragrant. It 
 is also called Beaver Tree ; the wood being soft, the beavers 
 make their dams of it. 3. M. macrophylla, a large-leaved deci- 
 duous tree, rare in this country. 4. M. acuminata, the Cucumber 
 tree — 5. 31. trijMtala, Umbrella tree — 6. M. auriculata — 7. 
 M. corclata, are, with the exception of the first, all hardy de- 
 ciduous trees, of which a few years ago some fine specimens 
 were to be seen in the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 
 
 Of those natives of China, M. conspicua, as its name denotes, 
 is the most conspicuous. It is called Yulan. It is deciduous, 
 and attains a height of 40 or 50 feet, much branched, and has 
 pure lily-like flowers, produced before the leaves expand, in such 
 profusion that at' a distance it appears one compact sheet of 
 white. It was introduced in 1789, and one of the original plants 
 is still growing at Kew, but now much shorn of its beauty by 
 having been transplanted. 
 
 Maguey Fibre. {See Aloe, American.) 
 
 Mahaleb (Cerasus Mahalch), a kind of cherry, of the Almond 
 and Plum family (Drupaceoe), native of Southern Europe. Its 
 wood is highly prized by cabinetmakers. The plant is cultivated 
 near Baden for walking-sticks and fancy smoking pipes. 
 
 Maharanga, a name in India for a red dye obtained from 
 Onosma Emodi, a strong-rooted perennial of the Borage family 
 (Boraginacese). It is indigenous to Thibet, and may be obtained 
 in abundance. Its roots, like alkanet, yield a brilliant red 
 colour to oil. It is employed for staining wood a mahogany 
 colour, and is known in the Indian bazaars by the name of 
 Ptutton Root. 
 
 Mahoe. {See Bast, Cuba.) 
 
 Mahogany, American (Sivietenia MaJiagoni), a large tree of 
 the Mahogany family (Cedrelaceae), with winged, dark-coloured, 
 ash-like leaves, native of Jamaica and Central America. It 
 forms an important article of trade with the Republic of British 
 Honduras, from whence occasionally very large logs are received, 
 sometimes measuring 20 or more feet in length, and 4 or 5 feet 
 
MAIZE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 257 
 
 thick. It is greatly used for the interior fittings of houses, fur- 
 niture, railway carriages, and cabinet-work of all kinds. 
 
 Mahogany, Indian — 1. ^S". fehrifitga, now separated as a 
 distinct genus under the name of Soymida. A large tree similar 
 in habit to the preceding, native of India, known by the native 
 names of Eohun and Eedwood. Its wood is similar to the 
 American mahogany, and used for similar purposes. The bark 
 is very astringent, and a few years ago came into repute as 
 a substitute for quinine. 2. ^S'. Chichrassia, now separated as a 
 distinct genus, under Chichrassia ; C. tabularis is a tree similar 
 to the preceding, and produces one of the woods known by the 
 name of Chittagong wood. It is light-coloured and beautifully 
 grained, and is in much repute by cabinetmakers. Its bark is 
 astringent, but not bitter. 
 
 Mahogany, Native. {Sec Eucalyptus.) 
 
 Mahwah, a name in India for Bassia latifolia. (Sec Butter 
 Tree.) 
 
 Maidenhair Tree {Scdishi.ria acliantifolict), a remarkable 
 tree of the Yew Family (Taxaceae), native of Japan, where it is 
 called Gingko, and was introduced more than a hundred vears a^o. 
 It is the only deciduous tree of the family, and also differs in 
 having broad, two-lobed leaves, wdth longitudinal, forked veins ; 
 and the likeness of the leaves to the maidenhair fern has led it 
 to be called by the above name. This, with the Yew and a species 
 from Japan, is the only member of the family that withstands the 
 winters of this climate. Although a curious and showy summer 
 tree, it is nevertheless not much cultivated in this country. A 
 fine specimen, 40 feet high, may be seen growing in the Eoyal 
 Gardens, Kew. The kernels of the fruit are eaten by the 
 Japanese, and an oil is also extracted from them. 
 
 Maitrank (May Drink), a German drink made by putting 
 young shoots of Woodruff (Asperida odorata) into wine. 
 
 Maize, or Indian Corn {Zea Mays), an annual cane -like 
 OTass, OTowino' to a hei^'ht of 4 or 5 feet, bearing: a dense head 
 of closely -packed grains the size of peas, enclosed in a sheatli 
 called the cob. It is a native of South America, and was culti- 
 
 s 
 
258 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES ISLIIZEXA 
 
 vated there as bread corn before the conquest. Since the dis- 
 covery of South America it has spread, and is now cultivated in 
 all tropical and sub -tropical countries, forming a staple article 
 of food. Large quantities are exported from the ports of the 
 United States to this country, and largely used for feeding 
 horses. Several preparations are made from the flour and sold 
 in shops as Hominy, Oswego, and Maizena. The cane yields 
 sugar nearly equal in quality to that of the sugar-cane, but the 
 yield is not sufficient to pay the expense of its abstraction. The 
 late celebrated politician and writer William Cobbett attempted 
 to bring it into cultivation in this country, and for several years 
 grew it extensively on his farm at Nine Elms in Surrey. It 
 grows freely, and produces crops which in hot summers ripen ; 
 but the average of good summers is too small to secure a regu- 
 lar crop. The terrible disease known in Italy by the name of 
 pellagra is attributed to the use of bread made of undressed 
 maize flour. {See Glucose.) 
 Maizena. {See Maize.) 
 Maja. A name of the Ivory ISTut Palm. 
 Malacca Cane {Calamus Scijnomcm), a wing-leaved, erect, 
 slender, cane-stemmed palm (Palmace?e), which when dressed is 
 of a brown colour. These stems are sometimes mottled or 
 clouded. It is a native of Cochin-China, Sumatra, and some 
 of the ]\Ialayan Islands. They come to this country from 
 Singapore, and form the much-prized Malacca walking-canes. 
 
 Malambo Bark {Groton malanibo), a shrub of the Spurge- 
 wort family (Euphorbiacese), native of Venezuela and New 
 Grenada, growing to a height of about 4 feet, having a 
 yellowish, somewhat corky bark, highly aromatic, like Calamus 
 aromaticus. It is much valued for medicinal purposes, and is 
 even said to have proved useful in the treatment of cholera. In 
 the United States it is said to be largely used for mixing with 
 ground spices. The aromatic character seems to indicate that 
 this plant belongs to some other family than the one here 
 given. 
 
 Male Fern {Lastrea Filix-mas). — It is one of our handsomest 
 
MALLOW OF ECONOMIC PLAXTS. 259 
 
 native ferns, and common tlirougliout the temperate regions of 
 the northern hemisphere, its fronds, 3 to 4 feet long, rising from 
 a short erect caiidex in the form of a corona. Of all the ferns 
 celebrated by the ancients for their medicinal virtues, the Male 
 Fern ranks the highest, its reputation as a vermifuge having 
 descended from the time of Dioscorides to the present, the part 
 used being the hard woody portion of the caudex, which is either 
 taken in the form of a powder decoction or ethereal extract. 
 But notwithstanding its ancient celebrity and fame, acquired 
 during the latter part of the last century, when it was discovered 
 to form the basis of the Swiss remedy for taenia, the secret of 
 which Louis XYI. purchased of Madame Mouffer for the sum of 
 18,000 francs, its use is gradually becoming obsolete. 
 
 Mallows. — In the English version of the Bible the Hebrew 
 word Malluach has been translated Mallows : " Who cut up 
 mallows by the bushes and juniper roots for their meat " (Job 
 XXX. 4. 1520 B.C.) It, however, cannot be determined what 
 2:)lant or plants were the mallows there spoken of. In this 
 country the word Mallows has been long a familiar name of 
 the genus Malva, the type of the family Malvaceae, of which 
 there are many species widely distributed in the torrid and 
 temperate zones. They consist chiefly of annuals and soft 
 woody shrubs ; they are mucilaginous and not unwholesome, 
 and are in repute by old herbalists as emollients. 3f. rotundifolia, 
 an annual, native of Britain, is very common in many countries 
 in the northern hemisphere. In Egypt it is extensively culti- 
 vated and used as a pot-herb. 
 
 Mallow, Marsh {Althcca officinalis), a strong - growing 
 perennial, native of this country. It attains a height of 
 about three feet, and is of a hoary aspect. It is cultivated in 
 certain districts, and is held in repute as a medicinal plant, 
 being used chiefly in fomentations and gargles. The juice of 
 the root is used in the preparation of cough lozenges. 
 
 MaUow Tree {Lavatcra arhorea), a single hard -stemmed 
 shrub, assuming the character of a tree, 4 to 8 or 10 feet high, 
 terminated by a crown of broad-lobed leaves ; native of Europe, 
 
260 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES ]SIALAY 
 
 found near the sea. It is also native of this country, chiefly on 
 the south-western coast, and flourishes on the Bass Rock in the 
 Firth of Forth. It is grown as a curiosity in cottage gardens. 
 Its cultivation has been attempted for the sake of its fibre, but 
 not with any good results, as the fibre is coarse. 
 
 Malay Apple {Eugenia malaccensis), a handsome, strong- 
 frrowing, smooth-leaved tree of the ^lyrtle family (Myrtacese), 
 producing a profusion of scarlet flowers from the stem and 
 branches, which are succeeded by abundance of fruit, about the 
 size of a small apple. The tree is common in India, Malayan 
 Peninsula and Islands. The pulp of the fruit is said to be 
 wholesome and agreeable. A plant in the Palm-house at Kew, 
 20 feet high, often produces abundance of fruit. In its native 
 country it attains a height of 40 to 50 feet, and according to 
 Dr. Seemann the jSIalay Apple is common in the Sandwich and 
 Fijian Islands. There are two varieties, one with white 
 flowers and the other with scarlet, which are produced in such 
 abundance that when they begin to fall the ground is one sheet 
 of red or white, and when intermingled look like a carpet. 
 The natives call the tree Kavika, and they hold it in venera- 
 tion; and in their imagination the Kavika tree represents all 
 that is lovely and beautiful. The fruit is large and quince- 
 shaped, with apple-like smell and delicate flavour, which is suf- 
 ficient to justify the praise Polynesians bestow upon it. This is 
 probably a distinct species from E. malaccensis of India. 
 
 Maloo, a name in India for Bauliinia Valilii, a woody 
 climber of the Bean family (Leguminosee). It has thick woody 
 stems 200 to 300 feet long, climbing over and interlacing the 
 highest trees in the forests, twisting it so tightly that the tree 
 becomes stranu'led and dies, the Bcaihinict remaininf]^ as a tree. 
 Its bark is very tough and strong, and is used for making ropes 
 and suspension bridges. Its leaves are about a foot in diameter, 
 in the form of two lobes joined at the edges. They are sold at 
 bazaars for domestic purposes, and are used for making platters. 
 Another species, B. xariegata, is a small tree, 20 feet high, 
 common in India, China, the Moluccas, and other islands of 
 
IMA^IMOTH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 261 
 
 the Indian Ocean, and lias become naturalised in the "West 
 Indian Islands. Its leaves consist of two lobes, joined like the 
 preceding. Its flowers are showy, of a rosy wliite, and produced 
 in twos on a short stalk. The wood is of a dark colour, and 
 is sometimes called Ebony. In India its bark is used medi- 
 cinally, and also for tanning leather. 
 
 Malt, barley grains moistened to make them sprout, which 
 at a certain point is suddenly checked by tossing the grains 
 with shovels on heated floors till dry ; the grain is then sweet, 
 the sprouting having set free the sugar ; the malt then undergoes 
 certain processes for making ale, beer, porter, gin, and whisky. 
 
 Mammee Apple {Mammea americana), a tree of the Gamboge 
 family (Guttifer?e), native of the West Indies and tropical 
 America. It attains a height of 60 to 70 feet, and has a 
 spreading head, with broad, ovate, oblong, firm, smooth, shining 
 leaves. The fruit is of an angular form, the size of a small 
 melon or cocoa-nut. It has two rinds — the outer leathery; 
 and inner thin, yellow, adhering closely to the flesh, which is 
 firm, bright yellow, has a singularly pleasant taste, and a sweet 
 aromatic smell. It is, however, variously thought of. Some 
 consider it of a soapy flavour, others that it tastes like molasses, 
 with a slight flavour of tar. It is more agreeable to the palate 
 of the natives than to Euroj^eans. It contains one to four large 
 seeds, from which an oil is expressed, used by the Indians as a 
 hair oil. The tree on being wounded yields a thick yellow 
 gum. It is also used by the Indians and negroes as a cure for 
 the itch, and to prevent the chigoes from attacking their feet. 
 The bark is a powerful astringent, even poisonous, and a decoc- 
 tion of it is used for the same purposes. 
 
 Mammoth Tree (Sequoia gigantea), more generally known as 
 Wellingtonia gigantea, a tree of the Coniferae family. This was 
 supposed by some authors to be a distinct genus from Sequoia, 
 and on account of its large size English botanists named it after 
 the great warrior the Duke of Wellington, thus giving it the 
 name of Wellingtonia gigantea. Careful examination has, how- 
 ever, shown me that it is in no way distinct as a genus from 
 
262 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MAXCHINEAL 
 
 Sequoia, in which genus it is now placed. It is a native of 
 California, and for some time was thought only to grow in one 
 locality, called the "Mammoth Grove;" it has, however, been 
 found in several other mountain ranges, but not equal in size to 
 those first discovered. Its immense size was a few years ago well 
 known to visitors to the Crystal Palace by a portion of the 
 thick bark of one of the trees being set up in the position it occu- 
 pied when growing, showing its natural dimensions, the height 
 of the tree felled being 327 feet, with a diameter of 30 feet 
 at the ground. This bark was destroyed by a fire which occurred 
 at the Palace some years since. The plant has been introduced, 
 and grows freely in this country, forming as yet a very orna- 
 mental tree, some having attained already the height of 30 feet 
 or more. 
 
 Manchineal Tree (Ilijjjjomanc Mancinella), a tree of the 
 Spurgewort family (Euphorbiacese). This, like the Upas tree of 
 the East, is the celebrated poison tree of tropical America; it 
 gi'ows to the height of from 40 to 50 feet, and is generally found 
 near the sea-shore. The leaves are simple, of an elliptical form, 
 and sliining, 3 to 4 inches in length. The fruit is of a yellowish- 
 green colour, and very tempting to the eye, but when bitten it 
 is found to be very acrid. Many wonderful stories are told of 
 the virulent nature of this tree, even that it causes ill effects to 
 persons lying under its shade ; its milky juice is highly acrid 
 and blistering to the skin, and has caused blindness by the 
 hands coming in contact with the eyes after the plant has been 
 handled. 
 
 Mandiocca. {See Cassava.) 
 
 Mandrake {Mandragora officinarum), a low perennial herb 
 of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), native of the South and 
 East of Europe and Western Asia ; it has large tap roots, from 
 which spring a number of simple lance-shaped leaves, the flowers 
 being produced amongst them close to the stem, and succeeded 
 by the fruit, which lies on the OTound round the centre of the 
 plant ; it is like the potato apple, but larger. This plant is of 
 ancient renown, for virtues superstitiously founded on the 
 
MANGROVE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 263 
 
 resemblance of the roots to the human figure. This idea of its 
 virtues has prevailed since Eeuben " found mandrakes in the 
 field," but it is doubtful whether that was the same plant as the 
 present. A few years ago two children were poisoned, it is 
 said, by eating mandrake roots, which they found in a field. 
 But whatever was the cause of death, it coukl not be from the 
 effects of Mandragora offlcinarum, as it is not a native of this 
 country. 
 
 Mangel Wurzel. {Sec Beet.) 
 
 Mango {Mangifera indica). — This well-known tree belongs to 
 the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiaceae), common throughout the 
 whole of India and other countries of the East, and has been 
 introduced into the AVest Indies and tropical America. It may 
 well be called the Apple of the trojDics ; and, like it, it has a 
 great many varieties, differing in the shape, size, colour, and 
 flavour of the fruit ; some are large, fleshy, and luscious, \\'hile 
 others are so stringy and terebinthaceous that they have been 
 compared to a mouthful of tow soaked in turpentine. They 
 vary in form, some being kidney -shaped, and some roundish 
 and slightly compressed ; their average weight is from a quarter 
 to three-quarters of a pound. Some years ago fine luscious 
 fruits, each weighing half a pound, were produced on an old tree 
 in the Palm-house at Kew. 
 
 Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana), a tree of the Gamboge 
 family (Guttifera), attaining a height of about 20 feet, with 
 opposite nearly horizontal branches and smooth elliptical opposite 
 leaves, native of Molucca and other Spice islands ; and it has 
 become indigenous in Java, Singapore, and other parts of the 
 East. The fruit is about the size of an apple, of a reddish-brown 
 colour when ripe, having a thick succulent rind, and crowned 
 with the persistent rays of the stigma. It contains a juicy 
 Avhite pulp of a refreshing, delicate, sweet, and acid flavour. It 
 is universally esteemed, and is considered to be one of the finest 
 of tropical fruits. The rind contains an astringent juice, used as 
 a cure for dysentery. 
 
 Mangrove, a name applied to two genera of shrubs or small 
 
264 DICTION A.RY OF POPULAR NAMES IMANILLA 
 
 trees, namely FJiizopliora and Avicennia. 1. Rhizopliora, the 
 type of the Mangrove family (Ehizophoracese) ; consists of 
 about 20 species, all being natives within or near the tropics, 
 where they form impenetrable barriers for hundreds of miles 
 alons^ the mud- shores of low coasts, risinc? to a height of 15 
 feet or more, and throwing out numerous roots from the lower 
 part of the stem. They also send down long slender roots from 
 the branches, something like the banyan tree of India. The 
 Mangrove is perhaps most remarkable from the fact of its seeds 
 germinating in the fruit while yet hanging from the branch, and 
 producing a radicle or root sometimes more than 3 or 4 feet long, 
 and ultimately falling into the mud and forming a new centre. 
 By this means they extend their domain seawards, their roots 
 and branches interlacing in every direction. Oysters and other 
 shell -fish attach themselves to these plants, so verifying to a 
 certain extent the assertion that oysters grew on trees. The 
 Mangrove has no special virtues, except that the bark is some- 
 times used for tanning and dyeing. The exhalations from Man- 
 grove swamps are of a most unhealthy nature, causing malaria and 
 fever. The tj^^ical species of the family is Uliizoj^liova Mangle. 
 2. Avicennia tonientosa, a shrub of the Verbena family 
 (Verbenaceae). Like the preceding, it occupies large tracts of the 
 sea-shores in tropical countries, and extends south to New 
 Zealand and Tasmania. It is, like the true ]\Iangrove, remarkable 
 for extending its domains seawards by strong roots, which rise 
 out of the mud in an arched, entangled manner, again entering 
 the mud and sending up asparagus-like shoots, forming extensive, 
 impenetrable coast jungles. On the American coasts, these 
 jungles are the resort and home of alligators. It has opposite, 
 entire, oblong leaves, 2 to 3 inches in length, with a white down 
 on the under surface, which has caused it to be called the White 
 Mangrove. 
 
 Manilla Tamarind. {See Algaroba.) 
 
 Manna, a sweet substance produced by different plants, 
 the most important being the Manna Ash {Fraxinus Ornus), a 
 tree attaining a height of 30 to 40 feet, common in Southern 
 
MANNA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 265 
 
 Europe. It contains a sweet juice, which is obtained by making 
 incisions in the stem. The juice hardens, and forms the j^rincipal 
 kind of Manna sold by druggists for domestic use ; the principal 
 quantity comes from Sicily and Calabria. Another Ivind of 
 Manna is produced by Eucalyptus mannifera, a lofty tree of the 
 Myrtle family (Myrtacese), native of New South Wales, also by 
 a species of Oak (see Willow). A kind of Manna is produced, 
 by the Larch tree {Larix europcea), known as Manna of BriauQon. 
 
 Manna Croup. {See Manna Grass.) 
 
 Manna Grass (Glyceria fiuitans), a spreading water-grass 
 covering the surface of water in ditches, pools, ponds, etc., in 
 this country, and throughout Europe. It is a sweet grass ; cattle 
 are fond of it, and wade into the water to obtain it. In Hol- 
 land, and Poland the seeds are used as food, and in Germany are 
 used for making the article called Manna Croup. 
 
 Manna of Sinai is produced by two plants. Tamarix 
 mannifera, a small tree or much-branched shrub similar to T, 
 gallica, common on the coasts of this country, Erance, and 
 Southern Europe generally. It is native of the desert countries 
 of Western Asia. At certain seasons of the year the stems are 
 punctured by a small insect ; from these punctures a honey-like 
 liquid exudes, which hardens on the stems, and is collected by 
 the Bedouin Arabs of the present day, and is preserved like 
 honey as a delicacy. Another kind of Manna is produced by 
 Hedysarum Alhar/i, by modern botanists called Alliagi ma2i7vrum, 
 a low scrubby spiny bush of the Bean family (Leguminos?e), 
 with small simple leaves. A plant common in the deserts of 
 Syria, Persia, Bokhara, and Hindostan. In some places it is 
 called Camel Thorn. During the heat of the day a sweet 
 gummy substance exudes from the leaves and stems ; this 
 hardens, and is collected by the Bedouin Arabs, and in Bokhara 
 to such an extent as to form a substitute for sugar, for which it 
 is used as well as for sweetmeats and confectionery. Some 
 writers endeavour to show that this and the preceding furnished 
 the Manna of the Israelites, but the quantity obtained even over 
 an extensive district is small, and in other points it does not 
 
•■' 
 
 ft 
 
 - % 
 
 266 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES BIANNA 
 
 ^gree witli Moses' description of'tlie Manna; with regard to 
 ^vliiQl>*,'#&ie writers .'liave endeavoured to explain that the 
 niiraciilous fall of the IManna of the Israelites was due to natural 
 causes, and believe it to have been showers of a Cryptogamic 
 23lant {Liclien escuhntus), called by modern botanists Lecanora 
 esculenta, first brought into notice by Pallas, a liussian traveller, 
 in 1788, who observed it in the Crimea, and also on very dry 
 limestone hills in the desert of Tartary, lying on the ground like 
 small stones united together. The use made of it by the in- 
 habitants for food in times of scarcity led him to name it Ziehen 
 esculentus, and he described and figured it in a Eussian botanical 
 work in 1796. The species now in question, and a closely-allied 
 species {Leeanora ciffinis), occupy vast tracts of barren plains 
 and mountains in many regions of Western Asia, and also of 
 Xorth Africa ; in time it loses its attachment to the surface on 
 ^\-hich it grows, and being light is carried up by the winds and 
 conveyed in the air to a great distance, ultimately falling to the 
 ground, and sometimes forming a layer several inches in thick- 
 ness. Sheep eat it, and in times of scarcity the inhabitants 
 make a kind of bread of it, regarding it as sent to them by 
 Providence, and believing that it falls from heaven. Specimens 
 collected after a shower are to be seen in the ]\Iuseum at 
 Kew, sent by W. K. Loftus, Esq., in 1854; also specimens from 
 Bayaza, in Asiatic Turkey, sent in 1855 by H. H. Calvert, Esq., 
 British Consul at Erzeroum. On the 3d of AugTist 1828 a 
 shower is recorded to have fallen in the regjion of ]\Iount Ararat 
 in Armenia. The same, or a closely-allied species of lichen, has 
 been observed by the Ptev. H. B. Tristram in the great desert of 
 Sahara, lying on the ground like nodules of sand ; it is gathered 
 by the natives, and used by them as food in times of scarcity. 
 
 The late Giles Munby, Esq., who resided for a number of 
 years ui Algeria, also gives an account of it in a paper read before 
 the British Association at Birmincrham in 1849. He savs that 
 L. esculenta, or an allied species, springs up in a night, covering 
 the sand of the desert ; and that the Erench soldiers during an 
 expedition south of Constantine subsisted on it for some davs, 
 
MARIGOLD 
 
 \ OF ECOX-^j^ PLANTS, '^ 267 
 
 cooking it in various ways, and making it into bread. He. 
 further states that it is blown about by the wind, and collects 
 in heaps. Being of a soft starcliy nature, it can readily be 
 imagined that it would soon ferment and putrefy. 
 
 These accounts seem to leave no doubt that one or more 
 species of crustaceous edible lichens grow on sterile plains and 
 mountains, and are occasionally carried by winds to distant 
 localities ; that the latter circumstance seems to be uncertain 
 and erratic ; and also that these lichens do not agree witli the 
 text which says, " When the sun waxed hot, it [the manna] 
 melted," which being the case with the Tamarix Manna leads 
 us to presume that it and Lichen Mannas are included in Moses' 
 description of Manna. 
 
 Maple, Common (Acer campestre), a tree of the natural 
 order Sapindaceae, native of this country. It is valued for its 
 wood, wdiich is first white, and by age becomes yellow or brown. 
 It is compact and firm, but not hard, of a fine grain, and is em- 
 ployed for turnery, ornamental work, and wood - carving, and 
 was once in great repute for culinary vessels, as bowls, plates, 
 spoons, etc. 
 
 Maple, Sugar {A. saccharimim), a moderate-sized tree, 
 native of North America, in Canada forming extensive forests. 
 It is of great importance for its juice, which is obtained in early 
 spring by tapping, and is afterwards converted into sugar. A 
 tree will yield from two to four pounds yearly, and wiU continue 
 to do so for forty years without suffering injury. It is chiefly 
 made by the Indians, and is in general use in North America, 
 and is considered equal to cane sugar. 
 
 Marble -wood, Andaman {Diospyros Kurzii), a tree of the 
 Ebony family (Ebenace?e), native of the Andaman Islands and 
 British Burmah, attaining a height of 50 to GO feet ; its wood 
 is greyish, interlaid with black, and called Marble -wood. It 
 takes a fine polish, and is used for cabinet-work in the country 
 of its growth. 
 
 Marigold (Calendula officinalis), a pretty yellow flowering 
 annual of the Composite family (Composita?), native of South 
 
268 DICTIONARY OF tOPULAR NAMES | MARIGOLD 
 
 Euro23e, introduced more than 300 years ago, and become 
 naturalised in many parts, often seen on railway banks. An 
 extract of tlie flowers is used for colouring butter and cheese. 
 
 Marigold, Marsh (Caltha 2^ctlustris), a beautiful perennial 
 plant of the Eanunculaceae, flowering early in the spring, 
 growing abundantly in marshy places and by river-banks ; it is 
 commonly reputed to be acrid and poisonous ; the flower-buds 
 have been used as capers. In some places it is called Butter- 
 cup. 
 
 Marjoram {Origanum vulgare), a strong-growing perennial 
 plant of the Mint family (Labiatse), native of this country, 
 known by the name of Wild Marjoram. Oil of Thyme is 
 obtained from it, and is used by dentists and furriers. 
 
 Marjoram, Sweet {Origanum Marjorana), Pot {0. Oiiites), 
 Winter {0. hcradeoticum), perennial plants, native of South 
 Europe, and cultivated in this country as pot-herbs. 
 
 Marking Nut {Semecarpus Anacardium), a tree of the 
 Cashew Xut family (Anacardiaceie), native of India. It has 
 large oblong leaves, and fruit borne on a fleshy receptacle 
 similar to the Cashew Nut. It is roasted and eaten by the 
 natives. The black juice obtained from the unri]3e fruit is used 
 for marking cloths, and when mixed with quicklime forms an 
 indelible marking-ink. Great care is necessary in using it, as 
 from its acrid nature it is apt to cause severe inflammation. It 
 is also used as a varnish in calking ships. 
 
 Marmalade Plum, a name in the West Indies for Lucuma 
 mammosum, a tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), common 
 throughout the West Indies and tropical America, valued for 
 its fruit, which is from 3 to 5 inches long, and pulpy. It is 
 called Marmalade from its resembling that preserve in taste 
 and appearance. 
 
 Marmelos {yEgh Marmelos). {See Bael.) 
 
 Marram, Marrum, or Mat Grass {AmmopUla arenaria)', 
 also may be included under this name Elymus are^iaria and E. 
 geniculatus, all perennial, strong, running-rooted grasses, having 
 rigid whitish leaves. Natives of the sea-shores of this country 
 
MASTICH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 269 
 
 and other parts of Europe. On low sanely shores they form 
 important agents in keeping back the inroads of the sea, and 
 they even extend seaward. The celebrated golf links of St. 
 Andrews have thus been gained from the sea, and people now 
 walk on ground that was sea not fifty years ago. 
 
 Marvel of Peru (^Mirahilis Jalcqja), a strong-growing peren- 
 nial of the Marvel of Peru family (Nyctaginaceae). It has been 
 grown in this country as a garden plant for more than 250 years. 
 It is said to be a native of both Indies, but this must be con- 
 sidered uncertain. It has large black tuberous roots, supposed at 
 one time to be the medical Jalap Eoot. This and M. longiflora 
 are handsome garden plants, opening their pretty tube -like 
 flowers, or properly calyx, in the afternoon, hence called Four- 
 o'clock-flower. 
 
 Massaranduba. {See Cow Tree.) 
 
 Mastich, the name of the resin of Pistacia Lentiscus, a tree 
 of the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiaceoe). It attains a height 
 of 15 to 20 feet and a foot in diameter, having winged smooth 
 leaves of a pale colour, and inconspicuous flowers. It yields a 
 balsamic sap, which is obtained by making incisions in the 
 stems and branches ; it hardens, and is the Mastic of commerce. 
 It has a sweet resinous smell, and is chewed by the Turks to 
 preserve the gums and teeth, and to sweeten the breath, and it 
 is also used by them in the preparation of a liqueur called Eaki. 
 It is used by dentists in this country for stopping teeth. In 
 the arts it is chiefly employed as a varnish for pictures, maps, 
 etc., on paper and canvas. About eight or ten tons are yearly 
 imported, chiefly from Scio and other Greek islands. It is common 
 in the rocky countries of Gilead, and is supposed to have yielded 
 the balm that the Ishmeelites carried into EgyjDt. The resin 
 of the Lentisk was called by the ancients SeJmios, which has 
 been adopted by Linnreus as the name of a genus of American 
 shrubs of the same family (Anacardiacese). Seldnus MoUe, a 
 shrub, native of Peru, is called the Peruvian Mastich Tree. It 
 has light-green pinnate leaves, which contain a highly odoriferous 
 oily fluid, which naturally exudes, especially after rain, and fills 
 
270 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MAT 
 
 the air with fragrance ; on throwing fragments of the leaves into 
 water the oil is expelled with such force as to cause them to 
 jerk and twirl as if by spontaneous motion. >S^. Molle is widely 
 diffused. It is found extending from Chili northward to Cali- 
 fornia, wdiere it is called the Pepper Tree, its berries having the 
 taste of common black pepper. It has been introduced and is 
 now common in Italy and other parts of South Euro]3e ; but 
 neither it nor the Lentisk is sufficiently hardy to live in the 
 open air in this country. 
 
 Mat Grass. {See MaiTam.) 
 
 Mats. — Cocoa-nut (see Cocoa-nut) ; Chinese and Indian {see 
 Cyperus) ; Garden or Eussian {see Lime Tree) ; Door {see Hemp). 
 
 Mat^. {See Paraguay Tea.) 
 
 Matico {Piper angustifolmm), better known as Arfanfhe 
 elongata, a jointed shrub of the Pepper family (Piperace^e), 
 native of Peru. It is an erect-growing species with lanceolate 
 rouoh leaves, which are used for stanchinsj the bleedinf]^ of 
 wounds. It is known in South America by the name of Soldier's 
 Herb. 
 
 Mawseed. {See Poppy, White.) 
 
 May, a popular name for the flowers of Cratcegus Oxyacan- 
 tha. {See Hawthorn.) 
 
 May Apple {Podopliyllic7n peltatum), also known by the 
 name of Duck's - foot, a perennial plant of the Buttercup 
 family (Eanunculacese), native of the United States ; abundant 
 in damp, shady woods. It has long, shield-like, lobed leaves and 
 white flowers; its fruit is egg-shaped in form, and about the 
 size of a small lemon ; the root and leaves of the plant are acrid 
 and poisonous, but the pulp of the fruit is less so, and contains 
 active medicinal qualities, being in repute as a substitute for 
 calomel. 
 
 Meadow Saffron. {See Colchicum.) 
 
 Medick, also called Lucerne {Medicago sativa), a perennial, 
 tall, slender, clover -like plant, considered to be a native of 
 England, but rare in a wild state. It is, however, extensively 
 cultivated as a cattle food. The Hop Medick {M. Lupidina), so 
 
MELON OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 271 
 
 named on account of its flowers having some resemblance to a 
 hop cone, is also cultivated for fodder. 
 
 Medlar {J\Icspiliis gcrmanica), a small spreading tree or bush 
 of the Apple family (Pomacea3). It is found in hedges and 
 uncultivated places in this country, as well as in France, Ger- 
 many, and Southern Europe. The fruit is about the size of a 
 very small apple, having the lobes of the calyx well developed 
 and permanent on its apex. It is unfit for eating until it loses its 
 green colour and begins to decay, when it acquires an agreeable 
 acid somewhat astringent flavour. 
 
 Medlar, Neapolitan (Cratcegus azarolus), a bush or small 
 tree of the Apple family (Pomacete), native of Southern Europe 
 and Palestine. The fruit is pulpy and somewhat acid, and 
 frequently forms a table-fruit. 
 
 Melegueta Pepper. {See Grains of Paradise.) 
 
 Melilot {Melilotus officinalis), a clover-like annual or bi- 
 ennial of the Bean family (Leguminosce), widely cultivated 
 throughout Europe and Western Asia as food for cattle. In 
 Switzerland the leaves are made into powder, which is used for 
 flavouring Chapziger cheese, {^ee also Coumarin.) 
 
 Melon {Cucumis Melo); a tendril climbing or trailing annual 
 of the Gourd family (Cucurbitace?e). Its well-known fruit is of 
 ancient fame, having been cultivated in Egypt in the time of 
 Moses, and is now a favourite in most warm countries. There 
 are many varieties ; the finest are said to be the melons of Bok- 
 hara. It is supposed to have been first introduced from Egypt 
 to Rome, from thence to France in 1495, and afterwards to 
 England, where it is too tender for open air, but is successfully 
 cultivated under glass. 
 
 Melon Thistle, the name early given to Mdocactus communis, 
 one of the Cactus family (Cactacese), native of the coasts of 
 most of the West Indian islands and some parts of the American 
 continent, growing on rocks and barren places. The plant con- 
 sists of a globose, somewhat conical, succulent fleshy stem, a foot 
 or more in diameter, and 1| feet high, with twelve to twenty 
 prominent ridges bearing at regular distances tufts of strong 
 
272 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES MESQUIT 
 
 spines ; the flowering portion being of a cylindrical form pro- 
 duced on the top of the plant, consisting of a dense mass of 
 bristly hairs and slender spines, out of which the small flowers 
 scarcely emerge. This head is 2 to 3 inches in diameter, is per- 
 manent, and increases in height to 6 or more inches, and being 
 of a red colour, it is compared to a Turk's cap. 
 
 Mesquit Tree. {See Algaroba.) 
 
 Miel de Palma. (See Coquito Xut.) 
 
 Mignonette {Reseda odorata), the type of the jMignonette 
 family (Eesedacese), native of Egypt and the shores of the 
 Mediterranean. In Pliny's time the Eomans applied this plant 
 under the name of Eeseda as a charm to allay the irritation of 
 wounds. It is recorded to have been introduced and cultivated 
 in the Apothecaries' Botanic Garden, Chelsea, in 1752. Since 
 then its sweet smell has made it a universal favourite with all 
 classes. In this country it is an annual, but in the south of 
 Europe it becomes shrubby. 
 
 Mignonette, Jamaica. {See Camphire.) 
 
 Mildew. {See Eungi and Mucor.) 
 
 Millet. — There are several ^lillet grasses, the most important 
 being Sorghum vultjare, an annual, cane-like, corn-grass, similar 
 to Indian corn, but not so strong in grow^th, producing a dense 
 head of spikelets, bearing numerous small corn -grains, which 
 formed an extensive article of food in ancient times, as it does 
 at the present day. It is extensively cultivated in Southern 
 Europe and region of the Mediterranean generally, including 
 Egypt, Syria, and eastward to India, also coast of Guinea, and 
 other parts of Western tropical Africa. It grows freely in this 
 country, but the summer heat is not sufficient to bring the corn 
 to perfection. On the removal of the grains the spikes become 
 hard and rigid, and are imported into this country for making 
 carpet and small hand-brooms. In my Historij of Bible Plants 
 I have endeavoured to show that the stalk of this was probably 
 the reed of St. Matthew, and the spikelets on its top hyssop of 
 St. John mentioned at the Crucifixion {see Hyssop). In Ger- 
 many and other parts of Southern Europe Panicum italicum 
 
MIRITI OF ECOXOMIC PLANTS. 273 
 
 and P. miliaccum, two strong annual grasses, are cultivated 
 under tlie name of Millet ; they produce a dense cylindrical 
 head of small grains, which are chiefly used for feeding poultry. 
 Several others of the Fanicum group, as also Meusine coracana, 
 a decumbent grass, are cultivated in various warm countries, 
 and called Millet. 
 
 Millet Khoda, a name in India for the grains of Faspalum 
 sc7vhictdatu77i, cultivated as a kind of Millet. 
 
 Mint. (See Peppermint, also Spearmint.) 
 
 Mio Mio, a name in the Argentine Republic, Banda Oriental, 
 and Uruguay, for Baccliaris cordifolia, a shrub of the Composite 
 family (Compositse). It grows in pastures, and is poisonous to 
 sheep. 
 
 Mirabel, a French name for candied or preserved plums. 
 
 Miriti or Ita Palm the Indian name for Mauritia flexuosa, 
 native of the swamps of the Orinoco. It is also stated to be 
 found at the sources of the Orinoco, at an elevation of 4263 feet. 
 It is a magnificent palm, its cylindrical stems rising like Grecian 
 columns to a height of 100 or 150 feet, terminated by a crown 
 of large fan-shaped leaves, from the base of which is produced 
 a big bunch of pendulous fruits, some measuring 8 to 10 feet 
 in length, weighing 2 or 3 cwts., and containing several 
 bushels of fruit. Each fruit is about the size of a small apple, 
 liaving a reticulated, polished, smooth shell. The Guarane tribe 
 of Indians, during the period of the inundations by the Orinoco, 
 suspend their dwellings from the stems of this palm. These 
 dwellings consist of a floor made of its leaves, on one part of 
 which they place a little earth whereon to make their fire. 
 Its shelly fruit, its farinaceous pith (sago), and its juice abound- 
 ing in saccharine matter, and the fibres of its petioles, furnish 
 them with food, wine, and thread for making cord and weaving 
 
 hammocks. 
 
 " "Wide o'er liis isles, the branching Oronoque 
 Rolls a brown deluge ; and the native drives 
 To dwell aloft on hfe-siifficing trees ; 
 At once his dome, his robe, his food, and arms." 
 
 Thomson. 
 
 T 
 
274 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MISHMEE 
 
 The same materials are also furnished by an allied species, M. 
 vinifera, the thin pulp of the fruit of which is edible, having a 
 sweet slightly-acid taste, and a kind of wine is made from it. 
 
 Mishmee, a name in India for Coptis teeta, a creeping-rooted, 
 three-leaved, low plant of the Buttercup family (Eanunculaceae), 
 native of Assam. It is sold in bazaars as a bitter tonic. 
 
 Missel, a name in Guiana for the fruit of Blahea quin- 
 quinervia, a moderate -sized tree of the Melastome family 
 (Melastomaceae), native of the forests of Guiana. Its fruit is 
 a six-celled berry seated in a permanent bell-shaped calyx of a 
 yellow colour, and its flavour may be compared to raspberry 
 cream. 
 
 Mistletoe ( Visnim alhicm), a parasitical evergreen shrub of 
 the Mistletoe family (Loranthace?e), common in Middle and 
 Southern Europe, growing on various kinds of trees. It has 
 been said that Mistletoe never grows on the oak ; there are, 
 however, many recorded instances. In this country the apple 
 tree is its favourite, the trees in the orchards of Herefordshire 
 and neighbouring^ counties bein^jj loaded with it. Much has been 
 written respecting the Mistletoe, both as regards its parasitical 
 mode of growth and structure, and also in relation to its ancient 
 fame. History tells us it was held sacred in the religious cere- 
 monies of the Druids. The very general custom of placing 
 twigs and branches of Mistletoe in our houses at Christmas is 
 probably a relic of its pagan sanctity, though now retained 
 merely as an emblem of social friendship and jovial custom that 
 has long characterised that festive season. To supply this 
 simple emblem many tons of Mistletoe are required for London 
 alone ; and it appears that the home produce is not equal to the 
 demand, it being extensively imported from France, chiefly from 
 Normandy. In December 1880 the quantity was above 2300 
 crates, each crate weighing 1 cwt. ; of which 160 crates were 
 sent to Liverpool, 100 to JManchester, 40 to Glasgow, and 
 various quantities to other places. In the early part of the 
 month of December the price of a crate averages from 4s. 6d. to 
 5s., but as Christmas approaches, the price advances to 8s., 12s., 
 
MORA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 275 
 
 and even 20s. Its berries are said to be poisonous, instances of 
 death to children having occurred from eating them ; but this 
 appears to be owing more to the gkitinous nature causing them 
 to adhere to the coats of the stomach than to any active prin- 
 ciple. 
 
 Mocan ( Vismia Mocanera), an evergreen shrub with tea-like 
 leaves belonging to the Tea family (Ternstroemiacese), native of 
 the Canaries. Some writers suppose its fruit to be the Mocan 
 of the Guanches, the original inhabitants of the Canaries and 
 Madeira, but long ago extinct. Its fruit, however, being a dry 
 capsule, leads us to doubt whether the Mocan was the plant 
 now known as Vismia. 
 
 Model -wood, a name given in India to the hard light- 
 coloured wood of Adina {Nauclca cordifolia). 
 
 Molle, a Peruvian name for Schinus Molle {see Mastich). 
 
 Monk's Hood. {See Aconite.) 
 
 Monkey-bread. {See Baobab.) 
 
 Monkey-pot. {See Sapucaia.) 
 
 Monstera, the name of a genus of the Arum family 
 (Aroideae). M. cleliciosa is an epiphytal climber, native of 
 Mexico. Its stems are about an inch in diameter, extending: 
 to a great length, and furnished with large, cordate, lobed leaves, 
 perforated with holes. The fruit is about the size of a small 
 pine-apple, pulj^y, of a pink colour and most delicious flavour. 
 It grows and fruits freely in the hothouses of this country. 
 
 Moon-flower {Iimmoea hona-nox), a climbing annual of the 
 Bindweed family (Convolvulacese), native of India. It has 
 large flowers, 5 to 6 inches in diameter, of a pure white, which, in 
 consequence of their habit of opening during the night, are very 
 conspicuous. The name Bona-nox means Good-night Plant, 
 in allusion to its nocturnal flowers. It is represented in this 
 country by the common Bindweed {Convolvulus [Calystegia] 
 sepium), which climbs over bushes and hedges, its wliite flowers 
 being very conspicuous in the dark. 
 
 Mora Tree {Mora excelsa), a large tree of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosse), with glossy winged leaves, attaining a height of 
 
276 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MORELL 
 
 100 to 150 feet. It is a native of Guiana, and of late years 
 extensive forests of it have been found in Trinidad. Its timber 
 is imported for shipbuilding, and is considered more durable 
 than oak. The pods are from 6 to 8 inches in length and 3 
 inches in breadth, containing a single large kidney-shaped seed, 
 which nearly fills the pod. The genus Mora is now sunk under 
 that of Dimorphandra. 
 
 Morell (Morchella esculenta), a fleshy fungus of the Mush- 
 room alliance, native of this country and Central Europe 
 generally. It grows in woods and pastures, especially where 
 wood has been burnt ; consequently the peasants in some parts 
 of Germany have at times burned down extensive tracts of 
 woodlands for the purpose of making the soil more productive 
 of Morells. The Morell grows to a height of from 3 to 4 
 inches ; it consists of a smooth white cylindrical stem, having a 
 hollow spherical cap adhering to the stem by its base ; it is of 
 a pale brown or grey colour, and is marked with deep pits all 
 over its surface. It is highly esteemed for giving a delicious 
 flavour to dishes similar to that of mushroom ketchup. In 
 consequence of its being somewhat rare and expensive in this 
 country, a substitute is found in the allied genus Hclvella. 
 H. crisjKt and H. lacunosa are similar to the Morell, and are 
 common in woods and on banks. 
 
 Morinda Bark. — Morinda tindoria, M. citrifolia, and M. 
 umhellata, shrubs or small trees of the Cinchona family 
 (Cinchonacese), very common throughout tropical Asia, including 
 the Polynesian Islands. Their bark and roots are extensively 
 used for dyeing, the bark producing a red, and the roots a yellow 
 dye ; but by different mordants other colours are produced, even 
 green. In India 3f. tindoria is called Ach, and is used for 
 dyeing turbans and red cloths. In Tahiti the species are called 
 Mona or Monii, and are used for the same purposes. In 
 Singapore and Philippine Islands the leaves are held in high 
 repute for ulcers and wounds, and the stems are used for props 
 for the pepper vine. 
 
 Moss, a general term for the plants comprehended under the 
 
MOXA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 277 
 
 order Musci, of the class Cryptogamese of Linnseus, of which 
 about 1000 species are known to botanists. They have a wide 
 geographical range, but are most abundant in the temperate 
 zones and on the elevated regions within the tropics, and a 
 few within the Arctic zone. In Northern Europe the genus 
 Sphagnum occupies extensive tracts of boggy country, and by 
 its successive growth and decay in the course of ages becomes 
 peat, which forms the common fuel of the North. Above 300 
 species are native of this country, of which some are common to 
 all situations, growing on lawns, trees, old walls, and in shady 
 woods. A few are peculiar in their places of growth, such as 
 ScJiistostcgia osmimdacea ornamenting caverns with its lumi- 
 nous golden hue, while Oindidotus fontiiialoides and Fontinalis 
 antipyrdica grow upon rocks, stones, or woodwork in running 
 streams. As a whole, they possess no important economic 
 properties. Some species of S_pliagn'um, and several species of 
 Hypnum, are used for stuffing cushions and for jjacking, and 
 small fancy brooms are made of Polyti^idiwii commune. They 
 are, however, highly interesting to study, and many books have 
 been written respecting them. 
 
 Moss, American or New Orleans {TUlandsia ttsneoides), 
 a small epiphytal plant of the Pine Apple family (Bromeliacese), 
 native of tropical and sub-tropical America, grooving in profusion 
 on the cypress trees in the regions of the Mississippi. In 
 Jamaica it is called Old Man's Beard. It has slender leaves, 
 4 to 6 inches long, which, after being subjected to dressing, 
 are used as a substitute for horsehair, and imported into this 
 country. 
 
 Moss, Ceylon. {See Ceylon Moss.) 
 
 Mother Cloves, a trade name for the young fruits of the 
 Clove tree. (See Clove.) 
 
 Moulds. {Sec Fungi and Mucor.) 
 
 Mowana. {Sec Baobab.) 
 
 Moxa, a name applied to several substances used for 
 producing a blister by slow combustion, such as Amadou 
 {Polyporus fomentarius) and Artemisia chinensis, the latter a 
 
278 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MUCHERUS 
 
 plant of the Composite family (Compositse). It is a native of 
 China. The blister is produced by burning small pellets of the 
 dried plant on the skin. 
 
 Mucherus, a name in India for a gummy substance obtained 
 from the bark oiBomhax malaharicum, a tall tree of the Silk Cot- 
 ton family (Bombacete). It is sold in the bazaars as a medicine. 
 
 Mucor, the name of a typical genus of a host of cryptogamic 
 plants of the Fungus family, familiarly known as Moulds and 
 Mildews. The microscope shows them to consist of variously- 
 formed cells, successively producing their like, forming chain- 
 like filaments, generally uniting, becoming a white and woolly- 
 like w^eb, which rapidly spreads to the stems, leaves, and fruits 
 of plants, even entering and penetrating their substances, 
 causing great destruction to field and garden crops. The most 
 important of these destructive fungi are noticed under Potato, 
 Vine, Wheat, Coffee, and Turnip (Avhich see ; also see Fungi). 
 
 Mudar and Yercum, names in different parts of India for 
 Calotwjjis gigantea, a tree of the Swallowwort family (Ascle- 
 piadacese), attaining a height of 10 to 20 feet. Its stem and 
 branches are covered with a fibrous, corky, soft bark ; its leaves 
 are opposite, about 6 inches in length. Its fruit is full of fine 
 silky hairs ; and the whole tree abounds in milky sap. The inner 
 bark consists of fibre, equal to that of hemp in firmness and 
 strength. The tree is common throughout India, as is also an 
 allied species {C. grocer a), which extends throughout Western 
 Asia and Eastern Africa, abundant in the valley of the Dead 
 Sea. Its milky sap contains caoutchouc, but not in sufficient 
 quantity to repay the cost of its extraction. 
 
 Mukita. {See Gingerbread Plum.) 
 
 Mulberry Tree {Morus nigra), of the family jMoracecT. The 
 common black Mulberry is believed to be a native of Western 
 Asia, and early spread throughout Southern Europe and Northern 
 Africa. It appears to have been introduced into this country 
 more than 300 years ago, but the climate not being favourable 
 for the production of silk, it is chiefly valued for its fruit, which 
 consists of a number of one-seeded ovaries connected together 
 
MUSHROOM OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 279 
 
 by tlieir enlarged pulpy calyces. The ^Yllite Mulberry (Morus 
 alba), said to be a native of China, was early introduced into 
 Europe, and has now almost superseded M. nvjra for the feeding 
 of silkworms. 
 
 Mullein, Great ( Verhascum Thaiisus), a biennial of the Fig- 
 wort family (Scrophulariacece), native of this country, gener- 
 ally found growing in neglected places in old gardens. In 
 favourable soil it attains a height of 4 to 5 feet, furnished 
 with broad elliptical densely woolly leaves, tlie upper part 
 being closely occupied by yellow flowers. It has long been 
 famed as a domestic medicine, and in consequence of its being 
 used in pulmonary complaints in cattle, it has received the 
 name of Bullock's Lungwort. The dry stalks and leaves were 
 in ancient times dipped in grease and used as a substitute 
 for candles and lamp-wicks. In this country it is called High 
 or Hag taper, on account of the superstition that it was used by 
 witches of old. In Scotland it is known by the name of Shep- 
 herd's Club. It is also known by the name of Adam's Flannel 
 and Aaron's Eod, which are merely fanciful names. 
 
 Munjeeth. {Sec Madder.) 
 
 Muscatel. {See Eaisins.) 
 
 Mushroom {Agaricus campcstris). — This edible fungus is so 
 well known that it is not necessary to describe it. It is found 
 abundantly in summer and autumn in pastures ; but for the 
 supply of London and other large towns it is extensively culti- 
 vated in covered beds, and it is also largely grown in the 
 catacombs in Paris, forming an important article of food. 
 Mushrooms are propagated by what is called spawn, which con- 
 sists of horse and cow dung made up into the form of bricks or 
 cakes, which are put, for a short time, in a warm place, mixed with 
 some of the material of the old mushroom beds, containing more 
 or less of the mycelium or roots of mushrooms. These are 
 white and thread-like, and on coming in contact with the new 
 material, the whole mass becomes impregnated with the white 
 threads. The bricks and cakes are then stored for use, and euev 
 form an article of trade, and are familiarly known as mushroom 
 
280 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES IMUSK 
 
 spawn. On new beds being made, portions of these bricks are 
 mixed with the soil of which the beds are formed, and in time 
 a crop of mushrooms is the result. The Horse Mushroom (A. 
 arvensis) is similar to the above, but of a much larger size, some 
 specimens being 18 inches in diameter. It is often to be seen 
 in the markets at Covent Garden, York, and many Midland 
 towns. It is largely used for making the table condiment known 
 as Ketchup. 
 
 Musk Plant, the common name for Mimulus moscliatus, a 
 plant of the Figwort family (Scrophulariacese), native of North 
 America, and cultivated in rooms in this country for its musky 
 scent. 
 
 Musk Root. {See Sumbul.) 
 
 Musk Seed, the seeds of Ahelmoschus moschatus, a strong 
 perennial of the Mallow family (Malvacese), native of Bengal. 
 The whole plant smells of musk. The seeds are used for 
 scenting hair powder and pomatum. 
 
 Musk Tree (Euryhia argophylla, or better known as Aster 
 argopliyllus, the silver-leaved Musk Tree), a tree of the Compo- 
 site family (Compositce), ha^dng lance-shaped leaves 3 to 5 inches 
 in length, silvery white on the under side, find smelling strongly 
 of musk. It is a native of Tasmania, attainim:^ a heicrht of 20 
 to 30 feet, and a girth of 3 feet. Its wood is hard and beauti- 
 fully figured, and is used for many purposes. 
 
 Mustard Shrub {Cai^paris femiginea), a slu^ub of the Caper 
 family (Capparidace^e), native of the AVest Indies. Its berries are 
 pungent like mustard, and on that account it is called ]\Iustard 
 Shrub. 
 
 Mustard Flour, the ground seed of Brassica alha and B. 
 nigra, better known under the generic name of Sinaiois. Annual 
 weedy-like plants of the Cabbage family (Cruciferse), found wild 
 in this country, but extensively cultivated in some parts for their 
 pungent seeds, which when ground, sifted, and properly prepared, 
 form the table condiment Mustard. The mustard i^lant is also 
 used as a salad, obtained by sowing the seeds thickly, and 
 cutting the young seedling plants when about 2 inches high. 
 
MUSTARD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 281 
 
 Mustard Tree, the name of a tree thus described in the 
 words of the New Testament : " A grain of mustard seed, the 
 least of all seeds ; but when it is grown, it is the greatest among 
 herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come 
 and lodge in the branches thereof" (St. Matthew xiii. 31, 32, 
 etc.) Bible commentators differ greatly as to what was the 
 plant here spoken of ; for although the translation from tlie 
 Hebrew and Greek has been rendered into the English word 
 ]\Iustard, there is nevertheless no evidence in proof that it is 
 the plant we call INIustard (Brassica alba or nigra), which is 
 above described as an annual weedy plant, seldom exceeding 2 
 feet in height. Nevertheless, judging from the account of travel- 
 lers, there is every reason to believe that it was the common 
 mustard plant, which in Palestine attains, it is said, the height 
 of a horse and his rider, and even the height of 10 or 15 feet, 
 thus verifying the words " greatest of herbs." Although only 
 an annual, like most other Cruciferous plants, in autumn its 
 branches become hard and rigid, and of sufficient strength to 
 bear small birds which feed upon its seeds, and with spreading, 
 rigid, naked branches, may well be called a tree. The late Dr. 
 Eoyle, however, endeavoured to show that the mustard tree of 
 Scripture was a very different plant from the above, and consi- 
 dered that it was more probably attributable to Salvador a jJersica, 
 a thick-stemmed, soft- wooded tree belonging to the natural order 
 Salvadoracese, with simple stems growing to a height of about 
 20 feet. Its fruits are berries like currants, and pungent like 
 mustard. It is a native of Persia, extending to the hot valleys 
 at the southern end of the Dead Sea. There is, however, much 
 to be said against this view, one point being that as the Salva- 
 dora growing there would not be known to the people of Galilee, 
 it is not likely to have been the mustard tree of the parable. 
 
 Mustard Weld or Charlock {Brassica Sinapistrum, better 
 known as Sinapis arvensis), a weedy annual, enlivening corn- 
 fields with its bright yellow flowers. Its presence, however, is 
 a sign of unskilful cultivation. The seeds are used for feeding 
 caged birds. 
 
282 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES MYALL 
 
 Myall -wood, a name of the hard violet-scented wood of 
 Acacia Jiomaloijhyllcc, native of New South Wales. 
 
 Myrobalans, a name given in India to the fruits of the 
 genus Terininalia, large trees of the Myrobalan family (Com- 
 bretaceae), common throughout India, Malay, Fiji, and other 
 islands of the Pacific. Their fruits are winged drupes containing 
 a hard stone. T. hellerica and T. chchulct are large trees, native 
 of the Circars and Pegu forests of India, having narrow lance-like 
 leaves growing in tufts at the top of the branches. Their wood 
 is white and is used for house-building. Their chief importance 
 is for their fruits, which are angular or slightly-winged drupes, 
 those of T. lellcrica being oval, pentagonal, the size of a nutmeg, 
 fleshy, and covered with a grey silky down containing a hard nut. 
 The fruit of T. chehula is oval, about an inch and a half long and 
 an inch in diameter, smooth, of pale greenish yellow, having a 
 considerable quantity of pulp ; the nut oblong, hard. Their 
 properties are highly astringent, and they are used for tanning 
 and dyeing black, for which purpose very large quantities are 
 annually imported. They make as good ink as oak galls. The 
 kernels of the nuts are eaten by the natives, and taste like 
 filberts, but in large quantities they produce intoxication. 
 T. catapiM is a tree similar to the preceding, but differs in having 
 broad elliptical leaves. The fruit, a drupe, is oval, oblong, com- 
 pressed, smooth, having the margins elevated, when rij^e of a 
 yellowish colour. The kernels are wholesome, and have the 
 flavour of almonds. In Fiji it is a favourite tree with the natives, 
 who call it Tavola, and plant it near their houses. 
 
 Myrrh, a name applied to the plants of three very distinct 
 families. First, Garden j\Iyrrh (Jfijrrhis oclorata), a perennial 
 herb of the Carrot family (Umbelliferne), native of Britain, and 
 cultivated for its aromatic scent. Second, the ]\Iyrrh of the Bible, 
 which is the product of two distinct plants— 1. The Myrrh 
 carried by the Ishmeelites into Egypt, supposed by the best 
 authorities to be the exudation of several species of rock- 
 rose or gum Cishcs, shrubs of the Cistus family (Cistaceae), the 
 principal being C. villosus, C. crcticus, and C. salvifolius {see 
 
NARCISSUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 283 
 
 Ladanum). 2. Balsamodendron, Myrrlia, a small tree of tlie 
 family Amyridaceae, growing in rocky places, and on limestone 
 hills on tlie Somali coast of Africa. The balsam exudes naturally 
 from the stems and branches, but more abundantly from arti- 
 ficial incisions. It is a sticky white gum, which soon hardens, 
 and is then collected. It is conveyed to Bombay, from whence 
 it comes to this country. A similar product is also yielded by 
 B. Kataf and B. Ojjohalsamum. Though much has been done 
 of late years towards clearing up the identification of these 
 plants, some uncertainty still exists regarding them. The gum 
 is valued for its medicinal properties as well as for its perfume. 
 
 Myrtle, Tasmanian. {See Beech.) 
 
 Myrtle Tree {Myrtus communis), the typical representative 
 of the Myrtle family (Myrtace?e). It is a native of "Western 
 Asia, common in Palestine, and has been introduced and become 
 naturalised in Southern Europe. In favourable situations it 
 forms a small tree 20 or more feet in height, but is often seen as a 
 Ijushy shrub. Its wood is hard and mottled, often knotty, and 
 is much esteemed in turnery. An oil is obtained from it, which 
 is used in perfumery, as also the leaves, which constitute sachet 
 powders, pot pourris, etc. Its fruit, which is a pulpy black 
 berry, is used in some countries as an aromatic condiment. It 
 was introduced into this country about 300 years ago, and in 
 protected situations, such as on a south w^all, it is sufficiently 
 hardy to withstand the ordinary winters of the climate of Lon- 
 don. The Myrtle is mentioned in the Bible, and is used by the 
 Jews as an emblem in the Feast of the Tabernacle, but only 
 sprigs of the variety having three leaves in a whorl. 
 
 Narcissus, the botanical as also the familiar English name 
 for a genus of bulbous plants of the Amaryllidacece, of which 
 the Daffodil (iV. pseudo-narcissus), Jonquil {N. jonquilla), the 
 Poet's Narcissus (iY.j:>oc^'iczts), Hoop-petticoat Narcissus (N. hulho- 
 codium), and numerous other species, are patronised in this 
 country for their early flowering. They are natives chiefly of 
 Southern Europe. The Polyanthus Narcissus (N. Tazetta) is a 
 native of Southern Europe and Western Asia, being abundant 
 
284 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES NARD 
 
 in Palestine, and during the flowering season it is to be found 
 in nearly every house, especially in Damascus. By some this 
 is considered to be the Eose of Sharon, the original Hebrew 
 word Bulb being translated Eose, and indeed a rosebud is 
 something similar to the bulbs of this plant. 
 Nard. {See Spikenard.) 
 
 Nardoo {Marsiha macrojms), a perennial aquatic of the 
 Pepper wort family (Marsileacese), native of Australia ; its leaves 
 are four-lobed, trefoil-like, borne on slender stalks 4 to 6 inches 
 long, on which are produced the spore-cases. It occupies ex- 
 tensive inundated tracts of land, and when dried up the spore- 
 cases are found lying in great abundance like grains of wheat ; 
 they are largely collected and eaten as food by the natives, 
 and for some time constituted the only food to the survivors of 
 the ill-fated Burke and Will's expedition ; but it is devoid of 
 nourishment. It is represented in Eastern Europe by M. 
 quadrifolia. 
 
 Naseberry Tree, a name in the West Indies for Sapota 
 Achras, a large tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotacese), com- 
 mon in the West Indies and tropical America ; its fruit is called 
 Sappodilla Plum ; in shape and size it resembles a bergamot 
 pear ; in colour it is like the medlar, and like it, it is not eaten 
 until it begins to decay ; it then loses its acrid milk, and becomes 
 so sugary that many Euroj)eans consider it too sweet. 
 
 Nasuta, a local Indian name for Justicia nasufa now 
 separated as a distinct genus under the name of Bhinacanthus 
 communis, a shrub of the Acanthad family (Acanthacese). It 
 is sparingly branched, attaining a height of 6 to 8 feet, having 
 large, elliptical, opposite, entire leaves, and axillary spikes of 
 small white flowers. It is common in many parts of India and 
 other Eastern countries. Its wood and woody root are held in high 
 repute as a cure for skin diseases. It has latterly attracted some 
 attention in this country under the name of Tong-pang-chong. 
 
 Natal Plum, the fruit of Arduina hispinosa, a compact stiff 
 spiny bush of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), with box-like 
 leaves and small sweet-scented flowers, native of South Africa. 
 
NETTLE OF ECONOMIC PLAXTS. 285 
 
 The fruits are oblong and drupe-like. In A. grandijlora, also 
 known as the Natal Plum, the fruit is larger ; it makes an 
 excellent preserve. 
 
 Natchnee, the Indian name for Elcttsine coracana, an annual 
 decumbent finger-grass, cultivated in some parts of India, Egypt, 
 and Abyssinia as a corn-food. It is largely used in India. In 
 Abyssinia it is called Tocussa. 
 
 Necklace Tree. {See Bead Tree.) 
 
 Nectarine. {See Peach.) 
 
 Neem, or Nim {Melia Azediracli). {See Bead Tree.) 
 
 Negro Pepper. {See Guinea Pepper.) 
 
 Nelumbium. {See Sacred Bean.) 
 
 Neroli, a name in France for a pomatum made of grease 
 impregnated with orange flowers. The name is also applied to 
 an oil obtained from certain kinds of oranges. 
 
 Nettle, Common {Urtica dioica), a perennial herb of the 
 family Urticacese, attaining a height of 2 to 5 feet ; although 
 generally despised on account of its stingmg nature, its stem is, 
 however, known to possess an excellent fibre, which is used in 
 many parts of Europe for making fishing-lines, cloth, etc. Of 
 late years it has become extensively cultivated in Germany, and 
 by dressing, the fibre is made to become as fine as silk. The 
 young shoots of the !N"ettle are eaten as a wholesome vegetable. 
 U. caniiabina of North America yields a good fibre known as 
 Kentucky Hemp. 
 
 Nettle Tree {Celtis austrcdis), a tree of the Elm family 
 (Ulmace?e), 30, 40, or more feet high, native of Southern 
 Europe and Mediterranean coast of North Africa. In some 
 parts of France and Germany it is planted as an ornamental 
 tree ; its wood is hard, and is used for furniture-making. As a 
 genus it differs from Ulmics by having a small black berry, 
 which is delicious and wholesome, and is eaten in some parts. 
 It is believed by some to be the Lotos of the ancients {see 
 Lotos). In Greece it is called Honeyberry. There are several 
 other species, natives of North America, such as the Hackberry 
 and Sugarberry {Celtis crassifolia), a fine species forming large 
 
286 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES NETTLE 
 
 forests in some parts of tlie United States, having eatable fruit 
 about the size of a pea. 
 
 Nettle Tree, Australian. — There are many species of arbor- 
 escent tree nettles, one of the most conspicuous being Urtica 
 gigas, a tree of New South Wales, which attains a height of 
 from 70 to 80 feet. The trunk is often swollen at the base, 
 forming buttresses many feet in diameter. It has large heart- 
 shaped leaves, the effects of which (when touched) are not easily 
 forgotten ; cattle coming in contact with them become furious. 
 The wood is porous, and even lighter than cork. U. pJiotiniphylla 
 is a large much -branched tree, native of Queensland, having 
 elliptical shining leaves w^ith scattered irritant prickles. U. 
 moroides is a thick-stemed tree w^ith small cordate leaves, native 
 of tropical Australia, a most virulent stinger. The three species 
 were introduced into Kew about sixty years ago. 
 
 Ngai Camphor. (See Camphor.) 
 
 Nibung, or Wibong, the Malayan name for Oncos'perma 
 filamentosa, a tall, slender, smooth-stemmed, wing-leaved palm, 
 attaininiT a heioht of 40 to 50 feet. It differs but little from 
 Areca. It is the cabbage palm of Borneo. The stems are used 
 for posts in house-building, and when split for rafters, etc. 
 
 Nicaragua-wood, the wood of Ccesalpinia echinata. (See 
 Sappan-wood.) 
 
 Nicker Nuts. (^See Bonduc.) 
 
 Niger-seed Oil. (See Piamtil Oil.) 
 
 Nightshade, Deadly (Atro^pa helladonna), sl strong-growing 
 perennial of the Potato family (Solanaceae), native of this country 
 and throughout Europe. It attains a height of about 3 feet, 
 having broad oval leaves of a lurid colour, and a heavy mawkish 
 smell, and solitary flowers of a brownish yellow, which are suc- 
 ceeded by a black berry closely seated on the wide-spreading 
 calyx ; it is about the size of a small cherry, and when ripe has 
 a glistening and enticing appearance and sweetish taste, but is 
 extremely poisonous, fatal consequences having occurred through 
 its being sold by mistake, even in the streets of London, for 
 blackberries. The whole plant is poisonous, the principle of 
 
NITTA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 287 
 
 wliicli is termed Atropine, but it is a useful and powerful 
 medicine wlien properly used. Like henbane, it has the power 
 of dilating the pupil of the eye. It is also called Dwal, and in 
 olden times Dwal Water was a favourite with ladies for remov- 
 ing freckles, hence its name Bella donna, meaning Pair Lady. 
 
 Nipa [Nipct fruticans), a remarkable plant growing in the 
 salt marshes of the Malayan Archipelago. It was at one time 
 classed amongst the palms, but is now included with the Ivory 
 Nut Palm in the family Phytelephaseae, and placed near Pan- 
 danaceffi. The stem is about a foot thick, and lengthens in a 
 decumbent position in the mud, sending up winged leaves from 
 its apex, which attain a height of 8 to 12 feet. The most 
 remarkable part of this plant is its fruit, which is of an oval form 
 2 or 3 inches in length, similar to and presumed to be the same 
 as the fossil fruits found in the mud on the Island of Sheppey 
 at the mouth of the Thames. 
 
 Nitre Bush. — Nitraria Sclioberi, N. tridcntata, and N. Bil- 
 lardieri, three closely-allied plants, but probably only forms of 
 one species. They are natives of the salt plains of Siberia, 
 region of the Caspian, Syria, and North Africa. They are 
 stiff, rigid, thorny shrubs, with thick, fleshy, simple leaves, the 
 whole presenting a forbidding aspect. They have tufts of small 
 flowers and fruits like the gooseberry, are sweet, and are 
 supposed by some to be the fruit that sweetened the waters of 
 Marah, mentioned in Exodus, but there is no good ground for 
 this supposition, only that the fruits are abundant about jMarah. 
 The genus Nitraria is placed by Hooker and Bentham in the 
 Bean Caper family (Zygophyllacese), and is by some Greek 
 writers supposed to be the Lotos of the ancients. (See Lotos.) 
 
 Nitta, or Nutta, a native name in Africa for Parkia africana, 
 a tree of the ]\Iimosa section of the Bean family (Leguminosee). 
 It attains a height of 40 feet, liaving compound winged leaves, 
 consisting of many leaflets. It is a native of Western tropical 
 Africa and some parts of India, and has become naturalised in 
 the West Indies. The pods grow in bunches, each containing 
 about 15 seeds, embedded in a yellowish sweet pulp, of whicli 
 
288 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES NOPAL 
 
 tlie negroes are very fond. In Soudan the seeds are roasted as 
 we roast coffee, then bruised and placed in water, which subse- 
 quently ferments, and is allowed to remain till it becomes putrid, 
 the seeds are then well washed and pounded, and the powder 
 made into little cakes, which are used as a sauce for all kinds of 
 food, but to Europeans the smell is very disagreeable. The 
 farinaceous matter surrounding the seeds is made into a pleasant 
 drink, and they also make it into a kind of sweetmeat. It bears 
 the English name of the African Locust Tree, and in botany 
 is named after the African traveller Mungo Park, who first 
 brought it into notice. 
 
 Nopal, the name in Mexico for the plant on which the 
 cochineal insect breeds {Opuntia cocliinellifera), a species of the 
 Cactus family. It is extensively cultivated in Mexico, especially 
 at Oaxaca. The plantations are called Xopaleries ; some con- 
 tain at least 50,000 plants, arranged in rows. It grows about 8 
 to 10 feet high, and has a tree-like appearance. Its stem and 
 older branches are nearly cylindrical, and different from most 
 species of Ojmntia, in being spineless and of an ash-grey 
 colour. The young branches, usually called joints, are flat and 
 of an oblong or obovate form, varying from 5 to 6 inches to a 
 foot in length; of a deep -green colour. The cochineal insect 
 belongs to the order Hemipterte, the males haA'ing wings and 
 the females none. It is nearly allied to the mealy bug, 
 common in hothouses, or to the blight on apple trees, the 
 female being enveloped in white flocky matter. In time the 
 whole of the upper part of the plant becomes enveloped in this 
 flock, under which the females are crowded. When full grown 
 they are of a red colour, and are then brushed off and killed by 
 the heat of the sun or hot water. Thev are then the Cochi- 
 neal of commerce. According to the celebrated traveller 
 Humboldt, the quantity in his time exported from Oaxaca alone 
 was valued at £500,000. It is now cultivated in Brazil and 
 other parts of America, and has been introduced into Madeira, 
 Teneriffe, and the Canaries, from whence a considerable quantity 
 comes to this country ; but Mexico still produces the greatest 
 
NUTMEG OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 289 
 
 quantity and the finest kind. The importation from all sources 
 for the year 1880 amounted to 27,403,722 lbs. Its importance 
 consists in its furnishing the finest crimson dye, and it is the 
 source of the colour known as Carmine. 
 
 Noyau, a name in France of a liqueur said to be prepared 
 from the kernels of Cerasus occidentalis, a tree of the Plum 
 family (Drupaceoe), native of Jamaica, where it is called Laurel. 
 It is more than probable that the kernels of the common cherry 
 are also used in the preparation of Noyau, and it is said that 
 a species of Convolvulus (0. dissectics) furnishes material from 
 which the liqueur is made. ISToyau is chiefly used for flavour- 
 ing confectionery. 
 
 Nutmeg {Myristica fragrans), a small branching tree of 
 the family Myristicacete, attaining a height of 20 or 30 
 feet. It is extensively cultivated in the Molucca and other 
 islands of the Malayan Archipelago and in India. The fruit 
 is about the size of a walnut, consisting of a rather thick fleshy 
 skin, containing a single nut, which on the fruit opening is seen 
 to be enveloped in a red net-like covering (aril), which is the 
 Mace, the kernel being the Nutmeg of commerce. M. fatiia 
 is cultivated in Brazil. The fruit of this is longer than the true 
 Nutmeg, and is sold in this country under the name of Long 
 Nutmegs. M. otoba and other species, cultivated in the Philip- 
 pines and Madagascar, occasionally come to this country for 
 sale. An oil is extracted from the nuts called Oil of Mace ; 
 the bark stains red. In Malacca and Penansr the Nutmeg has 
 been extensively cultivated, but during the last few years the 
 trees have been attacked by a disease which has destroyed 
 whole plantations, for which no remedy has yet been found. 
 Myristica sebifera is a large tree 50 to 60 feet high, common in 
 the forests of Guiana, North Brazil, and Panama. By macera- 
 tion of the nuts in water, a solid oil is obtained, which is used 
 in candlemaking. 
 
 The fruits of several species of the Laurel family are called 
 Nutmegs. 
 
 1. Nedandra Pitchury, a tree, native of Guiana. The 
 
 U 
 
290 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES KUTMEG 
 
 fruit is aromatic, the cotyledons are the Puchurim Beans of 
 commerce. 
 
 2. Acroclicliclium camara, a tree, native of Guiana, produces 
 the nut known by the name of Ackawai Xutmegs. It is highly 
 valued as a cure for colic and dysentery. 
 
 3. Aydendron Cujumary, a tree, native of Guiana, producing 
 an aromatic nut known by the name of Cujumary Beans, which 
 are esteemed as tonic and stimulating. 
 
 ' 4. Agatlio]pliyllum aromaticum, a tree, native of Madagascar. 
 The fruit is known by the name of Clove Nutmeg. 
 
 5. Cryptocarya moscliata, a large tree, native of Brazil. Its 
 fruit is aromatic, called Brazilian Xutmeg. Although the nuts 
 of these trees are called Nutmegs, they are, however, but a poor 
 substitute for the true Xutmeg. 
 
 Nutmeg, Peruvian. {See Sassafras, Chilian.) 
 
 Nutmeg, Stinking [Torreya myristica), a small tree of the 
 Yew family (Taxaceee), native of California, attaining a height 
 of 20 to 30 feet. It has received the name of Stinking Nutmeg 
 or Stinking Yew on account of the leaves and wood emitting a 
 disagreeable odour when bruised or burnt. It is also known by 
 the name of California Nutmeg on account of the kernel of its 
 fruit being about the size of, and ruminated like that of, the 
 true Nutmeg, but it possesses no aroma. 
 
 Nux Vomica (StrycJmos Nux - vomica), a small straggling 
 branched tree of the Strychnos family (Loganiaceae), native of 
 India. It has sessile leaves, with several strongly-marked veins 
 running from the base to the apex. The flowers are small, and 
 the fruit resembles an orange, but has a hard rind, and contains 
 numerous round flat seeds, like broad beans embedded in pulp, 
 and when dry covered with white silky hairs. They contain 
 two most deadly poisous, Strychnine and Brucine ; but the pulp 
 is harmless. The bark and roots are extremely bitter, and are 
 favourite remedies amono-st the natives for snake-bites, and are 
 also used in fevers. The seeds or beans, as they are called, 
 chiefly come from the East Indies. Forty years ago the extent 
 of the annual importation was only about 600 lbs.; it now 
 
OAK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 291 
 
 amounts to about 6000 cwts. In consequence of these large im- 
 portations of Nux Vomica, it has been thought that it was 
 used by brewers to give a bitter taste to ales. Tliis, however, has 
 been disproved, but, as the consumption for medicinal purposes 
 is but small, it is still unknown to what use the bulk is put. 
 
 Oak. — This name is typically represented by numerous 
 species of the genus Quercus of the family Cupuliferse. About 
 20 species of other families are also called Oak, all of which w411 
 be found noticed under their respective vernacular names. 
 
 The following is a brief notice of the principal economic 
 species : — 
 
 1. Black American, also called Black Jack (Q. nigra), a tree 
 attaining a height of about 30 feet, having a very black bark, 
 native of IsTorth America. 
 
 2. Belote {Q. Ballota), an evergreen tree 20 or 30 feet high, 
 native of Southern Europe and North Africa, also of Palestine. 
 Its acorns are large and sweet, forming an important article of 
 food, either raw or boiled. Ornaments are made of the cups. 
 
 3. Black {Q. tinctoria), a deciduous tree, attaining a height 
 of 80 to 100 feet, native of the United States. Its bark is 
 black, and is used for tanning and for dyeing leather a brilliant 
 yellow, which is effected by a principle contained in the bark 
 called Quercitrine. 
 
 4. British (Q. sessiliflora and Q.pechtncidata), forms or varieties 
 of Q. Robur. These tw^o forms are found to differ in the quality of 
 the timber, and in the acorns of the first being without a foot- 
 stalk, while in the second they hang loose. Both are natives of 
 this country and throughout Middle and Northern Europe. The 
 Oak was venerated by the Druids, and in ancient parks some 
 trees have attained a great size and age. The principal use of 
 Oak timber is for shipbuilding. The wood of Q. sessiliflora is 
 heaviest and toughest, that of Q, peduncidata being like chest- 
 nut is much used by cabinetmakers for ornamental work. Oak 
 bark is used for tanning leather, and of all the substances known 
 for that purpose that can be had in quantity British Oak bark is 
 found to be the best ; but the home supply falls far short of the 
 
292 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES OAK 
 
 demand, large quantities being imported from the Continent. 
 It is also of great value in tlie preparation of dyes. The spent 
 bark of tan-works is of little value as manure ; it ferments and 
 maintains heat a long time, and on that account is used in hot- 
 houses chiefly for the cultivation of pine apples. But since the 
 introduction of improved means of cultivation it is but little 
 used. 
 
 5. Champion, or Eed Oak (§. ritlra), an ornamental tree with 
 large lobed leaves of a reddish colour, native of North America. 
 The bark is comparatively smooth, of a dark colour, and very 
 thick. The wood is considered of excellent quality. It enters 
 largely into the manufactures of the country, but its scarcity 
 prevents its being much imported. 
 
 6. Cork (Q. Suher), a common tree throughout all parts of 
 Southern Europe. It has a thick bark, from which corks and 
 bungs are made. Large quantities of this bark are imported 
 from Spain. When the tree is nine or ten years old, the outer 
 rough bark cracks, and the inner layer gradually thickens, and 
 at the expiration of another six or seven years is sufticiently 
 thick for removal. This is effected by cutting a slit in the bark 
 from the top to the bottom of the stem of the tree, and a slit 
 round the tree at each end in the proper season, the bark then 
 readily slips off. It is afterwards flattened by soaking in water, 
 and is finally dried, when it is ready for exportation, and for the 
 use of the corkmaker. 
 
 7. Durmast, a name applied to Q. j^ulcsccns, recorded in 
 Hortus Kcvjensis as a native of England, but considered to be a 
 variety of Q. Robur. 
 
 8. Dyer's {Q. tinctoria). (See Black Oak above.) 
 
 9. Kermes (Q. coccifera), a small evergreen tree, native of the 
 countries bordering on the Mediterranean, also of Palestine. A 
 bug-like insect {Coccus ilicis), infests the trees, covering them 
 with a flocky matter similar to the apple tree blight. The 
 insect is extensively collected and yields a scarlet dye nearly 
 equal to cochineal, and is the " scarlet " mentioned in Scripture. 
 
 10. Live (§. virens), an evergreen tree, 30 to 40 feet high. 
 
OAK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 293 
 
 native of the Southern United States, used in this country as an 
 ornamental tree. 
 
 11. Eed. {See Champion.) 
 
 12. Swamp (§. Prinus), a tree, attaining a height of 80 to 90 
 feet, native of Carolina and other Southern States of America. 
 
 13. Valonia ((?. y^gilojys), a handsome tree, attaining a 
 height of 30 to 40 feet, native of Southern Europe and the 
 Levant. The acorn cups contain a great quantity of tannin, 
 and several thousand tons are annually imported into this 
 country from Smyrna and other parts, used chiefly for tanning, 
 dyeing, and making ink. 
 
 14. Willow {Q. FJieUos), a tree, in good soil attaining a 
 height of 60 to 70 feet, but in poor soil it remains a shrub, only 
 a few feet high. Native of North America, grown in this 
 country as an ornamental tree. 
 
 15. Wainscot, or Turkey Oak, also called Mossy cup Oak 
 (§. Cerris), a large and handsome tree, generally with spreading 
 branches, native of the South of Europe, and introduced into 
 this country about 120 years ago. Its wood is much used in 
 turnery and cabinet-work. 
 
 16. Mongolia. — Q. mongolica, Q. dentata, trees said to be 
 similar to our common Oak, natives of Northern China, where 
 extensive tracts of hill country are covered with them. A 
 kind of silkworm feeds upon the leaves. 
 
 17. Evergreen {Q. Ilex), native of Southern Europe, intro- 
 duced to this country about the end of the sixteenth century, 
 where it forms an ornamental evergreen bush, 20 to 30 feet high, 
 seldom becoming a single - stemmed tree, unless early trained 
 with that view. In severe winters it is much injured. It is 
 also known by the name of Holm Oak. 
 
 18. Abram's Oak of Mamre (§. pseudo-coccifera), — A fine 
 specimen of this grows on the spot where it is supposed the tree 
 stood under which Abraham entertained the three angels, but 
 what that tree was cannot be ascertained. It is believed that if 
 any person cuts or maims the present tree he will lose his first- 
 born son. This Oak is of moderate height, having a trunk 23 
 
294 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES OAK 
 
 feet in girth, and 90 feet spread of branches ; and although it has 
 the appearance of being a very old tree, yet it could scarcely 
 have been in existence in the time of Abraham. In the winter 
 of 1856-7 it suffered the loss of a large limb, which was broken 
 off by a heavy fall of snow. 
 
 Oaks abound from the equator north through Central America, 
 Mexico, and northward into Canada. Several Mexican and 
 other southern species have been introduced, but do not prove 
 hardy. The North American species are large handsome trees, 
 some beinsj more than 100 feet in heioiht. Most of them are 
 hardy, and have been well known in tliis country for more than 
 a hundred years, many being very ornamental. About a dozen 
 species have been introduced from ISTorthern India, but they are 
 not sufficiently hardy to live in the open air in this country. 
 Several have also lately been introduced from Japan and China, 
 but their qualities have not yet been ascertained. 
 
 Oak, She, a name in Australia for the species of the genus 
 Casuariiia, of which there are about 20 ; they represent the 
 Beef-wood family (Casuarinacea?). They are widely distributed 
 throughout the islands of the Indian Archipelago and Pacific 
 Ocean. They are leafless trees, with slender cord-like, generally 
 pendulous branches, which are striated with sheathing joints, 
 having much resemblance to the genus Eqiiisctum (weedy plants 
 called Horsetails). Flowers inconspicuous ; male flowers in 
 spikes or catkins ; female flowers in compact heads, becoming a 
 woody cone about an inch in length, with many cells, each con- 
 taining a small-winged nut-fruit, which by ordinary observers 
 is called the seed. On beino^ made wet and viewed through a 
 microscope it is seen to be densely covered with beautiful spiral 
 vessels. Casuarina eqidsetifolia and C. toridosa are the most 
 common. In Australia they are known by the names of Swamp 
 Oak, She Oak, Forest Oak, and also (on account of the appear- 
 ance of their wood) Beef- wood. Their pendulous branches 
 and sombre appearance have brought them into special notice 
 for planting in cemeteries ; their wood is hard, and is some- 
 times known as Ironwood. It is used by the natives for 
 
OAT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 295 
 
 making their war clubs, and for many other purposes, as it takes 
 a fine polish. Their bark furnishes a dye, and the burnt ash is 
 made into soap. 
 
 C. muricata, native of South India, is valued for its showy 
 wood ; its weight, however, forms an objection to its use. 
 
 Oak Galls {fiucrcus infedoria), a tree, native of the Levant. 
 It produces the best Galls of commerce, which are used in 
 the manufacture of ink, and for dyeing purposes. They are 
 extraneous productions caused by the puncture of an insect, 
 a species of cynips, laying its eggs on the leaves and twiggy 
 branches of the tree, causing an unnatural growth, that becomes 
 a Gall, and contains the pupa of the future insect. They are 
 found abundant on oak trees in this country, well known as Oak 
 Apples, but not of the quality to be useful. They are injurious 
 to the trees.-^ 
 
 Oat (Avena sativa), an annual corn-grass of which there are 
 many varieties, supposed to have in process of time originated 
 from the Wild Oat (A. fatua). Pliny and Dioscorides mention 
 it as being early known in Greece. It is extensively cultivated 
 in Middle and Northern Europe to the 60tli degree of North 
 latitude. Its entire grains form an important article of horse 
 food, and when ground, which removes the outer skin or husk, 
 they become oatmeal, which is used for making porridge and oat- 
 cakes, and forms a staple and nutritious food greatly used by the 
 people in Scotland. The entire grain cleared of its skin and 
 dried becomes the Emden Groats of the shops. By the grinding 
 and dressing of the meal the skins or husks of the grain are 
 removed, and may be considered useless ; but as there is always 
 more or less of the fine farina attached to them they are utilised 
 under the name of seeds for making the Scottish dish called 
 Sowans. The preparation consists in placing a quantity of seeds 
 in a tub or other large vessel, and pouring on them a quantity 
 of water. The vessel is then covered up and allowed to stand 
 two or three weeks. During that time the seeds are frequently 
 stirred up. The water then becomes of a turbid nature, and at 
 
 ^ Oak Manna {see Willow). 
 
296 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES OCA 
 
 the end of the above time it is sour, and is passed through a 
 strainer. The seeds are thus retained, and the milky liquid is 
 now ready for making sowans, which is done by putting a 
 quantity of the milky fluid in a pot and placing it on a slow 
 fire, and as it gets hot it requires to be continually stirred, and it 
 gradually thickens. When sufficiently thick, it is poured into 
 vessels, and eaten hot or cold with millv and butter, and is 
 the common supper in many rural districts of Scotland. In 
 olden times sowans formed the afternoon refreshment to reapers 
 in the harvest -field. It is cool and refreshing, pleasantly 
 acid, and perfectly wholesome. The awn of the AYild Oat is 
 long and rigid, and extremely sensitive to the changes of the 
 atmosphere, as regards moisture ; but it soon loses its hygrometric 
 property. 
 
 Oca, a name for the tubers of Oxcdis crenata and 0. tiibcrosa, 
 herbs of the Oxalis family (Oxalidacea3), natives of Bolivia. 
 Their tubers are farinaceous, and used by the natives as food. 
 
 Ochro, a name in the West Indies for the seed-vessels of 
 Hibiscus escidcntus. They are very mucilaginous, and used for 
 thickening soup. They are also used in the East Indies and in 
 many tropical countries for a similar purpose. 
 
 Oil-cake. {See Flax, Cotton, Eape.) 
 
 Oil of Rhodium, an oil obtained from the wood of 
 Rhoclorrliiza scoiKtrius and B. jloridus, which is said to be 
 used in adulterating attar of roses. They are climbing shrubs 
 of the Bindweed family (Convolvulacese), natives of the Canary 
 Islands. On account of the scent, their wood is called Eose- 
 wood. It is now very rare. 
 
 Old Man's Beard. {See Moss, American.) 
 
 Oleander {Nerium Oleander), a handsome evergreen shrub of 
 the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), native of the Levant, and 
 naturahsed in the South of Europe. It has been cultivated in 
 this country for 300 years, and, with the Myrtle and Orange, 
 was one of our first greenhouse plants. It is highly orna- 
 mental, and has very fragrant flowers. It grows abundantly in 
 the valley of the Jordan, and when in flower is very beautiful. 
 
OLIVE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 297 
 
 It is considered by some Bible commentators to be one of tlie 
 " willows of the brook." The whole of the plant is poisonous, 
 and it is recorded that soldiers in Spain were poisoned through 
 their meat being roasted on spits made of the peeled stem. 
 
 Oleaster [Ekvagmis angustifolia and E. orientalis, now con- 
 sidered as one species under the name of E. hortensis), a 
 small tree of the Oleaster family (ElseagnaceaB), growing from 
 16 to 20 feet high, having hoary willow-like leaves, and small 
 yellow flowers, which perfume the air for a considerable distance. 
 It is a native of Southern Europe and Western Asia, forming a 
 scrub in the desert. The berries are dried by the Arabs and 
 made into cakes, and are supposed to have formed part of the 
 merchandise that the Ishmeelites carried into Egypt. The berries 
 are known by the name of Trebizond Dates. 
 
 Olibanum. {Sec Frankincense.) 
 
 Olive {Olea europma), a small tree of the Olive family (Olea- 
 ceae). Although this receives the specific name of curoiocea, yet it 
 is doubtful whether it was originally native of Europe ; but it 
 is well known to be a native of Western Asia. It is recorded 
 to have been introduced into Italy (578 B.C.) It is a small, 
 shrub-like, branching evergreen tree, somewhat spiny, having 
 smooth or slightly hoary stiff leaves, about the size and shape of 
 tea-leaves, producing in their axils tufts of small white flowers, 
 followed by an oblong dru23e or berry-like fruit, bluish black 
 when ripe. It is a very long-lived tree, growing in the most 
 barren dry places, and is extensively cultivated in all countries 
 bordering on the Mediterranean. Olive Oil is obtained by 
 expression from the pulp of the fruit, and is imported to this 
 country from Italy and other ports of the Mediterranean. 
 Salad or Florence Oil comes in flasks enclosed in wickerwork. 
 The green unripe fruits are jDickled, and form a considerable 
 article of trade. The oil produced from the olive plantations of 
 Palestine formed a lucrative article of trade with the Tyrians. 
 In 1 Kings it is stated that Solomon gave Hiram, King of 
 Tyre, "twenty measures of pure oil." In the present day 
 Hebron is celebrated for its Olive orchards. Eecent travellers 
 
298 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES OLIVE 
 
 describe seven Olive trees as growing at Getlisemane, which, 
 jud(^dng from their description, is sufficient to warrant the sup- 
 position that they were trees at the time Christ " went as He 
 was wont to the Mount of Olives." One of the chief trades 
 with Jerusalem in the present day consists of chaplets and 
 small toy articles, many of which are made of Olive wood. A 
 branch of Olive wood is considered an emblem of peace. It 
 may be said that the Olive tree is now cultivated in most 
 countries favourable to its growth for the sake of its oil ; its 
 principal use being for food, making soap, dressing woollen cloth, 
 and lubricating machinery. The following will be sufficient to 
 give an idea of the extent of its use : — At Nice the Olive 
 orchards occupy upwards of 15,000 acres, and in good years the 
 estimated produce is 180,000 to 200,000 gallons. Equal quan- 
 tities are produced in other parts of the South of France, 
 Italy, and other Mediterranean countries of Europe. In Tunis 
 5,000,000 Olive trees are grown, which yield an annual average 
 of 44,000 tons of oil, of wliich one-fifth comes to Great Britain. 
 In Persia the Olive groves are said to yield 100,000 cwts. of 
 fruit ; large quantities are used in the country, and also 
 crushed for the oil for the manufacture of soap. The Olive 
 trees of Provence are at the present time (1880) threatened 
 with a scourge, which may prove as disastrous as the phylloxera 
 has to the vine. It is caused by an insect {Dcmcus olea), 
 which lays its eggs in the young fruit, causing it to fall before 
 maturity. 
 
 Olive, Wild Barbadoes {Bontia daplmoides), a small tree of 
 the Myoporad family (Myoporineae), native of many parts of 
 the sea-shore in the West Indies. Its resemblance to the olive 
 tree has led to its being called by the above name. It possesses 
 no special properties. 
 
 Olive-wood, a name in Xew South "Wales for Elceodendron 
 integrifolia and E, australe, trees of the Spindle Tree family 
 (Celastracese). The first is a large tree, abundant in the forests 
 of Pegu and about Eangoon ; the second is a native of Xew 
 South Wales, and attains a height of 30 to 40 feet, with a 
 

 ORACHE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 299 
 
 diameter of 8 to 14 inches. The timber of both is hard and white, 
 adapted for fancy and cabinet work. 
 
 Onion {Allium Cepa), Leek {A, Porrum), Garlic {A. sativum), 
 biennial cultivated esculents of tlie Lily family (Liliacese). It 
 is scarcely necessary to describe these useful and well-known 
 esculents. Their use is of great antiquity, for we read that 
 leeks, onions, and garlic were cultivated in Egypt in the time 
 of ]\Ioses ; and they appear to have been highly esteemed by the 
 ancient Egyptians, as Herodotus relates that in his time (B.C. 
 413) there was an inscri23tion on the great pyramid (1062), 
 stating that a sum amounting to 1600 talents had been paid for 
 onions and garlic which had been supplied to the workmen 
 during its erection. Presuming the talent to be the Greek, the 
 value in English money would be £428,800. In course of time 
 they found their way to Western nations. It is recorded that 
 the Leek is found wild in Switzerland. 
 
 Onion, Welsh (A. Jistulosum), a strong - rooted perennial, 
 producing numerous erect, hollow, sharp-pointed leaves, a foot or 
 more in length, native of Siberia, recorded to have been intro- 
 duced in 1629, and cultivated in gardens under the name of 
 AVelsh Onion; but how it came to receive that name is not 
 known. It is not in much repute as a culinary vegetable. 
 
 Opium. {See Poppy.) 
 
 Opopanax, a gum-resin produced by Oioopanax cliironium, 
 formerly known as Pastinaca opopanctx, thus showing its affinity 
 to the garden parsnip. It belongs to the Carrot and Fennel 
 family (Umbelliferae). It attains a height of 6 or 7 feet, fur- 
 nished with bipinnate leaves and cordate segments, and com- 
 pound umbels of yellow flowers ; native of Southern Europe. 
 The plant yields a milky juice, which hardens and becomes a 
 gum-resin, having properties similar to Gum Ammoniacum. It 
 was at one time held in high repute, but is now little used 
 medicinally. 
 
 Opuntia. {See Indian Fig.) 
 
 Orache, or Sea Purslane {Atripkx Ealimiis), a low shrub 
 of the Spinach family (Chenopodiacea?), with succulent leaves ; 
 
300 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ORANGE 
 
 native of the South of Europe and Western Asia, growing in 
 desert places. It is supposed to be the plant spoken of in the 
 book of Job as " Mallows." 
 
 A. 2^ortulacoides is a shrubby species similar to the last, 
 and abundant on the southern coasts of this country. It is 
 mucilaginous, of the nature of spinach. 
 
 Orange {Citrus Aurantium), a low, much-branched tree of 
 the Orange family (Aurantiacese), found wild in Western and 
 Upper India, and early cultivated in Persia, from thence intro- 
 duced to the countries of the Mediterranean and to Italy about 
 the ninth century. Like other plants long cultivated by man, 
 many varieties have sprung up, such as the Blood, or Malta 
 Orange, which has a red rind and flesh. The Mandarin is also a 
 small, rather flat fruit, which when ripe readily separates from 
 the skin. It is very rich and sweet, and is extensively grown 
 and highly prized in China. The Bergamot is a small Orange, 
 from which an essence is obtained called Bergamot Oil. It is 
 largely made in Sicily. Besides the sweet varieties of the com- 
 mon Orange, there is a kind called the Bitter or Seville Orange ; 
 this is largely employed for making marmalade, candied orange 
 peel, and a bitter tincture. From the Sweet Orange wine is 
 made. The Orange tree is largely cultivated in most countries 
 on both sides of the Mediterranean, and its fruit forms an exten- 
 sive article of commerce. Oranges come to this country princi- 
 pally from ports in the Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, and the 
 Azores, those of St. ^Michael's being of a very fine quality. The 
 total quantity of oranges and lemons imported into tliis country 
 from all ports in 1880 amounted to 3,676,249 bushels, value 
 £1,469,124. The Oranges for export have to be gathered 
 before they are perfectly ripe, and on that account their true 
 flavour is not known to those who eat them in this country. 
 In France and other parts Orange trees are much cultivated for 
 the sake of their flowers, from which is distilled Orange flower 
 water. The Orange tree attains a great age, those in the 
 groves in some parts of Spain being more than 600 years old, 
 some individual trees having been known to produce 6000 fruits 
 
ORCHIL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 301 
 
 in one year. At Nice, where the Orange flourishes in the open 
 air, a tree is recorded to have grown to the height of 50 feet, 
 with a trunk that required the arms of two men to embrace it. 
 The Orange also attains a great age even under artificial culti- 
 vation ; one growing in a box at Versailles, in France, is said 
 to have been sown in 1421. The wood of the Orange resembles 
 boxwood in density and colour. The tree has become naturahsed 
 as well as cultivated in the United States, especially in Florida, 
 where there are extensive groves, occupying a tract of country 
 between the latitudes 27° and 29° North, which is said to contain 
 20,000,000 trees, and vast quantities of the fruit are sent to all 
 parts of the United States, but the quantity falls short of the 
 demand. Large quantities are imported from Sicily, and even 
 from the island of Tahiti, from whence in 1869 eleven vessels, 
 having a total tonnage of 1468 tons, conveyed cargoes of oranges 
 to San Francisco, and from thence by rail they are distributed 
 throughout the United States, even to the towns of the Atlantic. 
 Orange trees have within the last fifty years been introduced 
 into and cultivated with success in the Australian colonies. 
 
 Orange-root. {See Yellow-root.) 
 
 Orchil (Boccella tinctoria), a foliaceous species of Lichen, 
 j^rowino' in tufts on rocks. It is from 2 to 6 inches lono^, and 
 varies much in breadth, which has led to several of the more 
 distinct forms being regarded as species. It is found in all parts 
 of the world, conducive to plant life, even on the dry rocks of 
 Aden, and is abundant on the rocky shores of this country, 
 often growing on perpendicular cliffs, from which situation it is 
 collected, men being lowered with ropes for that purpose. It 
 has been extensively used in dyeing, and originally it formed a 
 valuable article of commerce. The average annual imports 
 amounted at one time to 6000 tons, but like many other things 
 of the past, lichen dyes are now being superseded by line 
 dves obtained from coal-tar. The delicate chemical test called 
 Litmus is obtained from this and other lichens. 
 
 Many other lichens resembling the Boccella in habit, but 
 growing on trees, are found in this country. Eamalina fraxinca 
 
302 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ORCHIS 
 
 and B. farinacea are most common, and generally their growth 
 denotes unhealthy forest vegetation. They yield but a small 
 amount of colouring matter. 
 
 Orchis, the name of a Linnsean genus, and the type of an 
 extensive family of plants termed Orchidaceae, generally spoken 
 of as Orchids. The number of known species exceeds 3000._ 
 They are found more or less abundantly in all temperate and 
 tropical countries ; the greater number are epij)hytal — that is, 
 growing on trees ; some grow on rocks, and a considerable 
 number are perennial herbs, with tuberous roots growing in 
 the ground, of which 42 are natives of Britain. Although the 
 species are numerous, few possess economic properties ; the 
 principal being Vanilla (which see), and a few of those with 
 tuberous roots yield Salep (which see). Orchids have, during 
 the last fifty years, become highly patronised as curious and 
 showy garden plants, and to obtain them plant collectors are 
 specially sent to their respective countries ; and they have thus 
 become important trade plants. Hothouses have been specially 
 adapted for their cultivation, and they form an important and 
 attractive feature in all horticultural exhibitions ; and some 
 special kinds realise high prices — even at public sales £500 and 
 £600 has been realised in one day ; but this, during the last 
 year (1881), has been surpassed by the sale of an amateur's col- 
 lection, which occupied several days, and which realised over 
 £5538, some individual plants being sold for £20, £50, 
 and £100, and even more. The species thus patronised are, 
 however, few, in all not exceeding one hundred, consisting of 
 species of the genera Aerides, Saccolahmm, Vanda, Dendrobium, 
 Phalmnoijsis, Angrcecum, Odontoglossum, Cattlcya^ Stanhopea, 
 Ci/pripedium, and a few others. This presents a strong contrast 
 to the first notice of Orchids as garden plants. In the eighth 
 edition of Miller's Gardener's Dictionary of 1768, under "Epi- 
 dendrum," he says :— " But as the plants cannot, by any art yet 
 known, be cultivated in the ground, it would be to little purpose 
 to enumerate them, though, could the plants be brought to 
 thrive, many of them produce very fine flowers of uncommon 
 
OSAGE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 303 
 
 form." He further says that he had " three sj)ecies sent from 
 America, which he planted with care in pots and placed tliem 
 in a stove, where they showed their flowers, but the plants soon 
 after perished." However, in time their cultivation became 
 understood, and new species continued to be introduced, cliiefly 
 from the West Indies and Brazil ; and in the second edition of 
 Hortus Keivejisis (1813), 84 exotic species are recorded, and in 
 1850 the collection in the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, numbered 830 
 species, the greater number of which were considered only as 
 botanical curiosities. For the curious forms and movements 
 see Darwin's book on Orchids. 
 
 Ordeal Bean of Old Calabar. (See Calabar Bean.) 
 
 Ordeal Tree of Madagascar (Tanghinia or Cerhera i-encni- 
 fera), a soft-wooded, small tree of the Dogbane family (Apocy- 
 naceae), wdth stiff branches and elliptical lanceolate leaves 4 or 5 
 inches in length, generally in tufts at the apex of the branches, 
 and leaving a prominent mark or scar on falling away. It has 
 pretty, whitish-pink flowers, and produces a fleshy, fibrous drupe 
 about the size of a magnum bonum plum, containing a hard stone- 
 like seed, the kernel of which is highly poisonous. In Madagascar 
 persons suspected of crime are made to swallow a small portion 
 of the kernel, and if they die from its effects are supposed to be 
 guilty. It is said to produce death in twenty minutes. Con- 
 demned criminals are also put to death by simply being pricked 
 with a lance dipped in the juice of the kernels. 
 
 Orris-root. — Iris florcntina^ I. germanica, and /. iMllida, 
 species of the Iris family (IridacCcX^). They belong to the group 
 having thick creeping rhizomes, native of the South of Europe. 
 These rhizomes have a strong smell of violets, and form the 
 sweet-smelling Orris used in perfumery. {See Iris.) 
 
 Osage Orange {Machira aurantiaca), tree of the Mulberry 
 family (Moraceoe), native of North America. It is a straggling 
 tree, which, on account of its strong spines, is often used as a 
 hedge plant ; it is hardy in this country, and forms with us a low 
 shrub. The fruit (so called) consists of a firm fleshy globose 
 receptacle the size and colour of an orange, but is not eatable. 
 
304 DICTIONAPvY OF POPULAR NAMES OSIER 
 
 Osier {Scdix viminalis), a small tree of the Willow family 
 (Salicacese). This plant, together with other species of Salix, 
 furnishes the Osiers used for basket-making, and although much 
 cultivated in this country, the supply is not sufiicient to meet the 
 demand, large quantities being yearly imported from Holland. 
 
 Oswego Meal. {See Maize.) 
 
 Oswego Tea {Monarda didyma), a perennial herb of the 
 Mint family (Labiatae), attaining a height of 1 to 2 feet, having 
 whorled heads of fine scarlet flowers. It is a native of ISTorth 
 America ; the leaves have been used as a substitute for tea. 
 
 Otaheite Apple, called by the natives Yi, the fruit of 
 Spondias dulcis, a tree of the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiacese). 
 It abounds in most of the Polynesian islands, and has been intro- 
 duced into many parts of the tropics, being cultivated for the 
 sake of its fruit. It attains a height of 50 to 60 feet, and has 
 dark-green winged leaves, which contrast with its golden fruit. 
 The average size of the fruit is that of an apple, and Dr. Seemann 
 says he measured one which was a foot in circumference and 
 weighed 1 lb. 2 oz. The rind tastes of turpentine, but the pulp 
 has a fine apple-like smell and an agreeable flavour. In Otaheite 
 the wood is much valued for making canoes. Another species 
 closely allied to the above is Spondias tuherosa, a native of the 
 Paraiba district of Brazil. The fruit is oblong, about the size of 
 a large gooseberry, and yellow when ripe. It is not fit to eat 
 until it is perfectly ripe and falls to the ground. This tree is 
 remarkable for producing aerial roots, which on reaching the 
 ground expand and form large black hollow tubers of a cellular 
 structure, each containing about a pint of water, which in dry 
 weather form a natural supply of water to the tree, and also to 
 travellers when it otherwise is scarce. 
 
 Otto or Attar of Roses. {See Eose.) 
 
 Ourari. {See Urari.) 
 
 Overlook, a name given by the AVest Indian negroes to 
 Canavcdia gladiata, a strong-growing trifoliate-leaved climber of 
 the Bean family (Leguminosa?). It is common in woods in 
 the East and West Indies, tropical Africa, Mexico, Brazil, etc. 
 
PALILLOS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 305 
 
 It is planted to mark the boundary of plantations of the negroes, 
 who have a superstitious notion that it acts as a watchman and 
 protects their property from plunder. 
 
 Owala, a name in the Gaboon country of Africa for Pen- 
 taclcthra inacroijliylla, a tree of the Mimosa section of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosae). It attains a height of 50 to 60 feet, 
 having bipinnate leaves. The legumes (pods) are about 2 feet 
 long, consisting of two flat woody valves. The seeds contain a 
 limpid oil, and are eaten by the natives. 
 
 Oyster Plant {Pulmonaria maritima), a creeping - rooted 
 herb of the Borage family (Boraginacese), native of the northern 
 coasts of this country, especially in the east of Scotland, growing 
 on the stone and sand just beyond the reach of the tide. It has 
 ovate glaucous leaves and blue flowers, produced in one-sided 
 panicles on a decumbent flower-stalk. Its fresh leaves have a 
 strong flavour of oysters, hence its name. By modern botanists 
 it has been separated from Pulmonaria as a distinct genus under 
 the name Steenhainmara. 
 
 Paddy, a name throughout India for unhusked rice, of which 
 there are many varieties. {See Eice.) 
 
 Pala Indigo, an Indian name for a dye obtained from 
 Wrightia tinctoria, a small tree of the Dogbane family (Apocy- 
 nace?e), native of Southern India. An inferior kind of indigo is 
 prepared from its leaves. Its wood is beautifully white, close- 
 grained, and ivory-like ; its principal use in India being for 
 making toys. Another species is W. antidysenterica, a small 
 tree, also a native of India ; its wood is very hard, and has been 
 tried for en^ravine^, but has not been found to answer. It is 
 used in India for posts and the like. Its bark is the Conessi 
 Bark of the Indian Materia Medica. It is valued as a tonic 
 and purgative, and is useful in dysentery. 
 
 Palillos, a name in Peru for Cam2:)omanesia linearifolia, 
 a tree of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceoe), attaining a height 
 of 20 to 30 feet. The fruit is as large as a moderate -sized 
 apple, and of a bright -yellow colour, and is one of the in- 
 gredients used in making the perfumed water called " IMistura." 
 
 X 
 
306 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PALISSANDER 
 
 The leaves smell like myrtle, but have an acid astringent 
 
 taste. 
 
 Palissander, sometimes written Palixander-wood, a name 
 sometimes given to Eosewood as well as to Violet-wood. 
 
 Palms, the family of Palms, termed Palmace?e, or as Hum- 
 boldt calls them, " the princes of the vegetable kingdom," con- 
 sists of about a thousand known species. Their chief home is in 
 the tropics, but few extending beyond ; their southern limit 
 being New Zealand, and their northern limit 40° ; represented 
 in Southern Europe by the Dwarf Pan Palm {Chammroj)s Immilis) 
 and the Date Palm (Phcenix dactylifera.) With tlie exception of 
 grasses, no plants are of more importance to man than palms, 
 more especially with reference to the inhabitants of the torrid 
 zone and contiguous regions ; their fruits and the pith of their 
 stems affording abundance of wholesome food and drink, and 
 their leaves supplying material for all requirements of domestic 
 economy^ the particulars of which will be found under their 
 respective local and familiarly-known names. The aspect of 
 palm trees being very different from the trees of Europe, led to 
 their being early sought after as objects of curiosity, and in 1768 
 five species are recorded as growing in the Eoyal Gardens at 
 Kew six years after their establishment. Fifty years later their 
 number had increased to twenty-two, and, although not growing 
 under very favourable circumstances, several had attained a size 
 to merit their being spoken of as "the great Palms at Kew." 
 In 1848 they really had the chance of becoming great, being 
 then placed in the noble Palm-house specially erected for their 
 reception. In 1864 the collection consisted of 144 species. 
 
 Palm Koney. {Sec Coquito Xut.) 
 
 Palm Oil is obtained from the fruit of several kinds of 
 Palms, the principal being Elceis guincensis, a wing-leaved, low- 
 growing palm, seldom exceeding 20 feet in height. Its fruits 
 are produced in dense bunches, each fruit is about the size and 
 appearance of a date, with an orange-red rind, which envelops 
 a pulpy matter surrounding a hard nut, from both of which 
 the Palm Oil of commerce is obtained, that from the nut being 
 
PALMA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 307 
 
 the finest, and used in cookery. The greatest quantities coming 
 from the kingdoms of Ashantee and Dahomey, where the palm 
 grows in great abundance, and being of great longevity, the pro- 
 duce may be considered inexhaustible. In this country it is 
 chiefly employed for the manufacture of soap and candles. 
 Another oil-yielding species of Elais is E. melanococca, a native 
 of some parts of tropical America. A low-growing palm, rising 
 but little above the ground, its fruits are of a red colour, but its 
 oil does not form an article of commerce with this country. 
 
 Palm Wine or Toddy, the sap of several palms. The prin- 
 cipal ones of India are — 1. Fhcenix sylvestris, the Wild Date, 
 a wing-leaved palm, attaining a considerable height, common 
 throughout India. 2. Borassus flabclliformis {see Palmyra 
 Palm). 3. Caryota urens, a graceful palm, attaining a height 
 of 50 or 60 feet, bearing a crown of bipinnate leaves. The 
 wine is obtained by a man, called the toddy-man, climbing 
 the tree and cutting the flowering spadix before it expands, to 
 the cut end of which a vessel is hung, into which the sap flows, 
 and is collected every morning. In some cases it continues 
 to flow, more or less, for a month. When fresh, toddy is a 
 pleasant drink, but it soon ferments and becomes intoxicating. 
 When distilled it becomes a spirit called Arrack — the gin of 
 India. In Borneo the best toddy is obtained from Saguerus 
 sacclmrifera ; it yields a gallon a day for two months. BaijMct 
 vinifera, a wing-leaved palm, supplies the toddy of Western tropi- 
 cal Africa. This palm, like its congeners, bears a large bunch of 
 fruit, 6 feet in length, and weighing 200 lbs., the shell of the 
 fruit being covered with closely-imbricated scales, and is used 
 as an ornament. The sugar called Jaggery in India is obtained 
 by boiling the toddy. 
 
 Palma Christi {Pdcimis communis), a tree of the S23urgewort 
 family (Euphorbiacepe), originally supposed to be a native of 
 India, but now widely spread over the warm regions of the earth. 
 In this country it makes a handsome summer plant, havmg an 
 erect stem from 4 to 5 feet high, bearing large, broad, lobed 
 leaveS; the whole being of a rusty, dark green appearance. In 
 
308 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PALMETTO 
 
 warmer countries, such as the South of France, it becomes a 
 soft- wooded tree. The bruised seeds afford the well-known 
 castor oil, the supply for this country being derived principally 
 from India. The leaves have lately come into repute as food 
 for a species of silkworm, and in some parts of Germany it is 
 o-rown for that purpose. Castor oil appears to have been known 
 to the ancients, as seeds of it have been found in the tombs of 
 Egypt, supposed to have been 4000 years old. It is mentioned 
 by Herodotus and Hippocrates about 400 years before the Chris- 
 tian era, and it was then (as it is now) extensively cultivated in 
 these countries for its oil for burning. 
 
 Palmetto Palm (Chamcerops or Sctbal Palmetto), a fan- 
 leaved palm, attaining a height of 10 or more feet, occupying 
 larsfe tracts on the Atlantic coasts of the Southern United States. 
 It was adopted as the emblem on the banners of the Southern 
 Confederation. 
 
 Palmetto, Royal, a name in Jamaica for Sabal umhra- 
 
 culifera, a noble fan-leaved palm, attaining a height of 80 to 
 
 100 feet, with a circumference of 5 to 6 feet ; native of a hot 
 
 valley in Jamaica known as the Pedro Plains, where it abounds. 
 
 Its tall naked stems, crowned with large fan-shaped glaucous 
 
 leaves, form a grand aspect in nature. Its fruit is produced in 
 
 branched panicles, consisting of large blackish berries like a 
 
 small date, and the sweet pulp furnishes food for numerous kinds 
 
 of birds. It is also known by the name of hig thatch and hull 
 
 thatch, and, as the name implies, it is used for thatching houses. 
 
 Hats, ropes, mats, and baskets, are made of it. The trunk is 
 
 smooth and externally hard, and of iron-like firmness, while the 
 
 interior is soft and spongy. It is cut into lengths, and the soft 
 
 centre being removed a hollow cylinder is thus formed which is 
 
 used for many purposes. A noble specimen of this palm, 20 
 
 feet high, is to be seen in the Palm-house, Eoyal Gardens, Kew. 
 
 Palmetto, Saw (Chamcerops semdata), a decumbent-stemmed 
 
 palm, attaining a height of 3 to 4 feet, having fan -shaped 
 
 leaves, with edges of the segments sharply serrulate, as also that 
 
 of the foot-stalk, spadix tomentose, shorter than the leaves. 
 
PALMYRA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 309 
 
 Fruit, an ovoid oblong drupe of a dark colour, the size of an 
 olive. It is a remarkable palm, forming a Palmetto scrub 
 for hundreds of miles on the sea-coasts of Georgia, South Caro- 
 lina, and Florida. Its density and sharp-edged leaves render it 
 impossible for human beings to pass through it. The inhabit- 
 ants make use of the leaves for thatching, and they are also 
 collected for paper-making, and scrubbing-brushes are formed 
 of the tough fibrous roots. The fruit, although sweet, cannot be 
 called palatable ; it contains a fixed and volatile oil, which is 
 obtained from the expressed juice ; when boiled in water the 
 volatile oil is set free, filling the atmosphere for a great distance, 
 and causing dizziness and headache. Many medicinal proper- 
 ties are assigned to it. This palm is by some botanists placed 
 in the genus Sahal. 
 
 Palmite, a name in South Africa for Prioniiim Pcdmita, a 
 remarkable plant of the Eush family (Juncacese) ; it is an 
 aquatic ; its leaves are serrate, 2 to 3 feet long, and about 1 
 inch broad at their base, successively produced in fascicles, their 
 sheathing bases forming a firm stem, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, 
 always submerged, its length, depending upon age, sometimes 8 
 to 10 feet long, generally found in a slanting direction according 
 to the depth of the water ; the leaves standing upright, and the 
 surface of the water being covered with them, may be compared 
 to a field of pine-apple plants crowded together. The flowers 
 are small, produced in panicles, and differ but little in character 
 from those of the common Eush. The stems, when cut into 
 lengths and tied round, form brushes, and when broken up they 
 may be used as a substitute for horse-hair. About twenty years 
 ago an attempt was made to bring this plant into use for paper- 
 making, but it did not answer. 
 
 Palmyra Palm {Borassus flahelliforinis), a large fan -leaved 
 palm, native of India and Ceylon. It has a cylindrical stem, 
 attaining a height of 50 or 100 feet, bearing a crown of large 
 fan-shaped leaves. It produces its fruit in bunches, each fruit 
 being about 3 inches in diameter, with a pulpy covering, which is 
 made into a kind of jelly. It is a toddy-yielding palm, and 
 
310 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PALO 
 
 large quantities of jaggery sugar are obtained from it. The young 
 plants are used as a vegetable. The wood of its stem is hard, 
 and employed for all manner of domestic purposes, and umbrellas 
 and books are made of its leaves. It is represented in Central 
 Africa by B. cetliiopum, which is widely spread within the tropics ; 
 its fruit is somewhat larger than its Indian ally, but similar in 
 form, and of a dark yellow colour. It consists of a fibrous, pulpy 
 husk, of an agreeable odour and acid-sweet taste ; it is eaten, 
 or rather sucked, by the natives. The young seedling plants are 
 used as a vegetable, in the same way as those of the last-named 
 species are in India, but the sap of the palm is not extracted for 
 making toddy, wine, or sugar. In Gambia it is called the 
 Eun Palm, and is considered to be the most valuable wood for 
 building ; it resists the attacks of the white ant, and remains 
 sound under water for years ; it is very hard, and takes a fine 
 polish. Trees have been seen in Gambia 90 to 120 feet high, 
 of which 80 feet or more of the trunk are perfectly clean, and 
 somewhat swollen about half-way up. 
 
 Palo de Vaca. (Sec Cow Tree.) 
 
 Palo Santo, a name in Guiana for Swartzia tomentosa, a tree 
 of the Ctesalpiniese section of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 
 native of the forests of Guiana, where it attains a height of 60 
 or more feet, and upwards of 3 feet in diameter, supported at the 
 base by 6 or 8 projecting narrow buttresses. Its heart wood is 
 of a reddish colour, becoming black in old trees, and is very hard 
 and durable. A juice exudes from the bark which hardens into 
 a blackish resin. The name Palo Santo is also applied in Para- 
 guay to Lignum Vitae. 
 
 Pampas Grass {Gyneriu^n argenteum), a strong - tufted 
 perennial grass, with long, narrow, whitish leaves, producing 
 naked culms 5 or 6 or more feet in length, bearing a dense head 
 of spikes of numerous small flowers, which when perfect be- 
 come white, and form an ornamental plume from 1 to 2 feet in 
 length. It is a native of the grassy plains of South America, 
 called Pampas. It is perfectly hardy in this country, and 
 higlily valued as an ornamental garden plant. 
 
PAPAW OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 311 
 
 Panama Hats. — These are made from the leaves of Carlu- 
 dovica pahnata, a plant closely allied to the Screw Pine family 
 (Pandanaceie), native of Panama, Ecuador, and other parts of 
 Central America. It is a stemless species, with incised fan- 
 shaped leaves, borne on erect foot-stalks 6 to 8 or more feet in 
 length, rising from an underground caespitose rhizome. The 
 celebrated Panama hats and cigar-cases are made of the leaves, 
 which form considerable articles of trade in hot climates. 
 
 Pansy. (See Violet.) 
 
 Papaw Tree {Carica Papaya), a fast-growing, soft- wooded 
 tree, the type of the family Papayacese, averaging about 20 feet in 
 height, the stem being gouty near the base, sometimes as thick 
 as a man's body, terminated by a crown of large-lobed leaves on 
 long foot-stalks, producing flowers from the stem, below the 
 leaves. The fruit when ripe is of a yellow colour, 8 to 10 
 inches long, and either shaped like a vegetable marrow, or round 
 like a melon. It is a native of tropical America ; is common in 
 the West Indian Islands ; has been introduced into, and is now 
 common in, India and other countries of the East. The tree, 
 and even the fruits, are full of an acrid milky juice ; it is, how- 
 ever, palatable when eaten with sugar, and is said by some 
 to have the flavour of apricots ; when the half-grown fruit is 
 properly pickled, it is but little inferior to pickled mango. The 
 most remarkable property of this tree is that the juice makes 
 animal flesh tender very quickly wdien wrapped in the leaves or 
 hung on the tree for a short time, or flesh boiled in some of the 
 juice. It is said that by it the flesh of old fowls or hogs is 
 quickly made tender. Taking into consideration all that has 
 been written, there seems some difference of opinion respect- 
 ing the wholesomeness of the Papaw ; this may be probably 
 owing to different varieties, or even to distinct species, two of 
 which, from New Grenada, were some years ago grown at Kew. 
 A good deal of attention has been G;iven of late to the value of 
 the Papaw in medicine, both in this country and on the Conti- 
 nent. Carica spinosa is a branching tree, 20 to 30 feet high, 
 native of Guiana and Brazil. The juice is exceedingly acrid, 
 
312 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PAPER 
 
 causing blisters to the skin, and is mucli dreaded. The fruit 
 is not eaten, and its flowers have a carrion-like odour. It has 
 some medical reputation as a remedy for enlargement of the 
 spleen, and is valued as a cure for intestinal worms. 
 
 Paper. — For a notice of the plants that furnish the principal 
 material for paper-making, see Bamboo, Banana, Esparto Grass, 
 Flax, Indian Paper, Paper Mulberry, Straw, Papyrus, and Wood 
 
 Paper. 
 
 Paper Mulberry {Broussonetia im'pyrifero), a small tree of 
 the Mulberry family (Moraceae), from 20 to 30 feet high, with 
 rough, entire, or variously-lobed leaves. It is supposed to be 
 a native of China and Japan, where it is extensively culti- 
 vated for its bark, which is made into paper. It is also widely 
 spread throughout the islands of the Pacific Ocean, where the 
 bark is beaten out by the natives, and made into Tapa cloth, 
 which forms their cliief article of dress ; it is now, however, 
 being superseded by Manchester goods. 
 Paper Reed. {See, Papyrus.) 
 
 Papyrus [Papyrus antiquorum, better known as Cypcrus 
 poipyriis), a strong -growing, perennial, rush -like plant of the 
 Cyperus family (Cyperaceae), supposed to be the Bulrush 
 of the Nile, of which the ark of the child Moses, as also 
 the vessels spoken of in Isaiah were made ; but it appears to 
 be of more ancient date, it being the plant from which the papyri 
 or paper was made, and upon which the records found in the 
 Egyptian tombs were written. It grows in the Lake of Galilee, 
 and other parts of Syria, and is " the paper reed by the brooks." 
 It has strong roots, or rather rhizomes, which grow in the mud, 
 and throw up smooth triangular stems 6 to 10 feet high, and 
 about an inch in diameter. The mode of making the paper 
 appears to have been very simple : the reed or stem was first 
 peeled, the pith cut lengthways into thin slices, which were laid 
 side by side, their edges touching one another. These were 
 then sprinkled with gummy water, or, as some say, with the thin 
 muddy water of the Nile ; a heavy press was then applied, and 
 thus the whole became united into one piece, of gi^eater length 
 
PARSNIP OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 313 
 
 or breadth according to circumstances. The sheet was then 
 dried and cut into the required sizes for use. 
 
 Paraguay Tea, or Yerba {Ilex paraguayensis), a small ever- 
 green tree of the Holly family (Aquifoliacete), with plain or 
 toothed leaves ; native of South America, in the countries of the 
 Parana and Paraguay rivers. The leaves are either dried or 
 scorched, and pounded, and become the tea, wliich forms an 
 important article of trade in South America, taking the place 
 of Chinese tea as used in other countries. It is infused in the 
 same manner, but is drunk in a different way, being sucked 
 through a tube called a bombilla ; it is very refreshing after 
 fatigue. Mate is the name of a small gourd, w^hich forms 
 the drinking cup. The quantity of this tea consumed in South 
 America is calculated to be at least 8,000,000 lbs. per annum. 
 Although such is the case, it has not yet met with patronage 
 in this country. 
 
 Pareira Brava, a name given by druggists to the roots of 
 Cissampelos Pareira, a climber of the Moonseed family (Menis- 
 j)ermace8e), native of the East and West Indies and Central 
 America. It is in high repute, medicinally, in urinary diseases. 
 It is also known as Portuguese Wild Olive. Though the name 
 of Pareira Brava is commonly given to the above-named plant, 
 it is more properly applied to Chondodendron tomentosum, an 
 allied species. Abuta rufescens, another allied plant, furnishes 
 AVhite Pareira Brava. 
 
 Parsley [Petroselimim sativum), a biennial of the Carrot 
 family (Umbellifer?e), native of Sardinia, and has become wild 
 in many parts of England. It is cultivated in all gardens for 
 the sake of its iinely-cut leaves, which are in common use in 
 flavouring culinary dishes and for garnishing. Much supersti- 
 tion was early attached to the Parsley, and even at the present 
 day in some parts of England it is considered unlucky to trans- 
 plant Parsley. 
 
 Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), a biennial of the Carrot family 
 (Umbelliferse), growing in waste places, similar to the wild 
 carrot in this country, and, like it, uneatable in its wild state. 
 
314 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PARTRIDGE 
 
 but cultivated its roots become succulent, forming a nourishing 
 and useful vegetable ; it is extensively cultivated in Jersey for 
 feeding swine, and makes excellent pork. It contains sugar, 
 and a kind of wine is made from it called Parsnip Wine. 
 
 Partridge Berry. {See Shallon.) 
 
 Partridge Wood, a common name for tlie wood of one or 
 more not well ascertained trees. Heisterict coccinea is a tree 
 15 to 20 feet high, of the Olacad family (Olacacese), native of 
 the West Indian Islands, particularly Martinique. The fleshy 
 fruit affords abundance of food to pigeons and other birds, hence 
 the French call it Pois ^9c?Y?ri?;, signifying Partridge Pea ; they 
 also call it Bois i^erclrix, Partridge-wood; it is, however, considered 
 not to be identical with the Partridge-wood of commerce, which 
 is, by some, supposed to be the wood of Anclira inermis, a tree 
 of the Bean family (Leguminos^e), native of the West Indies. 
 
 Passion Flowers. — Passiflora, the name of an extensive 
 genus of climbing shrubs of the Passion-flower family (Passi- 
 floracete) ; there are about two hundred, the greater number 
 of which are natives of Brazil and the West Indies, as well as 
 other parts of tropical America, where they climb from tree to 
 tree, interlacing in the most complex manner, and beautifying 
 the scene by their showy flowers and fruit. {See Granadilla.) 
 A few are found in Xorth America, one or two in the East 
 Indies, two in Norfolk Island and Australia. The stems of 
 some of the climbers attain the thickness of the arm, and look 
 like ropes ; their vascular structure is very open, containing a 
 large quantity of water. A stem of P. actina, at Kew, when cut 
 yielded nearly a gallon of clear water in about one minute. A 
 great many are cultivated in hothouses for the sake of their 
 showy flowers, and the common Passion Flower {P. cmrulea) is 
 hardy in the open air when trained against walls. 
 
 Patchouli, a name for Pogostemon Patchouli, an erect plant 
 of the Mint family (Labiatse), growing to a height of 2 or 
 more feet, having broad oval leaves 3 or 4 inches in length. 
 The dry leaves have a peculiar perfume, and are extensively 
 used for many purposes ; the scent of Patchouli was at one time 
 
PEACH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 315 
 
 considered as a test of real Indian shawls, but since the know- 
 ledge of the perfume and the plant producing it have become 
 known in this country they cannot be depended on, home- 
 made shawls being scented with it and sold as real Indian 
 ones. The leaves are also used as an ingredient in tobacco, and 
 an essential oil is obtained from them and used as a toilet per- 
 fume. The Arabs in their pilgrimages take a great quantity of 
 leaves with them, which are used in stuffing mattresses, pillows, 
 etc., and are supposed to keep off contagious diseases. 
 
 Pea (Fisicm sativicm). — The garden pea is an annual tendril 
 climber, a native of the South of Europe. There are many 
 garden varieties supposed to have originated from the grey or field 
 pea. * They are now universally cultivated in countries suitable 
 to their culture, and form an important article of food. The 
 split peas of the shops are the white peas split and divested of 
 their skin. In Scotland grey peas are ground into meal, of 
 which peameal bannocks are made ; a very nutritious food. 
 
 Peach {Aiiiygclalus persica), a small tree of the Almond 
 family (Drupaceae). As its specific name implies, it is supposed 
 to be a native of Persia, and to have migrated westward, 
 appearing in Italy at the beginning of the Christian era, and 
 in this country about the middle of the sixteenth century, 
 and now extensively cultivated in all moderately warm coun- 
 tries of both the northern and southern hemispheres. For 
 early crops of fruits it is extensively cultivated under glass 
 in this country, and in the open air it comes to perfection 
 when grown against walls. There are many varieties of the 
 Peach, the skin of the fruit of which is downy, while that of 
 the Nectarine, wdiich is considered only a variety, is smooth; 
 there are instances, however, on record of downy and smooth 
 fruits growing on the same tree. In North America the Peach 
 is extensively cultivated ; in the United States it is grown in 
 orchards, and in the season Peaches are as common in the towns 
 of the States as strawberries are in London, and wine is made of 
 them. 
 
 Peach, Palm, a name given by Humboldt to Gidlidma 
 
316 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PEACH 
 
 speeiosa, a native of Venezuela and countries bordering the 
 Orinoco, where it is called Perigas. It is a wing-leaved palm, 
 and grows to a height of 50 or 60 feet, the stem being covered 
 with sharp black spines. It is largely cultivated for its fruit, 
 which is of the form of an egg, but larger ; it consists of a sweet 
 pulpy thick rind of a yellowish colour, and forms a considerable 
 article of food for the natives. 
 
 Peach, Sierra Leone {Sarcocephcdus esmkntus), a strong 
 climbing shrub of the Cinchona family, native of Western tropical 
 Africa. The flowers are small, produced in terminal compact 
 heads, each becoming a one-celled berry, the whole united 
 formiag a pulpy fruit about the size of a peach. It is eaten by 
 the negroes, and known by the name of ISTegro Peach. 
 
 Pear Tree {Pyrus communis), a tree of the Apple family 
 (Pomacese). In its wild state it is a small thorny tree, and, 
 like the crab apple, considered to be a native of this country, 
 as also many parts of Europe. Its history is similar to that 
 of the apple ; in Pliny's time 36 species are recorded to 
 have been cultivated at Eome. By sowing the seeds of 
 apples or pears, crab-trees are generally the result, but occa- 
 sionally fruit-bearing trees of new kinds are produced. The 
 number of sorts in British nurseries amount to about 100. 
 Pear trees live to a great age, some are recorded 200 or 300 
 years old. The wood in old trees is hard and much valued by 
 turners and cabinetmakers. The liquor well known as Perry is 
 the fermented juice of pears. 
 
 Peccan Nut {Carya olivceformis), a tree of the Walnut family 
 (Juglandacese), native of the south and western States of North 
 America, the nut of which is considered a great delicacy. Small 
 quantities are occasionally imported from New Orleans. 
 
 Pekea Nut. {See Souari Nut.) 
 
 Pelargonium. {See Geranium.) 
 
 Pellitory of Spain (Anacyclus jpyrethrum), a perennial of 
 the Composite family (Compositse), native of Southern Europe, 
 having much -divided leaves, and prostrate stems with white 
 flowers. It is cultivated in Southern Europe and Northern 
 
PEPPER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 317 
 
 Africa for its roots, which are cut into short pieces, known in 
 the shops under the name of Eadix Pyrethri ; they are very pun- 
 gent, and are used medicinally, and for toothache. It first causes 
 a sensation of cold, followed by heat. 
 
 Penang Lawyers (Licuala acutifida), a small fan-leaved 
 palm, native of Pulo-Penang. Its stems are imported into this 
 country, and after being dressed and polished are used as 
 walking-sticks under the above name. 
 
 Peony, a genus of the Buttercup family (Eanunculacea;), 
 represented by Fceonia officinalis, a strong-growing perennial, 
 having large^ double red flowers resembling the rose ; it lias by 
 some been called the Hundred-bladed Eose ; it is a native of 
 Switzerland, cultivated in this country 300 years ago, and has 
 now become a favourite in all gardens. F. corallina is considered 
 to be a native of this country, but only found growing on a rock 
 island at the mouth of the Severn. F. Moutan, the tree Peony, 
 is an exception to the above, being a stiff-branched shrub, 3 to 4 
 feet high, with double flowers, of which there are now many fine 
 varieties. It is a native of China, introduced in 1*789. It is 
 hardy in this country ; but flowering early, it requires some slight 
 protection at the time of coming into flower. 
 
 Pepper Plants. — About 40 species, more or less natives of the 
 same or of different countries, are called Pepper plants. They 
 consist of herbs, shrubs, and trees, and all possess in more or 
 less degree aromatic, pungent properties, throughout the whole 
 or some special part of the plant, and are used in their respective 
 countries as stimulating food condiments, some forming con- 
 siderable articles of trade. The most important in domestic 
 use in this country are furnished by species of the genus Fiper, 
 the type of the family Piperacese. {See Pepper and Capsicum.) 
 
 Pepper, the well-known condiment prepared from the fruits 
 of Fiper nigrum, an epiphytal plant climbing and clinging 
 to trees, having heart-shaped leaves about the size of ivy leaves, 
 and producing flowers in spikes, followed by berries like currants, 
 that are at first green, but after being gathered and dried become 
 black, and form the Black Pepper of shops. White Pepper is 
 
318 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PEPPER 
 
 the same berry divested of its skin by rubbing and washing. 
 Beino" ground they form the well-known condiment Pepper. 
 It appears to have been early known, as it is mentioned by 
 Theophrastus, who flourished 300 years before the Christian era. 
 Long Pepper of the shops is the immature flower-spikes of Piper 
 loiigiim. In habit like the preceding, it is a native of India, 
 and is extensively cultivated, especially in Bengal. Long Pepper 
 s^Dikes possess the same stimulating property as Black Pepper. 
 Cubebs, the berries of Pijjcr officinarum, now called Cuheha 
 ojicinarum, is a native of Java, and its berries are also stimu- 
 lant. It is probable that the above Peppers are produced by 
 other species than those named, of which there is evidence, 
 especially as regards the plants that produce the Black Pepper 
 of Jamaica, Trinidad, and Ceylon ; examples have been grown 
 at Kew, each of which w^as sufficiently distinct in appearance 
 to warrant their being characterised as species. 
 
 Pepper, African (Xylopia cethiopica), a shrub or small tree of 
 the Custard Apple family (Anonace?e), native of Western tropical 
 Africa ; its fruit consists of numerous carpels, about 2 inches in 
 length, which when dry separate, forming a bunch ; they are 
 aromatic, and used by the natives as a stimulant ; it is also 
 known by the name of Guinea Pepper, Negro Pepper, and 
 Piper mtliiopicum. 
 
 Pepper, Bell. (See Capsicum.) 
 
 Pepper, Bird. {See Capsicum.) 
 
 Pepper Brand. {See Smut.) 
 
 Pepper, Cayenne. {See Capsicum.) 
 
 Pepper, Cherry. {See Capsicum.) 
 
 Pepper, Chinese and Japan {Zantlioonjlum piperita), a bushy 
 shrub with small winded leaves of the Yellow-wood familv 
 (Zanthoxylaceai), native of China and Japan ; it has berries 
 about the size of black pepper, which are used as such in Japan. 
 It has been introduced into this country and has flowered, grow- 
 ing against a wall at Kew. 
 
 Pepper, Jamaica. {See Allspice.) 
 
 Pepper, Melegueta. {See Grains of Paradise.) 
 
PI OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 319 
 
 Pepper Tree, California. {See Mastich.) 
 Pepper Tree of Tasmania {Tasmannia aromatica), a shrub, 
 or ruoored, distorted-branched tree, of the Magnolia fainilv, 
 native of Mount Wellmgton in Tasmania. It attains a height 
 of 10 or 12 feet ; the bark and leaves are aromatic. Its berry- 
 like fruit is pungent, and is used as a substitute for pepper. 
 
 Peppermint (Meiitha j^^perita), a creeping-rooted perennial 
 of the family Labiatse, native of this country, generally grow- 
 ing on river banks and moist places. It is extensively culti- 
 vated here as well as in the United States for its fragrant oil, 
 which is obtained by distillation. It is used as a stimulant, 
 and for making a cordial called Peppermint Water. 
 
 Peppermint Trees of Australia. — Eucalyptus piperita and 
 U. amygdalina, large trees of the Myrtle family (^lyrtaccce), 
 natives of New South Wales and other parts of Australia. They 
 yield an essential oil, which is largely imported into this coun- 
 try. The wood is hard and durable. {See Eucalyptus.) 
 Perry. {See Pears.) 
 Persian Berries. {Sec Buckthorn.) 
 Persimmon Plum. {See Date Plum, American.) 
 Peruvian Bark. {Sec Cinchona.) 
 
 Pharaoh's Corn, supposed to be Triticum compositiun, a 
 wheat having several separate spikes to the ear. It is also 
 called Mummy Wheat. It has been grown at Kew. 
 
 Physic Nut (Jatroplia Cureas), a small tree of the Spurge- 
 wort family (Euphorbiacere), attaining a height of 20 feet, 
 having soft spongy wood and entire or lobed leaves. It is a 
 native of tropical America, and is now cultivated in all hot 
 countries for its seeds, which yield an oil analogous to that of 
 castor-oil, but of a drastic nature ; it is used for many purposes. 
 The seeds are nutty and pleasant to eat, but when eaten to 
 excess produce serious consequences. A few years ago several 
 children died at Bristol through eating them. 
 
 Pi, a name in the Sandwich Islands for Tacea pinnatifida, 
 a perennial herb of the Taccaceie. It is cultivated throughout 
 most of the islands of the Pacific, also in India and the ]\Ialayan 
 
320 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PIASSABA 
 
 Islands generally. It has large fleshy tubers, which, after pre- 
 paration by pounding and washing to rid them of their acridity, 
 form an important article of food. The fecula or meal is equal 
 to the best arrowroot. 
 
 Piassaba, the Brazilian name of a fibre obtained from 
 Attalea fuiiifera and Leojyoldinia piassaba, two wing-leaved palms 
 abundant in Northern Brazil. They have a very unsightly 
 appearance on account of their old leaves hanging down and 
 their stems being covered with loose shaggy strong fibre of a 
 brown colour, which is collected, and forms a considerable 
 article of trade, shiploads being imported into this country and 
 used for making street brooms and for other like purposes. 
 
 Pig-nut, also called Hog-nut {Carya porcina), a tree of 
 the Walnut family (Juglandaceae), native of North America, 
 chiefly in the middle and western United States. It attains a 
 height of 70 to 80 feet, and a diameter of 3 feet at the base. 
 Its wood is considered superior to the other species of Carya. 
 Its nut is small, and is eaten by pigs. {See also Earth Chest- 
 nut.) 
 
 Pigeon Berry. (See Poke.) 
 
 Pigeon Pea (Cajanus indicus), a trifoliate-leaved shrub of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosoe), originally a native of India, but 
 now cultivated in most tropical countries for the sake of its pea 
 seeds. There are two varieties, one in Jamaica called the 
 Pigeon and No-eye Pea, and the other variety called the Congo 
 Pea. In all countries where it grows it forms an important 
 article of food. 
 
 Pigeon Plum. — Chrysobalanus ellipticus and C. luteus, small 
 trees of the Cocoa Plum family (Chrysobalaneae), natives of 
 Western tropical Africa. Their fruits are succulent, and 
 abundantly sold in the markets of Sierra Leone ; one is called 
 Yellow Pigeon Plum. 
 
 Pilewort {Ranunculus Ficaria), a perennial of the Butter- 
 cup family (Eanunculaceae), native of this country and Europe 
 generally. A pretty yellow early spring flowering plant, 
 having heart-shaped leaves, not exceeding 3 inches in height. 
 
PINE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 321 
 
 growing abundantly in moist sliady places. After flowering its 
 leaves soon wither, and it remains dormant until the following; 
 spring. After heavy rains, however, its place is often well 
 marked by numerous little tuberous roots lying on the surface 
 like grains of wheat, which have been supposed by some to 
 be corn fallen from heaven. This is particularly the case in 
 Silesia, where they are gathered and used as food, being very 
 mealy and not unwholesome when boiled. 
 
 Pine-apple (Ana7iassa sativci), a plant of the family Brome- 
 liace?e. The original country of this is supposed to be Brazil ; 
 it now exists in both a cultivated and wild state in all warm 
 parts of America, and it has been introduced into Western tropical 
 Africa, wdiere it has become naturalised, as also in the warm 
 parts of Asia and other tropical countries. Its fruit consists of 
 a number of pulpy ovaries cohering in a firm compact head, 
 and terminated by a tuft of small leaves termed the crown. 
 
 The Pine-apple appears to have been known in England in 
 the time of Charles XL, who is recorded as having at a royal 
 dinner party first cut one up, of which the celebrated Evelyn, 
 in his Diary, dated July 19th, 1668, says — "I was at a banquet 
 which the King [Charles IL] gave to the French Ambassador. 
 Standing by his Majesty in the presence there was of that rare 
 fruit called the King Pine, growing in Barbados, in the West 
 Indies. The fruit of them I had never seen. His Majesty, 
 cutting it up, was pleased to give me a piece from his own plate 
 to taste of ; but in my opinion it falls far short of those ravish- 
 ing varieties of deliciousness ascribed to it." About that time 
 John Eose was royal gardener. Horace Walpole mentions in 
 the catalogue of his collection at Strawberry Hill " a picture, 
 probably by Bankers, of Rose the royal gardener presenting the 
 first Pine-apple raised in England to Charles IL, who is standing 
 in a garden. The house seems to be Downey Court, near 
 AVindsor, the villa of the Duchess of Cleveland,"-^ to whom Hose 
 
 1 There is a small-sized copy of tins picture in tlie library of the 
 Royal Horticuhural Society, South Kensington, on which is the following 
 uiscription : — "King Charles II., and Mr. Rose the royal gardener pre- 
 
 Y 
 
322 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAE, NAMES PINE 
 
 was once gardener. There is, however, no proof of the said 
 fruit having been grown in England, as it is recorded that the 
 Pine-apple plant was first introduced into Holland from America 
 about the middle of the seventeenth century; from thence it 
 was brought to England by the Earl of Portland in 1690, being 
 five years after the death of Charles 11. 
 
 In 1712 it appears to have been successfully cultivated and 
 fruited by Sir Mathew Decker in his garden at Eichmond. Of 
 this plant there is a painting in the Eitzwilliam Museum, 
 Cambridge, of which the handbook says : — " Landscape, with a 
 pine-apple, being the first that was grown in England, which 
 was in Sir Mathew Decker's garden at Piichmond, in Surrey, 
 grandfather to the late Lord Eitzwilliam." Erom the above time 
 its cultivation became very general, and hothouses — called pine- 
 stoves — were erected for it. Pine-apples are produced in this 
 country larger and superior in flavour to those of native growth. 
 They were then only for the rich, but of late years large quan- 
 tities have been imported from the West Indies, chiefly from the 
 Bahamas, Azores, Trinidad, and other West Indian islands, and 
 it is not uncommon to hear the cry of " Pine-apple, a penny 
 a slice," in towns. 
 
 The name Pine-apple is given on account of the fruit resem- 
 bling the cones of the pine or fir tree. In India, Burmah, and 
 other parts, the tough fibre of the leaves is largely used in the 
 manufacture of textile fabrics. It partakes of the character of 
 flax, is of a silky nature, and may be spun into a very fine 
 fabric. 
 
 Pine, Chili. {See Araucaria.) 
 
 Pine, Moreton Bay. {See Araucaria.) 
 
 Pine, Norfolk Island. {See Araucaria.) 
 
 Pine Trees. — Under fir trees it is stated that the i^enus 
 Pimis, as originally characterised, comprehends species forming 
 two natural groups differing in the attachment of tlie leaves, 
 which, with other characters, has led modern botanists to 
 
 senting the first pine-apple grown in England ; drawn from the original 
 picture in the collection of the Earl of Waldgrave at Strawberry Hill." 
 
PINE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 323 
 
 separate them under two distinct genera, Abies and Pinus, the 
 first comprehending Fir Trees (which see), the second the species 
 well known by the name of Pine Trees. In Hortus Keiucnsis 
 (1813) 17 species are described; since then new discoveries, 
 as recorded in books, have raised the number to between 80 
 and 90. They are all natives of the northern hemisphere, chiefly 
 in the middle region of the temperate zone, where they form 
 immense forests, both on plains and mountains, even extending 
 to the Arctic Circle, where some are recorded to attain a 
 height of 150 to 200 feet. 
 
 The greater number are natives of the American continent, 
 13 are native of Europe, and about 12 belong to Asia, 
 including China and Japan. During the last fifty years nearly 
 the whole of the American species have been introduced into 
 this country, and, with the exception of the Mexican species, 
 are hardy, some becoming fine trees. About twenty years ago 
 a collection of Mexican forms was otowu at Kew, makinsr 
 handsome conservatory plants, 6 to 12 feet high. 
 
 The wood of Pinus and their resinous products are of high 
 importance in all the arts, and in some countries their nutty 
 seeds form a considerable article of food to the natives. The 
 following is a brief notice of a few of the principal species and 
 their products : — 
 
 Pinus sylmstris, well known as the Scotch Pine (wrongly 
 called Fir) ; this well-known tree has an extensive range through- 
 out Europe and Northern Asia, forming extensive forests, such 
 as may be seen in the north of Scotland. It varies considerably 
 in height, in favourable situations growing to 100 feet. Its 
 timber is white and hard, and is used for many purposes ; it is 
 imported from ports in the Baltic under the name of Eiga and 
 Norway timber. This Pine is extensively planted as a shelter 
 to young oak plantations ; the rearing them for that purpose 
 forms an important part of the trade of many of the Scotch 
 nurseries. In Aberdeenshire and other parts of the north of 
 Scotland trunks of this Pine are found in peat-mosses, some to 
 a considerable depth ; they are perfectly sound, their preserva- 
 
324 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PINE 
 
 tion being no doubt due to the antiseptic nature of the peat and 
 tlie resin tliey contain ; they are used for various purposes, but 
 chiefly split up into laths, which are fixed in a slanting position 
 by the fireplace, and being lighted at the upper end, burn with 
 a steady flame, giving light to the room ; this use is esx3ecially 
 noticed by Sir Walter Scott in the story. Candles and Candle- 
 sticks, related in his novel. The Legend of Montrose. The next 
 important European Pines are the Cluster Pine (Pinus Pinaster), 
 Sea Pine (P. maritima), and Stone Pine (P. Pinea), natives 
 chiefly of the South of Europe, in favourable situations becoming 
 large trees. On the sea-coast they are low and bushy, and are 
 extensively planted on the west coast of Ireland, Xormandy, and 
 other places, for fixing the sands. The seeds of the latter are 
 large and nutty, and where abundant are used as food. Corsican 
 Pine (P. Laricio), native of Corsica and Southern Europe, mostly 
 a fast-growing tall tree, in general appearance resembling the 
 Scotch Pine. It was introduced into Kew about 1815 by the 
 late celebrated botanist R A. Salisbury, who, on return from an 
 excursion in the South of Europe, brought a small plant of it in 
 his carriage ; it is now 70 to 80 feet high, the tallest tree in 
 Kew Gardens. Of the nine or ten species native of the United 
 States and Canada, two of the most important are the Pitch 
 Pine (P. australis) and Frankincense Pine (P. Tcecla), so named 
 from the quantity of resinous fluid they contain, which is con- 
 verted into turpentine, tar, and pitch. They are both natives of 
 the Southern States. P. australis is extremely common, cover- 
 ing vast tracts, growing by roadsides, and occupying waste 
 cotton-fields ; it and the Scotch Pine yield the greatest quantity 
 of tar and turpentine of commerce. In California and Xorth- 
 "VVest America the sj)ecies of Pinus are generally large trees, 
 such as P. Lambertiana, P. macrocarpay by some called Coulteri 
 and P. ponder osa, some attaining a height of from 100 to even 
 300 feet; their timber forms an important article of trade in 
 these countries, and steam saw-miUs have been erected in the 
 forests for converting them into what is termed lumber, and 
 since the settlement of the wliite man in some localities whole 
 
PIsmciA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 325 
 
 forests are fast disappearing. Their nutty seeds form an im- 
 portant part of the winter food of the native Indians, and their 
 bark is even said to be used as food. 
 
 Piney Varnish. {Sec Copal.) 
 
 Pinguin, a name in Jamaica for Bromdia Pinfjuin, well 
 known as the wild pine of Jamaica, a plant of the Pine-apple 
 family (Bromeliaceai) ; leaves numerous, 2 to 3 feet long, sword- 
 shaped, curved, and rigid, with strong hooked spines on tlie 
 margin, which, when the plants are closely grown together, 
 form an impenetrable barrier to man and animals ; a good fibre 
 is obtained from its leaves, as also from B. Karatas, an allied 
 species. Its fruit is the size of a plum, and is an excellent 
 vermifuc^e. 
 
 Piper .ffithiopicnm. {See Guinea Pepper.) 
 
 Pipi, a name given to the astringent pods of Ccvsalpinia 
 ^nimi, a plant of the Bean family (Leguminosie), native of Brazil. 
 
 Pippul Tree, a name in India for Ficus religiosa, a bushy tree 
 of the Mulberry family (Morace?e), having small elliptical smooth 
 leaves. It is a native of India, and one of the trees of Hindoo 
 worship. 
 
 Pishamin, a name in Sierra Leone for the fruit of Cccr- 
 podinus dulcis and C. acidus, shrubby climbers of the Dogbane 
 family (Apocynaceee). The fruit of the first is of a yellowish 
 colour, about the size of a lemon, and is called the Sweet Pish- 
 amin, while that of the latter is somewhat smaller, and is called 
 the Sour Pishamin. They are both pulpy, and, when cut, yield 
 a quantity of sweet milky juice, which is also called Pishamin. 
 
 Persimmon Plum. {See Date Plum.) 
 
 Pistacia Nut {Pistacia vera), a small tree of the Cashew 
 Nut family (Anacardiaceie), native of Western Asia, common 
 in Palestine, and has become indigenous in the ]\Iediterranean 
 region. It has shining, winged, evergreen leaves. Its fruit is 
 of an oblong form, rather larger than an olive ; it has a brittle 
 shell enclosing the cotyledons (embryo), which are oblong and 
 of a greenish colour and an agreeable flavour. They are eaten 
 in large quantities by the Turks and Greeks, and are to be seen 
 
326 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PITA 
 
 in some of the Italian warehouses in London ; about 1300 cwts. 
 are annually imported from Aleppo. They are considered by 
 Bible commentators to be the nuts sent by Jacob into Egypt. 
 
 Pita, a name in many parts of tropical America for the 
 fibre of the American Aloe (Agave americana), and other allied 
 species. It forms the chief article of clothing of the natives, 
 and ropes and whips are made of it. 
 
 Pitch. {See Pine Trees.) 
 
 Pitcher Plants, a common name for certain plants whose 
 leaves, instead of being flat, are united by their edges, thus 
 forming tubular or ursulate vessels of various forms and sizes, 
 furnished with a lid, and capable of holding water ; their interiors 
 are lined with hairs pointing downwards, by which insects are 
 entrapped. 
 
 Pitcher Plant, Australian {Cej^ludotus follicularis), is a 
 beautiful and singular little plant, growing in the form of a 
 rosette about 3 or 4 inches in diameter, having small, narrow, 
 spathulate leaves, alternate with which are foot-stalks bearing 
 small pitchers, furnished with a lid attached on the inner side, 
 and resembling a saucepan or goblet, the foot-stalk correspond- 
 ing to the handle. The flowers are small, and borne on an 
 erect stalk, 6 inches or more in height, forming a spike. It is a 
 native of King George's Sound, South- West Australia, growing 
 in marshy places like our sundews. It was introduced into Ivew 
 in 1823 ; it continues to be rare, and is considered more as a 
 botanical curiosity. The plant is now put in the order Saxi- 
 fragaceae. 
 
 Pitcher Plant, Californian {Darlingtonia caUfomica), a 
 remarkable perennial herb of the Side-saddle Flower family 
 (Sarraceniacese). This curious plant is a native of California, 
 growing in marshes. The leaves rise in a fascicle from a crowned 
 root-stock ; they are tubular, varying in length from 1 to 2 feet, 
 the lower part nearly erect, widening upwards ; the upper part 
 much wider, and abruptly bent downwards like an inflated hood 
 or sac, terminated by a lateral two-parted lobe, which in the 
 early stage closes the pitcher like a lid ; the inside of the hood 
 
PITCHER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 327 
 
 is furnislied with sliort hairs pointing inwards ; it contains a 
 viscid fluid which entices flies to enter, and in consequence of 
 the hairs pointing downwards they are imprisoned, in some 
 cases filling the pitchers half full of dead insect-matter. It is a 
 common custom to place the pitchers in dwelling-houses as fly- 
 traps. The whole of the pitcher is of a dingy orange colour, 
 marked with strong veins ; the flowers are solitary and droop- 
 ing on the apex of the flower-stalk, 2, 3, or 4 feet high, and 
 wdien fully expanded are about 2 inches in diameter, straw- 
 coloured. 
 
 Pitcher Plant, Guiana {Rdiamijlwra nutans), a perennial 
 herb of the same family as the preceding, the leaves of which 
 rise from a crowned root-stock tubular, in the form of a vase 
 with an oblique mouth, the inside lined with glandular hairs. 
 Flowers, generally more than one, are produced on an erect 
 stalk, white or pale rose colour. It is a native of Guiana, 
 growing in marshes and muddy places. 
 
 Pitcher Plant, Indian (Nepenthes), the only genus of the 
 family Nepenthaceoe. It contains about 20 known species of 
 smooth, slender -stemmed, trailing or climbing plants, holding 
 by their twisted leaf-stalks. They have alternate leaves, each of 
 which is formed of three distinct parts, the lower part in the 
 form of a strap-like leaf, with a thick midrib, varying in lengtli 
 in the different species from a few to even 12 or 18 inches, and 
 in breadth from an inch to a foot ; from the apex of this leafy 
 part the midrib is prolonged in the form of a foot-stalk, varying 
 from a few to 20 inches in length. This midrib performs the 
 part of a tendril, from the apex of which rises a variously-formed 
 vessel, ranging in size from a few inches to a foot in length 
 and 6 inches in diameter, capable of holding more than a quart 
 of water (iV. Bajali). This is called the pitcher, and in its 
 early state is closed with a lid, which ultimately opens, the 
 pitcher having an exact resemblance to a water-jug w^ith a lid. 
 As already stated, the pitchers vary considerably in size and 
 form, and are either plain or furnished with wing-like append- 
 ages on one side, the whole being green, or, as in N. Rafflcsiana, 
 
328 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PITCHER 
 
 N. Rajah, and others, highly coloured. They are beautiful 
 and interesting objects, and are highly prized by amateur culti- 
 vators of rare plants. They are widely distributed, being found 
 in Ceylon, India, Malayan Peninsula, Borneo, and islands of the 
 Indian Archipelago in general. The first known species, N. 
 distillatoria, native of Ceylon, was introduced in 1789. A few 
 years ago a plant at Kew attained the length of between 30 and 
 40 feet, the lower part of the stem becoming naked, and the 
 uj)per part bearing abundance of pitchers. 
 • Pitcher Plant, North American. {Sec Side-saddle Flower.) 
 
 Pituri, a name given by the natives of Australia to Duboisia 
 Hopivoodii, a shrub of the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceffi), but 
 by some considered to be related to the Atropine section of 
 the Deadly Nightshade family, which its narcotic properties 
 seem to warrant. It is stimulating, and its leaves are chewed 
 by the natives, the same as the betel nut in India, coca leaf 
 in iSTew Grenada, and tobacco in other countries ; they consider 
 it to make them courageous and strong in battle. Experiments 
 made by Dr. Bancroft prove it to be a most dangerous poison, 
 acting on the respiratory system, producing shivering and con- 
 vulsions. 
 
 Piwarrie. {See Cassava.) 
 
 Plane Tree, Eastern {Platanus orientaUs), the type of 
 the Plane Tree family (Platanace?e), attaining a height of from 
 60 to 80 feet, and when standing singly has wide-spreading 
 branches. It is well known in parks and gardens in this 
 country as a highly-ornamental tree. It is conspicuous in the 
 vicinity of Mount Lebanon, one near Damascus measuring 40 
 feet in circumference. The Western Plane (P. occidentcdis) is 
 a tree attaining a large size, native of Xorth America. In 
 this country it is often injured by the spring frosts, and in 
 the year 1811 many trees of it were killed in Scotland and in 
 England. F, acerifolia, believed to be a distinct species, is 
 much grown about London as the Oriental Plane ; it differs 
 in its leaves not being so deeply cut, and it is less disposed as 
 in the true Plane to branch horizontally. P. raccmosa, native 
 
PLANTAIN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 329 
 
 of California, P. Lindeniana, and F. mexicana, of ^lexico, are 
 said to be distinct species. Plane Tree wood is much prized by 
 cabinetmakers, as it takes a fine polish. 
 
 Plane Tree, Scotch, a general name in Scotland for the 
 different species of the genus Ace7' or Maple. 
 
 Plantain (^Musct paradisiaca) and Banana (3f. sajnenticm), 
 perennial herbs, having long, vertical, sheathing leaf- stalks 
 overlapping one another, forming soft stems, 4 to 15 or more 
 feet high; from the top of the sheath broad leaves expand 
 6 to 10 feet in length ; the fruit is produced in a bunch from 
 the top of the sheathing stem, each bunch weighing 40, 60, 
 or even more pounds. The Plantain and Banana are by some 
 supposed to be two distinct species, but their numerous varieties 
 seem to defy the limits to which of the species many of the 
 forms belong. As food plants they have been cultivated in all 
 ages throughout the tropics, and are now so thoroughly universal 
 that it is extremely difficult to assign any place as their native 
 habitat. They produce food for millions of people, far surpassing 
 in quantity that of any other plant in proportion to the space it 
 occupies. It has been calculated that the same area required to 
 yield 33 lbs. of wheat, or 99 lbs. of potatoes, will produce 4400 
 lbs. of Plantains. 
 
 The young fruit surrounds the flower-stalk or spadix in 
 clusters, and when ripe is of a yellow colour. Each fruit is from 
 6 to 8 inches long, and 4 to 5 inches in circumference. It is of 
 a soft pulpy nature and agreeable flavour, being moreover highly 
 nutritious. The Banana is eaten fresh when ripe, but the fruic 
 of the Plantain is roasted and eaten before it attains its full 
 maturity. In general the stems of Bananas rise 10 to 15 feet 
 high, and are liable to be injured or even destroyed by high 
 winds ; a remedy for this has, however, been found in Musci 
 chinensis, which is also cultivated under the name of 3Iicsa 
 Cavendishii, the stems of which are rarely more than 4 to 5 
 feet high and very stout. This last variety has been success- 
 fully introduced into the Navigator's, Fiji, and other islands of 
 the Pacific, and is much valued by the natives on account of its 
 
330 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES PLUM 
 
 productiveness. The stems of the different kinds of Musa con- 
 tain a quantity of fibre, and various machines have been invented 
 for its extraction. It is woven into textile fabrics, and paper is 
 also made of it. The most important fibre-yielding species is 
 Musa textilis, known as Manilla Hemp (see Hemp). 
 
 Bananas grow and fruit freely in hothouses ; bunches from 
 50 to 60 lbs. weight have been produced at Kew, and fruit 
 as large and fine-flavoured as that produced in the tropics. 
 
 Plum (Primus domestica), a middle-sized tree of the Plum 
 family (Drupacea^). In this country it is found in a wild state, 
 and it is also common throughout Europe and the temperate 
 regions of Asia. It is by cultivation that the numerous fine 
 varieties have been obtained, such as the Magnum Bonum, Blue- 
 gage, Green-gage, Golden-drop, Imperatrice, Orleans, and many 
 other sorts — all fine dessert fruits, more or less cultivated in 
 most temperate countries. The kinds called Damsons and Prunes 
 are black, and are extensively used for preserving, the latter in a 
 di'ied state cominsj to this countrv from Portugal and France 
 under the name of Brimole Prunes. The wood of the Plum tree 
 is hard, close, compact, beautifully veined, and takes a fine polish. 
 
 Plum, Australian, Black and Grey, names in Australia for 
 the fruits of Cargillia arhorea and C. australis, lofty, hard- 
 wooded trees of the Ebony family (Ebenaceae). C. ardorea is a 
 native of Queensland, attaining a height of 100 feet; the fruit 
 is about the size of a plum, of a grey colour, and eaten by the 
 natives. C. austrcdis o^rows in tlie Illawarra district of New 
 South Wales ; it is not such a large tree as the preceding ; it is 
 slender-stemmed, attaining a height of 30 to 40 feet ; the wood 
 is close-grained and useful for many purposes ; the fruits are the 
 size of a large plum, and of a dark purple colour. 
 
 Plum, Blood, the name of the fruit of Hcematostaiohes 
 Barteri, a small tree of the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiaceae), 
 native of Western tropical Africa. It has winged leaves, and long 
 panicles of small white flowers. The fruit is about the size of a 
 plum, of a deep crimson colour ; it is acid, but not unpleasant, 
 and is eaten by the natives. 
 
POLYANTHUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 331 
 
 Plum, Grey. {See Gingerbread Plnm.) 
 
 Plum, Indian. — Flacourtia cataphracta and F. Bamontchi, 
 shrubs or small trees, more or less s]3iny, with small alternate 
 leaves, belonging to the Indian Plum family (riacourtiace?e), 
 natives of India and Madagascar. The fruit of the latter is 
 about the size of a plum, of a sharp but sweetish taste. F. 
 sepiaria is a stiff, spiny bush, used for making hedges in India. 
 It has a pleasant, refreshing, sub-acid fruit. 
 
 Pohutukawa, a native name for Meirosideros tomentosa, a 
 native of ISTew Zealand, a remarkable tree of the Myrtle family 
 (MyrtacCce), growing on the bare rocks of the shore, especially 
 on the Northern Island. It sometimes grows 4 to 5 feet in 
 diameter, but is then often crooked and missliapen. Its wood 
 is hard, like rosewood, and takes a fine polish, but is difficult to 
 work, as it breaks the edges of tools. 
 
 Poison Bulb {Hmmantlms toxicaria), a bulbous plant of the 
 Narcissus family (Amaryllidaceie), native of the Cape of Good 
 Hope. It is poisonous, and it is said that the Kaffirs use it to 
 poison their arrows. 
 
 Poison Oak. {See Sumach.) 
 
 Poke {Phytolacca decandra), a strong-growing, herbaceous 
 plant of the Bloodberry family (Phytolaccaceae), 3 or 4 feet 
 high, having bunches of dark-purple berries, the juice of which 
 resembles red ink. It is a native of the Southern United 
 States, where the plant is used medicinally ; the young shoots 
 on being boiled lose their acridity, and are then eaten as a 
 vegetable. It is also called Pigeon-berry, and once had great 
 repute as a cure for cancer. 
 
 Pollard. {See Bran.) 
 
 Polish Mushroom, a name given on the Continent to Boletus 
 edtdis, an eatable fungus growing in woods. 
 
 Polyanthus, a familiar name for Brimida elatior, a perennial 
 herb of the Primrose family (Primulacea3), native of this 
 country, but rare ; also known by the name of Oxlip. It de- 
 rives its name from the Greek words poly (many) and anthus 
 (flowers), its flower-stalk bearing many erect flowers in the 
 
332 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES POLYPODY 
 
 form of an umbel, thus differing from the primrose, which is 
 one-flowered ; there are many fine varieties cultivated by ama- 
 teurs. Polyanthus having become a familiar English name, must 
 not be confounded with the genus Folianthes, which means 
 city-flower. (See Tuberose.) 
 
 Polypody, an ancient name for Polypodmm vulgare, a fern 
 common in this country and throughout Europe, growing on 
 trees, rocks, old walls, etc. By the ancients and our old her- 
 balists many medicmal virtues were ascribed to the common 
 Polypody. In some countries it is used as a cure for ringworm, 
 and in this country an infusion of the fresh rhizome (creeping 
 stem) is still regarded as a mild laxative, and is occasionally 
 used as a remedy for colds and coughs. Its fronds yield 
 carbonate of potash. 
 
 Pomegranate {Puiiica Granatum), a bushy deciduous tree, 
 20 to 30 feet high, of the Myrtle family (^lyrtaceae), native of 
 Korthern India and Western Asia, extending westward to the 
 countries of the Mediterranean. It has been long cultivated in 
 Spain and other countries of the South of Europe, and is also 
 abundant in the West Indies and America. The fruit is usually 
 about as large as a full-sized apple, having a hard rind of a 
 yellowish colour ; it contains a pulp which is highly prized for 
 makiuCT coolinsj drinks. In Persia a wine is made from it in 
 sufficient quantities for exportation. The rind, as well as the 
 flowers, is used medicinally as a powerful astringent. The 
 former contains a large quantity of tannin, which is used in the 
 manufacture of morocco leather. A decoction of the bark and 
 root is a powerful remedy for tapeworm. The Pomegranate is 
 recorded as being introduced into this country in 1548. It grows 
 freely under the protection of walls, but suffers in severe winters. 
 In January 1838 all the trees in the neighbourhood of London 
 were killed to the ground. The Pomeofranate is of ancient 
 renown, bemg mentioned in the Bible as one of the fruits of the 
 Land of Promise, and is also described by Theophrastus 300 
 years before the Christian era. 
 Pomeloes. {See Shaddock.) 
 
POPLAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 333 
 
 Pondweed, Choke {Anacharis Alsinastrwn), an aquatic of 
 the Frogbit family (Hydrochariclacere), with lea^'es like chick- 
 weed, arranged three in a whorl on long, slender, floating stems, 
 wdiich are densely matted together. It is a native of North 
 America, and about forty years ago made its appearance in 
 this country, spreading so rapidly that it was feared it would 
 choke up the canals, and so prevent navigation. It, however, 
 forms such dense masses that it ultimately becomes exhausted, 
 and dies out. 
 
 Pool-rush. {See Bulrush.) 
 
 Poonga Oil, a name in India given to the oil expressed from 
 Pongamia glcibra, a tree of the Bean family (Leguminosa^), very 
 generally diffused throughout Southern India, Malacca, Indian 
 Archipelago, Southern China, ISTorth Australia, and Fiji Islands. 
 It is a wing-leaved, middle-sized tree ; its fruit (pod) from one 
 to one and a half inches long and one inch broad, flattened, 
 roundish, thick, and hard, containing a thick, kidney-shaped 
 seed, which yields an oil, used by the common people for 
 burning in lamps ; and it is also used in medicine. It is of a 
 yellowish-brown colour, and congeals at a temperature below 
 60° Fahr. 
 
 Poplar [Populus), the name of a genus of trees of the Willow 
 family (Salicaccce), of which there are a considerable number of 
 species widely distributed, chiefly throughout the north temperate 
 zone. About 15 sjDecies are recorded as being cultivated in 
 this country, of which tlie following are the principal, the four 
 first being natives : — P. alha, the great White Poplar, or Abele 
 tree, and P. canescens, the Grey Poplar. They are common 
 in other parts of Europe and in the Caucasus and Persia. The 
 timber of P. alha is soft, and but little used, except for toys and 
 such work ; that of P. canesccns is harder, and is used by mill- 
 wrights, and being light is used for the handles of brooms, etc. 
 P. nigra, the Black Poplar, is of rapid growth, attaining a 
 height of 30 to 40 feet in ten years ; the wood is yellow, fibrous, 
 and soft. P. tremula, the Trembling Poplar, or Aspen, is an 
 erect, slender-branching, somewhat pyramidal deciduous tree, 
 
334 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES POPPY 
 
 attaining a lieigiit of 40 to 50 feet. Its leaves are nearly 
 round, thin and smooth, alternate, and obliquely attached by a 
 slender foot-stalk, which allows them to move freely in a quiver- 
 ins: manner, even when the air is still, and their rustlino- ao-ainst 
 one another makes an audible noise, which may be heard at 
 some distance. This rustling noise is considered by Bible 
 critics to explain the words, " When thou hearest the sound of 
 a going in the tops of the mulberry trees," etc. (2 Samuel 
 V. 23, 24). As the leaves of the mulberry are stiff and rigid, 
 and do not rustle against one another like those of the Poplar, 
 and also as there is no evidence to show that mulberry trees 
 sirew in Palestine in the time of Samuel, it is therefore con- 
 sidered that the Hebrew word (becaim) should have been 
 translated Poplar, not mulberry. 
 
 P. fast ig lata, the Lombardy Poplar, is an erect-branched 
 tree of a pyramidal form, attaining a height of 50 to 100 feet. 
 It abounds in Italy, but is believed to be a native of N'orthern 
 and Western Asia ; in this country it is planted as an orna- 
 mental tree, but is often injured by the frost of severe winters. 
 Some years ago some fine trees were to be seen about London ; 
 their places are now occupied by buildings. P. halsamifcra, 
 native of ISTorth America, is called Tacamahac Poplar, and in 
 this country Balsam Poplar; it attains a height of 40 to 50 
 or more feet ; the buds and young shoots are viscous, the whole 
 of the tree possessing a fine balsamic odour. P. monilifera is 
 said to be a native of North America, but its habitat is uncertain ; 
 recorded to be introduced into this country in 1772. It is said 
 to attain a great height, even to 100 feet. It is common in 
 Italy, which has led to its receiving the name of Black Itahan 
 Poplar. 
 
 Poppy, Red, or Corn (Pa-paver Phceas), one of our most 
 beautiful British annuals ; it must nevertheless be viewed as a 
 troublesome weed. It is a great ornament to our cornfields, 
 often making them appear while in flower one blaze of red. A 
 syrup is prepared from the petals used in medicine, and a colour- 
 ing matter used in the preparation of red ink. 
 
POPPY OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 335 
 
 Poppy, White [Papaxer somniferum), an annual of the Poppy 
 family (Papaveraceaj), attaining a height of 3 feet, having large, 
 single, white or pink flowers. Its native country is not known, 
 as it has been cultivated from the most remote ages, and was 
 early known in Italy and Greece. It has long been extensively 
 grown in India for its milky juice, which is obtained by scarify- 
 ing the capsules when fully grown but in a green state. The 
 juice soon hardens, and is scraped off, formed into balls, and 
 called Opium, from which morphia is obtained. The highly 
 medicinal properties are well known, and when used with judici- 
 ous care it is one of the most valuable medicines known to man. 
 Opium is, however, more extensively used for inducing narcotic 
 intoxication by smoking or chewing, particularly in China, 
 Turkey, Persia, India, and Siam, and to some extent in England. 
 This pernicious custom wdien carried to excess is fatal to 
 health, even causing madness. The capsules, or poppy -heads, 
 are dried and employed in fomentations, and a syrup is pre- 
 pared from them for use as a cough medicine. Oj)ium forms 
 one of the ingredients of Godfrey's Cordial. The seeds are per- 
 fectly free from any narcotic principle. A fine clear oil, nearly 
 equal to olive oil, is obtained from them, which is used as a 
 salad oil in India as well as on the Continent, where it is ex- 
 pressly grown for that purpose. It is but sparingly cultivated 
 in this country for its heads, the seed being the maw-seed given 
 to cage-birds. 
 
 The Government of China, being desirous to prevent the use 
 of Opium, in 1839 destroyed a great quantity, the property 
 of British merchants, wdiich led to the first war with that 
 country ; the result being the opening of that great empire, as 
 also Japan, to the trade and commerce of the world. \_The 
 Poppy, therefore, with the tea, sugar, tohacco, and cotton plcmts, 
 has been an important agent in changing the political and social 
 conditions of nations. An imp)ort duty on tea led to the separation 
 from the British Crown of the North American Colonics, which 
 have hecome the great Repuhlic of the United States. The cidtiva- 
 tion of sugar, tohacco, and cotton in America and the West Indies 
 
336 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR XAMES PORCUPINE 
 
 laid the foundation of the slave trade, with all the horrors that 
 have attended it^^ 
 
 Porcupine-wood. {See Cocoa JSTut.) 
 
 Portugal Laurel {Prunus \_Cerasus'\ lusitanica), a wide- 
 spreading, evergreen shrub or short -stemmed tree, seldom 
 exceeding 20 feet in height, belonging to the Cherry group of 
 the Plum family (Drupaceae). It is a native of Portugal and 
 Madeira, and was introduced into this country in 1648 ; it is very 
 generally planted as an ornamental shrub. In severe winters 
 it is often injured; the frost of January 1838 destroyed the 
 whole of the plants at Kew. 
 
 Potato {Solanum tuherosum), a perennial of the Nightshade 
 family (Solanaceee). This well-known esculent is a native of 
 Peru and Chili, and has also been found wild in Mexico. It 
 was first introduced into Spain about the beginning of the six- 
 teenth century, and into England from Virginia by Sir "Walter 
 Ptaleigh in 1586. Gerard, in his Hcrhal, published in 1597, 
 gives a figure of a potato plant which he had had growing in his 
 garden in Holborn (London), under the name of Batata virgini- 
 ana} and says it should be eaten as a delicate dish, not as com- 
 mon food. Parkinson (1640) says the tubers were roasted, and 
 steeped in sack or sugar, or baked with marrow and spices, and 
 even preserved candied by the comfit-makers. The cultivation 
 of the Potato spread very slowly. About 1633 it was encour- 
 aged by the Eoyal Society ; but it was not until nearly a century 
 had elapsed that it became plentiful, and was successfully 
 cultivated in Scotland. It is singular that in The ComjAete 
 Gardener, published by London and Wise in I7l9, the Potato is 
 not mentioned, and about the same time Bradly, an extensive 
 writer on horticultural subjects, speaks of it as being inferior to 
 radishes. During the last hundred years the cultivation of the 
 Potato has greatly increased in importance, especially in poor 
 and densely-populated districts. The ravages of a potato-disease, 
 which first appeared in 1845, produced a famine, especially in 
 
 In Spain called potades, in Italy potate ; hence comes our word 
 potatoes. 
 
PRAIRIE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 337 
 
 Ireland, where Potatoes had for years been ahnost tlie sole 
 article of food with the poorer class. Since tliat period, and on 
 account of this disease, the crop has been uncertain tliroughout 
 all countries. 
 
 Besides the usual culinary purposes for whicli Potatoes are 
 used, a large quantity of starch is manufactured from them, 
 equal to arrowroot, and used for many domestic purposes. It 
 enters largely into the composition of wheaten bread, sometimes 
 even to excess. From the starch a gum is obtained called 
 Dextrine, which is used in the arts. The Potato yields by dis- 
 tillation a strong spirit, and by fermentation a wine is oljtained ; 
 the spirit in flavour resembles brandy. Consequent on the 
 disease of late years deteriorating the crops in this country, and 
 the supply falling short of the demand, large quantities are 
 imported, chiefly from France, the weekly consumption of 
 London alone being equivalent to 500 tons. The quantity of 
 baked Potatoes sold by vendors in the streets is estimated at 60 
 tons weekly between September and April. The disease is 
 caused by a microscopic fungus called Pcronosiiora infcstcnis, 
 w^hich rapidly spreads over the plant, whole fields becoming 
 black in a night ; its mycelium enters the tubers^ causing them 
 to soften and rot. i\Iuch has been written on this disease, and 
 rewards offered for its prevention or cure, but hitherto without 
 any satisfactory result. 
 
 Pottery Tree {Moquilea idilis), a plant of the Cocoa Plum 
 family (Chrysobalanace{:e), consisting of tall trees, natives of the 
 forests of Brazil and Guiana. Spruce describes them as straight, 
 slender trees, 100 feet in height. The bark is very hard and 
 brittle, and contains a great quantity of silica, which the 
 Indians obtain by burning the bark, and mixing the residue 
 with clay to form pottery- ware vessels to stand tire heat. In 
 Trinidad the bark of a species of Hirtdla, H. silicca, a genus of 
 the same family, is used for similar purposes. Specimens of the 
 bark and of the vessels made from these pottery trees may be 
 seen in the Museum in Kew Gardens. 
 
 Prairie Turnip {Psoralca esculenta), a tuberous-rooted herb 
 
 z 
 
338 DICTIONARY OF POPULAE, NAMES PRANGOS 
 
 belonging to the Bean family (Leguminosse), attaining a height 
 of 2 feet, having winged leaves. It is common in some of 
 the United States and in ISTorth-West America. Its tuberous 
 roots form a considerable article of food to the native population, 
 but it is rather insipid. 
 
 Prangos {Prangos 2^('^^ularia), a perennial of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferte), having a stem a few feet in height, wdth 
 finely-divided leaves, and umbels of yellow flowers. It is a native 
 of Tibet, where it is extensively used as a fodder for sheep, 
 goats, and oxen ; they are very fond of it, and soon get fat upon 
 it. It is not so much esteemed in Cashmere, where grass is 
 more abundant than in Tibet. About 1840 it came into special 
 notice in this country under the name of hay, and attempts were 
 made to introduce it as a forage-plant, but it did not succeed. 
 
 Prickly Pear. (See Indian Fig.) 
 
 Pride of India. {See Bead Tree.) 
 
 Primrose (Primida mdgaris), a perennial herb of the Prim- 
 rose family (Primulacese). This, with the Cowslip (P. officinalis) 
 and Oxlip (P. elatior), are natives of this country, and in general 
 favour as early spring flowers. {See Polyanthus.) P. chinensis, 
 native of China, was introduced about forty years ago. Of this 
 there are now many fine varieties, with double flowers, varying in 
 colour from pink to pure white. It is extensively cultivated by 
 florists as a decorative plant, as is also the more recently intro- 
 duced species P. japoyiica. P. sikkimensis, and other showy 
 species, native of the Himalayas, have been recently introduced. 
 P. villosa, P. marginata, P. integrifolia, P. calycincc, P. helvetica, 
 and P, Atiricula (see Auricula), natives of Switzerland, are 
 favourites with cultivators of alpine plants, to which may be 
 added P. farinosa and P. scotica, natives of this country. 
 
 Privet, also known by the name of Prim, a bushy, simple- 
 leaved shrub of the Olive family (Oleacese), native of this 
 country, and generally throughout Europe. It seldom exceeds 
 8 to 10 feet in height ; its wood is hard, and although small is 
 used in turnery. It is much planted in this country as an 
 ornamental plant, and for forming hedges where strength is not 
 
PUDDING OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 339 
 
 required. It bears pruning and clipping with impunity. Its 
 fruit is a small, black berry, produced in bundles ; the juice is 
 said to be used for painting playing-cards and also for colouring 
 port wine. A bitter extract called Ligustrine is obtained from 
 the bark; it also contains tannin. 
 
 Protea, the Linnoean name of a genus, the type of the 
 Protea family (Proteacese). It consists of 40 to 50 species of 
 shrubs and smaU trees, with alternate, entire, smooth or villose 
 leaves, varying from linear to oblong, elHptical, and cordate. 
 Flowers in terminal heads, composed of numerous tubular florets 
 (calyx), surrounded by oblong imbricated bracts, similar to the 
 flowers of the Composite family (Composite), in F. longiflora, 
 F. grandiflora, F. S2Jeciosa, F. formosa, and F. mellifera. The 
 flowers are large, 3 to 4 inches in length, firm and imbricated, 
 forming a cup, which in F. mellifera contams a large quantity 
 of honey. {See Honey Flowers.) They are all, with the excep- 
 tion of F. abyssinica, natives of South Africa. Twenty-three 
 species are recorded in the second edition of Hortus Kewensis 
 (1813), which for many years formed a part of the great collec- 
 tion of Proteacese at Kew. 
 
 Prune. {See Plum.) 
 
 Puchurim Bean. {See Nutmeg.) 
 
 Pudding Berries {Comus caimclensis), a herb of the Dog- 
 wood family (Cornacete), common throughout tlie whole of North 
 America. An allied species is C. suecica, called Dwarf Cornel. 
 It is smaller than the preceding, seldom exceeding 6 inches in 
 heio'ht. It is a native of the North of Scotland and the North 
 of Europe generally. The berries of both are used as food, 
 especially by the Esquimaux. 
 
 Pudding Pipe, a name given in Jamaica and the West 
 Indies to Cassia fistula, sometimes called Catliartocarims fistula, 
 2l small wing-leaved tree of the Bean family (Leguminosiv), 
 producing abundance of yellow flowers, native of the East 
 Indies, and now common in most tropical countries. It 
 produces a smooth cylindrical pod twice the tliickness of the 
 finger, and sometimes two feet in length. The interior is divided 
 
340 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES PUFF 
 
 into numerous transverse partitions, each containing a seed 
 embedded in pulp, of a sweet taste, which forms an important 
 laxative medicine. The leaves, as also those of C. elata, are used 
 as a cure for ringworm. 
 
 Puff Ball {Lyco'perdon hovista and Z. giganteiim), globular, 
 stemless fungi, generally growing in pastures. The chief specific 
 difference of the two is in their respective sizes, which varies 
 from a few inches to a foot or more in diameter, sometimes 
 weighing as much as six pounds. They are of a brown colour. 
 When perfectly ripe, on being pressed with the hand or trodden 
 upon, they emit their spores in a dust-like cloud resembling 
 smoke. From this circumstance they are called The Devil's 
 Snuff-box. While young, in their solid state cut into slices and 
 fried with butter, they form a delicately flavoured wholesome 
 dish. The allied genus Bovista, of which there are two species 
 native of Britain {B. nigrcsccns and B. j;/z^??2 5^«), are similar to 
 the puff ball in form, but much smaller, and discharge their 
 dust-like spores from the top of their papery skin. They are 
 common in dry pastures. 
 
 Pulas, a name in India for Butca frondosa, a tree of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosse), native of Bengal, attaining a 
 heiojht of 30 or 40 feet. Its leaves are trifoliate, and covered 
 wdth a velvety down. Its flowers are produced before the 
 leaves. Each flower is about 2 inches long, and of a bright 
 orange-red colour, and when the tree is in full flower is a 
 splendid sight, the masses of flowers resembling sheets of flame. 
 It furnishes several useful articles, the most important being a 
 kind of kino gum, which exudes from the bark on its being 
 wounded. In order to distinguish it from the kino produced from 
 Pterocarpus marsujpium, it is called Butea Kino, or Gum Butea. 
 It is also sometimes called Bengal Kino. It is chiefly employed 
 by the natives for tanning leather. It has been tried in this 
 country, but the colour it imparts to the leather is considered 
 objectionable. The flowers produce a beautiful bright yellow 
 or deep orange-red dye ; but it is not permanent. A coarse fibre 
 of the bark of the stem and roots is used for caulking boats. 
 
QUAMASH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 341 
 
 The lac insect, a kind of coccus, frequents the tree, and by its 
 punctures in the young shoots produces stick lac. The seeds 
 produce a small quantity of oil called Moodooga Oil. This 
 tree is also called by the name of Dhak. 
 
 Another species is B. superha. It differs from the preced- 
 ing, being a climber. Its leaves and flowers are similar to the 
 last ; as also its products. 
 
 Pulque. (See Aloe, American.) 
 
 Pulse, a general name for the pods and seeds of peas, 
 lentils, etc. 
 
 Pulu, the name applied to the fine silky hairs that cover 
 the upper part of the stem and base of the stipes of Cihotiitm 
 Menziesii, G. Chamissoi, and C. glmicum, tree-ferns of the tribe 
 Dicksonim, natives of the Sandwich Islands. Some years ago 
 large quantities of these hairs were collected, and shiploads were 
 sent to Australia and used for stuffing cushions and beds, but it 
 has fallen into disuse. 
 
 Pumpkin (Cucicrhita maxima), a trailing annual plant of the 
 Gourd family (Cucurbitacese), producing the largest fruit of any 
 known plant, some having been grown in this country weighing 
 from 200 to 240 pounds, and measuring from 6 to nearly 8 feet 
 in circumference. They are wholesome, and wdien young are by 
 some used as a vegetable. 
 
 Puriri, a name in New Zealand for Vitex littoralis, a tree of 
 the Vervain family (Verbenacese), attaining a height of 50 to 
 60 feet. Its wood is hard and dark brown, much used in all 
 kinds of work. It is also called New Zealand Teak. 
 
 Puya, the name of a genus of the Pine-apple family (Brome- 
 liaceaj), represented by F. cliilensis, which has a palm-like stem 
 2 to 4 feet high, according to age. It has long recurved leaves, 
 armed with hooked spines ; native of some parts of the coast of 
 Chili, where it forms impenetrable thickets miles in extent ; its 
 leaves contain fibre. {See also Grass Cloth.) 
 
 Quamash (Camassia esculenta), a bulbous plant of the 
 Hyacinth section of the Lily family (Liliaceoe), with blue or 
 white flowers. It is a native of Korth America, where it is very 
 
342 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES QUANDANG 
 
 abundant, and its bulbous roots form a large proportion of the 
 vegetable food of the Indians. 
 
 Quandang Nut (Santahmi acuminatum), a tree oHhe Sandal- 
 wood family (Santalacece), attaining a height of 20 or 30 feet, 
 having a drupaceous fruit which is used as a preserve, and may 
 be considered one of the few native fruits of Australia worthy 
 of the name of fruit. 
 
 Quassia {Quassia amara), a small tree of the family Sima- 
 rubacese, native of Surinam and Guiana, from whence it has been 
 introduced into the West Indies. The generic name Quassia is 
 derived from a negro named Quassi of Surinam, who employed 
 the wood with uncommon success as a secret remedy in the 
 malignant endemic fevers which frequently prevailed in Suri- 
 nam. He sold the secret to Daniel Eolander, a Swede, who, in 
 1756, brought specimens of the wood to Stockholm, and shortly 
 afterwards it became highly extolled throughout Europe, and it 
 has been prescribed by numerous eminent doctors as an excel- 
 lent tonic. The whole plant — root, wood, and bark — is intensely 
 bitter, and possesses highly antiseptic properties. On account 
 of its bitterness it has been used by brewers as a substitute for 
 hops. The bitterness of the Surinam Quassia is, however, super- 
 seded by the Jamaica Quassia, Picrcena excelsa, a tree of the same 
 family, common in the lowlands of Jamaica, attaining a height 
 of 50 to 60 feet. The Quassia wood of the shops is now prin- 
 cipally the produce of this tree. Its medical qualities are the 
 same as those of the Surinam Quassia. The bitter cups sold a 
 few years ago in curiosity shops are made of this wood, and water 
 allowed to remain in the cup for a short time becomes bitter. 
 An infusion of Quassia chips destroys flies. Another bitter tree 
 of this family is Simaruha amara, a tree attaining a height 
 of 20 feet, native of the "West Indies and Guiana. The bark is 
 extremely bitter, and is used in the form of a decoction in many 
 complaints. 
 
 Quebracho, Red [LoxoiJterygium Lorcntzii), a tree of the 
 Cashew Nut family (Anacardiacese), native of Colorado and Mexico. 
 It is said to possess the same properties as the following. 
 
QUINOA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 343 
 
 Quebracho, White, a name in South America for Asjn- 
 dosperma Quehraclio, a tree of the Dogbane family (xipocynacec^e), 
 native of the province of Santiago in Chili, where its bark has 
 been used for many years as a febrifuge instead of Cinchona. 
 Eecently it has received a good deal of attention in this country 
 as a remedy for diseases of the respiratory organs. The bark 
 contains an alkaloid called Aspidospermin. 
 
 Quercitron. {See Oak.) 
 
 Quillaia Bark {Qu.illaja Saponaria), a tree attaining a 
 height of 50 to 60 feet, native of Chili, belonging to the wing- 
 seeded section of the Kose family (Eosaceas), having smooth, 
 shining, oval, green leaves, about IJ inch in length, and ter- 
 minal white flowers. The bark is called Quillaja or Soap Bark, 
 and consists of numerous layers, containing much carbonate of 
 lime and other mineral matters, which renders it so heavy that 
 it sinks in water. It is in common use in Chili instead of soap. 
 Some years ago it was introduced into this country and recom- 
 mended as a substitute for soap, especially for washing printed 
 goods, silks, and delicate-coloured fabrics. An extract has been 
 prepared under the name of Quillai Bark Oil, and sold by 
 hairdressers for promoting the growth of the hair. 
 
 Quince Tree (Cydonia vulgaris), a low, spreading, branched 
 tree of the Apple family (Pomacese), native of the temperate zone 
 of Europe and Asia. It appears to have been early cultivated 
 by the Greeks and Eomans. Pliny says it was first introduced 
 to Italy from Crete, and into this country about the end of the 
 sixteenth century. The fruit has a powerful odour, and is 
 often used for flavouring marmalade and other preserves. Wine 
 is also made from it. In the heathen mythology the Quince was 
 devoted to the goddess Venus, as being the emblem of love, 
 happiness, and faithfulness, and has been supposed to be the 
 golden fruit of the fancied garden of the Hesperides, defended 
 by the dragon. The fruit of C. sinensis is very inferior to the 
 common Quince. 
 
 Quinine. {See Cinchona.) 
 
 Quinoa {Chenopodmni Quinoci), an annual plant of the 
 
344 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES RADISH 
 
 Spinacli family (Chenopodiacese), growing to a height of from 
 4 to 6 feet, producing dense, erect, compound panicles of flowers. 
 It is a native of Peru, and is much cultivated in Chili and other 
 parts of Western America for its seeds, which form an important 
 article of food, and are considered by the miners and others 
 employed in laborious work as very strengthening. Before the 
 conquest of Peru by the Spaniards it was the principal meal 
 food of the Peruvians. In this country it is cultivated for feed- 
 incy fowls, and its leaves are used as a vegetable. In the United 
 States an oil is obtained from the seeds of C. anthelminticum. 
 
 Radish (EcqyJmmcs sativus), an annual herb of the Cabbage 
 family (Cruciferse). It is not known in a wild state, but is 
 supposed to be a cultivated form of the wild Piadish (E. Ila^^han- 
 istruni), a common plant in this country and Southern Europe. 
 If so, it must have come to its present edible state in early 
 times. 
 
 Radish, Rat-tail {Raphanus caudatus), native of India and 
 China, and was introduced into this country about twenty years 
 ago. It is considered by some authors to be simply a variety 
 of the common radish. It has been highly prized and much 
 sought after on account of its long succulent pods, which under 
 j:[ood cultivation attain a lenojth of 2 to 3 feet, and are eaten 
 either boiled or j)ickled. A few years since it was recommended 
 for cultivation in this country, but it is now seldom heard of. 
 
 Raetem, the Arabic name for a kind of broom, named by 
 Linnaeus Spartiiim monospermitm, a shrub of the P)ean family 
 (Leguminosae). In habit of growth it is similar to the common 
 yellow broom of this country ; but its branches are longer and 
 more flexible, and of a grey colour, forming a dense bush 10 to 
 12 feet high. Its leaves are very small and few ; its flowers are 
 white, followed by a small, single-seeded, pod-like indehiscent 
 fruit. It is common in barren tracts throughout the region of 
 the Mediterranean, both European and African. It is the plant 
 spoken of in the Bible under the name of Juniper : " Who cut 
 up mallows by the bushes and JuniiKv roots for their meat " 
 (Job XXX. 4). Instead of Juniper, the word (rothem) sliould have 
 
RAKI OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 345 
 
 been translated Broom : but as neither Juniper nor Broom is 
 capable of being eaten as food, both beiug hard and nauseous in 
 the extreme, we are led to suppose that it was some other plant 
 that was eaten, and that it was a species of Cynomorium which 
 grows on the roots of Eaetem, in the same manner as Broom- 
 rape {Orobcuichc) grows on the roots of broom and furze in this 
 country ; further, Cynomorium coccineum has been seen grow- 
 ing in abundance on the Eaetem in the region of the Dead Sea, 
 and is known to be eaten in some parts in times of scarcity, 
 especially in the Canary Islands, so that this plant may be 
 accepted as explaining the words, "eating Juniper roots for 
 their meat." (See Fungus Melitensis.) 
 
 Raffia, or Roffia. (See Jupate Palm.) 
 
 Rafflesia. — It is now sixty -two years since a great sensa- 
 tion was caused by the discovery in the Island of Sumatra 
 of one of the most remarkable productions of the vegetable 
 kingdom. This was a plant consisting of a flower only, measur- 
 ing 1 yard in diameter, formed of five high fleshy lobes (petals), 
 of a spotted or mottled red colour, the union of their bases 
 forming a central cup capable of holding 12 pints of water, 
 the whole weighing 15 lbs. It was found growing on a prostrate 
 stem of a species of Cissus, a genus of the Vine family, and in its 
 unexpanded state was like a red cabbage. From its carrion-like 
 smell attracting insects, it w^as supposed to be a fungus ; but 
 on specimens being submitted to the celebrated botanist, Mr. 
 liobert Brown, it was found to be a true flower, having perfect 
 stamens and pistils, but dioecious — that is, the stamens in one 
 flower and pistils in another. He named it Babesia ArnolcU, 
 after its discoverers, Sir T. S. Eaflles and Dr. Arnold, and con- 
 sidered it to belong to the family Balanophoraceoe, all of which 
 are parasites ; but it is now classed by some botanists as the 
 type of a distinct family, Eafflesiacese. 
 
 Ragee, a name in India for Elelisine coracana, a millet-like 
 grass, the seeds of which are used for food. 
 
 Raisins, (fe Vine.) 
 
 Raki. (See Mastich.) 
 
346 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAE NAMES RAIVIBUTAN 
 
 Rambutan. {See Litclii.) 
 
 Ramie, or Ramee {Bcehmeria nivea). (See Grass Cloth.) 
 
 Ramleh, the name of the fruit of Pierardia scqnda, now 
 placed in the genus Baccaurea, belonging to the Euphorbiacese. 
 It is a small tree, with broad, entire, oblong leaves, native of 
 the Malay Peninsula, as also of the Pegu forests of Burmah. 
 Pruit the size of a large gooseberry, smooth, yellow, three-celled, 
 with the seeds embedded in a pulpy ariL It is esteemed by the 
 natives, and is generally plentiful in the Piangoon market. 
 
 Choopah is the native name of P. didcis, a tree similar to 
 the last, native of the Malayan Islands. Its fruits are nearly 
 round, and rather larger than a cherr}^ They contain a sweet, 
 luscious pulp, and like the last are eaten in large quantities. 
 
 Rampion [Campanida Rapmcidus), a perennial of the Bell 
 Flower family (Campanulace?e), native of this countn', common 
 in gardens for its running, white, succulent roots, which are 
 eaten as a salad. 
 
 Ram -til Oil, a name in India for an oil expressed from 
 the seeds of Guizotia olcifera, a weedy -looking annual herb of 
 the Composite family (Compositse) ; cultivated in Abyssinia 
 and various parts of India for the sake of its seeds, which yield 
 a bland oil similar to Sesamum oil, used for lamps and for 
 culinary purposes. 
 
 Rape {Brassica Napus) and Colza (B. campcstris), two weedy 
 annuals of the Cabbage family (Cruciferie). They differ in the 
 leaves, one being smooth and the other hairy. They are ex- 
 tensively cultivated in this country and throughout Europe for 
 their seeds, which yield Rape and Colza Oil. The consumption 
 in this country is so great that immense quantities are imported. 
 The refuse seeds form oil-cake for feeding cattle. 
 
 Camelina sativa, known as Gold of Pleasure, is a plant 
 similar to the preceding, and cultivated for the same purposes. 
 
 Raspberry {Buhus Idceics), a cane -stemmed shrub of the 
 Eose family (Ptosaceae), native of Britain, most parts of temperate 
 Europe, and western temperate Asia. It is cultivated for its 
 fruit, so called, which consists of numerous little achenia 
 
RED OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 347 
 
 embedded in pulp, forming a compound fruit. There are two 
 kinds, the red and the white, and hy cultivation fine varieties 
 have been obtained. They are well known as dessert fruits, 
 and large quantities are used for jams, jellies, and cooling 
 drinks, also for raspberry vinegar, wine, and brandy. In 1873 
 one firm alone in London used 300 tons for these purposes. 
 
 Rasp Palm (Jriartea cxorrhiza), a wing -leaved palm, native 
 of Northern Brazil and Central America. It is remarkable 
 inasmuch as its stem is supported on aerial roots, which diverge 
 from the base in a slanting direction like props, and are of 
 sufficient height for a man to walk beneath them. These sup- 
 porting roots are 6 to 8 inches in circumference, covered with 
 hard tubercles, and are used by the natives as graters. A fine 
 example of this palm, with aerial roots 2 feet in length, was a 
 few years ago to be seen in the Palm-house at Kew. 
 
 Rata, a name given by the natives of New Zealand to 
 Metrosideros rohista, a tree of the Myrtle family (Myrtace?e), 
 remarkable for its mode of growth. Its nature is epiphytal ; it 
 begins by several young stems ascending some forest trees, like 
 ivy ; they thicken and involve the whole of the trunk of the 
 tree to its summit, the tree ultimately dies and entirely disappears. 
 The Eata stems becoming united, form a hollow trunk, 8 to 10 
 feet in circumference and 30 to 40 feet high, the lower part 
 gradually filling up and becoming solid timber, which is almost 
 like rosewood. The natives make their war-clubs, paddles, and 
 other articles of it. 
 
 Rattan Cane. (See Cane.) 
 
 Ray Grass (generally pronounced Eye-Grass), species of 
 the genus Loliiim, L. perenne and L. italicum ; being highly 
 valued as pasture and hay grasses. L. temulentnm is the 
 poisonous Darnel (which see). 
 
 Red Snow, a name for Frofococcus oiivalis, a genus of the 
 Conferva family (Conferva). This singular substance consists 
 of microscopic globules covering large tracts of snow in the 
 Arctic and Alpine regions, with patches of a bright red coloui-, 
 which, after pressure with the foot or sledge assumes the 
 
348 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES REDWOOD 
 
 appearance of blood. It is rapidly generated, and is in some 
 parts believed by the peasantry to be showers of blood. It 
 has been seen in Scotland by the writer. 
 
 Redwood. {See Humiri ; also Mahogany, Indian.) 
 Redwood of California (Sequoia semjoervirens), a tree of the 
 Coniferse family, native of California, attaining a height of 
 more than 300 feet. It has been introduced into this country 
 and found perfectly hardy, some specimens being from 30 to 40 
 feet high, forming fine ornamental trees. (See Wellingtonia.) 
 
 Reeds, the culms or flower-stems of taU slender grasses, 
 the common Reed of this country being Phragmites communis, 
 growing on the banks of the Thames and other rivers, used for 
 thatching and other domestic purposes. In France it is planted 
 on the sea-coast with Pinus maritima to assist in fixing the 
 
 sands. 
 
 Reed Mace, also known by the name of Cat's-tail. Tyioha 
 latifolia, the great, and T. angustifolia, the lesser, Cat's-tail, re- 
 presentatives of the family Typhacese, are natives of this country 
 and throughout Europe and Northern Asia. They are perennial 
 rooted plants, with cane-like stems 5 to 8 feet in height, having 
 alternate, broad, grass-like, glaucous leaves, terminated by a 
 thick cylindrical head 6 to 8 inches in length, composed of 
 numerous florets, each formed of hair-like glumes. The flowers 
 are of separate sexes, the male containing a quantity of pollen, 
 of which in some parts a kind of bread is made. They grow in 
 lakes, rivers, and watery places, often forming thickets such as 
 that which occupied the boggy ground at Shepherd's Bush fifty 
 years ago, which is now covered with large mansions. 
 
 Reindeer Moss (Cladoyiia rangiferina), a lichen ; an erect 
 finely-branched species of a white or grey colour, growing in 
 compact masses, about 6 inches high, and covering large tracts 
 of country throughout Northern Europe and Arctic America, 
 where it may be said to represent the herbage of more southern 
 latitudes. It is weU known as the principal food of the rein- 
 deer. 
 
 Resin. (See Pitch.) 
 
RHODODENDRON OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 349 
 
 Resurrection Plant, a name given to Selagincllaleindophylla, 
 a plant of the Club Moss family (LycopodiaceiTc), native of 
 Mexico; in the valley of the Eio Grande growing on rocks, 
 lying flat in the form of a rosette. It is of a vivid green colour, 
 and on the air becoming dry it rolls up like a ball, and expands 
 again on the approach of moisture. About forty years ago a 
 quantity of these plants was imported and sold in London under 
 the name of Rose of Jericho, but they afterwards became known 
 as the Resurrection Plant. 
 
 Revalenta Meal. {See Lentil.) 
 
 Rewarewa, a New Zealand name for Kniglitia coxelsa, a 
 tree of the Protea family (Proteace?e), attaining a height of 
 100 feet. It has handsome wood, which is used for furniture 
 and cabinet-w^ork generally. 
 
 Rhatany {Krameria triandrcC), a strong-rooted perennial 
 suffruticose plant of the INIilkwort family (Polygalace?e), native 
 of Peru. Its root is thick and fleshy, producing numerous 
 spreading, somewhat decumbent stems; leaves alternate, simple, 
 obovate, acuminate, and villose. The roots are highly astringent 
 and tonic, and used by the Indians for the cure of many com- 
 plaints ; and some years ago were largely imported by the 
 Spaniards and Portuguese for giving a red colour to wines, but 
 the article has now fallen into disuse, and very little is imported. 
 
 Rhea Fibre. {See Grass-cloth.) 
 
 Rhododendron, a botanical name (now become familiarised) 
 of an extensive genus of trees and shrubs of the Heath family 
 (Ericaceae), principally natives of the temperate countries of the 
 northern hemisphere, as also on elevated regions of India and 
 in the Malayan Archipelago. They vary considerably in habit 
 and size, some being trees with large broad leaves, others trail- 
 ing, partially epiphytal shrubs, and others heath - like. All 
 have showy, and many of them splendid flow^ers. B. ]jonticum 
 may be considered the type of the genus native of the Levant, 
 and become naturalised in Gibraltar, and with E. hirsntum 
 and ferrugineum, natives of the Alps, was introduced into this 
 country about the middle of the last century. The North 
 
350 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES RHUBARB 
 
 American species R. maximuvi is, however, recorded to have 
 been introduced earlier. 
 
 In Aiton's H or tics Kewensis 14 species are enumerated, in- 
 cluding the above. In 1818 Dr. Wallich forwarded to this 
 country seeds of E. arboreum, native of ^N'epal, which were 
 reared in the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, and two plants 
 were forwarded to Kew, the largest of which was, in 1880, 23 
 feet high, girth of stem 3 feet 6 inches, and circumference of 
 branches 15 feet, and in some years it is thickly covered with 
 scarlet flowers. The introduction of several other Indian species 
 quickly followed. The botanical discoveries of Sir Joseph Hooker 
 in Sikkim Himalaya, between 1847-51, added greatly to the 
 number of Indian species in cultivation. At the same time 
 many line species were introduced from Bhotan, none of which, 
 however, were found sufficiently hardy to withstand the severe 
 winters of this country. This led cultivators to raise hybrids 
 between B. loonticum and other hardy species, and R. arboreum 
 and other Indian species, which have proved eminently success- 
 ful, and now our shrubberies are yearly gay with a numerous 
 variety of variously-coloured showy flowers. Among the Sikkim 
 species are trees 40 to 50 feet high, others form shrubs of 
 ordinary size, while those of the higher regions form low bushes, 
 some with heath-like leaves. A poisonous principle, of greater 
 or lesser intensity in different species, pervades the whole of the 
 genus. In Sikkim R. cinnabarinum poisons cattle and goats ; 
 manv die from eating: its leaves. When used as fuel it causes 
 the face to swell and the eyes to inflame. R. o.nthopogon and 
 R. setosuni, two small-leaved bushy species, natives of the higher 
 regions of Sikkim, emit an odour which gives headache to those 
 travelling in the elevated regions where they grow. The scent 
 of R. antliopogon is so strong, and is retained for so long a time, 
 that it is disagreeable even in the herbarium. The flowers of R. 
 arboreum yield such a large quantity of honey that the ground 
 becomes wet under the plants. Bees and wasps get intoxicated 
 and lose their lives by becoming fixed in the mass of honey. 
 
 Rhubarb. — Rheum jpalmatum, R. officinale, R. PJuqjoiiticum, 
 
RICE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 351 
 
 etc., perennial plants of the Buckwheat family (Polygonacere), 
 natives of Eussia, the range of the Himalaya, and Western 
 Cliina. From the latter country large quantities of the roots 
 enter Eussia, from which place the best Ehubarb comes to tliis 
 country. The roots of E. Emodi find their way to Aleppo 
 thence to Constantinople, and from there to this country under 
 the name of Turkey Ehubarb. There has been, until recently, 
 much doubt as to the species which produces the best medi- 
 cinal rhubarb. It seems, however, to be clear tliat it is to be 
 attributed to B. officinale and R. ixdmatum, the Chinese and 
 Tartars not being willing that the plant should be known. But 
 the quality in a great measure depends on the collecting, drying, 
 and transport. B. 'palmahhm is not now grown in this country 
 for medicinal purposes, but i?. PJicqoonticum is to a large ex- 
 tent, principally near Banbury ; it is also extensively cultivated 
 for its leaf-stalk, which is well known as a culinary vegetable, 
 B. undulatum and B. palmatitm being used for the same purposes, 
 as well as being made into wine and preserves. 
 
 Ehubarb contains numerous crystalline bodies, in botany 
 called raphides, which, by the aid of the microscoj)e, are readily 
 seen in the fresh or cooked leaf-stalk, having the appearance of 
 numerous needles, and said to consist of phosphate of lime, and 
 it is supposed that the medical virtue of rhubarb is in some way 
 due to them, it being one of our best purgative medicines. 
 
 Rhubarb, Monk's, a name applied to Bumex aljjimis, a 
 strong-rooted perennial of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), 
 native of Switzerland. It has the appearance of Ehubarb, but 
 its leaves are smaller and heart-shaped. It has become natu- 
 ralised in the mid-counties of Scotland, wdiere it is known by 
 the above name. It has been used medicinally as Ehubarb, 
 but is of a drastic nature. 
 
 Rice {Oryza sativa), an annual corn-grass similar in habit of 
 growth to barley, but almost an aquatic, requiring to be flooded 
 in the early part of its growth. It is extensively cultivated in 
 India and other Eastern countries. It was early introduced into 
 America, especially the Southern States of Carolina and Georgia, 
 
352 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES RICE 
 
 from whence, as well as from India, large quantities are im- 
 ported into this country. It is the principal food of the native 
 population of India, and in its unhusked state is known by the 
 name of Paddy. In dry seasons the crop often fails and leads to 
 famine, of which there have been several instances in late years. 
 Eice was not known in Western Asia and Egypt in early times, 
 but it is now extensively cultivated, as also in Italy. 
 
 Rice, Canadian. {Sec Canadian Pace.) 
 
 Rice, Hungary {Pasjmlum exile), a stout-growing grass of 
 the Panicum section. Its flowers are produced in a simple, com- 
 pact raceme, about as thick and as long as the finger. The 
 grains are small, like millet. Cultivated in Hungary. 
 
 Rice Paper. — It might be supposed that the beautiful sub- 
 stance called Eice Paper Avas made of some part of the Eice 
 plant, but such is not the case ; the name is quite misleading. 
 It was early ascertained to be a vegetable substance, but the 
 plant producing it was long unknown to botanists, and on 
 inquiry being made respecting it, fanciful figures and descrip- 
 tions were given of it by the Chinese. Not long after the 
 commerce of China was opened to Europe' it was ascertained 
 that it came from the Island of Formosa, which led Sir John 
 Bowring, then Governor of Hong-Kong, to obtain plants of 
 it from that island, one of which arrived safely at Kew in 
 1853, and flowered in 1855. From this it was proved to be 
 Aralia 2^ct2Jy7nfera, now known as Fatsia faipyrifera. It is a 
 small tree of the Ivy family (Araliacese), attaining a height 
 of 10 to 12 feet, with a stem 3 to 4 inches in diameter, the in- 
 terior being full of white pith like that of the elder. It has 
 soft downy palmate leaves, something like those of the plane 
 tree, growing on long foot-stalks, and produces a somewhat erect 
 panicled raceme of small flowers. The tree is cut down in 
 order to obtain the pith, which averages, according to size, about 
 1 inch in diameter. It is divided into pieces about 3 inches in 
 length, and by the aid of a lath and the use of a sharp instru- 
 ment is cut into very thin rolls, and then becomes Eice Paper. It 
 is extensively used by the Chinese for drawing figures of plants 
 
ROSE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 353 
 
 and animals, and also for making artificial flowers. The plant 
 requires the protection of a greenhouse in this country, and pro- 
 pagates freely from suckers. It is now common in Australia 
 and other countries. 
 
 Rimu, a name in New Zealand for Dacrydium cupressimim, 
 a tree of the Yew family (Taxacese), of pyramidal form, attain- 
 ing a height of 80 to 100 feet, and 2 to 6 feet in diameter ; 
 its wood is red, close-grained, heavy, and solid, and is used for 
 general building purposes. Its younger branches make excel- 
 lent spruce beer, and were so used by Captain Cook. 
 
 Rocambole {Allmm Scorodosiorasum), Shallot {A. ascaloni- 
 cum), biennial cultivated esculents of the Lily family (Liliacese). 
 These have bulbs similar to garlic, but are much milder. They 
 are more extensively used on the Continent than in this country. 
 The last-named species is a native of Palestine, and derives its 
 specific name from Ascalon, where it grows in great abundance. 
 It has been cultivated from time immemorial by all the civilised 
 nations of the East, entering largely into their daily food. 
 It appears to have been used in England about the middle of 
 the sixteenth century, the onion probably at a much earlier 
 
 date. 
 
 Rock Lily, a name in Xew South Wales for Dcndrdbium sped- 
 osum, a plant of the Orchid family (Orchidacese), growing upon 
 rocks. It has large pseudo-bulbs, the size of cucumbers, which 
 are said to be eaten by the natives ; and white, showy flowers. 
 
 Rohun. (See Mahogany, Indian.) 
 
 Room, or Roum, a name in Assam and other parts of India 
 for Ruellia tinctoria, a plant of the Acanthad family (Acanthaceffi). 
 By maceration of the stems and leaves in water, a blue dye is 
 obtained equal to indigo. In China a dye is also obtained from 
 a closely-allied species, B. indigotica. 
 
 ]Jose. — A number of plants differing widely from one another 
 has received the name of Rose ; the true Eose being repre- 
 sented by the species of the genus Eosa, consisting of numerous 
 spiny, wing -leaved shrubs; the typical representative being 
 of the Eose family (Eosaceie), widely distributed over the tem- 
 
 9 A 
 
354 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ROSE 
 
 perate region of the northern hemisphere, of which nearly 20 
 are natives of this country; the Dog Rose {Rosa canina), 
 Scotch Rose (B. spinosissima), Sweet Brier or Eglantine {B. 
 Tuhiginosct), being common examples. On account of their beauty 
 and the high scent of their flowers, roses are highly patronised 
 by all ranks, and are extensively cultivated in this country and 
 France as fashionable show plants. In their natural state the 
 flowers of roses are single, but varieties with double flowers were 
 known in France and Italy more than 300 years ago, such as the 
 Damask Rose (B. damascena), Provence Rose (B. centifolia), and 
 Musk Rose {B. moschata), and were introduced into this country 
 at the end of the sixteenth century. Roses were introduced 
 from China at a later period. During the last half -century 
 great labour and pains have been bestowed on the cultivation of 
 the Rose, and now more than 1000 named varieties are recorded 
 in nurserymen's trade catalogues, and they form an important 
 feature in horticultural exhibitions. Bosa moschata, B. centifolia, 
 and B. clamascena are extensively cultivated in Cashmere, 
 Persia, Damascus, Upper Egypt, Barbary, Adrianople, Ghaze- 
 poor in India, and to a small extent, comparatively, in this 
 country, for the sake of their flowers, which by distillation yield 
 the favourite toilet perfume Rose Water ; and by other processes 
 Oil of Roses is obtained, known as Otto or Attar of Roses. The 
 oil is produced in very small quantities, requiring 60 lbs. of 
 rose to produce a drachm and a half of oil ; the quantity of oil 
 yielded is according to the state of the weather and the time of 
 gathering the flowers. Spirit of Roses is also obtained by distil- 
 ling the petals with a small quantity of spirits of wine, which when 
 mixed with sugar makes the Liquor known in France as L'huile 
 de Rose. Rose Vinegar is prepared by simply infusing dried 
 petals in the best distilled vinegar. Honey of Roses is made by 
 beating up fresh flowers with boiling water, and then mixing 
 them with honey. Conserve of Roses is prepared by beating up 
 the petals with their weight of sugar ; it was once much used as 
 a medicine, and still enters into the composition of electuaries 
 and other compounds, to which it imparts fragrance. Otto of 
 
ROSE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 355 
 
 Eoses being expensive, is seldom obtained from the shops pure, 
 being mixed with oil of geranium or even olive oil. 
 
 Rose Acacia (Eohinia hispida), a strong -growing, stiff - 
 branched shrub of the Bean family (Leguminosic), native of 
 North America, seldom exceeding 6 or 8 feet in height, having 
 winged leaves, and pretty pink papilionaceous flowers, cultivated 
 in gardens as an ornamental shrub. 
 
 Rose Apple (Eugenia Jamhos), a small -sized tree of the 
 Myrtle family (Myrtacece), native of the East Indies, and culti- 
 vated in many parts of the tropics ; it is very common in the 
 gardens of Madeira. There are few trees that combine so 
 eminently the beauty of flower, fruit, and foliage ; and nothing 
 can exceed the loveliness and delicate appearance of the fruit, 
 which is about the size of a hen's Qgg. Although one or two may 
 be eaten with some relish, the overpowering perfume and taste 
 of rose-water together with the want of juice render it unpalat- 
 able. A preserve is, however, made of the fruits. 
 
 Rose Bay, or Oleander. {See Oleander.) 
 
 Rose, Christmas. {See Hellebore.) 
 
 Rose, Jamaica Wild {Blakea trinervia), a climbing plant of 
 the family Melastomacese, adhering to trees by its aerial roots. 
 It was introduced into Kew in 1789, and its pretty pink flowers 
 make it a favourite stove plant. 
 
 Rose of Jericho {Anastatica Hierocliuntica), an insignificant 
 annual of the Cabbage family (Cruciferse), consisting of several 
 small-branched stems, 4 to 6 inches in length, rising from a tap- 
 root, and at first lying prostrate ; its flowers are white and small, 
 and seated in the axils of small leaves. After the seeds are per- 
 fected, the stems become dry, hardened, and incurved, meeting 
 each other, and forming a hollow skeleton ball, which by the 
 force of the wind is loosened and blown about the desert, and is 
 supposed to be the " wheel " and " rolling thing " spoken of in 
 Ps. Ixxxiii. 13, and Isaiah xlii. 13. It grows abundantly in the 
 rej^ions about Jericho, and is to a certain extent held sacred bv 
 the natives, as upon the application of moisture it again expands, 
 retaining this property of expanding and contracting for many 
 
356 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ROSE 
 
 years. It is also native of S}Tia, Egypt, and North Africa, grow- 
 ino- in dry desert places. Of late years two small weedy plants 
 of the Composite family have come into notice as the Eose of 
 Jericho — namely, Asterisctcs 2)ypnceus and Gymnarrhena mi- 
 crantlia, common in the plains of Jericho, both hygroscopic, like 
 Anastatica. 
 
 Eose of Sharon. {See Narcissus.) 
 
 Roselle {Hibiscus Sabdariffa), a biennial of the Mallow family 
 (Malvaceae), native of India ; recorded to have been cultivated by 
 Gerard in 1596 ; it is now common in most warm countries. 
 The calyces of the flowers when ripe are pleasantly acid, and 
 used for flavouring tarts and jellies; they also make a cool 
 refreshing drink. 
 
 Rosemary {Rosmarinus officinalis), a stiff-branching, bushy 
 shrub of the Mint family (Labiata?), 3 or more feet high, having 
 narrow hoary leaves. It is a native of the South of Europe and 
 Western Asia. Like lavender, it is cultivated for its perfume, 
 which is of a stimulating and refreshing nature, and has received 
 the name of Herb of Memory. It grows abundantly in some 
 parts of France, especially in Narbonne, where it scents the air, 
 and imparts a flavour to honey. A conserve and liqueur are 
 made from it, and it is also used in the manufacture of Hungary 
 Water and Eau-de-Cologne. An oil is obtained from it which is 
 used as a perfume. Kosemary was held in high esteem by the 
 Greeks and Eomaus, it being a powerful stimulant to the nervous 
 system, and it was regarded as the emblem of fidelity. 
 
 Rosewood, the name given to the timber of several different 
 kinds of trees in their respective countries. The best is con- 
 sidered to be the wood of several species oi Dalhcrgia, hard-wooded 
 trees of the Bean family (Leguminosse) ; D. nigra, the Eosewood 
 of Brazil, being considered the finest. 
 
 Rosewood, African {Pteroearpus erinaceus), a large wing- 
 leaved tree of the Bean family (Leguminosee), native of Western 
 and tropical Africa. 
 
 Rosewood, Burmese {Pterocarpus indicus), a large tree of 
 the same family as the preceding, native of Burmah. 
 
RUSHES OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 357 
 
 Rosewood, Canary. {Sec Oil of PJiodium.) 
 
 Rosewood, Dominica {Cordia Gerascanthus), a large tree of 
 tlie Sebesten family (Cordiacese), native of the West Indies and 
 tropical America ; it is also called Spanish Elm and Prince 
 Tree. 
 
 Rosewood, Indian. — Dalhergia latifolia and D. sissoides, large 
 trees of the Bean family (Leguminosse), common in India. 
 
 Rosewood, Jamaica {Linocicra ligustrina), a tree of the 
 Olive family (Oleaceoe), 40 feet high, native of Jamaica, by some 
 called Jamaica Eosewood. The wood is very hard and fragrant, 
 and is excellent timber. Amyris haUamifera is also called Eose- 
 wood in Jamaica. 
 
 Rosewood, New South Wales (Trichilia glandidosa), a large 
 tree of the Bead Tree family (Meliacese). 
 
 Rosin Plant. {See Compass Plant.) 
 
 Rouge. {See Safflower.) 
 
 Rowan Tree. {See Ash, Mountain.) 
 
 Rue {Buta gramolens), an erect, bushy, evergreen shrub, 2 to 
 3 feet high, the type of the Eue family (Eutaceee). It is a native 
 of Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is recorded to have 
 been introduced into this country about the middle of the six- 
 teenth century, and is cultivated in most gardens. It was held 
 in high favour as a medicinal plant by the ancients, being for 
 many ages considered a preventative of contagion. Its repute is 
 probably more due to its strong heavy odour than to any active 
 chemical principle ; it is, however, said to be a powerful stimu- 
 lant and narcotic, and in the hands of herb doctors Eue tea is a 
 remedy for many disorders. It is used by spirit dealers to give 
 a false flavour to spirits. Although the meaning of the Greek 
 and Latin word Buta given to this plant is not known, neverthe- 
 less the English word Eue, which means to repent, has been 
 derived from it. Shakespeare speaks of it as Herb of Grace, 
 and being so called has given rise to the custom of placing sprigs 
 of Eue before judges. 
 
 Run Palm. {See Palmyra.) 
 
 Rushes, the common name for the different species of the 
 
358 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES RUST 
 
 genus Juncus, of which there are about 20 species natives of 
 Britain, growing in ditches, on river-sides, and marshy ground in 
 general; they have cylindrical, soft, pithy stems, destitute of 
 leaves, varying from a few inches to 2 to 3 feet in height, their 
 flowers being produced in clusters, either direct from the apex, 
 or issuing from a sheath a little below. In Lincolnshire, and 
 other counties where they abound, rushes form an important 
 article of industry, chair bottoms, hassocks, mats, and baskets, 
 being made of them, and their pith forms the wicks of rushlight 
 candles ; the species chiefly used for these purposes are J. com- 
 munis and J. aciitus. 
 
 Rust, a kind of mildew common on corn grass. 
 
 Rye, or Rie, as spelt in the Bible (Secede cereale), an annual 
 corn-grass, extensively cultivated in many parts of Europe. It 
 is, however, su^^posed not to be the Eie grown in Egypt in the 
 time of Moses (see Spelt). Eye is subject to a disease called 
 Ergot (which see). Up to the end of the last century black or 
 rye bread was the common bread of tliis countiy, but it has 
 been gradually superseded by wheaten bread. 
 
 Sabadilla (Asagrcea officinalis), a herb of the Colchicum 
 family (Melanthaceae), native of Mexico. The poisonous prin- 
 ciple Veratrine is obtained from its seed, w^hich is used in 
 medicine, and for destroying vermin. 
 
 Sabicil, the wood of Zysiloma Sccbicu, a large tree of the 
 Mimosa section of the Bean family (Leguminosae), native of 
 Cuba. It is highly valued for shipbuilding, and yields planks 
 4 to 5 feet in width. It is. extremely hard, in consequence of 
 which it was used for the stairs of the first Great Exhibition in 
 1851, which when removed at the close of the exhibition were 
 found as sound as when laid. 
 
 Sachet Powder. (See Myrtle.) 
 
 Sack Tree (Antiaris toxicaria), better known as A. saccidoray 
 a small tree, with entire oblong leaves, of the Bread-fruit family 
 (Artocarpaceae), native of Western India, having a very tough, 
 close, fibrous bark, the inner portion of which is converted into 
 sacks ; this is accomplished by cutting pieces of the trunk from 
 
SACRED OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 359 
 
 the trees in lengths the size wanted, and pulling the bark over 
 the wood, which is then cut away, leaving a piece of wood at 
 one end to form the bottom, a natural sack is at once obtained. 
 
 Sacred Bamboo, a name in China for Nandina domcstica, an 
 erect single-stemmed shrub, like a small tree, of the Barberry 
 family (Berberidaceas), bearing tufts of compound leaves on its 
 apex, terminated with panicles of flowers, followed by red berries, 
 like those of the holly. It is a native of China, and at the 
 season in the Chinese religion answering to our Christmas, it is 
 used for decorating houses and altars in temples, and hence the 
 name of Sacred Bamboo. 
 
 Sacred Bean, a name in India for Nchinibmm speciosum, a 
 remarkable aquatic of the Water Lily family (Nymphceacea^), 
 widely dispersed throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions 
 of both Old and JSTew World, growing in shallow lakes and 
 rivers. Its stem is a rhizome about the thickness of the finger, 
 extending to a considerable length in the mud, from which arise 
 stalks about 3 feet high, each bearing a circular leaf about 1 
 foot in diameter attached to the stalk by its centre. The 
 flower-stalk rises to about the same height, Ijeariug a large 
 flower, similar to that of a double poppy. It varies in tlie 
 colour of its flowers. In the East it is generally of a pink or 
 rose colour, and in the West Indies and Southern United States 
 yellow and white, and blue flowers are said to have been seen in 
 the interior of Australia. In the centre of the flower is a thick, 
 spongy, conical body, flat on the top, in which the seeds, or pro- 
 perly the fruits, are embedded. They consist of oblong nuts, 
 about twice the size of peas, and when perfect so hard that it 
 requires a hammer to break them. It is called the Pythagorean 
 or Egyptian Bean, and is supposed to be one of the plants called 
 the Egyptian Lotus (which see). Although not now fouml in 
 the Nile, it nevertheless appears at one time to have been 
 common there, and was held sacred by the worshippers of Isis, 
 as is evident by the sculptures and representation of tlie flower 
 found in the ruins of the ancient temples. It is noticed by 
 Herodotus (413 B.C.), who says — "Another Hly grows in the 
 
360 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SACRED 
 
 same places [see Lotos], mucli like a rose, with a certain fruit 
 found at the foot-^ of the stem, in form not unlike a wasp's nest, 
 and covered with a pellicule, containing divers kernels of the size 
 of an olive stone, which are eaten either tender or dried." 
 Although the above description is brief, it is nevertheless suffi- 
 cient to prove that Nelumhium grew in the Nile in the time of 
 Herodotus, and even as late as the time of Dioscorides (about 
 A.D. 50), who calls it Cy amies, and by some writers it is called 
 Lotus Plant. Since then it has entirely disappeared from the 
 Lower Nile. 
 
 Its worship is by no means confined to the ancient 
 Egyptians, for in India, Tibet, China, and Japan, the plant 
 was deemed sacred, and indeed it is still employed in religious 
 invocations and ceremonies. The leaf-stalks abound in spiral 
 fibres, which are carefully extracted and made into wicks to 
 burn before their idols, and its leaves are used as plates on which 
 offerings are placed. Its farinaceous rhizomes form an import- 
 ant article of food both in India and China. 
 
 Sacred Trees. — Anions^ the uncivilised nations of the earth 
 different kinds of trees in their respective countries are held 
 sacred, of which in India the well-known Peepul Tree (Ficus 
 religiosa) and the Banyan {F. hengalensis) are examples (whicli 
 see). Africa has several; one of special veneration is Kigelia 
 2nnnata, a tree of the Calabash family (Crescentiacese), found 
 from ISTubia on the north to Mozambique on the east, as far 
 south as Natal, and as Senegal and Guinea on the west, and 
 widely spread over the intermediate regions of these coun- 
 tries. It is a large-spreading, branched tree, with white bark 
 and winged opposite leaves, of a firm texture. The flowers 
 are borne on long-stalked panicles hanging from the main trunk 
 and branches. The fruit is gourd-like, often 2 to 4 feet long, 
 and from 5 to 8 inches broad, hanging from a stalk several 
 feet in length. It has a white corky rind filled with pulp, in 
 which are embedded a number of roundish seeds. In Nubia this 
 tree is held sacred, and the neiijroes celebrate their reli^iious 
 Instead of /oof it should have been toj) of flower-stem. 
 
SAGE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 361 
 
 festivities under it by moonlight, and erect poles made of its 
 wood before the houses of their chiefs. 
 
 Safflower [Cartliamns tindorius), a prickly stiff-leaved annual 
 of the Composite family (Composita:'), about 2 feet high, \n'o- 
 ducing spiny heads of red flowers. It has long been cultivated 
 throughout China, India, the Levant, Egypt, Southern Europe 
 (where it is called Cardoon), and even at one time in England, 
 where it was introduced 300 years ago. It yields a valuable 
 dye, varying in shades of colour between red and yellow, which 
 is obtained by collecting the red florets just before withering, and 
 is greatly used for dyeing China silks, crapes, and Spanish wool. 
 It is also the principal ingredient in the rouge that is used by 
 actors, etc. The seeds yield an oil, which is employed for 
 burning in lamps, and also for culinary purposes in India. It 
 is likewise said to be the principal ingredient' in Macassar Oil. 
 
 Saffron {Crocus sativus), a plant of the Iris family (IridacCce), 
 a species with blue flowers, native of Southern Europe and 
 Western Asia. It has become wild in this country, and at one 
 time was rather extensively cultivated at Saffron AValden. The 
 yellow stigmas of the flower are collected, and form the dye 
 known as Saffron, the bulk of which is imported from France, 
 Spain, and Italy, and it is extensively cultivated in Cash- 
 mere. The stigmas of upwards of 4000 flowers are required 
 to produce a single ounce of Saffron. It is well known as 
 a valuable dye, and is also used for colouring cheese and 
 medicinal preparations. Saffron is spoken of by Pliny as 
 being cultivated in Italy, and it is supposed to have been in- 
 troduced into Cornwall by the Phoenicians in exchange for tin. 
 It was held in high medical repute by the ancient Arabian 
 physicians. 
 
 Sagapenum, a name in India for a gum-resin supposed to 
 be derived from Ferula 2'>crsica, a perennial of the Carrot family 
 (Unibellifer?e), or some allied species. It has a slight alliaceous 
 smelL Small quantities only are imported. 
 
 Sage {Salvia officinalis), a stiff shrub of the ]\Iint family 
 (LabiattT), about 2 feet high, with rough hoary leaves, native of the 
 
362 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SAGE 
 
 Soutli of Europe. It has been cultivated in this country for above 
 250 years. It is weU known as a culinary herb, and was at one 
 time used as tea, having tonic qualities. 
 
 Sage Plant, the name given to Artemisia tridentata in the 
 Salt Lake country of America. It is a kind of wormwood. It 
 attains a height of 3 to 5 feet, and occupies a vast extent of 
 desert land, to which it imparts a peculiar aspect and smell. 
 
 Sage, Wild. {See Flea-bane, African.) 
 
 Sago. — Sagus Icevis and S. Bic7nphii, by modern botanists 
 •united under Metroxylon Sagu. These are natives of Siam, Indian 
 and Malayan Islands, extending to the Fijis. Wing-leaved 
 palms, attaining a height of 30 to 50 feet, with a diameter of 6 
 inches to 1 foot, or more. The Sago is obtained by cutting down 
 the trees and splitting them open. The pith, which consists of 
 a soft white substance, is extracted and thrown into tanks of 
 water. It is repeatedly washed and all impurities run off. It 
 is then left to settle, wdiich it does in the consistence of a pure 
 pulpy paste, which is dried and granulated through sieves, and 
 forms the Sago of commerce, some of which is also produced 
 by Carijota urens and other plants. A kind of Sago is also 
 obtained from Zamia integrifolia and Z. furfuracea, plants of 
 the Cycad family (Cycadace?e). They are dwarf plants, seldom 
 exceeding 2 feet in height, often producing several stems from 
 the same stalk. They are abundant in the Bahamas, and some 
 of the small islands near Jamaica. Their pith contains Sago, 
 which is used in Jamaica. {See Cycas.) 
 
 Sago, Portland. — This is prepared from the tuberous roots 
 of Arum 7naculatum, a herb of the Arum family (Aroidecc), native 
 of this country, known by the names of Wake Robin, Lords 
 and Ladies, and Cuckoo Pint. In the Isle of Portland, where 
 it is abundant, a farinaceous meal is obtained from it called by 
 the above name. 
 
 Saintfoin {Onohrychis sativa), a perennial, strong-rooted, 
 pretty flowering, clover-like plant of the family Leguminosw, 
 native of this country, but rare. It is cultivated as a fodder 
 plant. 
 
V 
 
 SALOOP OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 3G3 
 
 Sal, the Indian name for Shorea rohusta, a tree of the family 
 Dipterocarpacese. It is a magnificent tree, attaining a lieight 
 of 100 feet, native of India, stretching from the Bengal pro- 
 vinces to the foot of the Himalayas. Its wood is of a li^ht- 
 brown colour, close-grained, strong and durable. It is consider- 
 ably stronger and heavier than teak. It and other species of 
 Shorea yield a resin known as Dammar, obtained by making 
 incisions in the tree. An oil is obtained from its seeds. 
 
 Salaras. (See Chirata.) 
 
 Salep, a farinaceous meal obtained from the tubers of several 
 terrestrial orchids. Orchis tnascula, 0. Morio, 0. militaris, 0. 
 2Ji/ra7}iidalis, and all the bulbous European species, produce the 
 starchy mucilaginous substance known as Salep, wliich is 
 obtained by macerating the bulbs in water. It contains a 
 chemical substance called Bassorine, wdiich is said to contain 
 more nutritive matter than any other vegetable product, one 
 ounce per diem being sufficient to sustain a man. Large quanti- 
 ties of Salep are prepared in Macedonia and Greece ; but the 
 finest comes from Turkey. In the Himalaya and Cashmere 
 many species of bulbous -rooted orchids yield Salep, which is 
 largely used as food by the natives. 
 
 Sallow, a common name for Salix Caprea, a shrub of the 
 Willow family (Salicaceee), common in hedges and waste places. 
 Its flowers are borne in large yellow catkins, which are generally 
 produced about Palm Sunday. It is by many people gathered 
 and worn as an emblem on that day, and is known by the name 
 of Palm, and also by that of Goat Willow. It is cultivated 
 for its rods, which are cut at the age of one year for liasket- 
 making, and at two or three years old for hoops. Its bark con- 
 tains Salicine, used at one time as a substitute for Quinine. 
 S Saloop, the name of a beverage prepared from the bark of 
 Sassafras officinale and other ingredients. (See Sassafras.) It 
 was at one time sold as a morning drink in the streets of Lon- 
 don to the working-classes. It is a good tonic, and creates an 
 appetite. 
 
 Saloop Bush, a name in Australia for Bhagodia hastata, a 
 
364 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SALSAFY 
 
 shrub of the Spinach family (Chenopodiacere). It is an erect, 
 soft-stemmed bush, 2 to 3 feet high, with small soft leaves, and 
 inconspicuous flowers, native of ^ew South Wales, and has been 
 introduced of late years into Hong-Kong and other countries 
 as a cattle- food plant. 
 
 Salsafy (^Tragopogon porrifolius), a biennial of the Composite 
 family (Compositae), native of England. It is cultivated in 
 gardens for its long, fleshy, tapering root, which is white. It is 
 of the form of a Carrot, but of smaller size, and it forms an 
 excellent vegetable when properly cooked, for which there are 
 special directions in cookery books. It is considered good in 
 promoting digestion. 
 
 Salt Tree {Halimodendron argenteum), a small tree, with 
 abrupt, pinnate, hoary leaves, of the Bean family (Leguminosifi), 
 native of Siberia and the ISTatron Plains in the region of the 
 Caspian. 
 
 Salt Tree, Indian. {Sec Tamarisk.) 
 
 Saltwort, American {Batis maritima), a low, erect, succu- 
 lent plant, with small opposite leaves, and inconspicuous uni- 
 sexual flowers, produced in cone-like spikes. In general habit 
 it is similar to glasswort, with which some botanists consider it 
 to be allied; others viewing it as the type of a special family 
 (Batideae). It is a native of salt marshes in the West India 
 islands and coasts of tropical America. In some countries it is 
 burnt for the carbonate of soda which it contains. In Jamaica 
 it is used as a pickle. 
 
 Saltwort, Shrubby {Salsola fruficosa), an erect, branching 
 plant, of the Spinach family (Chenopodiaceae), 2 to 3 feet high, 
 having small semi-cylindrical leaves, not more than lialf an inch 
 in length. It is common on the shores in warm parts of 
 Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It is found in this 
 country but rarely, in some parts of the Eastern and Southern 
 shores only. In the South of Europe it is burned for Barilla. 
 
 Samphire [Crithmum maritimum), a perennial of the Carrot 
 family (Umbelliferse), native of the rocky shores of Europe, 
 particularly of the cliffs of Dover. It is a plant about a foot 
 
SANDAL OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 3G5 
 
 high, having small, inconspicuous umbels of flowers, of a greenish 
 yellow colour. Its leaves are compound, ternate, tlie divisions 
 lanceolate, succulent, and of a glaucous white colour. It was 
 formerly used as a pickle ; but is now nearly obsolete. Other sea 
 plants are sometimes substituted for Samphire. 
 
 Sandbox Tree {Hura cre2ntans), a large, strong -growing 
 tree of the Spurgewort family (Euphorbiace?e). It is common 
 throughout Western tropical America, and has long been culti- 
 vated in the hothouses of this country. Instances have been 
 known of the juice of this plant causing fatal injury to the eyes. 
 The fruit is very curious, being of a circular form, consisting of 
 from 12 to 15 valved cells, which give it the appearance of a 
 wheel about 3 inches in diameter, each cell containing a sinf»le 
 flat seed. It is often kept as a curiosity, but with overlieat or 
 dryness it bursts with a report as loud as a pistol, spreading its 
 seeds and valves sometimes to a distance of several feet. 
 
 Sandal- wood (^Santalum album), a small tree of the family 
 Santalacese, about 25 feet high, and seldom more than a foot 
 in diameter, with nearly opposite oblong leaves of a light 
 colour. It is a native of various parts of India, particularly 
 Malabar and Coromandel, as well as in the Pacific and ]\Ialavan 
 Islands. According to the size and age of the tree the interior 
 is of a dark or light yellow colour, and it is the heart-wood 
 that is the valuable part; it is highly fragrant. The burning 
 of incense has from the earliest ages been intimately connected 
 with the religious sentiments of man — being practised by 
 Paci^an, Jew, and Christian. In the Catholic churches of the 
 latter various kinds of aromatic gum -resins are used, while in 
 Pagan temples Sandal-wood holds the highest rank, pieces of the 
 wood, varying in size according to circumstances, being burned 
 before the images of their deities, and the millions of Brahmins 
 and Buddhists, on beholding the smoke of the incense curling 
 heavenward, presume they have performed their religious 
 duties, and that the perfume smelt by their deity will obtain 
 forgiveness of sins. In Chinese temples joss sticks (candles), 
 made of sawdust of Sandal - wood and swine's dung, are 
 
366 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SANDAL 
 
 kept burning before tlieir idols. Other species of Santalum 
 furnish Sandal- wood. On the discovery of Sandal -wood in 
 the Polynesian Islands shiploads were taken to China and to 
 Europe, so that in many islands the trees have become extir- 
 pated, and the chiefs consider a piece of Sandal-wood a valuable 
 present to a visitor. Unfortunately the clandestine cutting 
 down of trees and the unfair dealings with the natives so irri- 
 tated them against white men that much bloodshed has on both 
 sides been the result. A case of this kind led to the unfortu- 
 nate murder of the celebrated missionary, the Eev. Mr. Williams, 
 and his colleague at the island Eromango in the year 1839. 
 Fancy articles are made of the wood, which are highly esteemed 
 among the Chinese as presents. An oil is extracted and used 
 as a perfume. The Sandal-wood tree of Fiji is a distinct species 
 described as S. yasi, the fruit of which resembles a black currant. 
 The Sandwich Island tree is also considered distinct, known 
 under the name of S. Freycinetianum. Sandal-^vood trees have 
 been supposed by some writers to be the almug and algum 
 trees used in the building of Solomon's Temple, but their 
 fragrance not being mentioned and the known smallness of the 
 tree render such vie^vs problematical. (See my History of Bible 
 Plants.) 
 
 Sandal-wood, False. — In the Bombay Presidency the wood 
 of Ximenict americana is used as a substitute for true Sandal- 
 wood. It is a small tree of the Olax family (Olacaceae). It is 
 found in many parts of the tropics ; its flowers are very fragrant, 
 smelling of cloves ; the fruit is oblong, pulpy, yellow, about an 
 inch in length, and is eaten by the natives in various parts. In 
 Crete the wood of an oak (Quercus abelicca) is called Sandal- wood; 
 it is of a reddish colour and has an agreeable perfume. Another 
 false Sandal-wood is Myoporum tenuifolium, a small tree of the 
 family Myoporacese, native of Otaheite ; it attains a height of 15 
 to 20 feet, with a cfirth of 3 to 4 feet. The heart-wood differs 
 according to the age of the tree, from yellow to red, and con- 
 tains an essential oil, which is fragrant, but not equal to the true 
 Sandal-wood oil. 
 
SAPPAN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 367 
 
 Sandal-wood, Red, or Saunder's-wood {Pterocarims smita- 
 limcs), a large tree of the Bean family (LeguminoscT), native of 
 India, principally abounding on the Coromandel coast. The wood 
 is heavy, close-grained, and of a red colour, it is used for dyeing, 
 and produces different colours, according to the mordants used. 
 It is supposed by some autliorities to be the almug trees of 
 Solomon. Eed Sandal-wood is also the name in India for 
 Aclenantliera pavonina, a large tree of the same family, having- 
 decompound winged leaves. It is highly valued for its timber, 
 as also for producing a red dye, which is obtained by simjjly 
 rubbing the wood on wet stones. The seeds are oblong, hard, 
 and of a bright-red colour, and are used for making necklaces 
 and other ornaments ; they are also used as a standard weiglit 
 by jewellers, each seed weighing four grains. 
 
 Sandarach, the resin of Callitris cj^uaclrirahis, also known as 
 Tliuja articidata, a tree of the Coniferse family, native of Algeria 
 and other parts of North Africa. It seldom exceeds the height 
 of 30 feet, and has hard, dark-coloured, fragrant wood that takes 
 a fine polish, and is used in ornamental cabinet-work, of which 
 there are fine specimens to be seen in the Museum at Kew. It 
 was highly prized by the Greeks and Romans, and costly tables 
 were made of it. It is believed to be the Thyine "Wood men- 
 tioned in the book of the Eevelation, and, if it be so, " the 
 merchants of the earth " must have carried it as far as Babylon. 
 The resin is very odoriferous, and is used for varnishing. 
 
 Sandpaper Trees. — Dillenia scahrdla and D. sarmentosa, 
 trees of the family Dilleniacese, natives of India. (See Dillenia 
 and Curatella.) 
 
 Santa-Maria Wood. (See Calaba Tree.) 
 
 Sapgreen. (See Buckthorn.) 
 
 Sapodilla Plum. (See ISTaseberry Tree.) 
 
 Sappan - wood (Cccsalpinia Sa2:)])an), a tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosse), native of the East Indies, attaining a 
 height of 30 to 40 feet ; it has compound winged leaves, with 
 prickly branches, and a brownish-red wood, which is the Sappan- 
 wood of commerce ; it is largely imported into tliis country for 
 
368 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SAPUCAIA 
 
 dyeing. Its root also gives a yellow dye. In India the wood 
 is known by the names of Bukkum or Wukkum. 
 
 Sapucaia Nut, in Brazil the name of the nuts of Lecytliis 
 Zahucajo and L. Ollaria, large trees of the Monkey-pot family 
 (Lecythidaceae), natives of forests in the region of the Amazon ; 
 they have large urn - shaped fruits of a hard woody texture, 
 about 6 inches in diameter, with lids measuring about 2 inches 
 across ; when ripe the lid separates from the capsule, emitting 
 a sharp sound, which when heard by the monkeys is a signal 
 that the nuts are falling and a scramble and fight to be the first 
 to obtain them ensues ; on this account few are left for the 
 trader, and the export is consequently small. The common 
 name of ]\Ionkey-pot is applied to the capsule when empty. 
 
 Sarcocolla {Penea Sarcocolla), a shrub of the Sarcocol family 
 (Penseaceae). There are about 20 species, native of South 
 Africa, P. Sarcocolla being a shrub with small, closely-imbricate, 
 compact leaves. The flowers are red, produced in a compact 
 oblong head. The plant produces the gum called Gum Sar- 
 cocol ; but there is no evidence to prove that it is the Sarcocol 
 of the ancients, so famed for healing w^ounds. 
 
 Sarsaparilla, a Spanish name for the roots of certain plants, 
 more especially for the cord-like roots of several species of 
 Smilax, the typical genus of the Sarsaparilla family (Smilacete) ; 
 it consists of a considerable number of species, generally slender, 
 bushy, or climbing, with woody stems, rambling over bushes like 
 brambles. Their leaves are alternate, varying from nearly 
 round to elliptical, lanceolate, entire, smooth, and shiny. The 
 flowers are inconspicuous, and the fruit is a berry. The species 
 are widely dispersed over both hemispheres ; from their roots 
 is obtained the drug termed Sarsaparilla; it is considered 
 to be of high repute as a restorative medicine in complaints 
 arising from poorness of blood. The roots are imported in 
 various-sized bundles ; the quality varies according to tlie species 
 and country from whence it comes. The principal imports are 
 from the West Indies, Brazil, and other parts of tropical America; 
 that from Jamaica is supposed to be the roots of S. officinalis, 
 
SASSAFRAS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 3G9 
 
 that from Brazil from S. impyracea, and from New Grenada that 
 of S. syphilitica. S. mauritanica and >S^. aspera, natives of the 
 South of Europe, are hardy in this country in sheltered 
 situations. 
 
 Sarsaparilla, Indian (^Hemidcsmus indicus), a shrub of the 
 Swallowwort family (Asclepiadaceiie). It is a native of India, 
 where its roots are used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Sassafras Trees, American (Sassafras officinale), a tree of 
 the Laurel family (LauraceDe), native of the United States, where 
 it is extremely abundant from Boston to the banks of the 
 Mississippi, and from the shores of the ocean in Virginia to the 
 remotest wilds of Upper Louisiana ; its usual height is 40 to 50 
 feet, but about 43° north it only attains the size of a large bush. 
 In the southern parts of the country where it is most abundant 
 the air is impregnated with the aroma, wdiich extends a con- 
 siderable distance seaward. The tree forms a large head of hori- 
 zontal branches, furnished in summer with broad, oblong, ellip- 
 tical leaves. Its fruit is a small black drupe, from which a 
 strongly-scented oil is obtained ; it is not palatable, but is greedily 
 eaten by birds ; its bark is aromatic and used medicinally as a 
 tonic. A tree at Kew about 100 years old has attained the height 
 of 40 feet. 
 
 Sassafras, Californian {Oreodaphne califomica), is a large 
 tree of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). It has several names ; 
 such as Spice-bush, Balm of Heaven, Cajeput Tree, etc., which 
 shows it to be a tree of repute as regards its medicinal properties. 
 Its leaves are pungently aromatic ; during high wdnds the aroma 
 is so strong as to cause excessive sneezing. It has been intro- 
 duced into this country under the name of Laurus r eg alls. 
 
 Sassafras, Australian (poryplwra Sassafras), native of 
 New South Wales, and equal in magnitude to the preceding, 
 and belonging to the family Atherospermaceoe. 
 
 Sassafras, Chilian (Laurelia sempervircns), also a large tree 
 similar to the last, native of Chili and Peru. Its fruit is aro- 
 matic ; it has obtained the name of Peruvian Nutmeg, but is of 
 no value. Another Chilian Sassafras is Boldoa fragrans, a small 
 
 9 R 
 
370 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SASSATRAS 
 
 tree with broad, entire, bay -scented leaves, also a native of 
 Chili. 
 
 Sassafras, New Zealand {Laurelia Novcr Zelaiidice), a large 
 handsome tree of New Zealand, of from 100 to 150 feet in height, 
 havin«^ buttresses 15 feet in diameter ; a member of the same 
 family as the preceding. ISTative name, Pechatea. 
 
 Sassafras Nut, a name given to the cotyledons of the seeds 
 of Nectandra Fuchiiry, a tree of the Laurel family (Lauraceas), 
 native of Guiana. They are aromatic, and used for flavouring 
 chocolate instead of Vanilla. 
 
 Sassafras, Swamp. {See Magnolia.) 
 
 Sassafras, Tasmanian {Atherosperma moschata), a tree of 
 the family Atherospermaceee, native of Mount Wellington in 
 Tasmania. It attains a height of from 100 to 150 feet, and a 
 diameter of from 2 to 3 feet. Its aromatic bark has been used 
 as a substitute for tea ; it yields a fragrant essential oil. 
 
 Satin-wood, a name in India for Cliloro.cylon Sivietenia, 
 a large tree of the Mahogany family (Cedrelacese), native of 
 Ceylon, Coromandel, and other parts of India. The wood is 
 hard, fine-grained, and of a light satiny lustre, chiefly used for 
 the backs of toilet-brushes and fine articles of turnery ware. 
 Another kind, called Bahama Satin-wood, comes from the 
 West Indies, chiefly from Nassau and New Providence, It is 
 a beautiful wood of a light canary yellow colour and satiny 
 lustre. It comes in logs about 10 feet in length and 8 inches 
 square. It is supposed to be the wood of an unknown plant of 
 the Ebony family (Ebenaceae). 
 
 Savin {Juniperus Scd)ina), a low bushy shrub or small tree 
 of the Cypress section of the Fir family, native of Western Asia. 
 It has been long cultivated in this country as a garden shrub, 
 and is admitted into the London Pharmacopoeia as a medical 
 plant. It is of a poisonous nature, and is highly dangerous 
 when used by unskilled persons and quacks. 
 
 Savory, Summer {Satureia Iwrtcnsis), an annual of the Mint 
 family (Labiates) ; Winter {S. montana), small hardy evergreen 
 shrubs, 1 to 2 feet high ; natives of France and Italy. They are 
 
SCORZONERA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 371 
 
 recorded as having been cultivated in this country as far back 
 as 1562, and were then as now esteemed as pot-herbs. 
 
 Savoy. {See Cabbage.) 
 
 Scammony, the name of a purgative medicine obtained 
 from the tuberous roots of Convolvulus Scammonia, a perennial 
 climber of the Bindweed family (Convolvulacete), native of Asia 
 Minor, growing wild in open places among bushes. Its roots are 
 fleshy, single like a parsnip, or forked ; they contain a milky 
 juice, to obtain which the top of the root is cut in a slanting 
 manner, from which the juice runs into a shell placed to receive 
 it ; each root only yields a few drachms ; after a quantity is 
 collected it is put together and dried in the sun, and finally 
 moulded into cakes or balls ; it is also obtained by pounding the 
 roots. Pure Scammony is seldom to be obtained, being com- 
 monly mixed with the expressed juice of the roots, and even of 
 the stalks and leaves, and other ingredients. It comes to this 
 country chiefly from Smyrna. 
 
 Scarlet -runner Bean {Phaseolus multiflorus), a climbing 
 plant of the Bean family (Leguminoscc), native of Mexico, where 
 its roots are perennial, but in this country it is cultivated as an 
 annual for the sake of its green pods, which are largely used as 
 a summer vegetable. It is remarkable as being one of the few 
 plants which twine in a contrary direction to the sun — that 
 is, from right to left. 
 
 Scimitar Pods, Entada scandens, a strong fruticose climber 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosae), attaining a great height, 
 native of tropical India and America. It is remarkable for its 
 large hard woody flat pods, which are from 4 to 6 or even 8 feet 
 in length, and being often curved resemble a sword or scimitar. 
 They contain round hard convex seeds about 2 inches in dia- 
 meter, which are split open and made into snuff and toy boxes. 
 The seeds are sometimes sold in the streets of London under 
 the name of Indian filberts, but they are not eatable. They are 
 often carried by the Gulf Stream to the western shores of Scot- 
 land, and have been known to vegetate afterwards. 
 
 Scorzonera (Scorzonera hisjmnica), a perennial herb of the 
 
372 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SCOTCH 
 
 Composite family (Compositte), native of Spain, having lanceo- 
 late leaves, and a simple or branched flower-stem, a foot or more 
 in height, bearing terminal heads of yellow ligulate florets. It 
 has been long cultivated in gardens in this country for the sake 
 of its roots, wliich are thick and fleshy like the carrot, but some- 
 times forked. Its properties are equal if not superior to dan- 
 delion, and it is a wholesome vegetable when properly cooked. 
 In Spain it is supposed to be a cure for bites of vipers, hence it 
 is called Viper Grass. 
 
 Scotch Fir (^Pinus sylvestris), a tree of the Coniferse family. 
 This well-known tree has an extensive range throughout Europe 
 and Northern Asia, where it forms large forests, such as may be 
 seen in the North of Scotland, some trees attaining a height of 
 100 feet, and affording excellent timber, which is imported from 
 the ports in the Baltic under the name of Eiga and Norway 
 timber. The smaller trees are used for scaffold poles. It also 
 yields tar. The word Fir is frequently named with cedar and 
 other trees which Solomon obtained from Lebanon for the 
 building of the Temple. One of these was doubtless Pinus 
 halepensis, which takes the place in Lebanon and other moun- 
 tains of Palestine of the Scotch Fir, and may be admitted to be 
 the Fir tree instead of cedar used for ship-masts, as stated in 
 Ezekiel, chap, xxvii. ver. 5. {See Pine Trees.) 
 
 Screw Pine. — Pandanns odoratissvmus, the type of the 
 Screw Pine family (Pandanacere), which, with other allied 
 species, are natives generally of the sea- shores of India, the 
 Indian, African, Malayan, and Polynesian islands generally. 
 They abound in Mauritius, and attain a height of 20 to 30 
 feet, and are known by the name Yacoua. Their stout 
 aerial roots give to their palm -like stems the appearance of 
 being supported on props, and at a distance they look like 
 candelabra. This last remark applies more particularly to P. 
 candelahrum, native of Western tropical Africa. Their leaves are 
 sword shaped, 4 to 6 feet in length, with sharp, spiny margins. 
 Their fruit consists of many one-seeded ovaries, forming a hard, 
 globose, compound fruit, some as big as a man's head. Many 
 
SEA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 373 
 
 fruits fall into the sea, and are wafted by the currents and 
 thrown on emerging coral reefs, where they vegetate and attain 
 a considerable size. They have a singular appearance, seeming 
 to rise out of the ocean. In India P. odoratissimus grows on the 
 banks of canals in Travancore, and is useful as a sand-binding 
 plant, and also for forming hedges ; its fruit is of a red colour, 
 and very attractive. An oil called Keora Oil is made from its 
 flowers. 
 
 This species receives its name odoratissimus from the frag- 
 rance emitted by the male flowers, presenting a great contrast 
 to those oi P.f(Btidus, also a native of India; which smell like 
 rotten onions and carrion. The most important economic part 
 of these plants is the leaves, which are made into mats, baskets, 
 hats, etc., and in Fiji they are prepared and made into orna- 
 mental dresses. The thick, aerial, rope-like roots consist of 
 tough, spongy fibre, which, cut into lengths and beaten out at one 
 end, form brushes. They are also used as a substitute for corks. 
 
 Scrub Shrub (Commidendron rugosum), a shrub of the Com- 
 posite family (Compositse), native of St. Helena, where it is 
 also called Gum Shrub; and another species, C. spurium, is 
 known as the Little Bastard Gum Tree, and Cabbage Tree. 
 They are scrub-like shrubs, having alternate obovate or cuneate 
 leaves and flowers in close heads. These plants represent part of 
 the original endemic flora still remaining in St. Helena, the bulk 
 of which since the introduction of goats has become extinct. 
 
 Sea Holly (^Eryngium maritimum), a strong-growing peren- 
 nial of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), found on the sandy 
 shores of this country. It has stiff stems, bearing spiny leaves 
 and spiny compact umbels of blue flowers ; the whole plant has 
 a bluish-white appearance. The roots are thick and fleshy, and 
 on account of their peculiar flavour are preserved in sugar, and 
 sold by the confectioners as candied Eryngo. When boiled and 
 roasted they resemble chestnuts, and are palatable and said to 
 be nutritious. 
 
 Sea Purslane. {See Orache.) 
 
 Sea Thrift. {See Lavender, Sea.) 
 
374 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SEA 
 
 Sea Trumpet. {See Trumpet.) 
 
 Seaside Grape (Coccoloha itvifera), a small tree of the Buck- 
 wheat family (Polygonaceee). It has cordate oval leaves, and is a 
 native of Barbadoes and other West Indian islands. The flowers 
 are in spikes, and the calyx when ripe, becoming fleshy, has the 
 apj)earance of a grape. The bark is astringent, and has been 
 used for tanning leather. 
 
 Seaweeds, a general term for the plants com^Drehended 
 under the order Algse of the Linn&ean class Cryptogamia, known 
 as flowerless plants. It includes not only plants growing in the 
 sea, as the name Seaweed implies, but also in fresh water, and 
 on moist earth, rocks, stone, and living and diseased vegetable 
 substances, in the form of slime and jellies. They vary in form 
 from microscopic bodies to large plants several feet in length. 
 The number of species is extremely numerous, and included by 
 modern botanists in about 300 genera, which are arranged under 
 five distinct natural families. But few are of economic import- 
 ance ; the principal ones will be found noticed under their 
 respective local names. 
 
 Sebestens, the name in India for the fruit of Cordia myxa 
 and C, latifolia, small trees of the Borage family (Boraginaceie), 
 natives of India. Their fruit, which grows in clusters, consists 
 of a drupe, an inch or more in diameter, yellow when ripe, the 
 pulp of which is soft and clammy. C. latifolia is the larger, 
 but both are eaten by the natives. 
 
 Sedge. — Sedges, grass-like plants of the Cyperus family 
 (Cyperaceae), of which there are many species. The principal 
 genus, Carex, includes about 66 species, natives of this country. 
 C. arenaria grows on the sea-shores, forming hassock-like tufts, 
 which, with its running roots, bind and hold the loose sands (see 
 Marrum). 
 
 Semolina, or Semola. — In some kinds of wheat, especially 
 Italian, the gluten and starch combine in the form of small hard 
 grains, which separate from the flour in the process of grinding, 
 and which come to this country from Italy under the name of 
 SemoHna. It is used for puddings and invalids' food. 
 
SHADDOCK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 375 
 
 Senega or Seneka Root. {See Snake-root.) 
 
 Senna. — Cassia aeiUifolla, C. angustifolia, and other allied 
 species, slender annuals of the Bean family (Leguniinosre), 
 about 2 feet high, having winged leaves, which wlien dry con- 
 stitute the Senna of the shops. They are cultivated in tiie 
 regions of the Mediterranean, Egypt, Arabia, and India. Senna 
 is a well-known purgative medicine. 
 
 Sensitive Plant. (See Humble Plant.) 
 
 Service Berry (Amekmchier canade7isis), a small much- 
 branched tree of the Apple family (Pomaceie), native of the 
 Northern United States and Canada. When in flower it is a 
 complete sheet of white, and is known in this country by the 
 name of Snowy Mespilus. Its fruit (berries) is black, and of a 
 sweet agreeable taste. Eaten by the native Indians. 
 
 Service Tree (Pyrus domestica), a large, spreading, branched 
 tree of the Apple family (Pomacea^), with winged leaves. It 
 bears an oblong or round fruit, about the size of a large goose- 
 berry, which is austere, and not much used. In Brittany a drink 
 like cider or perry is made from it, which has a most unpleasant 
 odour. It is a native of various parts of the Continent, espe- 
 cially France and Italy, where it is much valued for its hard 
 wood, which is used for many purposes. It grows wild in 
 Cornwall, and is considered to be indigenous. 
 
 Sesamum, a name for the seeds of Sesamum indicum, an 
 annual weed-like herb of the family Pedaliacea3 native of the 
 East Indies, where it is cultivated as well as in other countries 
 for the seeds, which yield a bland oil equal to olive oil. It 
 is used for many purposes of domestic economy. It is also 
 known as Gingelly Oil, and used for adulterating olive and 
 other oils. 
 
 Shaddock (Citrus dccumana), a tree of the Orange family 
 (Aurantiaceee), native of China. It was introduced into the 
 West Indies early in the eighteenth century by Captain Shad- 
 dock, hence its name. There are varieties which produce fruits 
 of various sizes, some measuring nearly 2 feet in circumference. 
 Setting aside size, their appearance is like an orange. The 
 
376 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SHALLON 
 
 large ones are known by the name of Pomeloes, and the smaller 
 ones are sold in the shops as Forbidden Fruit. The Shaddock is 
 cultivated in the East and West Indies for the sake of its sub- 
 acid juicy i3ulp. 
 
 Shallon, a name in ISTorth-West America for Gaidtheria 
 Shallon, a low evergreen shrub of the Heath family (Ericaceae) ; 
 it has round leaves, and by its underground running shoots 
 covers a considerable area of ground. It generally grows in 
 pine forests, and produces an immense number of purple berries, 
 which are made by the natives into bread. A smaller species, 
 G. lyrocumhen^, is also a native of North America, and grows like 
 the preceding. Its calyx becomes a fleshy berry, and affords 
 food for game. In the United States it is called Partridge- 
 berry, as also Winter -green. It has a peculiar spicy and 
 aromatic odour, and has been used as a substitute for tea. The 
 odour is due to a volatile oil, which is obtained by distillation, 
 called Winter-green Oil, and is used medicinally as a stimulant. 
 It is also called Mountain Tea, its leaves being used as a sub- 
 stitute or for flavouring genuine tea. 
 Shallot. {See Rocambole.) 
 
 Shamrock, the emblem of Ireland. Supposed to be a species 
 of Clover or Wood Sorrel. 
 
 Sheep-pest (Accena ovina), a small evergreen decumbent 
 plant of the Burnet family (Sanguisorbacese), native of New 
 Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia, growing in pastures. Its fruit is 
 furnished with hooked spines, which adhere to the wool of sheep, 
 and render it difficult to clean, thus greatly lessening its value. 
 Shepherd's Club. {See Mullein, Great.) 
 Shittim-wood, supposed to be Acacia Seyal. {See Gum 
 Arabic.) 
 
 Shola, or Solah {JSschynomene aspera), a thick spongy- 
 stemmed plant with compound winged leaves belonging to 
 the Bean family (Leguminosae). It is a native of India, 
 Malayan Peninsula and Islands, growing in swampy places 
 and even floating. The stem consists of a spongy white pith 
 as thick as the arm, and being very light is used for making 
 
SILK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 377 
 
 hats, bottle cases, floating jackets, and many other domestic 
 articles. 
 
 Herminiera Ela'phroxylori, a prickly -branched, compound- 
 leaved tree of the same family, native of tropical Africa, has 
 pith-like wood similar to the Shola, and is used by tlie natives 
 for like purposes. 
 
 Side-saddle Flower. — Sarracenia, a genus which gives its 
 name to a small family of plants (Sarraceniacese), consisting of 
 about 10 species, all with one exception natives of the Atlantic 
 side of North America. They grow in swampy places, and are 
 remarkable for their hollow leaves, which are generally upright, 
 and rise from a central crown or a creeping stem. They are 
 tubular, varying in length from 2 to 6 feet or more, and have 
 a lid resembling the pitcher-plant of India, the width of the 
 mouth being from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The inside of the 
 tube is lined with curious hairs, and it generally contains liquid 
 that seems to entice insects, many perishing in the fluid, which 
 ultimately becomes putrid. The pistil of Sarraccnia is curious, 
 being in the form of an open umbrella, with the stigmas at the 
 angles on the under-side of the margin. It is called Side- 
 saddle Flower, from the petals hanging down between the 
 sepals of the calyx like a lady's riding-dress. 
 
 Silk-cotton Trees, a name given to certain trees of the 
 Silk Cotton family (Bombacea^). They are so called on account 
 of the seeds being involved in silky wool-like hairs firmly packed 
 in a capsular fruit ; when this opens the hairs expand and form 
 a considerable woolly mass. As they are not adhesive, and 
 moreover brittle, they cannot be spun, but are used for stuffing 
 cushions and the like. The trees are large, and are represented 
 in the tropics of both hemispheres. 
 
 Silk-cotton Tree of the Amazon {Eriodendron Samcmma). — 
 This is one of the buttress trees of the region of the Amazon, 
 some of the buttresses projecting 8 or 10 feet and only 4 or 5 
 feet high, while narrower ones rise to 20 or 30 feet in height, 
 and continue as ribs to a height of 40 or 50 feet. They are 
 from 6 inches to a foot in thickness, and are like wooden walls, 
 
378 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SILK 
 
 of sufficient width between them to allow room for a comfort- 
 able hilt. The wood is very soft, and large pieces are cut out for 
 paddles and other uses. Another use of these trees is that they 
 are hollowed out and formed into canoes. Immense casks are 
 also made of them. One is recorded to have been 27 feet in 
 length, and so thick that a man standing inside could work with 
 an axe in hollowing it out. They are employed for conveying 
 oil and other products from the upper region of the Amazon, 
 being floated down to Para. 
 
 Silk-cotton Tree, Brazilian {Pachira macrantha), a Brazilian 
 tree, attaining a height of 100 feet, and having flowers 15 inches 
 in length. The outside of the petals is green, and white within, 
 with numerous lons^ scarlet stamens. 
 
 Silk-cotton Tree, Malabar {Bomhax maktbaricum), a tree, 
 native of Malabar and other parts of India, attaining a height of 
 70 or 80 feet, and its stem is covered with prickly tubercles 
 similar to the Eriodenclron cmfraduosuiii of the AVest Indies. 
 The flowers are red, produced in clusters, and its fruit contains 
 silky hairs which are used for stuffing cushions ; the wood is 
 light and porous ; the bark possesses emetic properties, and 
 yields a pure gum. 
 
 Silk-cotton Tree, New Grenada (FacMra cdha, better known 
 in botanical collections in the country by the name of Carolinect 
 alba), a moderate -sized tree common in Xew Grenada, where 
 it is one of the most useful trees, the inner bark furnishing a 
 strong and durable cordage much valued throughout the country. 
 There are other species of Fachira in tropical America, the bark 
 of which is in general use as cordas^e. 
 
 Silk-cotton Tree, West Indian {Eriodenclron anfractiiosum), 
 a tree attaining a height of 100 feet or more, having an impos- 
 ing appearance, Vv^hether overtopping its humble companions of 
 the forest or rising in solitary grandeur on the open plain. Even 
 the untutored negroes are so struck with the majesty of its 
 appearance that they call it the God Tree. Not even from the 
 fear of punishment will they be induced to cut it down. Its 
 bark is green and covered with rough tuberculated prickles. It 
 
SKIRRIT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 379 
 
 tapers upwards from a swollen base, around which are thick 
 projecting buttresses of sufficient widtli to allow of horses being 
 stalled between them. The natives call it Ceiba. 
 
 Silky Oak [G-revillm rohiista), a tree of the Protea family 
 (Proteaceas), native of Queensland, and probably one of the 
 loftiest trees of the family ; it attains a height of from 50 to 
 150 feet, with a diameter of from 6 to 8 feet ; its timber is 
 valuable. A plant introduced into Kew in 182G has attained 
 a large size, and with its much-divided silky leaves presents a 
 strong contrast to the more humble species of the genus, which 
 mostly consist of small shrubs Avitli willow, holly, box, or juniper- 
 like leaves, producing pretty spikes of flowers. 
 
 Silphium of the Ancients. {See Carrot, Deadly.) 
 
 Silphium of Linnaeus. {See Compass Plant.) 
 
 Silver Fir {Picea pectinata), a tree of the family Coniferos, 
 native of Europe and Korthern Asia. It takes its name from 
 its silvery white leaves, and attains a great height, it is even 
 said above 200 feet, and when standing singly is a beautiful 
 tree. A resin is obtained from it, which when purified is called 
 Strasburg Turpentine. The Silver Fir is subject to a disease, 
 especially in Switzerland, which is caused by a fungus, a species 
 of u^cidium, similar to the corn mildew. 
 
 Silver Rod. {See Asphodel.) 
 
 Silver Tree (Zeueadendron argenteum), a sniall tree of the 
 Protea family (Proteacece), with beautiful silvery lance-shaped 
 leaves, native of Table j\Iountain and the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Its vicinity to Cape Town has led to its almost complete extirpa- 
 tion for firewood. Its destruction, however, is now prohibited. 
 
 Simaruba Bark. {See Quassia.) 
 
 Sissoo, a name in India for Dcdhcrgia Sissoo, a tree of the 
 Bean family (Leguminosce), common in Bengal, and extending 
 northward to the Punjab. It is a fast-growing tree, attaining a 
 considerable size. Its timber is strong, compact, and tenacious, 
 of a dark-brown colour, and is used in all works where strength 
 and durability are required. 
 
 Skirrit {Siiom Sisarum), a perennial herb of the Carrot family 
 
380 DICTIONAPwY OF POPULAR NAMES SKUNK 
 
 (Umbelliferse), native of China, introduced more than 300 
 years ago, and cultivated as a vegetable ; the root, which is like 
 a radish, and about the thickness of the finger, is the part used. 
 It is now seldom seen. 
 
 Skunk Cabbage [Symplocarpus fatidus), a perennial plant 
 of the Arum family (Aroideae) ; it has simple leaves, the flowers 
 are contained in a spathe, which has a fetid smell like the 
 animal called the skunk. It is a native of North America, 
 where it is held in medical reputation, its roots and seeds in 
 cases of coughs, and its leaves in healing ulcers. 
 
 Slipper Flower. {See Calceolaria.) 
 
 Sloak, or Slook. {See Laver.) 
 
 Sloe, also called Blackthorn {Fritnus spmosa), a rigid prickly 
 shrub of the Plum family (Drupacese) growing in hedges in 
 this country, its pretty white flowers making it very ornamental 
 in the month of May. Its fruit is harsh, and too austere to 
 be eaten ; in Germany a spirit is distilled from it. Its wood is 
 hard and takes a fine polish, and is used for walking-sticks, and 
 for making handles for carpenters' and other tools. The leaves 
 when dried make the best substitute for Chinese tea, and were 
 at one time extensively used in its adulteration. 
 
 Smut {Ustilago segetum), a dust fungus common to the 
 Grass family (Gramineai) ; it affects wheat, barley, oats, Indian 
 corn, and dhoora, often doing considerable damage to the crops. 
 It destroys the young grain in the ear, which becomes a sooty 
 mass of closely-packed fungus spores, which ultimately break 
 up, and are dispersed by the wind or fall to the ground, where 
 they are ready to attack and impregnate the sprouting grains of 
 the next year's crop. Experiments made by the celebrated 
 microscopist and botanical artist Francis Bauer show that the 
 spores are absorbed into the tissues of the plant, and carried up 
 until they reach the ear, where they develop and multiply to 
 the destruction of the grain. 
 
 Allied to the preceding is another grain-destroyer called 
 Bunt or Pepper Brand {Ustilago fcetida) ; like the preceding, 
 it is common to corn crops, but in this case the ear is only 
 
SNAKE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 381 
 
 partially affected, some of the grains being left perfect while 
 those affected become filled with dust of a fetid odour, distin- 
 guishing it from the Smut or dust brand, wliich is scentless. 
 
 A Smut also infests the common reed {Arundo jJcrar/mites), 
 which is common in the marshes of the Thames, and whicli is 
 used for many domestic purposes. The persons who cut them 
 suffer from headache, a swelling of the head, and acute inll ani- 
 mation of the bow^els, w^hich is caused by the fungus. 
 
 Snake Gourd (Trichcosanthes angicina), a tendril climber of 
 the Gourd family (Cucurbitacese), native of India ; its fruit is 
 cylindrical, about 3 feet in length, and is pendulous, having the 
 appearance of a snake ; but it is surpassed in length by T. 
 coluhrina, called the Serpent or Viper Gourd ; it attains a 
 length of 5 or 6 feet, and a diameter of about an inch, and hangs 
 from the plant in a rope-like form. It is of a yellow colour 
 when ripe. 
 
 Snake - nut (Opldocaryon ^aradoxuiii), a large tree of the 
 order Sapindaceae, native of British Guiana. The fruit is roundish, 
 about the size of a walnut. It takes its name Snake-nut from 
 the curious form of the embryo of the seed, which is spirally 
 twisted so as to closely resemble a coiled-up snake. They are 
 not known to possess any medicinal properties, but the snake- 
 like form of the embryo has led the Indians to employ it, and 
 believe it to be an antidote against snake-bites. 
 
 Snake -root. — Many plants are held in high repute as a cure 
 for snake-bites, but they seldom prove efficacious w^hen put to 
 the test by learned medical practitioners, their reputation being 
 often derived from the snake-like form of the whole or some part 
 of the plant, or from its colour. The following are a few of the 
 principal : — 
 
 1. Opliiorrliiza Mungos, a low bushy shrub of the Cinchona 
 family (Cinchonacea?), native of India, Ceylon, and Malayan 
 Islands. Its roots are intensely bitter, and some degree of sui)er- 
 stition is attached to its first discovery as a cure for snake-bites. 
 
 2. Brazil (Chiococca angiistifolia), a plant of the same order, 
 called Snake-root, or Eaiz de Cobra in Brazil. It is a violent 
 
382 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SNAKE 
 
 emetic and purgative, and lias a musky smell like that of 
 snakes, which favours the idea that it cures their bite. 
 
 3. Casearia ulmifolia, a shrub or small tree of the family 
 Samydace?e. The leaves are somewhat astringent, and when 
 boiled are applied to wounds and snake-bites. They are con- 
 sidered by Brazilians a certain remedy against the bite of the 
 most venomous kinds of snakes. Several other species of 
 Casearia are used medically in Brazil, either for cleansing wounds 
 or as diaphoretics and purgatives. 
 
 4. Polygala Senega, an erect, slender, herbaceous plant of the 
 Milkwort family (Polygalacese), native of North America. The 
 root is ash-coloured, and supposed by the Indians to resemble 
 the tail of the rattlesnake, and to be a cure for its bite. In the 
 United States it is employed for many complaints. It contains 
 a principle called Senegin, which excites violent sneezing. 
 
 5. Black Snake-root {Aetata racemosa), a tall -growing per- 
 ennial herb, with compound trifoliate leaves, of the Buttercup 
 family (Eanunculace?e). The flowers are fetid, and the large 
 knotted root-stalks, which have a nauseous astringent and bitter 
 taste, are considered in the United States to be a remedy for 
 the bite of the rattlesnake. 
 
 6. Button Snake -root. — Liatris squarrosa and Z. scariosa, 
 perennial herbs, with spikes of pretty pink flowers of the family 
 Compositae; natives of North America. Their tuberous roots 
 when bruised are considered a cure for the bite of the rattle- 
 snake. 
 
 7. Virginian Snake-root (Aristolochia Serpentaria), a bushy 
 partially climbing vshrub of the Birthwort family (Aristolochiacese), 
 native of the Southern United States. It is considered a specific 
 for the cure of the bite of the rattlesnake and of mad dogs ; 
 also, Geiitiana ochroleuca, a perennial of the Gentian family 
 (Gentianaceae). It is held in high reputation by the "old 
 grannies " as a tonic, and as an excellent stimulant in uterine 
 disorders, loss of speech, and other complaints through the loss 
 of nervous energy. It is also one of the numerous remedies for 
 the cure of snake-bites. 
 
SOAPBERRY OF ECOXOMIC PLANTS. 383 
 
 Snake -wood (StrycJmos coluhrina), a small tree of tlie Xux 
 Vomica family (Loganiacea3), native of India, Java, and other 
 islands. In Malabar it furnishes the wood called Snake-wood. 
 It is in great repute as a remedy for the bites of snakes and in 
 skin diseases. (See also Greenheart and Letter-wood.) 
 
 Sneezewort (Achillea Ptarmica), a low herbaceous herb of 
 the Composite family (Composite), common in this country. 
 Its leaves are numerous and finely divided, forming a tuft ; the 
 flower-stems are about a foot in height, bearing heads of white 
 flowers about the size of a daisy ; its leaves, when dried and 
 pulverised, are said to excite sneezing. 
 
 Sneeze - wood {Pteroxylon utile), a small tree of the Soap- 
 berry family (Sapindaceai), native of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 The wood is hard and durable, takes a fine polish, and is used 
 for many purposes. In sawing the wood the dust excites violent 
 sneezing. 
 
 Snowberry (Syiivplioricarpus racemosus), a bushy shrub of 
 the Woodbine family (Caprifoliacese), native of !N"orth America. 
 It is planted as an ornament in shrubberies, producing white 
 berries, conspicuous in autumn. 
 
 Snowdrop Tree (Ralesia tetraptera), a wide - spreading 
 branching tree of the Storax family (Styracacea^), attaining a 
 height of from 20 to 30 feet, native of North America. It pro- 
 duces a profusion of pendulous white flowers like snowdrops, 
 which render it a highly ornamental tree. 
 
 Snufif. (See Tobacco.) 
 
 Soap Bark, also the bark of Pithecolohium higeminum, a large 
 tree of the Bean family (Leguminosce). It is saponaceous, and 
 is used as a substitute for soap in Caraccas. (See also Quillaia.) 
 
 Soapberry (Sapindus Scqjonaria), a slender tree, with winged 
 leaves, of the Soapberry family (SapindaceiB), native of the West 
 Indies and many parts of tropical America. Its fruit is the size 
 of a large gooseberry, formed of a thick tough rind, loosely en- 
 closing a hard globose black seed. It takes the name of Soap- 
 berry from the rind on being put in water lathering like soap. 
 It has long been in general use in the West Indies as a substi- 
 
384 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SOAP 
 
 tute for soap. Its frequent use is, however, considered to 
 deteriorate fabrics washed with it. The hard seeds take a fine 
 pohsh, and are used for making rosaries and necklaces, and at 
 one time were imported for making buttons. In India the same 
 use is made of the seeds of >S'. trifoliatus and >S'. Rarax, now 
 known as Dittdasma Rarah. A medicinal oil is extracted from 
 the former. Erioglossum edule {S. rubiginosa) is a tall tree of the 
 Pegu forests, having a girth of 3 to 4 feet. Its wood is white. 
 >S^. escvlentus is a native of Brazil, attaining a height of 30 to 40 feet. 
 Its fruit is produced in bunches like grapes ; the rind is hard, but 
 between it and the seed is a mucilaginous pulp which is eaten. 
 
 Soap Bulb {Chloragalum pomeridianuin), a large bulb of the 
 Lily section of the family Liliace^e, native of California. It is 
 used as a substitute for soap, its mucilage producing a lather in 
 Avater ; but it contains neither alkali nor oil. 
 
 Soap Pods. — In China the pods of several species of Ctesal- 
 pinieoe, and in India the pods of Acacia concinncty are of a sapo- 
 naceous nature, and are used as a substitute for soap. 
 
 Soap -root (Gypsophylla Struthmm), a strong-rooted, many- 
 stemmed perennial of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceoe), native 
 of Spain, spreading a foot or more in height. Its root lathers 
 water, and is used as a substitute for soap. 
 
 Soapwort {Saponaria officinalis), a strong-growing peren- 
 nial of the Pink family (Caryophyllacea^) ; it is common in 
 gardens. It is said to be a native of Britain, but if so it is very 
 rare. The stems upon being put in water form a lather like soap, 
 hence its name. 
 
 Soldier's Herb. {See Matico.) 
 
 Solomon's Seal {Polygonatum multiflorum), a perennial herb 
 of the Lily family (Liliacese), a plant found wild in many parts 
 of England, and frequently cultivated in gardens. Its creeping 
 roots or rhizomes are in great repute, as tliey quickly remove 
 bruises and discolorations of the flesh resultine^ from blows. 
 
 Sophee, a name in the mountain regions of India for 
 Myrica integrifolia, a shrub of the Candleberry family (Myri- 
 cacese). Its fruit is eaten by the natives. 
 
SOUARI • OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 385 
 
 Sophora (Soj^Jiora japonica), a branched round-lieaded tree, 
 attaining a height of 40 feet, having winged leaves of a light-green 
 colour. It belongs to the Bean family (Lcguniiiiosa}), and is a 
 native of China and Japan, where its white papilionaceous flowers 
 are used for dyeing both yellow and green. In Fokien and 
 other provinces it is cultivated for its flowers, which form an 
 important article of trade in the country. A purgative property 
 pervades the whole of the tree, even affecting, it is said, those who 
 ]3rune it, or work with the wood. It is an ornamental tree in this 
 country, but not common. It was introduced in 17G3 ; there are 
 several specimens in Kew Gardens more than a hundred years old. 
 
 Sorrel, Common {Rumex Acctosa), French {R. scutatus), 
 perennial herbs of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), the first 
 native of this country and the second of Switzerland. Cultivated 
 in gardens for their leaves, which are acid, and used as culinary 
 herbs. In Scotland the Common Sorrel is called Souroks. 
 
 Sorrel Tree. {Sec Andromeda.) 
 
 Sorrel, Wood {Oxalis Acetosella), a small perennial herb of 
 the Oxalis family (Oxalidaceae), native ot Britain, growing wild 
 in woods. The leaves, which are trifoliate, are sometimes used 
 in salads, to which they impart a pleasant acid. It is one 
 of the plants supposed to be the Shamrock of Ireland. Its 
 medicinal properties led it to be worthy of a place in the London 
 Pharmacopoeia, but it has now fallen into disuse. 
 
 Souari Nut, also known as Butter-Nut (Caryocar iiucifcrum), 
 a tree of the family PJiizobolacese. It is a native of British 
 Guiana, and attains a height of 80 to 100 feet, having large 
 broad trifoliate leaves. Its flowers are large and spreading, and 
 contain a large number of stamens. The fruit is spherical, firm, 
 measurimx 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and of a reddish-brown 
 colour. It contains four, or by abortion generally fewer seeds, 
 which lie embedded in a white pulp. They are round, sub-reni- 
 form, and flattened. The shell is liard, of a brown colour, and 
 covered with tubercles ; it contains a nutty, oily kernel, which is 
 pleasant to eat, and is frequently imported into this country under 
 the above name. C. hutyrosum is a tree similar to the last, but 
 
 2 c 
 
386 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SOUR 
 
 differing in the leaves being five-parted, and also in producing 
 edible, but more oily nuts, called Pekea. 
 
 Sour Gourd. (See Baobab.) 
 
 Sour Plum, a name given in Queensland to Ovjenia venosa, 
 a tree of tlie Bead Tree family (Meliace?e), said to have milky 
 juice (?). It has clammy branches, winged leaves, and small 
 flowers produced in panicles. The fruit is a globular drupe; 
 the pulp is wholesome, slightly acid, and is eaten by the natives. 
 The wood is hard, very strong, of a reddish colour, and is used 
 for wheelwrights' work. The wood of 0. cerasifera is also hard, 
 and takes a fine polish. It is called the Sweet Plum, and forms 
 an imj^ortant article of trade in China. Living plants have been 
 recently introduced into this country, but are too tender to grow 
 in the open air. 
 
 Sour Sop, or Custard Apple {Anona muricata), a tree of the 
 Custard Apple family (Anonacese), 15 to 20 feet high, native of 
 the West Indies and tropical America, and cultivated for its fruit, 
 which varies in size from 6 to 9 inches in circumference ; the 
 form also is variable, but the heart shape predominates, as indeed it 
 does in most of the fruits of the other species. Its pulp is woolly 
 in appearance, but contains a fresh and agreeable sub-acid juice. 
 
 Southernwood (Artemisia Ahrotanum), a well-known garden 
 shrub of the Composite family (Compositse), much in favour 
 for its stimulatincc aromatic odour. It is a native of Southern 
 Europe, and is known also by the name of Old Man. 
 
 Sowa, a name given in Bengal to Peucedanum graveolens, 
 better known as Ancthum Sowa, an annual of the Carrot family 
 (Umbelliferfe), cultivated in India, especially in Bengal, for its 
 carminative seeds, which are used for culinary purposes ; by dis- 
 tillation the seeds yield a very useful medicinal oil, also know^n 
 as Bishop's Weed OH. 
 
 Soy (Glycine Soja, better known as Soja hispida),^ small, erect, 
 trifoliate, hairy plant of the Bean family (Leguminosa?), native 
 of India and China. It is cultivated for its seeds, wdiich are 
 made into the sauce called Sov in India, and the residue or cake 
 is extensively used for manure in China. 
 
SPIKENARD OF ECOXOMIC PLANTS. 387 
 
 Spaetlum. (aS^^^ Bitter-root.) 
 
 Spanish Elm, a name in the West Indies for Cordia 
 Gerascantlhus, a large tree of the Sebesten family (Cordiaceiie), 
 native of the West Indies. Its wood is hard, and used for many 
 purposes. 
 
 Spanish Juice. {Sec Liquorice.) 
 
 Spearmint {Mentha viridis), a herb of the ]\Iint family 
 (Labiatie). It possesses aromatic properties, and is used for 
 culinary purposes, especially as a sauce, and is supposed to be 
 the Mint spoken of in the New Testament. It is a native of 
 this country. 
 
 Spelt {Triticum Spdtct), a corn-grass, intermediate between 
 barley and wheat, but considered to be a hard-grained kind of 
 the latter. It is supposed to be the rye grown in Egypt in the 
 time of Moses. It is sparingly cultivated in France and other 
 parts of Europe at the present day. 
 
 Spice Wood. — Laurus Benzoin, now called Benzoin odori- 
 ferum, a genus of the Laurel family (Lauracea;). B. odoriferum, 
 native of North America, is a bush 8 to 10 feet high, having 
 oblong wedge-shaped leaves and small umbels of yellow flowers, 
 appearing before the leaves. Its fruit is a berry. It is said to 
 have been used in the United States as a substitute for allspice ; 
 it yields an aromatic stimulant oil. The bark is aromatic, 
 stimulant, and tonic. 
 
 Spiderworts, a common name for Tradescantia, a genus of 
 the family Commelynacere. T. virginica and others are showy 
 garden perennials, with white or blue flowers. The filaments of 
 the stamens are jointed, and viewed under a microscope the 
 circulation of the sap in each joint is seen. 
 
 Spikenard, or Nard {Nardostachys Jatamansi), a perennial 
 herb of the Valerian family (Yalerianace?e), closely allied to the 
 common A^alerian ( Valeriana officinalis), but the roots have a 
 much stronger smell. It is a native of Nepal, Bhotan, and other 
 parts of the Himalayan Mountains. In India its roots are highly 
 prized as a perfume for the hair ; and there is every reason to 
 believe that the "alabaster box of ointment of Spikenard" 
 
388 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SPINACH 
 
 mentioned in St. Mark was prepared from this plant. It appears 
 to have been early known in Europe, and history tells ns it was 
 a favourite with the ladies of Eome ; but it has long ceased to be 
 used, its smell being considered disagreeable to modern taste. 
 
 Spinach, Garden {Spinacia oleracca), an annual plant, the 
 type of the Spinach family (Chenopodiaceie). The native country 
 of the Garden Spinach is not well ascertained, but is supposed to 
 be Western Asia ; it has been knoAvn in this country for at least 
 three hundred years. There are two kinds, one with smooth 
 and the other with prickly seeds. Both are cultivated, and used 
 as a vegetable. 
 
 Spinach, Australian. — Chcnojoodinm auricomum, native of 
 the interior of Australia. It is allied to C. liyhridum, a weedy 
 plant of this country. It has lately come into use as a substi- 
 tute for Spinach. 
 
 Spinach, Indian. — Basella ruhra and B. alha, succulent 
 climbers, with soft, entire, alternate leaves, of the family Basel- 
 lacese, but considered by some to be a section only of the Spinach 
 family (Chenopodiacere), natives of the East Indies, generally 
 cultivated for shade as arbour plants. In Hortits Keicensis 
 they are called Malabar Nightshade. 
 
 Spinach, Mountain, or Garden Orache (Atriplex hortensis), 
 native of Eastern Europe. It is a hardy annual plant of the 
 Chenopodiaceie, growmg 2 to 3 feet high, having large hastate 
 leaves, varying from light green to dark red, which are some- 
 times used as Spinach. They seed freely, the red-leaved kind 
 becoming a weed in some gardens. 
 
 Spinach, New Zealand (^Tetragonia expcmsa), a trailing 
 branch-stemmed annual, several feet in length, with Spinach- 
 like leaves, of the Fig Marigold family (Ficoideaj). It was dis- 
 covered in New Zealand during Captain Cook's first voyage, and 
 was much prized as a fresh vegetable amongst the crews, and 
 was considered efficacious as an antiscorbutic. It is also 
 common to Australia, Tasmania, Japan, and South America. It 
 was introduced into this country in 1772, and in some gardens 
 it is substituted for Spinach. 
 
SQUIRTING • OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 389 
 
 Spindle Tree {Euonymus c?«'opocz(s), a low spreading tree of the 
 family Celastracese, native of this country, generally found grow- 
 ing in hedges or on the margins of woods. The wood is compact, 
 capable of being split into very fine strips, and is used by watch- 
 makers in cleansing watches, and is known to them by the name 
 of Dogwood ; it is also said to be used for shoe pegs, skewers, and 
 such like. 
 
 Spiraea frutex, an old garden name for Spircca salicifolia, a 
 shrub of the Eose family (Eosacese), native of some localities 
 in Scotland, Northern England, and Wales, one of a numerous 
 genus of pretty garden shrubs, natives of the temperate zone of 
 the northern hemisphere. The genus also contains many herba- 
 ceous species, such as the well-known Meadow-sweet (>S'. Ulmaria) 
 and the Dropwort \S. Filipendulcf), both natives of this country, 
 and the strong-growing garden perennial S. Anmcus, native of 
 Austria and Siberia. No special economical uses are recorded 
 of any of the species. 
 
 Spotted Tree, a name in Queensland for FlincUrsia maculosa, 
 a tree of the Mahogany family (Cedrelaceae). It derives its name 
 from the bark falling off in small pieces, which makes the trunk 
 appear as if it were spotted. 
 
 Spruce Fir. {See Fir Trees.) 
 Spurge. {See Euphorbia.) 
 
 Spurge Laurel {Daphne Laureola), a pretty evergreen shrub 
 of the family Thymel^eaceoB, with poisonous berries, native of this 
 country. Other species of the genus are highly-ornamental 
 garden plants. I), mdica and D. odora are prized in the green- 
 house for their sweet smell. 
 Squash. {See Gourd.) 
 
 Squill {Scilla maritima), a bulbous plant of the Lily family 
 (Liliaceai), found on the coasts of the Mediterranean, and also 
 abundant at Malta, from whence it is imported. It is used in 
 medicine, being a powerful irritant, and is prescribed in dropsical 
 and other complaints. 
 
 Squirting Cucumber {Fchallium Elaternm).—This plant has 
 the same habit and appearance, and belongs to the same family 
 
390 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES ST. HELENA 
 
 as the Cucumber (Cucurbitaceee), trailing on the ground, but 
 devoid of tendrils. It is a native of the South of Europe, and 
 has long been cultivated in botanic gardens as a curiosity. 
 The fruit is about 2 inches in length, hanging down at an acute 
 angle with the short foot-stalk ; on touching it when ripe, it 
 immediately separates from the stalk, and ejects with consider- 
 able force a number of seeds and a quantity of fluid to a distance 
 of two or three yards, to the dismay of the unwarned toucher.- 
 The juice is of a highly poisonous nature, and when concen- 
 trated forms the powerful drug called Elaterium, which is 
 obtained by pressure of the seeds. 
 
 St. Helena Ebony. {See Ebony.) 
 
 St. John's Bread. {See Carob Tree.) 
 
 St. Thomas Tree, a name in Ceylon for Bmihinia tomentosa, 
 a small tree of the Bean family (Leguminosre). It attains a 
 height of 15 feet, and is bush-hke. Its leaves are composed of 
 two oval, blunt leaflets, united by their inner edges for more 
 than half their length. It has pale yellow flowers with crimson 
 spots, which the native Cingalese believe to be the blood of St. 
 Thomas, hence its name. 
 
 Staff Tree, a name for the different species of Celastrus, 
 a genus of the Spindle Tree family (Celastraceae). C. scandens, 
 a trailing, climbing shrub, native of Xorth America, interesting 
 on account of its orange-coloured fruit, and wax-like arillus, 
 henxie it is called Waxwork Shrub. C. 2'><^'if^iculatv.m, native of 
 Brazil. An empyreumatic oil is obtained from its seeds by 
 destructive distillation, called Oleum nigmm,. It is in repute by 
 native doctors for special complaints. C. i:)yr acanthus, native 
 of the Cape of Good Hope, has hard, very formidable spines 3 
 to 4 inches in length. C. cymosus, also native of the Cape of 
 Good Hope, has pretty white flowers, but of a very fetid odour. 
 
 Staghorn Fern is represented by several species of Platy- 
 cerium, a genus of the tribe Acrostichccne of the family Filices, the 
 original species being P, alcicorue, native of Western tropical 
 Africa and Australia, from whence it was introduced into Kew^ 
 in 1808. Its broad, divided fronds, having the resemblance of a 
 
STAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 391 
 
 stag's horn, long caused it to be looked upon as a ciinosity in 
 the plant world ; but it is now surpassed by its gigantic ally 
 P. grande, native of Queensland, the Pliilippine Islands, and 
 Malayan Peninsula. It is epiphytal. Its barren fronds may be 
 compared to large shells successively produced from a central 
 axis, the new overlapping the old, forming oblong masses of vari- 
 ous sizes according to age ; sometimes as much as 3 feet by 2, 
 and 2 to 3 feet in thickness. The fertile fronds rise from the 
 central axis to the length of 6 to 7 feet, repeatedly forked into 
 broad ribbon-like segments, and pendulous, the fructification 
 being produced m a round, lateral lobe, nearly a foot in diameter, 
 on one of the main divisions of the frond. It was introduced from 
 ^N'ew Holland into Kew in 1842, and fine specimens are now to 
 be found in the collections of many fern-cultivators. 
 
 Star Apple {Chrysophyllum Cainito), a tree of the family 
 Sapotaceae, attaining a height of 30 to 40 feet, native of the 
 West Indies. It has spreading branches, and beautifully-veined 
 leaves, of a silvery white on the under side. The fruit is about 
 the size of an apple, and is wholesome, having an agreeable 
 sweet flavour. It consists of ten cells, each containing a single 
 seed, and when cut across (before the seeds harden) has a star- 
 like appearance, hence its name. It is an ornamental plant in 
 hothouses. 
 
 Star of Bethlehem (OmitJiorjcdum umhcUatum). — This is 
 one of the Lily family (Liliaceai), native of different parts of 
 Europe and Western Asia, also of this country. Its flowers are 
 of a milky white, borne in umbels on a short stalk, and it is prob- 
 ably on this account that it has received the name Ornitlw- 
 galum, which literally means bird's milk. There is strong evi- 
 dence for believing, as I have shown in my History of Bible 
 Plants, that the bulbous root of this plant was the doves' dung 
 that was eaten by the people of Samaria, as stated in 2 Kings 
 vi. 25. 
 
 Star Jelly. — N'ostoc commune and iV. edule, gelatinous crypto- 
 gams of the Conferva family, springing up often on gravel walks 
 after rain in round patches. JSf. cdide is wholesome, and in 
 
392 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES STARCH 
 
 China is dried and used in making soups. In 1855 several 
 square miles in the Bombay Presidency were covered with 
 JV. collinum. The natives called it meat, and considered that 
 it fell from heaven. The spores are supposed to float in the air, 
 and alighting on congenial surfaces where the temperature and 
 moisture are favourable, spring suddenly into existence as the 
 perfect plant. N. commune is also known by the name of 
 Fairies' Butter. 
 
 Starch consists of organised, farina-like grains, contained in 
 various parts of many plants. It forms an important part in all 
 farinaceous foods, as wheaten flour, potatoes, arrowroot, sago, 
 etc. It is, however, incapable of sustaining animal life when 
 separated from other constituents ; but with the addition of 
 some nitrogenous substance, it is wdiolesome. Starch granules 
 when burst by the effects of heat are turned into gum, and 
 form the substance known as Dextrine or British gum, which is 
 used for dressing woven fabrics, for the backs of postage stamps, 
 and for envelopes. 
 
 Stavesacre {Delphinium Stapliisagria), a strong - growing 
 biennial of the Buttercup family (Eanunculacese), native of the 
 South of Europe. Under this name it was held in high rejDute 
 by the ancients as a cure for many diseases. The active prin- 
 ciple is contained in the seeds, which have a disagreeable smell, 
 and a nauseous, bitter, burning taste. They yield an alkaloid 
 called Delphinia. 
 
 Stavesacre was originally employed as a cathartic, but it acted 
 with so much violence that it has been to a great extent laid 
 aside, and is now chiefly employed for eruptions in the skin, 
 for destroying lice, and as a cure for the itch insect. Delphinia 
 is an extremely acrid poison. Six grains, administered in water, 
 will kill a dog in three hours ; but the same quantity dissolved 
 in vinegar has caused death in forty miimtes. 
 
 Stinging Bush {Jatroplia stimulans, sometimes called J. 
 liorridct), a small, straggling, soft-wooded shrub of the Spurge- 
 wort family (Euphorbiacese), with lobed leaves, covered, as well 
 as the younger parts of the wood, with stiff hairs, like small 
 
STORAX OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 393 
 
 needles, which sting fearfully, and are much dreaded by the 
 natives. It causes an intense burning pain, with swelling, wliich 
 is not confined to the part stung, but sometimes spreads all over 
 the body. In 1823 a plant at Kew stung tlie writer on the 
 wrist, and in a few minutes the poison extended up the arm and 
 the upper part of the body, the lips became swollen, and of a 
 livid red ; fainting came on in less than ten minutes, on recover- 
 ing from which, the whole sensation went off as fast as it came 
 on. The general health was, however, impaired for several days. 
 
 Stink-horn, or Stinking Polecat. — Phallus impicdicus and 
 P.fcetidus, fungi of the Lycoperdacese alliance. They have a 
 white conical pileus, 4 to 6 inches high, purple at the apex. They 
 spring up suddenly during the night from a volva. They grow 
 in damp, shady places in woods, and their place of growth is 
 readily found by the abominable stench they emit. An allied 
 species is Olathrus cancellatus, the Lattice Stink-horn. Although 
 beautiful in appearance, its odour is the most disgusting and 
 noxious of all fungi. 
 
 Stinking Gladwyn. {See Iris.) 
 
 Stink-wood (^Fcetidia mcmritiana), a large tree of the family 
 Barringtonace?e, native of the Mauritius, where, on account of 
 the white ants not attacking it, it is used for the foundations 
 of houses. Its wood has an unpleasant smell. For other Stink- 
 woods, see Laurel. 
 
 Storax. — This name is generally applied to the resin of 
 Styrax officinale, a small tree of the Benzoin family (Styrace^e), 
 native of Greece, Asia Minor, and Syria ; now found also in 
 Italy and Southern France. It is only when the plant has 
 attained its full size that it seems capable of yielding the 
 fracjrant resin known as Storax ; and Fluckisjer and Hanburv in 
 their Fharma/iOfjraijhia say that in most localities where it is 
 grown " it has been reduced by ruthless lopping to a mere bush, 
 the young stems of which yield not a trace of exudation. The 
 storax has thus entirely disappeared, and genuine specimens of 
 it are scarcely to be found even in museums." The i)lant is 
 considered by some commentators to be the poplar rod of 
 
394 DICTIOXAP.Y OF POPULAR NAMES STRA:\I0NIUM 
 
 Jacob, but its nature of growth is such that its branches can 
 scarcely be called rods. Liquid Storax is furnished by Liquid- 
 miibar orientalis, a small tree of the family Hamamelidese, native 
 of Asia Minor, as also by L. altingia, a tree native of the 
 Malayan Archipelago. 
 
 Stramonium. {See Datura.) 
 
 Straw, the culms (flower-stalks) of wheat, barley, oats, 
 and rye, which, after being deprived of their grains, furnish the 
 straw used for many purposes in domestic economy — such as 
 thatching, making baskets, beehives, cradles, hassocks, and mats, 
 as also hats and bonnets, the latter being generally made of 
 wheat straw, which forms an important part of the occupation 
 of the people of St. Albans, Dunstable, and Luton. The large 
 fashionable bonnets worn fifty years ago, which came from 
 Italy^ and were called Leghorn bonnets, were made of Triticitm 
 Spelta. (See Spelt.) 
 
 Their high price, £2 each, led the celebrated political writer 
 "William Cobbett to endeavour to find a native grass capable of 
 making as flue bonnets as the expensive Leghorn. He selected 
 the sweet-scented vernal grass Antlioo:anthum odoratum. He 
 employed two women to collect it in Kew Gardens, but the 
 project proved a failure. The large sun-hats of India are made 
 of wheat straw. 
 
 Strawberry. — Fragaria resca and F. clatior, perennial herbs 
 of the Eose famil}^ (Eosaceae). These are the wild or native 
 strawberries of this country. They were the only ones known 
 in early times. The cry " Strawberry ripe " was to be heard in 
 London 400 years ago. After the introduction of F. virginiana 
 from Xorth America, F. chilcnsis from South America, and F. 
 graiidiflora from Surinam, by crossing them with the native 
 species many fine varieties were obtained, such as the Alpine, 
 hautbois, scarlet, pine, and others. Of late years much atten- 
 tion has been paid to the cultivation of strawberries, and 
 fruits of the size of small apples are now to be seen at horti- 
 cultural exhibitions. Before the time of railwavs and lidit 
 spring vans, strawberries were conveyed to the London markets 
 
STRELITZIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 393 
 
 ill baskets caniecl "by women ou tlieir heads. These carriers 
 were principally from Shropshire, and found employment in the 
 market gardens in the neighbourhood of London during tlie 
 summer season ; and it was a curious siglit to see twenty or 
 thirty Shropshire girls, as they wxre called, marching along in a 
 line with their baskets sitting freely on their heads. It is 
 proper to explain that the fruit of the strawberry, so called, is 
 not a fruit but a fleshy receptacle, tlie so-called seeds seated 
 on the outside of the pulp being the true fruits. The strawl^erry 
 is one of the most wholesome of fruits. Besides being eaten fresh 
 by all classes during the season, immense quantities are made into 
 jam and preserves, one firm in London in 1873 using 200 tons. 
 
 Strawberry Tree. {See Arbutus.) 
 
 Strelitzia, a genus of the Banana family (Musaceoe), natives 
 of South Africa. They possess no economic properties, but 
 are remarkable plants. 1. Strelitzia aur/ustahas a palrn-like stem, 
 in its native country attaining a height of 20 or more feet, 
 and a foot in diameter. It has large distichous leaves, the 
 general habit of the plant being similar to that of the Traveller 
 Tree (Urania). It produces its flowers in a sheath at the base 
 of the leaves ; they are small, white, and inconspicuous, con- 
 sidering the magnitude of the plant. Its stem is not solid as in 
 that of the Traveller Tree, and both in its native country and 
 under cultivation, when attaining above 20 feet in height, its 
 w^eighty crown of leaves causes it to break over. A plant at 
 Kew being supported attained the height of 34 feet, and was 
 still progressing when it was ordered to be cut down. The 
 seeds, like those of Urania, are furnished ^\'ith a woolly arillus, 
 those of Strelitzia being red, and those of Urania blue. 2. Stre- 
 litzia regino:. — This differs entirely from the preceding in having 
 no arborescent stem. It has firm, oval, elliptical, glaucous 
 leaves, borne on long foot-stalks, about 3^ to 4 feet high, which 
 rise direct from the ground in Cccspitose tufts. The flower- 
 stem also rises direct from the ground, bearing on its apex an 
 open sheath, containing many flo\vers of orange and purple tints, 
 which, with the peculiar form, make the plant very attractive. 
 
396 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES STRINGY 
 
 It has been long cultivated at Kew, and derives its name 
 from the late Queen Charlotte, who was princess of the house of 
 Mecklenbursj Strelitz, 
 
 stringy Bark. {See Eucalyptus.) 
 
 Strychnine. {Sec Nux Vomica.) ' 
 
 Succory, a name for Chicory (which see). 
 
 Sugar is the sweet constituent of plants found in more or less 
 abundance in their sap or juice, from which, by undergoing 
 certain processes of manufacture, the common, raw, and lump 
 sugar of domestic use is obtained. The principal supply is 
 furnished by the Sugar Cane {Saccliarimii officinarum), a strong 
 cane -stemmed grass 10 to 12 feet high, producing a large 
 feathery plume of flowers. It is a native of the eastern hemi- 
 sphere, but, like many other plants that have been long under 
 cultivation, the cradle of its birth is not well known. It is 
 found wild, as well as cultivated, throughout tropical and sub- 
 tropical Asia, and the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 
 It was first known in India, from whence it is said to have been 
 brought to Europe by the Venetians about the middle of the 
 twelfth century, and was early cultivated in the islands of tlie 
 Mediterranean. It was afterwards introduced into Spain and 
 Portugal, and also to the continent of America, becoming firmly 
 established by the middle of the sixteenth century. It has acted 
 an important part in the social condition of the world, the 
 native Indian race, especially in America, being driven before 
 it, and the curly-haired African negro established in his place, 
 originally under the bonds of slavery. The great supply of 
 sugar imported into this country comes from the AVest Indies 
 and Brazil, as also from Mauritius, of which island it forms the 
 staple product. Sugar is the expressed juice of the cane, which 
 by boiling and other processes becomes crystallised, and is 
 called Brown Sugar ; after being refined and cast in conical 
 moulds it is Loaf or Lump Sugar. The uncrystallised portion 
 is called Treacle or Molasses. From the scum and rou^h 
 portions of the latter rum is obtained by distillation. The 
 sugar-cane is probably the sweet cane from a far country, 
 
SUMACH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 397 
 
 spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah (chap. vi. 20). In Europe 
 large quantities of Sugar are manufactured from Beetroot, and 
 in America from the Sugar Maple. Grape Sugar produced from 
 the fruit of the grape is also a well-known article ; an account 
 of these will be found under their respective names ; also see 
 Date and Wine Palms. 
 
 Sugar Berry. (See Nettle Tree.) 
 
 Sumach. — Under this name are included the species of 
 Blius, a genus of Anacardiaceae. They consist of bushy, 
 stiff- branched shrubs, with winged, rarely simple leaves, and 
 bunches of inconspicuous flowers, followed by small berries ; 
 they are mostly poisonous in a more or less degree, and highly 
 astringent ; they are used for tanning. B. Coriaria, a shrub 
 with pinnate leaves, is common to all the coasts of the Mediter- 
 ranean, and is extensively cultivated in Sicily for its leaves, 
 which, with the young shoots cut when a foot or more in height, 
 are ground between millstones into a fine powder. It is used for 
 tanning, and also produces a yellow dye. An average of 10,000 
 to 18,000 tons is annually imported into this country. 11. 
 Cotinus is also employed in the same manner ; it is called Venice 
 or Venetian Sumach {see Fustic). Several North American 
 species are highly poisonous, such as B.. venenata, a shrub with 
 wdnged leaves, and the trailing and climbing three -leaved 
 species B. Toxicodendron and B. radicans, known as the Poison 
 Oaks ; the mere rubbing or handling of the leaves of which has 
 been known to lead to serious consequences. 
 
 Sumach, Jamaica (B. Metophm), a strong -growing shrub, 
 native of Jamaica; its leaves are used for tanning; it yields 
 a gum called by the negroes Doctor's Gum ; it is a powerful 
 purgative and emetic. 
 
 Sumach, Myrtle-leaved. {Sec Coriaria.) 
 
 Sumach, Virginian {B. iyphina), is commonly to be seen 
 in shrubberies, especially in old gardens in this country ; cases 
 are recorded of much injury having been done to the eyes from 
 its fumes on being burnt. It is also commonly known by tlie 
 name of Sta^j's-horn Sumach. 
 
398 DICTIONAPwY OF POPULAK NAMES SUMBUL 
 
 Sumbul, a name of a spongy root, smelling strongly of 
 musk, known to druggists to come from Eussia, and supposed to 
 be the root of an umbelliferous plant ; but what plant was not 
 known until 18 69, when Mr. Kaufmann, a Paissian explorer, 
 discovered it growing on the mountains of Eiissian Turkestan, 
 and proved it to belong to the above-named family. He suc- 
 ceeded in introducing it into the Moscow Botanic Gardens, from 
 whence it came to Kew. It has been described as a new genus 
 under the name of Euryangium Sumhul ; it is now referred to 
 the genus Ferula, and called Ferula Sitmhd. Its root comes to 
 this country in pieces, varying in size from 2 J to 5 inches in 
 diameter ; it is valued as a medicine, being stimulant and highly 
 antispasmodic. 
 
 Sumpunghee. (See Champaca.) 
 
 Sun Flower {Helianthus annuus), an annual of the Composite 
 family (Composita^), bearing large terminal, flat, circular flower- 
 heads, sometimes a foot in diameter, having yellow rays. It 
 is said to be a native of Mexico and Peru, and to have been in- 
 troduced into this country at the end of the sixteenth century. 
 It is extensively cultivated in this and other countries for its 
 seeds, which are highly valued for feeding sheep, pigs, poultry, 
 pigeons, rabbits, etc., and are considered superior to linseed for 
 feedins: cattle. An oil is obtained from the seeds, said to be 
 equal to olive oil. They are also ground into a meal and made 
 into cakes, or roasted and used as coffee. It is an excellent 
 plant for bees, large quantities of honey and w^ax being obtained 
 from the flowers. It is extensively grown in China ; and in 
 Eussia the seeds are sold in the streets and eaten as nuts. 
 
 Sunn Hemp. {Sec Hemp.) 
 
 Supple Jacks (Pccullinia curassavica), a scandent hard- 
 wooded climber of the Soapberry family (Sapindaceae), native of 
 the West Indies and tropical America. The stems are flexible, 
 and converted into walking-sticks, and known in the West 
 Indies, as well as in this country, under the above name. 
 
 Swamp Oak (Casuarina suherosa), a tree of the Casuarina 
 family (Casuarinacea?), native of Australia ; it is of singular and 
 
SWEET OF ECOXOMIC TLANTS. 309 
 
 handsome growtli, pyraniidal in form, growing in moist situa- 
 tions ; its wood is hard, and is used for structural purposes. 
 
 Sweet Basil (Ocyimtin hasilicwn), an annual plant of the 
 Mint family (Labiata3), said to be a native of India, but it 
 appears to have been early known in the South of Europe, and 
 in this country for about 300 years. It has a strong aromatic 
 scent, analogous to cloves, and is used for culinary purposes. 
 
 Sweet Flag {Acorus Calamus), a strong-growing sub-aquatic 
 of the Aroid family (Aroidese), having a thick creeping rhizome, 
 from which rise sw^ord-shaped leaves, 2 to 3 feet in length ; tlie 
 spathe containing the spadix is borne on a narrow^, leafy, ilat 
 stalk. It is common in England and most temperate countries 
 of the northern hemisphere. The whole plant has a strong, 
 sweet, aromatic smell. The pounded root is used by perfumers 
 .for scenting hair-powder, and in Lincolnshire, where it abounds, 
 it is used as a cure for acjue. In Norwich it is or was a custom 
 on festivals to strew the floor of the cathedral with the leaves 
 of the Sweet Elag, which on being trodden upon raised a pleasant 
 odour. 
 
 Sweet Plum. {Sec Sour Plum.) 
 
 Sweet Potato or Batata {Batatas cdulis), a perennial plant 
 of the Bindw^eed family (Convolvulaceas). This is supposed to 
 be originally a native of India, but it has long been universally 
 cultivated throughout all tropical and sub-tropical regions. It 
 forms one of the principal articles of food of the natives of 
 New Zealand and the islands of the Pacific. It is a twining 
 plant, with heart-shaped leaves, having flowers like the convol- 
 vulus, and tuberous roots like potatoes. By change of letters 
 and pronunciation the name potato was derived from the 
 Spanish Batata. There are many varieties, varying considerably 
 in size and shape, from that of an ordinary potato to several 
 pounds in w^eight, some in Java attaining a large size. The Sweet 
 Batata was known in this country in the time of Gerard (1507), 
 who had it growing in his garden at Holborn, London ; he says, 
 "In summer it flourished, but rotted in winter, this climate 
 being too cold for its cultivation as a food plant." It, however, 
 
400 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES SWEET 
 
 is cultivated in the South of France and Spain ; it makes an 
 excellent preserve, which is highly prized by the Spaniards. 
 From the latter country tubers are exported to this country. 
 
 Sweet Sop {Anona squctinosa), a tree of the Custard Apple 
 family (Anonacea^), native of the West Indies and tropical 
 America, and cultivated in many parts for its fruit, which is 
 netted, scaly, and hard, but softens after being gathered; it 
 possesses a fine luscious flavour, but is rather disagreeable to eat 
 on account of its numerous seeds. 
 
 Sycamine Tree, a scriptural name for the Mulberry 
 tree. 
 
 Sycomore Fig Tree {Ficus Sycomoms), a bushy tree of the 
 Mulberry family (Moracese), from 30 to 40 feet high, with lobed 
 heart-shaped leaves, something like the common fig, but smaller. 
 It is a native of Syria and Egypt, and has been called Pharaoh's 
 Fig. The fruit is small, but is produced in great abundance, and 
 is extensively used in Egypt for food. Although its wood is 
 light and soft, it is nevertheless very durable, mummy coffins 
 having been found made of it. That the Sycomore was common 
 in Palestine appears evident from the circumstance that King 
 Solomon made cedars " to be as the sycomore trees that are in 
 the vale, for abundance," also that it grew in the neighbourhood 
 of Jerusalem in the time of Christ, as we read that Zacchteus 
 " climbed up into a sycomore tree." 
 
 Syringa. {See Lilac.) 
 
 Tacamahaca. {See Poplar.) 
 
 Talipot Palm {Corypha umhraculifera), a noble fan-leaved 
 palm, native of Ceylon, with a stout cylindrical stem, attain- 
 ing a height of 50 to 100 feet. Its fruit is a hard nut, like 
 ivory, and is converted into buttons, toys, etc. Its large 
 fan-shaped leaves are, like those of the Pahnyra Palm, carried 
 over the heads of people of rank as an umbrella ; they are also 
 used for making books, and for domestic purjDOses. C. Taliera 
 is similar in habit, but does not attain such a great height, and 
 is more common throuGjhout India. 
 
 Tallicoonah, a name for Crab Oil (which see). 
 
TAMARISK OF ECOXOMIC PLANTS. 401 
 
 Tallow Tree {Stillinfjia scbifcra), a tree of the Spiirgewort 
 family (Euphorbiacece), native of China, where it is, as well as 
 in India and some warm parts of America, extensively cultivated. 
 It is a small tree, with rhomboid tapering leaves and a three- 
 celled capsular fruit, each cell containing a single seed thickly 
 coated with a white greasy substance that yields tallow, of 
 wdiich candles are made ; it has been used in this country 
 in the manufacture of soap, and as a substitute for linseed oil, 
 also for dressing cloth and for burning in lamps. 
 Tamanu. {See Bitter Oil.) 
 
 Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), a wing -leaved spreading- 
 branched tree of the Bean family (Leguminosse). In India it 
 is said to attain a height of 80 feet, and a girth of 25 feet. It 
 is also found wild in Arabia and Egypt, and has become in- 
 digenous in the "West Indies. It has flat pods, about 4 or C 
 inches in length, which contain a sweet pulp. These pods are 
 pressed in syrup or sugar, and form the preserved Tamarinds of 
 the shops. 
 
 Tamarind, Velvet {Codarium acutifolium), a small tree of 
 the Bean family (Leguminosoe), having winged coriaceous leaves, 
 native of Sierra Leone. The seed-pods are about the size and 
 form of a filbert, and are covered with a beautiful black velvety 
 down. They contain an agreeable acid farinaceous substance, 
 which is used as food. 
 
 Tamarisk, Common (Tamarix gcdlica), aheath-lenyed shrub 
 of the Tamarisk family (Tamaricacese), common on the southern 
 coasts of this country, and the coasts of the Atlantic and 
 Mediterranean. It or an allied species {T. mannifera) is common 
 in the Peninsula of Sinai. Its stems are punctured by a small 
 insect of the Cynips family, from which a juice exudes, which 
 hardens, and is collected by the Bedouin Arabs and made into 
 cakes, and called ^lanna. It is sweet, and consists of a mucila- 
 Qinous suiiar, and forms a small article of commerce at the 
 present day. It is by some supposed to be the manna of the 
 Israelites, but it does not in all points agree with the descriptions 
 of that substance. {Sec ]\Ianna.) 
 
 2d 
 
402 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TAMARISK 
 
 Tamarisk Salt Tree {Tamarix oriental is), native of North- 
 West India. It is a most remarkable tree, and of rapid growth. 
 Trees six or seven years old measure 5 feet in girth, and fall in 
 twenty years from old age. It contains much salt, with which 
 the tree becomes incrusted, and is used by the natives to season 
 their food. The wood when burned has a very offensive odour. 
 In the Punjab T. articulata attains a height of 60 feet. On 
 the banks of the Jordan and hilly country of Bashan T. Pallasii 
 forms graceful trees, which by some Bible commentators are 
 supposed to be the oak under which Saul and Jonathan were 
 buried. 
 
 Tanekaha, the native ISTew Zealander's name for Fliyllodadus 
 trichoinanoidcs, a tree of the Yew family (Taxaceae). It attains 
 a height of 40 to 50 feet, and a girth or circumference of 
 2 feet. The bark is plain and of a light colour ; it comes off in 
 rings of about 6 inches. The leaves in the young plants are very 
 small and parsley-like, but in the mature plant they entirely 
 disappear, the terminal brandies becoming flat and leaf-like. 
 Its wood is somewhat darker than that of the Kauri, it has a 
 closer grain, smells strongly of turpentine, is less affected by wet 
 than any other yew, and is an exceedingly valuable wood. It 
 is used for all kinds of outside work. 
 
 Tanghin. {Sec Ordeal Tree.) 
 
 Tangle. (See Facus.) 
 
 Tansy {Tanacetum vulgare), a strong-growing perennial of 
 the Composite family (Compositse), having finely-cut leaves, and 
 heads of yellow button-like flowers, native of this country. 
 The whole plant has a strong aromatic scent and a bitter taste, 
 which led it to be considered as possessing highly medicinal 
 properties ; it is prescribed by herb doctors. 
 
 Tapa Cloth. {See Paper ]\Iulberry.) 
 
 Tapioca. {See Cassava.) 
 
 Tar is the concrete resinous sap of Fir and Pine trees 
 (which see). It is obtained by a rough system of distillation, 
 which is effected as follows : — The boles, roots, branches, and 
 waste timber are cut up into billets ; a conical hole is dug in the 
 
TAVOLA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 403 
 
 ground, generally in the side of a bank, in wliicli the billets are 
 placed, and formed into a heap above the surface, the whole 
 being closely and compactly covered with turf or earth ; a fire is 
 then kindled from below, and the slow combustion causes the tar 
 to exude from the wood, and flow from an opening into ban-els 
 placed below to receive it. The greatest quantities used in 
 this country are imported from ports in the Baltic and Arch- 
 angel. Tar by distillation yields the products, wood-vinegar 
 (pyroligneous acid), oil of tar, and creosote, and leaves a resinous 
 residue called Pitch ; the principal quantity of pitch, however, 
 is obtained by boiling tar ; by evaporation the volatile oil passes 
 off, and the residue hardens into pitch. 
 
 The above method of obtaining tar and pitch was de- 
 scribed by Theophrastus 2200 years ago, and at the present 
 time is much modified by the introduction of modern appli- 
 cations. 
 
 Tare, or Vetch ( Vicia sativa), an annual of the Bean family 
 (Leguminosce), extensively cultivated in this country as early 
 fodder for cattle. It must be understood that it is not the 
 tares among the wheat spoken of in the New Testament, for 
 which see Darnel. 
 
 Taro. — Colocasia escuhnta, C. antiquoriim, and C. macrorhiza, 
 herbs of the Arum family (Aroidea3). They have large, heart- 
 shaped leaves, borne on long foot-stalks, which rise from a 
 short, fleshy, farinaceous corm. Numerous varieties are culti- 
 vated throughout all tropical countries. The corms furnish an 
 important article of food to the inhabitants of tropical India, the 
 islands of the Pacific, and also in the West Indies, where they 
 are called eddoes, and scratch-coco. Taro is the general name 
 for them. 
 
 Tarragon [Artemisia Dracunmihis), a strong, erect, perennial 
 of the Composite family (Composita^), native of Siberia, intro- 
 duced more than 300 years ago, and cultivated in our gardens 
 as a culinary herb for flavouring dishes. 
 
 Tartarian Lamb. (Sec Barometz.) 
 
 Tavola. (Sec ]\Iyrobalans.) 
 
404 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TAWHAI 
 
 Tawhai, or New Zealand Beech, a name in Xew Zealand 
 for Fagus fusca, a tree of the Oak family (Cupuliferae), 60 to 90 
 feet high and 5 to 8 feet in diameter. The wood is very tough, 
 hard, and durable, and is much used at Wellington. 
 
 Tea, the Chinese name for the dried leaves of two evergreen 
 shrubs, named by Linnaeus Thea holica and T. viridis, of the 
 Tea Tree family (Ternstroemiacete), both wild and extensively 
 cultivated throughout the Chinese Empire and Japan. A third 
 species, T. assamica, native of Assam, has been added. Modern 
 botanists, however, consider these to be only varieties of one 
 species, especially the first two, now known by the name of 
 T. cJmiensis, or still more recently as that of Camellia Thea. 
 The Assam form is, however, perhaps distinct ; it assumes the 
 character of a tree, and has longer leaves. A beverage made by 
 an infusion of the leaves in water has been in use by the 
 Chinese from time immemoriaL It was first introduced into 
 Europe by the Dutch in 1610. Pepys in his Diary records 
 having drunk a "cup of tea" on 25th September 1660. Six 
 years later its price was 60s. a pound, and was imported from 
 Holland ; it was first imported from China by the East India 
 Compan}" in 1669. In 1725 the price of black tea was 13s. to 
 20s. per pound, and of green 12s. to 30s. Its consumption 
 continued yearly to increase, but it was not till the end of the 
 last or the beginning of the present century that it came into 
 general use as a beverage in this country. In 1800 the quantity 
 imported into England amounted to 23,723,000 lbs., and in 
 1880 to 208,404,333 lbs. Tea was early subject to an import 
 duty, the consequence of which was that during the first half of 
 the present century the average retail price of common black 
 tea was between 6s. and 8s. per pound. This high price led to 
 the manufacture of spurious tea in this country, chiefly from 
 the leaves of the sloe, willow, and other tea -leaved-like plants, 
 which being mixed with re-dried and spent tea leaves, to which 
 was added a little genuine tea to give scent, its sale gave em- 
 ployment to a considerable number of itinerant tea packmen. 
 The duty having been reduced from 2s. 2d. per pound to Is., 
 
TEA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 405 
 
 and ultimately in 1865 to 6cL per pound, put an end to the 
 manufacture of home-made tea. Before the political and trade 
 arrangements with China, Canton was the only port open to 
 trade with foreigners, and all teas were examined before ship- 
 ment by a special officer appointed by the East India Company, 
 called the Tea-taster ; this had the effect of insuring crenuine 
 tea ; but since the opening of other ports and the demand for 
 tea continuing to increase, and the office of tea-taster being 
 abolished, the opportunity of again adulterating tea has presented 
 itself, and is earned on to a great extent at the present time. 
 About thirty years ago tea began to be cultivated in Assam, 
 and being successful has led to the formation of companies for 
 cultivating it in various parts of India suitable to its growth, as 
 also in Ceylon, where it has been eminently successful ; no less 
 than 45,371,704 lbs. Avere exported from India to this country 
 in 1880. Tea having^ become a universal beverai^e in all civil- 
 ised countries has led Japan to compete %vith China, and to 
 furnish the United States with their principal supply, liussia 
 and other nations of Northern Asia receive their tea from China 
 made up into solid, hard lumps called Brick Tea, which is boiled 
 and eaten like a vegetable. It was long supposed that black 
 and green teas were the produce of distinct plants, the former 
 from Tlua hohea, and the latter T. viridis; but it is now known 
 that both kinds are made indiscriminately from the same plant, 
 the difference depending on the age of the leaf when gathered, 
 and the mode of preparing. Originally pure green tea was 
 considered the finest, and fetched the highest price ; the demand 
 led black tea to be artificially coloured, even almost to shiny 
 blue, as was at one time to be seen in grocers* windows, the 
 substances used being indigo, turmeric, prussian blue, and 
 gypsum, specimens of which are to be seen in the ^luseum at 
 Kew, and were obtained by^ Dr. Seeman on visiting a toa 
 manufactory at Canton. The active principle of tea is called 
 Theine ; diff'erent opinions are entertained of its effects on tlie 
 human frame when used as a daily beverage, but it may l")e 
 considered beneficial, as the same principle, theiiic, is found in 
 
406 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES TEA 
 
 coffee, Paraguay tea, and Guarana, the two latter being in as 
 much repute in South America as the true tea is in China, and 
 coffee in Europe and America. Xext to these is an infusion of 
 Catlia edulis called Khat, which is extensively used in Arabia 
 as a stimulating drink, but it contains no theine. An account 
 of these will be found under the words Khat, Guarana, 
 and Paraguay Tea. Besides the above special tea plants, 
 many other plants have been used as substitutes for tea, but 
 their use is very local, and in many cases prescribed by herb- 
 doctors as a cure for different complaints; and as Chinese, 
 Japanese, and Indian teas are now becoming abundant and 
 cheap, all substitutes lose favour. The follow^ing are a few of 
 the principal of the substitutes : — 
 
 1. American, Xorth (Ceanothus americanus), a shrub of the 
 Buckthorn family (Pihamnaceie). The plant is known as the 
 'New Jersey Tea Shrub, and also as Pedwood. 
 
 2. Gaultlieria procumhcns, a low, evergreen, bushy shrub of 
 the Heath family (Ericacccc), a native of Canada, and called 
 Mountain Tea. 
 
 3. Lcdiu }i 2Mhcst7'e,2in erect, hwshy shvnh with small leaves, 
 of the Heath familv, native of Canada and Labrador, called 
 Labrador Tea. 
 
 4. Monarda didyma, a perennial, with pretty scarlet flowers, 
 of the Mint family (Labiatie), native of the Northern United 
 States and Canada, called Osw^ego Tea. 
 
 5. Prinos glaher^ an evergreen, smooth-leaved bushy shrub 
 of the Holly family (Aquifoliacea;), native of Canada, and 
 called Winterberry Tea. 
 
 6. Ilex voviitoria, a shrub, or small evergreen tree of the 
 same family, native of the Southern L'nited States, called 
 South Sea Tea. (See Black Drink.) 
 
 7. Chcnoidodium amhrosioides, a perennial of the Chenopo- 
 diace^e, native of Korth America, but long naturalised in 
 Southern Europe, called Mexican Tea ; in Chili it is called 
 Culen. 
 
 8. Australian (Smilax glycypliylla), an evergreen shrubby 
 
TEAK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 407 
 
 climber of the Sarsaparilla family (Smilacea^), native of Xew 
 South Wales, known as Botany Bay or Sweet Tea. 
 
 9. Le'ptospcrmiim scoparium, a small hard- wooded tree of 
 the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native of New Zealand, wliere 
 it is c;illed the New Zealand Tea Tree. In Australia several 
 species of the Myrtle family, especially of the genera Lcjjto- 
 sperimim and Melaleuca, are known as tea shrubs. 
 
 10. Bourbon [Angrcccum fragrans), a small, narrow-leaved, 
 epiphytal orchid, native of Bourbon, highly fragrant, which 
 fragrance is due to the principle called Coumarin. 
 
 11. Brazilian {Stacliytarplm j'amaicensis), a tall, single- 
 stemmed biennial, with spikes of blue flowers, of the Verbena 
 family (Verbenacese), native of the "West Indies and many 
 parts of tropical America. In Brazil it is held in high rej)ute 
 for its medicinal virtues, and is said to be imported into Austria 
 as Brazilian Tea. 
 
 12. Cape. — The leaves of Cyclopia genistoides, and other 
 allied species, are said to be used at the Cape of Good Hope as 
 tea. One kind is known by the name of Bush Tea. 
 
 13. Malayan {Leptospcrmum [Glaphyria'] nitida), a shrub of 
 the ]\Iyrtle family (Myrtacese), native of the ^Malayan Islands, 
 where it is called the Tree of Long Life, and in Sumatra it is 
 used as a tea, called Bencoolen Tea. 
 
 14. "West Indian (Capraria hiflora), a shrub of the Figwort 
 family (Scrophulariacete), said to be a native of North America, 
 but has become naturalised in the West Indies, and is called 
 West Indian Tea ; it is also known as Goat-weed. 
 
 In political history tea has claim to fame. In 1767 a tax 
 having been imposed on tea imported into the British Colonies 
 of North America, led to war and the ultimate separation from 
 the mother country of the Colonies, now the United States. 
 
 Tea Tree. {Sec Box Thorn.) 
 
 Teak Tree, African {Oldfieldia africana), a large tree of 
 the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native of Sierra Leone, with 
 digitate leaves and a dry, three-valved, capsular IVuit. The 
 wood was introduced in 1819 for shipbuilding purposes, but 
 
408 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAVIES TEAK 
 
 was found too heavy for general use ; it is adapted, however, 
 for steam- vessels, as it stands a great degree of heat. 
 
 Teak Tree, Indian [Tcdona grandis), native of India, ex- 
 tending eastward to Burinah and islands of the Indian Ocean. 
 It is a magnificent timber-tree of the Verbena family (Yqy- 
 benacese) ; the wood is hard and very durable ; a specimen is 
 exhibited in the Kew Museum said to be 2000 years old. It is 
 largely imported into this country, and used for shipbuilding 
 and railway carriages. Its young branches are quadrangular, 
 with opposite ovate or elliptical leaves, about 6 or 8 inches in 
 length, and very rough on the upper surface, which renders 
 them useful for polishing ; they also yield a red dye, which is 
 to be seen by the upper surface of the young leaves becoming 
 of a red colour on being bruised. An oil called Teak-wood Oil 
 is extracted and used for varnishing and polishing wood, etc. 
 The Indian teak-forests are now under Government protection. 
 An allied Indian tree of tlie same family is Gmeliiia arhorea ; 
 it also has hard wood, winch is used in India for similar purposes 
 to teak, but it is a much smaller tree. 
 
 Teak Tree, New Zealand ( Vitex littomlis), a large tree of 
 the Verbena family (Verbenacese), native of ISTew Zealand, 
 attaining a height of 50 or 60 feet, and of large diameter ; it 
 has digitate leaves, and very hard and heavy wood that is used 
 for purposes under water. It is known by the native name 
 Puriri. 
 
 Teazle {Dipsacus Fullonum), a biennial plant of tlie Teazle 
 family (Dipsacese) ; its flower-stems attain a height of 4 to 
 6 feet, having large, opposite, lanceolate, stiff leaves, wdth their 
 broad bases united, forming a reservoir which holds vrater. The 
 flowers are small, growing in compact, cylindrical heads, about 
 4 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. The flowers (florets) 
 are separated by scales, which when the head is ripe become 
 very hard, each furnished with a horn-like point, turned down- 
 wards at a right angle to the apex of the scale. The circum- 
 stance of the outward direction of the horn or bristle, as it mav 
 be called, makes the teazle-head of great importance to the fuller, 
 
TEREBINTH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 409 
 
 as no mechanical contrivance has been discovered to supersede 
 it in bringing up the nap in the dressing of broadcloth ; fur 
 which purpose it is cultivated in Yorkshire and many [»arts 
 of Europe, besides which large quantities are imported from 
 France, Germany, and other parts of the Continent. 
 
 Teele. {See Bulrush.) 
 
 Telegraph Plant {Desmodium gyrans), a slender erect slirub 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosaj), native of India; it attains a 
 height of 2 to 3 feet, having trifoliate leaves, the centre one 
 being of an elliptical form, about 2 inches in length, the two 
 side ones being small, about half an inch in length, which are 
 in almost constant motion, rising and falling alternately, but 
 not in regular time, sometimes resting. They are generally very 
 active early in the morning, and in large plants many may be 
 seen in motion at the same time ; their rise and fall are com- 
 pared to the railway telegraph signals. It is also known as the 
 Moving Plant, and is cultivated in hothouses as a curiosity. 
 
 Teosinte, a French name for Eiiclilccna luxiirians, a strong- 
 growing perennial fodder grass. It is a native of Gua- 
 temala, and was first introduced into France in 1872, and 
 extended to the Colonies. The plants grow to the height of H) 
 feet, a single plant sending up 100 or more stems. It is highly 
 valued for the excellent quality and enormous yield of its foli- 
 age ; its leaves are 3 to 4 feet long and 2 or 3 inches wide. It 
 somewhat resembles maize, but is much stronger ; the head of 
 corn is contained in a sheath. It is too tender for the open air 
 in this country. At Kew, where it flowered in the Water Lily 
 house, it attained the height of 15 feet. 
 
 Terebinth, a Hebrew name of a tree in our Bible trans- 
 lated Turpentine Tree, and by Linnasus called Plstacia Tere- 
 hinthus. It belongs to the fomily Anacardiacea?. It has 
 winded leaves similar to those of the ash, but smaller and of 
 a reddish tinge ; the flowers are small and inconspicuous. It 
 is common in the Greek islands and in Palestine, generally 
 growing solitary, forming small trees. It also extends into 
 Egypt and westward through North Africa ; it is abundant in 
 
410 DICTION AEY OF POPULAR NAMES TERRA 
 
 Algeria, the latter supposed by some to be a distinct species 
 known as T. atlantica. By making incisions in the stem and 
 branches a liquid flows, which is the Chian turpentine of com- 
 merce. It has a pleasant aromatic smell ; and comes chiefly from 
 the Island of Ohio, and only in small quantities. This substance 
 has been brought very prominently into notice during the past 
 two years as a remedy for the cure of cancer. 
 
 Terra Japonica. {Sec Gambir.) 
 
 Thatch Palms, a name given in Jamaica to several species 
 of low-growing fan palms, such as Thrinax parviflora, T. argcn- 
 tea, and in jSTorth America to Sahcd Palmetto and S. Adansomi, 
 and Euteiye montana in Brazil. A wing-leaved species is called 
 Mountain Thatch. As the name implies, they are employed by 
 the nefijroes for thatchino; their huts, and for making; hats and 
 baskets. The unexpanded leaves of the Palmetto or Silver 
 Thatch (^T. arr/entea) were largely imported some years ago for 
 making Cliip Palm Hats. 
 
 Thistle, the common name for different species of Carduus 
 and C/iicus, consisting of biennial and perennial prickly plants 
 of the Composite family (Compositai). About fourteen or fifteen 
 are natives of this country, C. arvensis and C. lanccolatus being 
 pests in cornfields. C. marianus is known as the Blessed Milk 
 or Mary's Thistle, tradition ascribing the white lines or marks on 
 its leaves to a drop of the Virgin Clary's milk falling on it, and 
 becoming permanent in its progeny. It is common in Pales- 
 tine, and has become indigenous in most of the temperate regions 
 both in the northern and southern hemisphere, being a pest to 
 the cultivator ; but in some parts it is used as fodder in dry 
 seasons. A great portion of the once grassy pampas of South 
 America has become overrun with thistles. A flowering head 
 of thistle is the badge of Scotland, but early history assigns no 
 cause, nor does there seem to be any authority for adopting any 
 particular species, all legends, and what has been written about 
 it in modern times, being merely fables. Thistles are ^^dlolesome, 
 and when bruised to destroy the prickles are given to cattle. 
 
 Thitsee, or Theetsee. {See Varnish.) 
 
TICK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 411 
 
 Thorn, a general term for spiny plants, chiefly applied to 
 the different species of Cratmjus, as the Hedge Thorn {C. 
 Oxyacantha), and the Cockspur Thorn {C. Cms (jalli). 
 
 Thorn Apple. {Sec Datura.) 
 
 Thrift, a common name for Statice Armeria or Armcria 
 viUgaris, and minor tufty grass-leaved herbs of llie Lead^^•ort 
 family (Plumbaginacete), common on hanks and rocky places on 
 sea-coasts of this country. They are known in gardens as Greater 
 and Lesser Thrift, also by the names of Sea Gilliflowers and 
 Sea Thrift. They are suitable for forming edges for Avalks and 
 borders, for which they are in some gardens used instead of box. 
 
 Thus, or Frankincense, a resin from Alies excelsa. 
 
 Thyme [Tliymus vidgaris), a small-leaved, compact, evergreen 
 shrub, not exceeding 1 to 2 feet in height, of the ]\Iint family 
 (Labiata3), native of Southern Europe, introduced into this country 
 more than 300 years ago, and a favourite for its aromatic scent : 
 also used as a flavouring agent for culinary purposes. In France 
 an oil is extracted from it, known as Oil of Thyme, but fur which 
 marjoram oil is often substituted. 
 
 Thyme, Oat {Teucrium Marum and T. Folium), small, neat 
 shrubs, also of the family Labiata?, not exceeding a foot in 
 height, with small leaves, natives of the ishands and coasts of 
 the Mediterranean. The first is used medicinally, and excites 
 sneezing. Cats are fond of rolling on it. 
 
 Thymol. (See Ajowan.) 
 
 Ti, a name in ISTew Zealand for Dracama tcrmincdis, a tree of 
 the Lily family (Liliaceas), common in the Sandwich Islands 
 and in the islands of the Pacific generally. It has thick flesliy 
 roots which contain saccharine matter, from which the natives 
 extract sugar. They also bake and eat the roots, and a spirituous 
 liquor is obtained from them by distillation. 
 
 Tibisiri, the Indian name for the Miriti Palm (which see). 
 
 Tick Seed, a name in the United States for Dcsmodium 
 acuminaticm and D. nudiflorum, perennial trifoliate-leaved lierbs 
 of the Bean family (Leguminosoj), common in the Soutliern 
 United States. Used as fodder plants, and to increase the secrc- 
 
412 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TIGER 
 
 tion of milk in cattle. It takes the name Tick Plant from the 
 flat-jointed hispid seed-pods becoming attached to animals and 
 to clothing. Tick Seed is also the name of Corispermum Jiyssopi- 
 folium, an annual of the Chenopod family. 
 
 Tiger Grass {Chamcerops Pdtcliieana), a dwarf fan palm, 
 native of the region between India and Afghanistan, where it is 
 called Maryarri, It is put to all manner of uses by the natives ; 
 fans and mats are made of the leaves, and a strong fibre is 
 obtained from the leaves and stalk by maceration in w^ater. 
 Eopes are made of the inferior fibre, and for sandals the finer 
 kind of fibre is used ; the downy hair of the spathe is used as 
 tinder. The young unexpanded leaves are sweet and astringent, 
 and are considered beneficial in diarrhcea. 
 
 Tiger Wood, a name in British Guiana for the wood of 
 MachcErium Scliomhiorghii, a large tree of the Bean family, pro- 
 ducing the beautifully mottled wood called Itaka, Itiki, or Tiger 
 Wood, used for furniture in that countrv. 
 
 Til. (See Laurel, also Sesamum.) 
 
 Timbee, a Brazilian name for a poisonous honey made by a 
 wasp from the flowers of Serjania letalis, a strong-growing, wing- 
 leaved climber of the Soapberry family (Sapindacea^). Experi- 
 ments have been made with it, and its effect is to produce a sort 
 of drunkenness and delirium, sometimes occasioning death. It 
 is also a fish poison, to which may be added an allied plant, 
 Pcadlinia pinnata, 
 
 Timothy Grass (Phlcum prateTise), a perennial meadow and 
 hay grass, cultivated in this country. 
 
 Tinder, German, a preparation made from Polyporus fomen- 
 tariiis, a large-growing leathery fungus, a foot or more in diameter, 
 growing on trees in this country, but more abundantly in 
 Germany, where it is collected in large quantities, and forms a 
 considerable article of trade. It is cut in slices and beaten out, 
 forming large sheets like thick felt, which is used for warm 
 underclothing, and when mixed with saltpetre forms the sub- 
 stance called Amadou, or German tinder. 
 
 Toadstools, a vulgar name for fleshy fungi represented by 
 
TOBACCO OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 413 
 
 the genus Agaricus and its allies, of Avliich the common ^liish- 
 room may be considered the type (whicli see). 
 
 Tobacco {Nicotiana Tahacum), an annual herb of the Xigl it- 
 shade family (Solanacoa?). The original country of tliis and several 
 other species producing Tobacco is America, where its use was 
 first discovered by Columbus in 1492, by wliom on liis return it 
 was introduced into Spain, and by Sir Walter IJaleigli into 
 England in 1589. Although great objections to its use were 
 raised by kings and popes, it nevertheless spread over Europe 
 and all countries of the East. Tobacco now constitutes a most 
 important article of commerce, being imported into England 
 from various countries under different names and qualities. The 
 great bulk comes from the United States, where it forms one of 
 the chief articles of cultivation (till recently by slaves). The 
 word Tobacco is said to be derived from the original name of 
 the pipe used by the Carib Indians for smoking it. It is a hand- 
 some growing plant, attaining a height of from 4 to 6 feet, 
 having broad oblong or sharp leaves, and pretty pink, tubular, 
 or bell-shaped flowers. It grows freely in this country, but on 
 account of excise restrictions is not cultivated to any extent. 
 The different methods of manufacturimr and usimj Tobacco are 
 too well known to be noticed here. Various kinds of snuff are 
 made from the leaves first being dried and then ground into 
 powder. . 'No plant is of more extensive use, and it is calculated^ 
 that one man out of every four uses it. In 1878, 960 tons of 
 cigars were imported into this country, nearly half of wliicli are 
 imported from Cuba and other West Indian Islands ; the other 
 half from the United States and other countries. The high duty 
 on foreign tobacco has led to various plants being substituted for 
 it, as the leaves of cabbage, rhubarb, dock, and suchlike plants, 
 which are soaked wdth tobacco liquor, and so have imparted to 
 them the flavour of true tobacco ; they are then dried and made 
 into cigars. 
 
 Tobacco, Mountain, a name given to Arnica moiitana, a low- 
 growing perennial herb of the Composite family (Composita^), 
 native of tlie Alps and other parts of Central Europe. Its roots 
 
414 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TOCUSSA 
 
 and leaves are powerfully acrid. It is nevertheless employed as 
 a stimulant in low fevers, and other conditions of debility ; also 
 in paralytic affections. Externally it is much used as a tincture 
 applied to bruises, wounds, and sprains. Its peculiar properties are 
 due to a resinous substance called ArniciriCj and to a volatile oil. 
 
 Tocussa. {See Natchnee.) 
 
 Toddy. {See Palm Wine.) 
 
 Toi Grass, the native Xew Zealander's name for Arunclo 
 conspicim, a tufted caespitose grass, producing a culm from 3 to 4 
 feet high, bearing a feathery plume similar to that of the pampas 
 grass ; but it is not so hardy, as in this country it requires the 
 protection of a greenhouse. 
 
 Toko -Pat {Livistona Jenkinsiana), a fan -leaved palm of 
 moderate height, native of ISTepal. The leaves are used for 
 making the peculiar umbrella hats worn by the natives, also for 
 thatching, etc. 
 
 Tomato, or Love Apple (Lycopersicum csculcntum), an annual 
 of the Mghtshade family (Solanaceai), a weak, trailing plant, 
 with a soft stem, winged leaves, and yellow flowers. It is a 
 native of South America, and is cultivated in most warm coun- 
 tries for the sake of its fruit. It succeeds best in this country 
 when trained against walls. There are several varieties, bearing- 
 large red or sometimes yellow fruit, which are used for culinary 
 .purposes, the well-known sauce call Tomato Sauce being made 
 from them. Tomatoes are extensively grown in Arlington and 
 Belmont, United States, and preserved in tins for trade. 
 
 Tonga. — Under this name there have been of late received in 
 this country from the Fiji Islands small packets of leaves, bark, 
 and woody fibres, so broken up as to be most difficult of botanical 
 determination. Some of the fragments, however, show traces of 
 the roots or stems of an Aroideous plant, and they have since 
 been determined as belonging to the genus Epipremnum, and 
 possibly to E. vitiensis, the remaining bark and leaf fragments 
 being yielded, it is said, by Premna taitensis, a verbenaceous plant 
 which probably has no active principles whatever. The drug 
 seems to have an extraordinary effect in cases of neuralgia. 
 
TORCH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 415 
 
 Tonquin Bean (I)i;pteryx odorata), a liard-Avooded tree of 
 the Bean family (Leginninosic), attaining a lieiglit of GO to 80 
 feet, native of Guiana and Cayenne, Laving sini})le -winged 
 leaves, and fruit-pods of an oval form, like an almond, eacli con- 
 taining one seed about an inch in length, whicli is fragrant, and 
 is used for scenting snuft' and in perfumery — the fragrance being 
 due to the presence of the principle known as Coumarin. 
 
 Tontel (Tontelea j;?/r^/b?'??i?s, or by some called Salacia 
 pyriformis), a shrub of the family Hippocratcce, native of Sierra 
 Leone. Its fruit is about the size and shape of a bergamot pear ; 
 its flavour is very rich and sweet. In Brazil Salacia dulcis pro- 
 duces a fruit the size of a crab apple ; it is yellowish in colour, 
 sweet and juicy, and according to Dr. Spruce is much eaten by 
 the Indians on the Pdo Negro, where it is called Waiateima. 
 
 Toona. {See Cedar, Indian.) 
 
 Toothache Tree. — As might be expected, various plants have 
 obtained a reputation for the cure of toothache. The common 
 Toothache Tree is Zanthoojylum fraxineum, a native of North 
 America, a small tree of the family Zanthoxylacea;, introduced 
 into this country, and like most North American trees, is 
 hardy. 
 
 Torch Thistles, a name early given to the erect columnar 
 species of the genus Cactus, and forming part of the section 
 Cereus of the family Cactacea?. Their stems are plain, cylindrical, 
 or ribbed and fluted, or of 4 to 5 or 6 sided, of whicli C. tctra- 
 go7ius, C. pentayonus, and C. hexagomcs s.ve examples. They attain 
 a heifrht of 20 to 30 feet, and with a^i^e lose their succulent 
 character, becoming hard and woody, and are used for house- 
 building and other purposes. These and other allied species arc 
 found in more or less abundance from Chili in the south to 
 Mexico in the north. The fruit of many of them is like the 
 Indian fig, sweet and luscious. In C. Pitaya, native of Western 
 Mexico, the fruit is red, and when eaten in quantity they colour 
 the secretions of the body. C. senilis and C. yigantciis are wortliy 
 of special notice ; the first is a native of Mexico, in the district 
 of Eeal-del- Monte, where it grows in a hot valley called Terra 
 
416 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TORTOISE 
 
 Calieutes. It lias a cylindrical stem, consisting of many ridges, 
 and grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet, with a diameter of 9 
 to 10 inches. In 1846 about 100 plants were received at Kew, 
 varying in size from 1 to 3 feet ; while three specimens were from 
 8 to 12 feet high. In the greater number of them the roots were 
 on one side at a right angle with the stem, clearly showing that 
 they w^ere grown in crevices of rocks. The whole is of a grey 
 colour, the top part being furnished with long white hairs and 
 spines, which hoary aspect has led to its being called the Old 
 Man Cactus. The stem of this plant contains a large quantity 
 of oxalate of lime in small sand-like grains, which renders the 
 plant very heavy and brittle. C. giganteics is a still more remark- 
 able plant. It is a native of the hot, arid, and almost desert regions 
 of New Mexico, extending from 30° north to William's Eiver 35° 
 north, growing in rocky valleys and on mountain sides, often 
 springing out from crevices in the hard rocks, and imparting a 
 singular aspect to the scenery of the country. The stems are 
 cylindrical, and according to age 50 to 60 feet in height, with a 
 diameter of about 2 feet at middle height ; they are generally 
 simple, but some are branched ; the branches turning upwards, in 
 the distance give to the plant the appearance of a chandelier, or, 
 as some say, a toasting-fork. The fruit is oblong, 2 to 3 inches 
 in length, green, full of black seeds embedded in a crimson 
 pulp, Avhich the Indians use as an article of food. They gather 
 the fruit by means of a forked stick tied to a long pole. The 
 Indians call it Sas^uara. 
 
 Tortoise Plant, also called Elephant's Foot (TestucUnaria 
 dephantijjes), a remarkable plant of the Yam family (Diosco- 
 reacccc), native of South Africa. It consists of a large woody, 
 above-ground, corm-like stem, generally of a conical form, 
 having a diameter of from 3 to 4 feet, and as much in height, of 
 a fleshy fibrous substance, covered with a hard tesselated coat 
 composed of numerous angular protuberances, and producing 
 from its apex slender twining herbaceous stems. The leaves 
 are small and cordate ; the flowers small and yellow. It was 
 originally used by the Hottentots as food, and was called Hot- 
 
TRAVELLER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 417 
 
 teutot Bread. .The popular name Elephant's Foot is given to it 
 from the resemblance which small plants bear to the rough 
 foot of that animal. Large plants of it are frequently imported 
 into this country. 
 
 Totara, a name in New Zealand for Podocarpus Totara, a tree 
 of the Yew tree family (Taxace^). It attains a height of 
 from 60 to 120 feet. The wood is somewhat like cedar, fine- 
 grained and very durable, and is used for carpenter's work of all 
 kinds ; the largest canoes of the natives are made of it. 
 
 Touch-me-not {Imioatiens Noli-me-tangere), an annual of the 
 Balsam family (Balsaminaceae), native of this country, attaining 
 a height of 2 to 3 feet. Its seed-vessel, which is 2 inches in 
 length, bursts open with force, expelling the seed with a slight 
 noise. 
 
 Tous-les-mois. {See Arrowroot.) 
 
 Tow, a name in Tahiti for Cordia sicbcordata, a tree of the 
 Sebesten family (Cordiace?e), attaining a height of 50 to 60 
 feet. It is similar in appearance to C. Schestena of the East and 
 West Indies ; but its orange-coloured flowers are neither so 
 brilliant nor so numerous. The wood is of a dark-red colour, 
 and is used for frames of huts ; its leaves yield a red dye, used 
 by the natives for colouring their tapa cloth ; its bark is tough, 
 and used for making^ nets. 
 
 Towai, a name in New Zealand for Fagus Menziesii, a 
 tree of the Oak family (Cupuliferse), 80 to 100 feet high, and 2 
 to 3 feet in diameter. The wood is durable, and adapted for 
 masts, oars, etc., and for cabinet-work. 
 
 Tragacanth. {See Gum.) 
 
 Traveller's Joy. {See Virgin's Bower.) 
 
 Traveller's Tree {Urania speciosa), a palm-like tree of the 
 Musa family. This noble plant, a native of Madagascar, is also 
 known as Bavencda madagccscarieiisis. It has a cylindrical stem, 
 about 1 foot in diameter and 30 or more feet in height. It has 
 large leaves like the 3Iicsa Etiscte, but set in two rows (dis- 
 tichous), and they have their foot -stalks dilated at the base 
 firmly imbricate over one another. The flower-spike is short 
 
 2 E 
 
418 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TREBIZOND 
 
 and produced from the centre as in Musa. The fruit consists 
 of a dry three-valved capsule, and the seeds are the size of 
 large peas, and are surrounded by a woolly coat of a beautiful 
 blue colour (ariilus). The stems harden, and are used in Mada- 
 gascar for house-building, making durable floors for warehouses, 
 etc.; for this purpose they are split in halves, and the convex 
 side is placed uppermost ; this soon flattens down and becomes 
 extremely hard. 
 
 The broad leaves of this plant are well adapted for collecting 
 rain-water, which trickles down the leaf-stalk, and collects in 
 considerable quantities within its sheathing base. If the bases 
 of the leaf-stalks are pierced with a knife the water gushes out 
 like a jet, and on this account it has received the appellation of 
 Traveller's Tree. 
 
 Trebizond Date. {See Oleaster.) 
 
 Tree Hair. — Usnea harhata and Cornicularia juhaia, fila- 
 mentous lichens growing in tufts on trees, and hanging down 
 from the branches, like bunches of thread or grey hair. They 
 are ccmmon in this country, especially in damp woods, often 
 quite covering the trees, while in Lapland they are so abundant 
 as to give the fir forests quite a thick gloomy appearance. 
 
 Trefoil, a name for Clover (which see). 
 
 Tripe-de-Roche, or Rock Tripe, a name given by Arctic 
 navigators to Umhilicaria and Gyrophora, genera of the Lichen 
 family, growing on rocks ; they are of a circular form, and 
 attached by the centre. In consequence of their mucilaginous 
 character, of the nature of Iceland moss, they have been of great 
 utility as food to Polar navigators. 
 
 TrufiGie {Tuber cibarmm), a fleshy fungus of the ^lushroom 
 alliance. It is common throughout temperate Europe, and in 
 this country it is chiefly found in Kent, Wiltshire, and Hamp- 
 shire. It is of a spherical shape, seldom exceeding the size of a 
 walnut, and when old is of a black colour veined with white ; 
 it grows just below the surface of the ground in calcareous soils, 
 generally under trees ; it emits a fleshy smell, which leads to its 
 place of growth being found by dogs scenting it ; it is now more 
 
TRUMPET OF ECONOMIC TLANTS. 419 
 
 generally discovered by observing a species of fly liovering over 
 the spot, to which they are attracted by the flesh-like scent of 
 the fungus. Truffles are used in cookery, forming a much- 
 esteemed expensive dish. In France tliey are cultivated. 
 
 Trumpet Flower, a general name for the species of Bijiionia, 
 the type of the Trumpet Flower family (Bignoniaccic), which 
 consists of numerous species widely distributed in both tropical 
 and temperate regions. Those possessing special properties are 
 noticed under their respective local names. 
 
 Trumpet Lily, Eichardia ccthiojnca, better known as 
 Calla wthiopica, a perennial of the Arum family (AroideaB), 
 native of Eastern Africa, and found growing in wet places from 
 Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope. It is recorded as having 
 been introduced into this country 130 years ago. It grows freely 
 in the greenhouse, and its pretty white flowers (spathes) have 
 made it a favourite ornamental plant for rooms, etc. 
 
 Trumpet, Sea (Ecklonia huccinalis), a strong -growing sea- 
 weed of the Laminaria section of Algse. It is a native of many 
 parts of tlie South Seas, and common at the Cape of Good 
 Hope. The stem varies in length according to the depth of 
 water, 10 to 20 or more feet, narrow below, gradually widening 
 upwards, terminated by a crown of broad, floating, fan-shaped 
 leaves, 10 to 12 feet long ; its stem is hollow, and forms an 
 excellent syphon ; it is also cut into lengths, and formed 
 into a kind of trumpet. Deprived of its alkaline properties by 
 a chemical process, it becomes tough and plastic like morocco 
 leather, and has then been used for binding books. l>y other 
 processes it becomes hardened, so that it can be applied for 
 walking-sticks, whips, and knife handles, also as a substitute 
 for stag-horn. 
 
 Laminaria digitata is used for the same purposes. 
 
 Trumpet Tree, a name in the West Indies and tropical 
 America for Ceci^ojna peltata, a tree of the Ih'oad-fruit family 
 (Artocarpacea?), a rapid -growing tree, attaining a height of 
 40 feet, terminated by branches which stand out at nearly 
 ri<>ht anoles with the stem. Its leaves are large, about a foot 
 
420 DICTIONARY OF POPULAE NAMES TUBEROSE 
 
 in diameter, attached near tHe centre to a long foot-stalk, the 
 margin being deeply lobed, the under side white ; after falling 
 their regular position on the stem is marked by permanent 
 scars. The wood is soft, and the young branches are hollow, so 
 that musical instruments are made from them. This tree is a 
 great resort of ants. 
 
 Tuberose {PoUanthes hiherosa), one of the Lily family 
 (Liliacese). This is said to be a native of the East Indies, 
 but has been long introduced into the South of Europe, and is at 
 present extensively cultivated in Italy for its bulbs, which form 
 an article of trade, and are exported to this and other countries. 
 It derives its generic name from 2^olis, a city, and antlios, a 
 flower, literally flower of the city. It must not be con- 
 founded wdth Polyanthus of the Primrose family, or with 
 Narcissus polyanthus. 
 
 Tucuma, the Indian name of Astrocaryum Tucuma, a 
 wing-leaved palm, attaining a considerable height, native of 
 the upper regions of the Amazon. The fruit consists of a 
 hard nut covered with a thin coating of pulp, eaten by the 
 natives. 
 
 Tulip (Tulijya Gesneriana), a bulbous plant of the Lily 
 family (Liliaceoe). The Tulip is said to be a native of the 
 Levant, the specific name being given in honour of a botanist 
 named Gesner, who was the first to describe and figure it, in 
 1559. It appears to have been cultivated in this country about 
 1577. The original, or wild plants, have yellow flowers, but 
 cultivation has produced hundreds of beautiful varieties, vary- 
 ing greatly both in colour and size. Formerly some of these 
 varieties were so famous that high prices were paid for the 
 bulbs, which in Holland became a speculative mania. In 1639, 
 120 tulips sold for 90,000 florins, and 1 sold for 4203 guilders, 
 bulbs representing scrip to a large amount, and even scrip 
 circulated on ideal bulbs. This ruinous traffic was ultimately 
 stopped by the State. For many years tulips have been favourite 
 objects of cultivation and competition amongst florists in this 
 country. 
 
TURMERIC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 421 
 
 Tulip Tree {Ziriodendron tidijnfera), a tree of the ^Magnolia 
 family (Magnoliaceic), native of North America. A noble tree, 
 attaining, even in this country, a height of 70 to 80 feet ; this, 
 however, is exceeded by one at Longleat, in Wiltshire, wliicli 
 is stated to be 100 feet high, and 10 feet in circumference at 
 feet from the ground. Its leaves are three-loljed ; it has 
 numerous erect flowers of a pale-yellow colour, similar in form 
 to a tulip. The wood is hard and durable, takes a good polisli, 
 and is used for many purposes. 
 
 Tulip-wood of Brazil {Physocalymma florihunda), a small 
 deciduous tree of the Henna family (LythracCcT), native of 
 Brazil ; it has opposite, oval, rough leaves, and large terminal 
 opposite-branched panicles of purplish flowers. Its wood is 
 Leautifully striped and rose-coloured, and is highly esteemed by 
 cabinetmakers for inlaying costly furniture. 
 
 Tulip-wood, Queensland {Harimllia pendida), a lofty tree of 
 the Soapberry family (Sapindaceic), native of Queensland, its stem 
 varying from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. Its wood is light 
 coloured, interspersed with darker mahogany-coloured patches 
 capable of taking a high polish. 
 
 Tumboa, the native name of Welwitschia (which see). 
 
 Tupelo Tree {Nyssa villosa), a tree of the Cornel family 
 (Cornaceoe), native of North America ; it has simple, entire, 
 small leaves, and attains a height of 40 to 70 feet. In 
 autumn it is very conspicuous by its leaves turning red. It 
 has a hard wood, and is difficult to split on account of its hbre 
 being twisted. It is used for naves of carriage-wheels. X. 
 caintata, N, hiflora, and N. denticulcda, natives of North America, 
 are also known as Tupelo trees. 
 
 Turk's-cap Cactus. (Sec Melon Thistle.) 
 
 Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a perennial herb of the Ginger 
 family (Zingiberace?e), with elliptical leaves rising from a 
 fascicle of tuber-like roots, which differ in form, some being 
 round, others long and narrow. It is in general cultivation 
 throughout the whole of the Eastern tropics, the Polynesian, 
 and most of the Pacific Islands. The tubers yield the yellow 
 
422 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TURNIP 
 
 dye Turmeric, which is used in cookery for colouring curries, 
 confections, etc. It is greatly used by the natives of the 
 Pacific Islands for painting their bodies, which they often do, in 
 various colours, imitating the dress of Europeans. Other species 
 of Curcuma yield a kind of Turmeric similar to the above. 
 
 Turnip {Brassica Eapa, considered by some botanists a 
 sub-species of B. caw^pestris), a biennial of the Cabbage family 
 (Cruciferse), native of this country and other parts of Europe ; 
 there are several varieties, such as the White and Yellow Garden, 
 and the White Eield Turnip. The Swede Turnip, cultivated for 
 feeding cattle, is referred to B. campestris proper. The Turnip, 
 during its growth in summer, is subject to be attacked by the 
 mildew fungus, Feronospora parasitica, or sometimes Oidium 
 halsamiiy allied to the vine, peach, and potato mildews. Whole 
 fields of Turnips become white in a night, with one or other of 
 these, especially the first, which, with the Turnip Fly, cause 
 great havoc to the crops. 
 
 Turnsole {Croton \Clirozopliorci\ tinctoria), an annual of the 
 Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), 6 to 12 inches in height, native 
 of the South of Europe. In France and other parts it is culti- 
 vated for the sake of a dye called Turnsole, which is obtained 
 by bruising the whole plant. 
 
 Turpentine Trees and Turpentine, a resinous generally 
 fragrant liquid exudation that issues either naturally or by in- 
 cisons made in stems or branches of certain trees, the greater 
 number belonging to the Conifera; family. 
 
 Turpentine, American. — The greatest quantity and best 
 quality is the produce of Piims australis, generally called 
 P. palustris, a tree widely diffused over the Southern United 
 States, occupying extensive tracts, and making its appear- 
 ance in all waste places, and quickly occupying worn-out 
 cotton-fields. In Eussia and Finland turpentine is yielded by 
 F. sylvestris, the Scotch Fir; in Corsica and Austria by F. 
 Laricio ; and in South-Western France by F. Finasier. The 
 resinous sap is obtained in the usual way ; by a process of 
 refining, it becomes Common Turpentine. It, however, is much 
 
TUSSOCK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 423 
 
 inferior to the American ; the residual or thickened part is 
 distilled, and the oil separates and forms the well-known Oil of 
 Turpentine ; the matter that remains at the bottom of the still 
 is the common yellow rosin. 
 
 Turpentine, Australian.— An aromatic oil so called is ob- 
 tained from Tristania conferta and Syncarjjia laurifolia (T. 
 albens), spreading -branched laurel- leaved trees of the Myrtle 
 family (Myrtacese), natives of New South Wales and Queensland. 
 
 Turpentine, Canada. — The resinous substance well known 
 as Canada Balsam is the produce of Abies halsamifcra, a 
 tall tree, native of North America, extending from Canada to 
 California. The balsamic fluid collects in bladder-like blisters 
 formed in the bark, and is collected in the same manner as the 
 preceding. It is used chiefly for mounting microscopic objects, 
 also for varnishinG^. 
 
 Turpentine, Chian or Scio. {Sec Terebinth.) 
 
 Turpentine, Strasburg, obtained from Ahies (Ficea) ijec- 
 tinata, the Silver Fir. A tall tree common in the Alps and 
 Central and Eastern Europe. The turpentine of this tree is 
 found in bladder -like blisters in the bark, they are most 
 abundant on the higher parts of the tree, and are reached by 
 expert climbers, who carry with them vessels for holding the 
 liquid, which freely flows when the bladders are punctured ; it 
 is purified by straining. It is called Strasburg Turpentine from 
 a large forest of silver firs growing near the city. {See also Fir 
 Trees.) 
 
 Turpentine, Venetian or Venice, is the resinous sap that 
 flows from Larix europcea, the Common Larch (which see). 
 
 Turpentine Plant. {See Compass Plant.) 
 
 Tussock Grass {Dactylis ccvspitosa), a strong-tufted perennial 
 grass, native of the Falkland Islands, where it lines the shores 
 for one or two miles inland ; it is a sweet grass, and cattle are 
 very fond of it, and devour the tufts even to the root, and on 
 that account care has to be taken to prevent its entire extinc- 
 tion. In 1842 a living plant was brought to Kew by Dr. 
 J. D. Hooker, and afterwards seeds were obtained, which were 
 
424 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES TUTU 
 
 freely distributed, and hopes were entertained that it would be- 
 come freely established in this country ; but it was found that 
 the climate was too hot and dry for it. It has, however, suc- 
 ceeded in the West of Scotland, especially on the coast of the 
 Island of Lewis, where it has become established. 
 
 Tutu. (^See Coriaria.) 
 
 Ugni, a name given in Chili to a species of Fugenia, called 
 K Ugni. It is a small, neat-leaved, bushy shrub, belonging to 
 the Myrtle family (Myrtacese) ; it is nearly hardy, and if kept in 
 a greenhouse it bears abundance of black berry -like fruits about 
 the size of cherries, said to be highly esteemed in Chili ; but our 
 experience of it here is such as not to render it worthy of culti- 
 vation other than as a curiosity. 
 
 Umbra Tree (Phi/tolacca dioica), a tree of the Bloodberry 
 family (Phytolaccacea?), native of South America, noAv naturalised 
 in many warm countries, even in the South of Europe, where it 
 becomes a large tree of from 20 to 30 feet higli. It has a thick, 
 gouty, soft-wooded stem, often with large buttresses ; the 
 branches are furnished with large, dark, broad, elliptical leaves, 
 the whole aspect of the tree being sombre and dull. In the 
 hothouses of this country it soon attains a great height and 
 thickness. The juice of its berries is said to be used for colon r- 
 ini:^ wine. 
 
 Umbrella Tree. {See Magnolia.) 
 
 Upas Tree (Antiaris toxicarico), a tall tree of the Bread-fiTiit 
 family (Artocarpaceae). It has long narrow leaves, and grows 
 in valleys in Java, rendered unwholesome by an escape of 
 carbonic acid gas from crevices in the ground, which is fatal 
 to animal life coming within its influence. The juice of the 
 tree is highly poisonous. " Criminals condemned to die have 
 the chance of life if they Avill go up the Upas tree and col- 
 lect the poison, but not more than two out of every twenty 
 returned." This account of the tree was first published by a 
 Dutch surgeon, and became popular about the end of the 
 last century. It is now known to be very much exaggerated. 
 The tree, however, is not harmless, evil effects being felt by 
 
VANILLA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 425 
 
 handling the leaves or branches, and the juice, mixed with other 
 ingredients, forms a deadly arrow poison. 
 
 Urari, an Indian name for a poison made from the bark of 
 Strijchnos toxifera, a straggling-branched small tree of tlie Nux 
 Vomica family (Loganiaceaj), native of British Guiana and the 
 upper regions of the Orinoco and Amazon. It has sessile, ovate, 
 elliptical leaves, with well-marked longitudinal veins. The 
 famous poison of the natives {see Blowpipe), called Ourari, 
 Wourali, and Curarie, is obtained from the bark, which is 
 stripped off and macerated in water. After lying some time 
 the water is evaporated, when a black sediment resembling tar 
 is left. This substance is harmless when eaten, but is fatal 
 when it comes in contact with the blood through wounds. The 
 flesh of animals poisoned by it is, nevertheless, perfectly whole- 
 some. The mode of preparation of Urari poison is kept as a 
 secret by the Indians. Dr. Schomburgk found that it consists 
 of eight ingredients, five of which are known to botanists ; three 
 of these are said to be species of Strychnos, and it is expected 
 that the others belong to the same genus. Other plants are 
 mentioned by different writers as being connected with tlie 
 preparation of this poison. This may be so, or may be simply 
 a statement to throw more mystery over the manufacture. 
 
 Vacoua. {See Screw Pine.) 
 
 Valerian. — Valeriana officinalis and V. dioica, perennial 
 herbs of the Valerian family (Valerianacea?), natives of Britain, 
 in moist places. They are extensively collected for tlieir 
 medicinal properties, which are of an antispasmodic character ; 
 the plants possess a strong, disagreeable smell, but cats and rats 
 are very fond of them. Its leaves are very efficacious in the 
 cure of wounds, hence it is sometimes called All-heal. An 
 allied species, V. capensis, is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, 
 and possesses similar properties, but is not so powerful. 
 
 Valonia. {See Oak.) 
 
 Vanilla {Vanilla planifolia)^ an epiphytal phint of the 
 Orchid family (Orchidaceoe), growing somewliat like ivy, with 
 thick laurel-like leaves, native of the "West Indies and tropi- 
 
426 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES VARNISH 
 
 cal America. It has insignificant greenisli flowers, and produces 
 a pod-like fruit, 5 to 10 inches long, and 1 inch in circumfer- 
 ence, which is well known for its grateful aromatic qualities, 
 and is used in confectionery, perfumery, and medicine. In com- 
 merce it is, in proportion to bulk, the highest-priced vegetable 
 production imported. The greatest importation to this country 
 is from the eastern parts of Mexico. It is now cultivated in 
 Guiana and other parts of tropical America, as also in Ceylon, 
 India, and other parts of the East. Vanilline, the active 
 principle of Vanilla, is now closely imitated, and manufactured 
 from pine-wood and clove oil. 
 
 Varnish, Black (J^Ielanorrhma usitadssima), a large tree of 
 the Cashew iN'ut family (Anacardiacece), native of the forests 
 of Pegu, Tenasserim, and Sylhet, said to attain a height of 80 
 to 100 feet, having a large spreading head, and broad, simple, 
 thick, firm leaves. Its wood is black, hard, and heavy, so much 
 so that boat anchors are made of it. It is known by the name 
 of Pegu Lignum Vit?e and Thitsee. Its most important product 
 is the sap which flows from the trunk on being wounded, of 
 which large quantities are collected. It is first white, and 
 becomes black on exposure to the air. It is largely used as a 
 varnish for all kinds of household furniture and ornamental 
 work. It possesses the acrid property of most plants of the 
 family, in causing swellings on the skin if incautiously handled. 
 
 Varnish, Japan, the sap of EJms vernicifera, a slender- 
 branched tree with winged leaves, attaining a height of 20 
 feet, belonging to the Cashew Nut family (Anacardiacese). It is 
 common throughout Japan, and is cultivated for its sap, which 
 flows from its stem and branches on beinir wounded. It is first 
 cream-coloured, but on exposure to the air soon turns black, 
 and is the varnish which the Japanese use for lacquering or 
 varnishing their furniture or ornamental articles ; the antique 
 ware is now scarce and highly prized by connoisseurs. 
 
 Varnish, New Grenada {Elcmgia utilis), a lofty tree of the 
 Cinchona family (Cinchonacese), native of the Andes of Xew 
 Grenada. It is remarkable for secreting a quantity of green, 
 
VENUS OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 427 
 
 waxy, or varnish-like substance between the stipules. It is 
 collected by the Indians, and employed to varnish boxes and 
 other useful and ornamental articles. After undergoing a pro- 
 cess of purifying, various colouring matters are applied to it, 
 which impart a variety of colours to the articles vai-nished witli 
 it. Several other plants yield varnish, which will be found 
 noticed under their respective names. 
 
 Vegetable Ivory. (Sec Ivory-nut Palm.) 
 
 Vegetable Marrow {CucurUta ovifcra), an annual trailing 
 plant of the Gourd family (Cucurbitacea?). It is supposed to be 
 a variety of the common Gourd {CvAiurhita mao:ima), and is 
 extensively cultivated in the summer months in this country as 
 a culinary vegetable. The average size of the fruit is 6 or 9 
 inches in length, but specimens have been known to reach 2 
 feet. 
 
 Vegetable Sulphur. {Sec Club Moss.) 
 
 Venus Fly-Trap {Dlonxa muscipula), a remarkable perennial 
 plant of the Sundew family (Droseracea}), with leaves rising 
 from a centre in the form of a rosette about 3 inches in 
 diameter, each leaf consisting of two parts, the lower part 
 being linear, and terminated by two distinct lobes, about the 
 size of the thumb-nail. The margin of each lobe is frinired 
 with cilia, and the disc is furnished with from three to five 
 hairs. On these being touched by an insect, the lobes im- 
 mediately collapse like a common rat-trap, and remain closed 
 until the insect ceases to move. This action can also be 
 witnessed by touching the hairs with a fine point. It is a very 
 rare plant, being found in a very small area near "Wilmington, 
 in -Smitk Carolina, United States. Of late much has been said 
 of this and other insect-catching plants, and it is proved by 
 experiments that the insects are absorbed by the tissues of the 
 plant, it is presumed for the purpose of promoting its growth, 
 and that when artificially fed with pieces of fiesh, the increased 
 growth of the plant becomes evident. Be this as it may, it is 
 quite certain that they thrive as well without such food. 
 
 Several other plants are provided with special organisms 
 
428 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES VERATRINE 
 
 evidently for tlie purpose of entrapping flies and other insects, 
 of which the Pitcher Plant, Side-saddle Flower, Darlingtonia, 
 and Sundews, are well-known examples. In these plants 
 it has been proved that the decomposed matter of the insects 
 enters the tissues of the plants for the supposed purpose 
 of nutrition. In Swallowworts, Birthworts, Orchids, and 
 others, the insects are entrapped for the purpose of assisting the 
 fertilisation. Many plants having viscid leaves are also fly- 
 catchers, and are often thickly covered with flies ; but for what 
 purpose is not very evident (see Pitcher Plants, etc.) 
 
 Veratrine. {See Sabadilla.) 
 
 Vermicelli. {See Wheat and Macaroni.) 
 
 Vervain (Verbena officinalis), a weedy plant of the Verbena 
 family (VerbenacCce), native of this country, growing abundantly 
 by roadsides and in waste places. In the time of the Druids 
 it was held in high repute, and was worn as a charm against 
 evil, and for good luck ; but the advance of knowledge makes 
 the history of Vervain, like many other things, only curious as 
 legends. Verbenas have become favourite plants for ornamental 
 flower-beds, a great number of varieties having come into notice 
 of late years, which first originated from the scarlet-flowered 
 species, V. Melindres, a native of South Brazil. The Lemon- 
 scented Verbena, known either as V. trijjhylla or Aloysia citrio- 
 dora, is a stiff- branching shrub, with whorls of three leaves, 
 native of Chili, and was introduced into this country about the 
 end of the last century. It is hardy in many parts, and on 
 account of its fragrance is often to be seen growing against 
 cottages. 
 
 Vetch. {See Tare.) 
 
 Victoria Lily {Victoria regia), a plant of the Water-lily 
 family (Nympha^aceee). This remarkable plant was first dis- 
 covered by a German botanist in 1801, and afterwards seen by 
 several others in different parts of tropical America. It was 
 not, however, brought into special notice till found by Sir E. 
 Schomburgk in British Guiana in 1837, and introduced into 
 the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, 1847. On account of its remarkable 
 
VINE OF ECONOMIC TLAXTS. 429 
 
 appearance it has yearly excited public curiosity. In its native 
 country it is a perennial, having a long under- water rhizome, 
 like the yellow water-lily. In this country it seldom lives 
 through the winter, but is readily grown from seeds each year. 
 The plant consists of a crown producing leaves and flowers. 
 The leaves when full grown measure 6 or 7 feet in diameter, 
 and are perfectly circular, with the margin turned up about two 
 inches, resembling a large tray. The under side is full of raised 
 ribs, and very prickly. They are attached by their centre to a 
 stalk which when full grown is often not less than 10 feet in 
 length, and about the thickness of the finger. The leaves are 
 produced in succession round the crown from left to right, each, 
 when the plant is perfect, producing a flower-bud in its axis, 
 which gradually rises on a stalk to the surface, opening in the 
 afternoon. The flower consists of numerous petals of a pure 
 white, and when fully expanded is from 10 inches to 1 foot in 
 diameter ; it then emits a powerful and pleasant odour. During 
 the morning of the next day it partially closes, expanding again 
 in the afternoon, the colour then being pink, and on the third 
 day it finally closes and withers. 
 Vinatico Wood. {See Laurel.) 
 
 Vine ( Vitis vinifera), a tendril climbing shrub, having long, 
 slender branches, of the Grape Vine family (AmpelidccT), sup- 
 posed to have been originally a native of the region of the 
 Caspian, and early cultivated in Western Asia, through which it 
 has spread, and is now^ cultivated in the temperate zones of both 
 hemispheres. The fruit is a berry, growing in bunches, and 
 called Grapes. The chief manufactured products of the grape 
 are wine and brandy, the former obtained from the juice by 
 fermentation, the latter by distillation. The Vine was early 
 cultivated in Egypt and Southern Europe, and is supposed to 
 have been introduced into England by the Komans. It appears 
 to have been extensively cultivated by the monks for wine- 
 making ; but on account of the seasons not being favourable, 
 has long ceased to be grown for that purpose. The great wine 
 and brandy producing districts are the countries of the RhLne, 
 
430 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES VINE 
 
 France, Portugal, and Spain, from whence the chief supplies 
 come to thi^ country. Wine is now also made in South 
 Africa, the Australian Colonies, and in California. The different 
 qualities are due to the differences of soil, climate, the various 
 kinds of grape, and mode of manufacture. It is extensively 
 grown in hothouses in this country ; many fine varieties have 
 been obtained by cultivation, and bunches have lately been 
 produced in Scotland weighing 25 or 26 lbs. each. The 
 weight of these bunches seems to explain the passage in the 
 Bible, of the spies carrying the bunch of grapes on a 
 staff between two. In 1846-47 grapes in the hothouses in 
 this country, and ultimately throughout the wine countries of 
 Europe, were attacked by a mildew fungus, Oidiiim tuckeri, 
 which in some cases completely destroyed the crops. This in a 
 few years disappeared ; but a more formidable enemy has taken 
 its place, in the form of a small insect, Phylloxera vastatri/:, 
 which breeds and lives on the roots of the vine to such an 
 extent that in a comparatively short time it completely destroys 
 the plant. No remedy has yet been found for it. The destruc- 
 tion of this pest is of so important a character that in 1874 the 
 French Government offered a large reward for the discovery 
 of a means of destroying it, and preventing its spread. During 
 1880 another Vine mildew has made its appearance in France. 
 It attacks the leaves of the Vine about the time of the vintage ; 
 they become brown and shrivelled, as if scorched by the sun 
 or bitten by the frost, and this is found to be caused by a 
 mildew-mould. AVhen it first appears it is of a pure white 
 colour, which changes to a leaden tint. It has received the 
 name of Peronospora viticola. It is very similar in appearance 
 to Peronospora infestans, the potato mildew. Eaisins are the 
 dried berries of the grape. The name Vine is also popularly 
 applied to climbing plants in general. 
 
 Vine of Sodom.— In the Bible we read, " Their vine is of 
 the vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah ; their grapes 
 are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter." Josephus, in liis 
 History of the Jews, says — " Which fruits have a colour as if 
 
VIOLET OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 431 
 
 they were fit to be eaten, but if you pluck tliem witli your 
 hands they dissolve into smoke and ashes." Much dillerence of 
 opinion prevails among modern writers as to what tlie plant 
 above spoken of is ; but if we restrict the inquiry to the words, 
 "their vine is the vine of Sodom," and take tlie word vine as a 
 name for trailing and climbing plants in general, with Joseplius's 
 description of the fruit, it seems to lead us to believe that the 
 plant was the Colocynth (see Colocynth). 
 
 Another plant (Solanum sodow.eum) has received its specific 
 name from its being supposed to be the fruit that tempts to the 
 eye, and turns to ashes on the lips. It is abundant in the 
 valley of the lower Jordan, and the region of the Dead Sea, 
 especially near the remains of what Josephus calls the City of 
 Sodom. It is, however, not a vine, but a rude-growing, stiff- 
 branched, spiny shrub, 4 or 5 feet high. The fruit is about the 
 size of a small apple, and when ripe of a yellowish colour, fair to 
 look at. It is pulpy inside. When ripe, the shell hardens, and 
 the inside dries up, and on being broken, it emits what appears 
 to be the " dust and ashes " of Josephus, the ashes, no doubt, 
 being the seeds. Of other plants mentioned as producing the 
 Apple of Sodom, Calotrojns procera is one. It is a small 
 gouty tree of the Swallowwort family (Asclepiadacese), growing 
 abundantly about the south end of the Dead Sea. Its fruit is a 
 follicle, about the size of a small apple, and completely filled 
 with fine silky hairs, to which the seeds are attached, and 
 certainly cannot be compared to dust and ashes. 
 
 Vinegar Plant is the mycelium of a fungus of the nature 
 of dry-rot, and can be generated in a mixture of sugar, treacle, 
 and water, placed in a shallow vessel. After a certain period a 
 filamentous mycelium appears on the surface of the water, which 
 thickens, becoming, according to age, a tough leather-like sub- 
 stance, the water becoming a good vinegar. This process is 
 hastened by impregnating the new mixture with a small portion 
 of the old. It is one of the forms of the common mould 
 (■Penicillium glaucum). 
 
 Violet ( Viola odorata), a perennial herb of the Violet family 
 
432 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES VIOLET 
 
 (Violacese), native of this country, growing on banks and way- 
 sides. The Violet is used in medicine in the preparation of 
 Syrup of Violets ; it is considered to have aperient and emetic 
 properties. The scent of the Violet makes it a favourite with all 
 classes. In the spring it is largely collected by flower-gatherers 
 and sold in bunches in all the principal towns. The double 
 variety is highly prized and is extensively cultivated in gardens, 
 especially the sort called Neapolitan, which, on account of its 
 forming a short stem, is called the Tree Violet. 
 
 Shakespeare says, " I think the king is but a man as I am ; 
 the violet smells to him as it does to me." 
 
 V. tricolor, an annual native of this country, has small 
 w^hite and yellow flowers, but by cultivation and cross-breeding 
 many varieties have been raised, remarkable for their large size 
 and beautiful various-coloured flowers, popularly know^n by the 
 name of Heartsease and Pansies. 
 
 Violet-wood. {Sec Myall-wood.) 
 
 Viper Grass. {See Scorzonera.) 
 
 Virgin's Bower {Clemcctis F^i!rt/6a), a slender-stemmed climber 
 of the Buttercup family (Eanunculacese), native of this country, 
 climbing over hedges, bushes, and trees, and is in common use 
 for covering garden arbours. It is also called Traveller's Joy 
 and Old Man's Beard. 
 
 Virginian Creeper {AmjJclopsis hederacea), a tendril, cling- 
 ing climber of the Vine family (Ampelide?e), native of North 
 America. This plant has no special property except that it is 
 useful in covering naked walls, to which it clings by tendrils, 
 the points of which adhere to the walls. It presents a very 
 showy appearance in autumn, its leaves, which are digitate, 
 turning red before they fall. 
 
 Vitivert, an Indian name for Cuscus. 
 
 WaUaba, a name in Demerara of Eperua fcdcata, a large 
 tree of the ftimily Leguminos?e, attaining a height of 50 feet. It 
 has winged leaves and red flowers, produced in long-stalked 
 drooping bunches ; its pod is curved in form of a hatchet, con- 
 taining three or four very flat seeds ; its wood is of a bright 
 
WALNUT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 433 
 
 red-brown colour, marked with whitish streaks, hard and heavy, but 
 somewhat coarse-grained ; it splits readily, and being impregnated 
 with a resinous oil, is durable, and used for shingles, palings, etc. 
 The bark is bitter, and is used by the Indians as an emetic. 
 
 Wallflower (CliierantMts Cheiri), a perennial plant of the 
 Cabbage family (Cruciferas), native of Southern Europe, growing 
 on walls and rocky places. It was introduced into this country 
 more than 300 years ago, and its fragrance has led it to become 
 a general favourite. It seldom grows more than a foot in height ; 
 in its natural state the flowers are single and of a yellowish 
 colour, but by cultivation various fine-coloured double flowers 
 have been introduced, of which many acres are cultivated for 
 the supply of the markets, especially near London. 
 
 Walnut {Jitglans regia), a tree of the Walnut family (Juglan- 
 dacese), attaining a height of 60 or more feet, native of the 
 region of the Caspian and eastward through the Himalaya to 
 China, coming through Persia westward. It was cultivated in 
 Palestine in the time of Solomon, and early extended West 
 through South Europe, and is recorded to have been cultivated 
 in this country more than 300 years ago. The wood of the 
 Walnut is valued by cabinetmakers for its beautiful veining and 
 dark colour, the plain wood being used for gunstocks. An oil is 
 extracted from the nuts equal to olive oil, which is used by 
 painters, and forms an article of trade. It is also used in soap- 
 making. 
 
 The edible nutty part of the Walnut is the two lobes 
 (cotyledons) which are crumpled up in the shell. Although a 
 considerable quantity of Walnuts are produced in this country, 
 they nevertheless fall far short of the demand, large quantities 
 being imported from France, Belgium, Holland, the Two Sicilies, 
 and other places. In 1870, 152,681 bushels were imported, 
 valued at £42,638. Many trees of large size and apparent old 
 age are to be found in this country ; one in Somersetshire being 
 60 to 70 feet high, with a girth near the ground of 18 feet, and 
 the circumference of branches 300 feet. This tree has been 
 known to produce 25,000 nuts in a year. 
 
 2f 
 
4:34: DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES WALNUT 
 
 Walnut, Black {Juglans nigra), a large tree native of Xortli 
 America. Its wood is much valued for furniture and also for 
 making gunstocks ; its fruit is globose, but the kernel is not 
 palatable. 
 
 Wampee [Coolda punctata), a small tree with large winged 
 leaves, of the Orange family (Aurantiaceie). The fruit is a berry 
 the size of an ordinary grape, with a thin but hard woody rind 
 of a yellowish colour, containing a pulp tasting somewhat like 
 that of grapes combined with a peculiar flavour. It is esteemed 
 in China. 
 
 Waratah, a name for the red anemone-flowered Camellia 
 {Camdlia japo7iica), also of TelojMU sjieciosisswia, a shrub with 
 slender rod-like stems 8 to 10 feet high, bearing splendid scarlet 
 flowers, belonging to the family Proteacea?, native of New South 
 Wales. About fifty or more years ago it was a great favourite 
 with amateurs, but being diflicult of cultivation it is now seldom 
 seen. 
 
 Water Caltrops. (See Chestnut, Water.) 
 
 Water Celery {Ranunculus scelcratus), an annual of the 
 Buttercup family (PLanunculace?e), native of Britain, growing 
 abundantly in ditches and damp places. It is something like 
 celery, but highly acrid, blistering the mouth and skin ; it is 
 said to be used by beggars for making artificial sores. In Scot- 
 land the same use is made of the Lesser Spearmint (E. Flam- 
 mula), but wounds so made often become incurable. 
 
 Water-cress. (See Cress.) 
 
 Water Crowfoot (Bcmunculus ctgucctilis), native of tliis 
 country, and, as its name implies, growing entirely in water, 
 occupying rivers, ditches, and ponds, to a great extent, giving 
 the surface a gay appearance with its pretty white flowers. It 
 has leaves of two kinds, the floating ones being like little round 
 shields, and the submerged ones finely divided and threadlike. 
 This is one of the few wholesome species of the family. In 
 some parts of England cows are entirely fed on it during winter; 
 they as well as horses and hogs eat it greedily. 
 
 "Water Dropwort {CEuanthe crocata), a perennial herb of the 
 
WATER OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 435 
 
 Carrot family (UmbelliferDs), attaining a heiglit of 2 to 3 feet, 
 having compound much- divided leaves. It grows in ditches 
 and watery places. It has thick parsnip-like roots, hut differs 
 from the parsnijo in forming a cluster of these roots from the 
 same crown. They are poisonous in the higliest degree. The 
 smell and flavour being like parsnips has led them to be mis- 
 taken for that root, and many fatal cases have occuri'ed. A few 
 years ago a band of convicts working on the embankments at 
 Woolwich dug up a quantity of the roots, of whicli seventeen 
 ate, all of whom became seriously ill, and four died ; cattle have 
 also died from eating the roots when thrown out of ditches. 
 Water Hemlock. {See Cowbane.) 
 Water Lemon. (See Granadilla.) 
 
 Water Lettuce, or Tropical Duckweed, a name in the 
 West Indies for Pistia strcUiotcs, a floating plant growing on 
 stagnant waters in the tropics ; the plant grows in the form of 
 a rosette, consisting of somewhat spongy wedge-shaped leaves 
 which form an open cup ; its flowers are small and produced 
 from a sheath at the back of the leaves, the whole being of a 
 yellowish colour ; it increases rapidly by sarmenta, quickly 
 covering a large surface of water. In the West Indies it is 
 considered to produce malaria. 
 
 Water Lily, White {Nymplum alha), Yellow {Nuplw.r 
 luted), plants of the Water Lily family (Xympbreace^e), natives 
 of this country and common throughout Europe. Nuphar 
 advena is a native of North America ; its seed-pods (so called) 
 are an important article of food to the Indians, who collect them 
 in large quantities and keep them for winter use. Nymp]ia:a 
 cccridecc, JV. rubra, A. clentcUa, N. gi/jetntcct, and others, are culti- 
 vated in the gardens of this country, being well known for their 
 beautiful flowers ; also A. tJiermcdis, a white flowering species 
 found in Hungary, whicli appears to be the same as the A! Lotus 
 of the Nile. It is common in India, where it is held sacred ; 
 likewise in Egypt, where it is found rudely sculptured on the 
 ancient idols (see Lotos). 
 
 Water Melon {Citrullus mdgaris, generally known as Cucu- 
 
436 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES WATER 
 
 mis Citrullus), a trailing annual of the Gourd family (Cucur- 
 bitacese), grown extensively in warm countries for the sake of its 
 cool refreshing fruit. It is not much cultivated in this country, 
 but may sometimes be seen in fruit shops, being imported from 
 Spain and Portugal. It is supposed to be the melon of Egypt, 
 the loss of which the Israelites regretted. 
 
 Water Parsnip (Sium latifolium), an aquatic perennial of 
 the Carrot family (Umbelliferte), having a stem about a foot in 
 height furnished with winged leaves, and bearing its flowers in 
 umbels. It is, like other water Umbelliferte, highly poisonous. 
 
 Water Tree of Sierra Leone {Tetracera alnifolict), a climb- 
 ing shrub of the family Dilleniaceie ; it is called the Water 
 Tree on account of its stems being full of water, which issues 
 from it on its being cut. 
 
 Wattles, a name given in Australia to Acacia floribuncla, 
 A. decuii'cns, A. clcalhata, A. melcmoxijlon, A. ciffinis, and others. 
 They are middle-sized trees, having hard wood, especially that of 
 A. melcmoxylon, called Black-wood, which takes a fine polish. 
 They are also of high commercial importance for their bark, 
 which is astringent, and of late years has formed one of the 
 principal parts of ships' cargoes to tliis country. To such an 
 extent has the demand for this bark for tanning increased that 
 whole districts of Acacia forests are fast disappearing in Australia. 
 
 Wax Palm. — There are two so called : 1. Copernicia cerifera, 
 a fan palm native of Brazil, its cylindrical stem rising to a 
 height of about 40 feet and measurinf;^ a foot in diameter, 
 curiously studded its whole length with the permanent base foot- 
 stalk of the leaves in the form of knobs. The wood is very hard, 
 and is imported into this country for cabinet-work. Its young 
 leaves are covered with a waxy secretion, which is obtained by 
 shaking and beating them ; it is imported into this country for 
 making candles. 
 
 2. Ceroxylon anclicola, a tall wing-leaved palm, native of 
 the elevated regions of New Grenada. The whole of the stem 
 and leaves is covered with a ^^'hitish waxy substance, which 
 is collected from the stem by scraping ; it is principally used 
 
WELWITSCHIA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 437 
 
 for making candles for tlie Eoman Catholic clmrches, and forms 
 an article of trade. 
 
 Wax Tree (Lijustrum luciclmn), a small tree or handsome 
 shrub of the Olive family (Oleacese), hardy in this country. It 
 is a native of China. An insect that deposits a wax is said to 
 feed on it. This is well known to be the case with L. ihota, a 
 native of Japan, which is cultivated for that purpose. 
 
 Wax Tree, Japanese {Rhus succedanea), an evergreen tree of 
 the Cashew N"ut family (Anacardiaceoe), with shining winged 
 leaves, native of Japan, having bunches of fruit like small 
 grapes, which by pressure yield a wax analogous to beeswax ; 
 it is sometimes imported into this country, and is used in 
 making candles and night lights. The plant has been long 
 known *in our botanic gardens, but is not sufficiently hardy to 
 stand the cold of this climate. 
 
 ¥/ax-work Shrub. {Sec Staff" Tree.) 
 
 Weld {Reseda Luteola), an erect single -stemmed annual 
 of the Mignonette family (Eesedaceae), attaining a height of 2 or 
 3 feet, native of this country, at one time much cultivated for 
 the dye afforded by it, which, according to the different mordants 
 employed, was either green, yellow, or blue ; it is chiefly used 
 in colouring paperhangings. The colour called Dutch pink is 
 also obtained from it. 
 
 Welwitschia ( WelioitscMa mirahilis). — This remarkable 
 plant was first discovered by Dr. Welwitsch growing in stony sandy 
 plains on the plateau of Benguela in Africa, and in similar situa- 
 tions by other travellers in Damaraland. It consists of a hard 
 woody obconical mass in old plants, not rising more than a foot 
 above the ground, of nearly a circular form, and according to age 
 varying in diameter from a few inches to 5 or 6 feet, having a long 
 tapering taproot penetrating deeply into the earth. Its surface 
 is nearly flat, rough, and cracked, and depressed towards the 
 centre, seemingly as it were divided in two parts by a furrow. 
 Eound the margin are yearly produced several forked flower-stalks 
 rising about a foot in height, bearing round or four-sided cones 
 about an inch or more in diameter at the base. It has two leaves, 
 
438 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR XAMES WHAXGEE 
 
 SO called, ^vlrich are of a leathery texture, and in old plants attain 
 the length of 5 or 6 feet with the breadth of a foot or more, their 
 apex being torn or divided, and they lie nearly flat on the ground 
 in opposite directions, their original axis or point of development 
 being overgro\Yn above and below by the continued enlargement 
 of the trunk, giving the leaves the appearance of being artificially 
 inserted in two slits which extend nearly half-way round, 
 almost meeting each other. It is difficult to determine the age 
 of these plants ; the largest, which have the appearance of flat 
 tables lying on the ground, may be presumed as not being 
 less than 500 years old. It belongs to a small family called 
 Gnetace?e, allied to the Fir and Yew famil3^ It presents a con- 
 trast to the long, slender, whipcord-like branches of the genus 
 Eljhedra, which belongs to the same family. Several specimens 
 are to be seen in the Museum at Kew. 
 
 Whangee Cane, a Chinese name for the stems of Fliyllo- 
 stacliys, a genus of the Grass family (Graminaceffi), allied to the 
 bamboo. The regularly jointed walking-sticks, known by the 
 above name, are furnished by P. nigra ; walking-sticks are also 
 made of P. hamhusoides. 
 
 Wheat [Triticum vulgare, of which there are many varieties), 
 an annual corn-grass, cultivated in Egypt from remote antiquity, 
 and now" throughout all the temperate regions of the world, and 
 in the Andes of South America, where it is cultivated at an 
 elevation of 9260 feet. It may be considered the most important 
 bread -food of the world, forming the staff of life to millions. 
 Large quantities of wheat-flour are made into starch, and used 
 for dressing woollen fabrics. {See Hard Grass.) 
 
 Wheel Tree, or Paddle -wood (AsjndosjKrma excelsinn), a 
 large tree of the Dogbane family (Apocynaccte), native of Guiana. 
 Eemarkable in havine^ the stem re^ularlv fluted, often givincf 
 the appearance of several small trees stuck to a large one ; they 
 are cut away, and used by the natives as paddles. These trunks 
 are sometimes 4 or 5 feet in diameter, and when cut trans- 
 versely the section has the appearance of the rays of a wheel. 
 
 Whins. {See Furze.) 
 
WILLOW OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 439 
 
 White Beam Tree {Pijrus Aria), a small tree of the Apple 
 family (PomacecT). It lias simple serrated leaves, snow-white 
 on the under side. Its fruit is acerb. It is found wild in some 
 parts of this country, but is more general on the Continent. Its 
 wood is hard. 
 
 White Deal. {See Spruce Fir.) 
 
 White Tree. {See Cajeput Oil.) 
 
 White-woods. — The wood of several trees is so called. 1. 
 American {see Tulip Tree.) 2. West Indian {Bignonia leueoxy- 
 lon), a tree of the Trumpet Flower family (Bignoniacea?). 3. 
 Neetanclra leucantha, a large tree of the Laurel family (LauracCce), 
 native of Guiana ; it attains a height of 60 to 70 feet, and a 
 diameter of 2 to 3 feet. 4 Tasmanian {Pittoqwrum hicolor), a 
 tree of the family Pittosporese. It has light close-grained wood 
 used by cabinetmakers, and employed for engraving purposes. 
 5. Norfolk Island {Lrigunctria Patersonii), a soft -wooded small 
 tree of the Mallow family (jNIalvaceoe). 
 
 Whortleberry. {See Bilberry.) 
 
 Wig Tree. {See Fustic.) 
 
 Wild Cinnamon. {See Canella Bark.) 
 
 Wild Mammee, a name in Jamaica for the fruit of PheecHcc 
 lateriflora, a tree of the Gamboge family (Guttiferre). Its fruit 
 is oblong, of a yellowish colour, and has a pleasant acid taste. 
 The fruit of B. eclulis, a native of Panama, is also eaten. 
 
 Wild Plum, the name at the Cape of Good Hope for the fruit 
 of Papijea capensis, a small tree of the Soapberry family (Sapin- 
 daceffi). Its fruit consists of three ovaries united so as to form 
 a drupe like a plum. A vinous beverage and excellent vinegar 
 are made from the pulp. 
 
 Willow, Bitter {Salix jmrpurea), a small tree of the AVillow 
 family (Salicacea^), an osier, extensively grown in some places ; 
 it is so remarkably bitter that even rabbits will not attack it. 
 
 Willow, Weeping {Salix habylonica). — As its name implies, it 
 is considered to be a native of the country about Babylon, where 
 it would appear to have flourished 3000 years ago, judging from 
 the Psalmist, who thus beautifully writes, "J'y the rivers of 
 
440 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES WILLOW 
 
 Babylon we sat down, yea we wept, when we remembered Zion. 
 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof." 
 According to tradition, the pendulous nature of this willow 
 was caused by the weight of the harps, and this habit was 
 permanently imparted to the progeny of these trees. The tree, 
 however, is not recorded to have been seen in modern times 
 growing by the streams of Babylon, and it is now therefore 
 generally understood that the trees which the Jews hanged 
 their harps on were a species of poplar (Fopidus cuphratica). It 
 was also early known that the Weeping Willow is wikl in China, 
 and that it migrated westward. It is recorded to have been 
 introduced into this country, and cultivated in the Eoyal Gardens, 
 Hampton Court, in 1692, and it is said that the original tree was 
 received by Pope, and planted in his garden at Twickenham, 
 where it was long famed. In 1825 it came into special public 
 notice on account of a twig having been received at Kew, taken 
 from a tree growing over Xapoleon's grave at St. Helena. To 
 see this twig the crowd was so great that one Sunday, before the 
 hour of opening, the gates were burst open. The twig grew into a 
 fine tree 40 feet high, French visitors paying reverence to it by 
 taking off their hats on passing it. In 1SG7 this popular tree 
 was cut down. 
 
 Willow, White {Salix alha), also called the Huntingdon 
 Willow. This species and Saliv Patsselliana are large trees, 
 affording useful timber for many purposes, the wood being light 
 and firm. Cricket bats are made of it. 
 
 Willow and Oak Mannas are produced in Kurdistan, the 
 latter being an exudation on the upper side of the leaves of 
 Quercus mannifera ; it is produced during the hottest months of 
 the year. The natives cut the branches and steep them in 
 boiling water until the manna is entirely dissolved; they are 
 then taken out, and the fluid evaporated to the consistence of 
 thick honey. "When cool it is shaped into flat round cakes, 
 wdiich are sold as a sweetmeat. Being found on the upper 
 surface of the leaves, as well as upon stones, the natives suppose 
 that it falls from the sky ; they call it Ghiok helvahsee, which 
 
WOAD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 441 
 
 means the sweet bread of heaven. It possesses no purgative 
 properties. 
 
 A similar kind of manna is produced on a species of Willow 
 (Salix maniiifera ?) which is common at Van and Armenia. 
 DuriniT the summer season the leaves and branches become 
 covered with a syrupy fluid, which is said to be the production 
 of a small insect (a species of bug), common on these trees. 
 
 It is probable that these mannas are not the exudations of 
 the sap of the trees, but secretions of insects similar to the 
 honey-dew common on lime trees in this country. 
 
 Winterberry, a name in North America for the species of 
 Frinos, a genus of the Holly family (Aquifoliaceie) ; they are 
 bushy evergreen shrubs with oblong, lanceolate, smooth leaves, 
 and small incons]3icuous flowers. F. verticillatus, F. glciber, and 
 F. hwidus have been long cultivated as ornamental shrubs in 
 this country. 
 
 Winter's Bark (Drimys Winteri), a small tree of the ]\Iag- 
 nolia family (Magnoliacea^), native of Terra del Fuego, and extend- 
 ing northwards through Chili. It has beautifully smooth leaves, 
 of an oblong lance form, generally silvery white on the under 
 side. The bark was brought into repute by Captain Winter as an 
 antiscorbutic, so long ago as 1579, he having found it very 
 efficacious in cases of scurvy among his crews. Other remedies, 
 however, having since been discovered, it has fallen into disuse. 
 
 Winter Cherry (Fhyscdis Alkckengi), a perennial herb of 
 the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), native 'of the South of 
 Europe, having fruit like a small cherry, which becomes enclosed 
 in the enlarged leafy permanent calyx ; in some parts the fruit is 
 eaten, but is much surpassed by what is called the Cape Goose- 
 berry {Fhyscdis edidis), a native of tropical America. It is 
 a weak sub-erect plant, cultivated in some gardens for its 
 fine-flavoured luscious fruit. 
 
 Winter Green. (See Shallon.) 
 
 Witches. (See Club :Moss.) 
 
 Woad, also known by the name of Dyer's Weed (Iscdis 
 tinctoria), a biennial of the Cabbage family (Crucifera3), attain- 
 
442 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES ^yOAD 
 
 ing a lieigiit of 3 or 4 feet, a native of this country, and throiigli- 
 out Europe it lias been long famed as yielding a dye obtained by 
 macerating the leaves in water. Its use is rapidly dying out in 
 this country, and it is manufactured now only at Parsons Drove 
 near Wisbech. 
 
 Woad Waxen. (Sec Kendal Green.) 
 
 V/old-wolle, a fibre, prepared in Germany from the leaves 
 of Pinus sylvestris, used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, etc., 
 also woven into blankets, counterpanes, etc. A similar kind 
 of pine-wool is made from the leaves of P. Zaricio. 
 
 Wolf s-bane. (See Aconite.) 
 
 Wood Apple. (See Elephant Apple.) 
 
 Woodbine, or Honeysuckle (Lonicera Pcriclymenuiii), a 
 twining shrub of the AVoodbine family (Caprifoliaceoe), attaining 
 a considerable height on trees, native of this country. It is a 
 favourite for forming arbours and planting against houses, and 
 is prized for its sweet-scented flowers. There are a number 
 of other species cultivated in gardens as ornamental climbers, 
 L. sempervirens being called the Trumpet Honeysuckle. 
 
 Wood Oil, or Gurjun Oil.— This is obtained from Piptero- 
 carpus turhinatus, a magnificent tree of the Dryobalanops family 
 (Dipterocarpaceffi), attaining a height of 200 feet and a girth 
 of 10 feet. It is a native of Lower India. Its wood is hard, and 
 used for boat-building and other purposes. It yields an oil, 
 which is obtained by making a deep notch in the trunk near 
 to the ground, and applying fire, which chars the wood, and the 
 oil then flows. It is used as a varnish, and medicinallv as a 
 substitute for copaiba balsam. It is chiefly imported from 
 Moulmein. D. alcttus and P. incanus are magnificent trees, 
 natives of Chittagong, also yielding wood oil, and are equally 
 valued for their timber. In Java the resin of P. trinervis is 
 smeared on plantain leaves for making torches. In Sumatra it 
 is mixed with rotten wood and made into candles. 
 
 Wood Paper.— The making of the material called AVood 
 Paper originated in the United States some years ago, where it 
 continues to be still extensively carried on. Tlie trees of which 
 
WORMWOOD OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 443 
 
 it is made consist chiefly of Maple, Beech, Cheny, Ash, and 
 Oak. The trunks of the trees are cut into lengths not exceed- 
 ing 4 feet ; the logs are then placed in a steam chamber, where 
 they remain for three or four hours ; they are then placed in a 
 revolving lathe, and by the aid of the knife the bark and all 
 superfluity is removed ; and when the log becomes perfectly 
 smooth and cylindrical, the knife is then graduated to cnt it a 
 certain thickness, and by the constant revolution of the log a 
 continuous thin sheet is pared off, which is cut into lengths 
 according to requirements, and made into packages of different 
 sizes, ready for exportation. It partakes of the colour and 
 marking of the tree from which it is made. It is nsed for 
 veneering furniture, and for covering the walls instead of paper. 
 
 Woodruff (Asperidct ocloratct), a perennial of the bladder 
 family (Eubiacese), native of this country, generally growing in 
 shady places in woods. It is peculiar that while green it emits 
 no smell, but when dry it has a strong odour of the principle 
 termed Coumarin. In Germany it is put into wine, giving it 
 a peculiar flavour known under the name of " Mai trank," 
 meaning Woodruff AVine. {See also Coumarin.) 
 
 Wood Vinegar. {See Pitch Pine.) 
 
 Woody Pear, a name for the fruit of Xylomehmi pyriforme, 
 a small tree, with opposite leaves, of the natural order Proteaceae, 
 native of New South Wales. It is remarkable for its fruit, 
 which bears the exact resemblance and size of an ordinary pear, 
 but is attached by the broad end. It consists entirely of a 
 hard, woody substance, difficult to cut. When ripe, it splits 
 lengthwise, and contains a flat winged seed. 
 
 Worm Grass, or Pink-root (Sjnr/elia 7narilandica), a peren- 
 nial herb of the N'ux Vomica family (Loganiace?e), native of the 
 United States. It attains a height of about a foot or more, 
 having ovate, opposite leaves. Its flowers are funnel-shaped, of 
 a beautiful carmine colour, borne in terminal spikes. This and an 
 allied species, aS'. Antlielmia, are highly purgative, and efficacious 
 in destroying intestinal worms, hence its name Worm Grass. 
 
 Wormwood. — Artemisia Absinthium, A. maritima, natives 
 
444 DICTIOXARY OF POPULAR NAMES WRACK 
 
 of Britain, and A. 2^ontica, of Germany, Eastern Europe, and 
 Western Asia. They belong to the Composite family (Com- 
 posite), and are all hardy perennials, having the same habit and 
 properties, being aromatic, intensely bitter, and in great repute 
 as a vermifuge, hence the name Wormwood. They are used 
 to prevent moths and other insects from infesting clothes and 
 furniture. Wormwood is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and 
 is symbolical of bitter calamity. It is frequently used as a 
 substitute for hops (see Absinthe and Southernwood). 
 
 Wrack. (See Fucus.) 
 
 Wukkum. (See Sappan-wood.) 
 
 Yacca, a name in the West Indies for Fodocarjms PurcUeanus 
 and P. coriaceus, large trees of the Yew family (Taxaccce), native 
 of Jamaica. They afford excellent hard timber, used for many 
 purposes. 
 
 Yaka, or Wayaka, a name given by the Fijians to Pachy- 
 o'hiztis angidatus, a plant of the Bean family (Leguminosae), 
 having a climbing stem, and trifoliate, angular leaves, rising 
 from a thick root, or, more properly speaking, an underground 
 stem, 6 to 8 feet in length, and as thick as a man's thigh. In 
 the Fijis and Xew Caledonia it is in times of scarcity used as 
 an article of food. When cooked it is of a dirty white colour, 
 and has a slightly starchy, but insipid flavour, much inferior to 
 that of the wild yam. The fibre of the climbing stems is very 
 tough, and the Fijians make their fishing-nets of it. The plant is 
 widely diffused, being found throughout tropical America, East 
 and West Indies, Mauritius, and islands of the South Seas. 
 
 Yam (Dioscorca sativa, D. aculcata, and several other species), 
 climbing plants of the Yam family (Dioscoreacece), natives of 
 India and other warm countries of the East, where they are 
 extensively cultivated, and take the place of the potato of more 
 temperate climes. There are many varieties varying in size and 
 quality, but all contain more or less of a nutritive farina. The 
 Yam was early introduced into the West Indies, where it forms 
 a great part of the food of the negro population. Yams are 
 imported into this country, but not in any quantity. 
 
YEAST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 445 
 
 Yam, Chinese (Dioscorea hatatas), a native of China and 
 Japan, where it is extensively cultivated. It differs from the 
 preceding in having a spindle-shaped, black root, about the 
 size of a parsnip, 2 to 3 feet long. It has been introduced into 
 this country, and is perfectly hardy ; indeed at one time 
 expectations were entertained that it might prove a good substi- 
 tute for the potato ; but so long as potatoes are to be had it 
 will not find much favour, being far inferior to them as a 
 vegetable. 
 
 Yangmae, a name in China for the fruit of Myrica Nagi, a 
 small tree of the Candleberry Myrtle family (Myricaceae), native 
 of China. In the island of Chusan it is described by Mr. 
 Fortune as a bushy shrub or tree, 15 to 20 feet in height, and 
 when he saw it, " it was loaded with a dark-red fruit, not very 
 unlike the fruit of the strawberry tree (Arbutus), but much 
 larger. There was also a variety with yellowish fruit. The 
 natives were busily engaged in gathering the fruit, and packing 
 it in baskets for the markets. The gatherers offered me liberal 
 supplies of this fine fruit." 
 
 Living plants were introduced into this country in 1844, bub 
 it has not received the patronage of fruit -cultivators that it 
 seems to merit. M. Nagi is also known in Western India, but 
 its fruit is very inferior to that of the Chinese. It is probable 
 they are two distinct species. 
 
 Yari-Yari, a name in Guiana for Lancewood (which see). 
 
 Yeast, or Barm, a name given to the frothy scum that forms 
 on the surface of fermenting sugary liquids, and rises from the 
 bung-holes of barrels of newly-brewed beer. The microscope 
 shows that this froth consists of particles which multiply with 
 extraordinary rapidity when placed in a moderately-warm 
 temperature. By experiments it has been ascertained that the 
 particles or globules germinate ; and they are considered to be 
 the spores of a mould fungus, belonging to the genus Torula, the 
 spores of which are but slightly united, the mycelium being 
 almost absent. Yeast is not only employed in hastening the 
 fermentation of worts, it also is an important agent in leaven- 
 
446 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES YELLOW 
 
 ing dough in bread-making. For this purpose the yeast is 
 dried and formed into a cake or paste, known as German 
 Yeast. 
 
 Yellow Berries. {See Buckthorn.) 
 
 Yellow Iris {Iris Pseudaxiorus), and Gladwin, or Roast-beef 
 Plant {C. fcetidissima), of the family Iridaceoe, two beautiful 
 species, natives of this country, growing in ditches, and on the 
 margins of ponds and streams. ThQ seeds of the first are said 
 to have been used as a substitute for coffee. (See Iris.) 
 
 Yellow-root {Xanthorhiza ainifolia), a low shrub of the 
 Buttercup family (Ranunculaceie), seldom exceeding 2 feet in 
 height, having parsley -like leaves and inconspicuous flowers. 
 It is a native of the South United States of America. Its roots 
 are of a pale yellow, and were originally employed as a dye. 
 They are bitter, and have some reputation with American 
 doctors as a tonic. 
 
 Another North American Yellow-root is Hydrastis cana- 
 densis, which is also called Yellow Puccoon and Oraii^e-root ; it 
 is a perennial of the same family as the above, about a foot in 
 height, with palmate-lobed leaves, and inconspicuous flowers ; 
 its fruit is similar to the raspberry, its juicy flesh being of a 
 briglit crimson colour. The root is a bright yellow, and used 
 as a dye, and also as a tonic medicine. 
 
 Yellow-wood, a name applied in difl'erent countries to trees 
 having wood of a yellow colour. Different species of the genus 
 Xantlioxylum, which means yellow-wood, are so called. 
 
 Yellow- wood, American ( Virgilia lutea), a tree of the Bean 
 family (Leguminosce), native of North America. It has winged 
 leaves, and attains a height of 40 to 50 feet. The wood is hard. 
 Its yellow flowers and winged leaves make it an ornamental tree, 
 but it seldom exceeds 10 to 12 feet in heidit in this countrv. 
 
 Yellow-wood, Indian (Podocarpus latifolia and Chloroxylon 
 Swictenia). (See Satin-wood.) 
 
 Yellow-wood, Moreton Bay (Acronychia Icevis, Forst. ; 
 Cyminosma oblong if olium, Cunn.), a small tree of the family 
 Xanthoxyllaccce, native of Moreton Bay. 
 
ZACHUN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 447 
 
 Yellow-wood, Queensland (Flindcrsia Oxlcijana, better 
 known as Oxleya Xcmtho.dya), a tree 40 to 50 feet liigli, of the 
 Mahogany family (Cedrelacete). The wood is used for fur- 
 niture. 
 
 Yellow-wood, South African (Podocarjms elongatus), a 
 large tree of the Yew family (Taxaceie), a useful timber tree. 
 
 Yellowwort, the common name for Chlora 'perfoliata, a 
 pretty annual herb of the Gentian family (Gentianacea^), native 
 of this country ; it is an erect single-stemmed plant, about a foot 
 in height, with few root-leaves, and small, opposite, perfoliate 
 stem leaves ; the flowers are produced singly on short terminal 
 branches ; they are yellow and showy, opening only during sun- 
 shine. It differs from the rest of Gentians in having 8 stamens. 
 The whole plant , is intensely bitter, used as a tonic ; it also 
 yields a yellow dye. 
 
 Yerba. (See Paraguay Tea.) 
 
 Yercum. {See Mudar.) 
 
 Yew {Taxiis haecata), a tree of the Yew family (Taxacese), 
 native of tlie temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is 
 famed for the age of some of the trees and for the durability of 
 its wood, remains having been found in the ruins of ancient 
 Mneveh. It is much planted as an ornamental tree, and is also 
 used in forming edges. When grown singly, it forms a hand- 
 some tree, 30 to 40 feet high. The red succulent cups in which 
 the seeds are seated are frequently eaten for their agreeable 
 taste. In winter they form an important source of food to the 
 feathered tribe. The seeds themselves are, however, poisonous. 
 The branches and leaves are in a high degree poisonous to horses 
 and horned cattle, and act on man like Digitalis in arresting the 
 action of the heart. The Irish Yew is a variety. 
 
 Yulan, a Chinese name for Magnolia conspicua {sec Mag- 
 nolia). 
 
 Zachun, the Arab name of an oil expressed from the fruit 
 of Balanites ccgyptiaca, a thorny shrub or small tree of forbid- 
 ding aspect belonging to the family Amyridaceie. Tlie leaves 
 are biuate ; the flowers small, greenish wliite, fragrant, on 
 
448 DICTIONAKY OF POPULAR NAMES ZAMAXG 
 
 short axillary racemes ; the fruit is about the size of a walnut, 
 and when ripe of a greenish colour. It is common through- 
 out the deserts of Western Asia, Egypt, and many parts 
 of North and Western Africa. It also otows abundantly 
 in the region of the Dead Sea, and has extended into India, 
 and may be called truly a plant of the desert. It is supposed 
 to be one of the plants that yielded the balm of Gilead carried 
 by the Ishmeelites into Egypt. In Palestine, at the present day, 
 the oil obtained from its fruit is of a healing nature, and is 
 extensively prepared by the Arabs, and sold by them to the 
 pilgrims. The wood is hard, and used by the turners of 
 Jerusalem for making walking-sticks. In Western Africa 
 an intoxicating drink is made from its fruit. 
 
 Zamang, the Spanish name of a tree, native of Venezuela, 
 of which Humboldt says — " We saw in the evening, at a league 
 distant, an object which appears in the horizon like a round 
 hillock covered with trees. It is neither a hill nor a group of trees 
 close to each other, but one single tree, the famous Zamang-del- 
 C^zirtyre, remarkable for the enormous extent of its branches, which 
 form a hemispheric head 576 feet in circumference, the diameter 
 of the stem being 9 feet near the ground." It belongs to the 
 Mimosa section of Leguminosae, and is a species of the genus 
 Fithccolohium [P. saman). Seeds taken from the tree were raised 
 in the Botanic Garden, Trinidad, in 1820 ; it appears to be fast- 
 growing when young, a tree 40 years old measuring 15 feet in 
 circumference near the ground. It has thick, flattish, curved 
 pods, about 8 inches in length and 1 in width, containing a 
 sweetish pulp ; they are in common use for feeding cattle, and 
 for that purpose the tree is now cultivated in different countries. 
 It is also known as the Eain Tree. 
 
 Zamia, a name of the genus of the Cycad family (Cycada- 
 cese). They have globose cylindrical stems, the interior of which 
 is soft and spongy, increasing in height by the successive yearly 
 development of a crown of winged leaves, the pinn^ of which 
 are firm and rigid, entire, toothed, or spiny. The fructification 
 consists of male and female cones, produced on separate plants, 
 
ZELKONA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 449 
 
 in some species nearly 2 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter, 
 formed of fleshy scales ; the seeds are nut-like, produced on the 
 under side of the scales of the female cone. About 50 species 
 are recorded. They are widely distributed, being found chiefly 
 in the West Indies, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia ; in 
 the latter country some attaining a height of 30 to 40 or more 
 feet. They have been by modern botanists characterised under 
 separate genera : those of the Cape of Good Hope form the genus 
 Enceplmlartos, and of Australia Macrozamia. Their stems con- 
 tain a kind of sago {see Sago and Caffer Bread). They are found 
 in a fossil state in this and other countries. 
 
 Zebra Poison {Eufliorhia arhorea), a succulent-branched 
 almost leafless tree of the Spurgewort family (Euphorbiacese), 
 native of South Africa. Its milky juice is highly poisonous, 
 whole herds of zebras having been killed by branches of it 
 being placed in the water which they drink. It is also used 
 for poisoning arrows. 
 
 Zebra- wood. — The wood of several distinct trees is so 
 called. 1. Om;plialobium Lairiberti (now referred to Connarus), 
 a large tree of the family Connaraceae, native of Guiana ; it is 
 very scarce ; its wood is of a light-brown colour, with dark 
 stripes. It makes handsome furniture. 2. Eugenia fragrans, 
 a small tree of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native of Jamaica. 
 3. Guettarda, a shrub or small tree of the Cinchona family (Cin- 
 chonacege), native of the East Indies. 
 
 Zelkona Tree {Planera Richardi), a tree of the Elm family 
 (Ulmaceae), native of North America, attaining a height of 70 
 or 80 feet, having much the appearance of the elm, and in the 
 countries where it is abundant is used for the same purposes as 
 the elm, especially for making furniture. 
 
 2 G 
 
INDEX OF THE GENEEA NOTICED IN THE 
 
 PEE CEDING PAGES. 
 
 Abelmoschus, 280. 
 
 Abies, 174, 323, 411, 423. 
 
 Abrus, 42. 
 
 Abuta, 313. 
 
 Acacia, 1, 8, 30, 53, 80, 
 98, 99, 177, 203, 236, 
 282, 376, 384, 436. 
 
 Acsena, 376. 
 
 Acantlius, 3. 
 
 Acer, 267, 329. 
 
 Achillea, 383. 
 
 Aclilya, 186. 
 
 Achras, 69. 
 
 Acmena, 245. 
 
 Aconitum, 4. 
 
 A.corus, 399. 
 
 Acrocomia, 254. 
 
 Acrodiclidium, 290. 
 
 Acrouychia, 446. 
 
 Acrosticlmm, 193. 
 
 Actsea, 36, 382. 
 
 Adausonia, 37, 57, 142. 
 
 Adeuanthera, 43, 367. 
 
 Adiantum, 91. 
 
 ^cidium, 39. 
 
 ^gilops, 205. 
 
 ^gle, 30, 268. 
 
 Aerides, 302. 
 
 ^schynomene, 376. 
 
 ^sculus, 109. 
 
 ^thusa, 179. 
 
 Agaricus, 6, 14, 54, 279,413. 
 
 Agathophyllum, 290. 
 
 Agave, 6, 12, 326. 
 
 Agrimonia, 6. 
 
 Agrostis, 174, 
 
 Ailanthus, 6, 
 
 Aletris, 128. 
 
 Aleurites, 83. 
 
 Alhagi, 80, 265. 
 
 Allium, 113, 299, 353. 
 
 Alnus, 8. 
 
 Aloe, 12. 
 
 Aloexylon, 78. 
 
 Aloysia, 428. 
 
 Alpinia, 188. 
 
 Alsophila, 171. 
 
 Alstonia, 155. 
 
 Althaea, 213, 259. 
 Amanita, 14. 
 Amaryllis, 14. 
 Amelanchier, 375. 
 Ammoi^hila, 268. 
 Amomum, 197. 
 Ampelodesmos, 155. 
 Ampelopsis, 432. 
 Amygdalus, 11, 815. 
 Amyris, 163, 357. 
 Auacardium, 76, 96. 
 Auacharis, 333. 
 Anacyclus, 316. 
 Anamirta, 122. 
 Ananassa, 321. 
 Auastatica, 355. 
 Anchusa, 9. 
 Andira, 74, 314. 
 Andromeda, 16. 
 Andropogon, 64, 78, 145, 
 
 193, 243. 
 Anemone, 16. 
 Anethum, 154, 386. 
 Angelica, 16. 
 Angiopteris, 171. 
 Angrajcum, 136, 302, 407. 
 Anilidotus, 277. 
 Anona, 9, 68, 107, 133, 
 
 146, 386, 400. 
 Anopterus, 241. 
 Anthemis, 81. 
 Anthistiria, 232. 
 Anthospermum, 15. 
 Anthoxanthum, 136, 171, 
 
 207, 394. 
 Anthriscus, 109. 
 Antiaris, 358, 424. 
 Apium, 103. 
 Aplotaxis, 134. 
 Apocynum, 211. 
 Aponogeton, 240. 
 Aporosa, 236. 
 Aquilaria, 160. 
 Aquilegia, 128. 
 Arachis, 161. 
 Aralia, 16, 352. 
 Araucaria, 21. 
 Arbutus, 23, 43, 255. 
 
 Archangelica, 16. 
 Arctium, 69. 
 Arctostaphylos, 23. 
 Arduina, 284. 
 Areca, 47, 74, 286. 
 Argania, 24, 223. 
 Aristolochia, 50, 201, 382. 
 Armeria, 241, 411. 
 Arnica, 413. 
 Arracacha, 95. 
 Artanthe, 270. 
 Artemisia, 1, 82, 277, 362. 
 
 386, 403, 443. 
 Arthrostilidium, 35. 
 Artocarpus, 61, 225. 
 Arum, 158, 231, 362. 
 Arundinaria, 35. 
 Arundo, 156, 381, 414. 
 Asagmea, 98, 358. 
 Asarum, 26. 
 Asparagus, 27. 
 Asperula, 136, 257, 443. 
 Asphodelus, 27. 
 Aspidosperma, 343, 438. 
 Asplenium, 49. 
 Aster, 280. 
 Astericus, 356. 
 Astragalus, 204. 
 Astrocaryum, 420. 
 Atheros]3erma, 370. 
 Atriplex, 299, 388. 
 Atropa, 286. 
 Attalea, 127, 131, 320. 
 Aucuba, 28. 
 Auricula, 44. 
 Avena, 295. 
 Averrhoa, 54. 
 Avicennia, 264. 
 Aydendron, 290. 
 Azalea, 29 
 Azorella, 32. 
 
 Baccaurea, 346. 
 Baccharis, 273. 
 Backhousia, 238. 
 Balanites, 31, 447 
 Balautium, 144, 
 
452 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Baloghia, 55. 
 Balsamodendron, 31, 41, 
 
 195, 283. 
 Bambusa, 35. 
 Banksia, 214. 
 Baphia, 82. 
 Barosma, 65. 
 Barringtonia, 51, 217. 
 Basella, 388. 
 Bassia, 70, 257. 
 Batatas, 399. 
 Batis, 364. 
 Bauhinia, 260, 390. 
 Bedfordia, 156. 
 Begonia, 46. 
 Benzoin, 387. 
 Berberis, 38. 
 Bergera, 245. 
 Berthollctia, 61. 
 Betula, 49. 
 Beta, 46. 
 Bignonia, 50, 92, 112, 419, 
 
 439. 
 Bixa, 24. 
 Blakea, 274, 355. 
 Bligbia, 7. 
 Blumea, 82. 
 Boehmeria, 198, 346. 
 Bolax, 32. 
 Boldoa, 369. 
 Boletus, 331. 
 Bombax, 278, 378. 
 Bongardia, 247. 
 Bontia, 298. 
 Borassus, 307, 309. 
 Borago, 56. 
 Boswellia, 181. 
 Botrytis, 186. 
 Bo vista, 340. 
 Brabejum, 11. 
 Brassica, 73, 280, 281, 346, 
 
 422. 
 Bromelia, 325. 
 Brosimum, 62, 137, 243. 
 Broussonetia, 312. 
 Brya, 161. 
 Bryonia, 64. 
 Bubon, 188. 
 Bumelia, 68. 
 Bunium, 160. 
 Bursaria, 58. 
 Bursera, 49, 246. 
 Butea, 204, 340. 
 Butyrospermum, 71. 
 Buxus, 57. 
 
 Cactus, 75, 415. 
 Caesalpinia, 43, 56, 60,155, 
 
 179, 286, 325, 367. 
 Cajanus, 153, 320. 
 Caladium, 231. 
 Calamus, 84, 157, 258. 
 
 Calceolaria, 79. 
 Calendula, 267. 
 Calla, 419. 
 Callistemon, 57. 
 Callitris, 21, 23, 367. 
 Callopisma, 79. 
 Calluna, 207. 
 Calodendron, 109. 
 Calophj'llum, 51, 77. 
 Calotropis, 278, 431. 
 Caltha, 268. 
 Calyptranthes, 200. 
 Calystegia, 275. 
 Camassia, 341. 
 Camelina, 346. 
 Camellia, 80, 404, 434. 
 Campanula, 346. 
 Campomanesia, 305. 
 Campyloneurum, 78. 
 Cananga, 218. 
 Canai-ium, 12, 113, 150, 
 
 163. 
 Canavalia, 304. 
 Canella, 84. 
 Canna, 220. 
 Cannabis, 210. 
 Capparis, 90, 280. 
 Capraria, 407. 
 Capsicum, 91. 
 Carapa, 140. 
 Carduus, 410. 
 Carex, 120, 374. 
 Cargillia, 330. 
 Carica, 311. 
 Carissa, 92. 
 Carludovica, 311. 
 Carolinia, 378. 
 Carpinus, 215, 223. 
 Carpodinus, 325. 
 Carthamus, 361. 
 Carum, 7, 92. 
 Carya, 215, 316, 320. 
 Caryocar, 385. 
 Caryophyllus, 120. 
 Caryota, 307, 362. 
 Casearia, 382. 
 Cassia, 339, 375. 
 Castanea, 110. 
 Castanospermum, 110. 
 Castilloa, 87, 89. 
 Casuarina, 294, 398. 
 Catalpa, 98. 
 Catha, 233, 406. 
 Cathartocarpus, 339. 
 Cattleya, 302. 
 Ceanothus, 406. 
 Cecropia, 419. 
 Cedrela, 74, 101. 
 Cedrus, 99. 
 Celastrus, 390. 
 Celosia, 123. 
 Celtis, 252, 285. 
 
 Centaurea, 55. 
 Cephaelis, 221. 
 Cephalanthus, 73. 
 Cephalotus, 326. 
 Ceradia, 41. 
 Cerasus, 107, 108, 256 
 
 289, 336. 
 Ceratonia, 93, 249. 
 Cerbera, 303. 
 Cercis, 229. 
 Cereus, 76, 104, 415. 
 Ceroxylon, 436. 
 Cetraria, 218. 
 Clijerophyllum, 136, 190. 
 Chamsecyparis, 100. 
 Chamserops, 116, 169, 306, 
 
 308, 412. 
 Chara, 105. 
 Chieranthus, 433. 
 Chierostemon, 205. 
 Chenopodium, 343, 388, 
 
 406. 
 Chickrassia, 257. 
 Chiococca, 381. 
 Chionanthus, 182. 
 Chlora, 447. 
 Chlorogalum, 384. 
 Chloroxylon, 370, 446. 
 Chondrus, 91. 
 Chondodendron, 313. 
 Chrozophora, 422. 
 Chrysanthemum, 115. 
 Chrysobalanus, 125, 320. 
 Chrysophyllum, 391. 
 Cibotium, 40, 341. 
 Cichorium, 112, 164. 
 Cicuta, 139. 
 Cimicifuga, 67. 
 Cinchona, 117. 
 Cinclidotus, 277. 
 Cinnamomum, 81, 118. 
 Cissampelos, 313. 
 Cissus, 345. 
 Cistus, 238, 282. 
 Citrullus, 128, 435. 
 Citrus, 47, 119, 236, 242, 
 
 245, 300, 375. 
 Cladouia, 348. 
 Clathrocystis, 130. 
 Clathrus, 393. 
 Clematis, 432. 
 Clusia, 34. 
 Cnicus, 410. 
 Coccoloba, 242, 374. 
 Cocculus, 123. 
 Cochlearia, 216. 
 Cocos, 123, 254. 
 Codarium, 401. 
 CoflFea, 125, 127. 
 Coix, 43, 229. 
 Cola, 127. 
 Colchicum, 128. 
 
Collophora, 138. 
 Colocasia, 403. 
 Colubrina, 200. 
 Combretum, 72, 194. 
 Commidendrou, 373. 
 Conferva, 130. 
 Conium, 180,^209. 
 Conocarpus, 73^. 
 
 Convalaria, 245. 
 
 Convolvulus, 48, 275, 3/1 
 
 Cookia, 434. 
 
 Copaifera, 32. 
 
 Copernicia, 436. 
 
 Coptis, 195, 274. 
 
 Corchorus, 229, 231. 
 
 Cordia, 15, 357, 374, 387, 
 
 417. 
 Coriandrum, 132. 
 Coriaria, 132. 
 Corispermum, 412. 
 Cornicularia, 418. 
 Cornus, 58, 133, 156, 339. 
 Corylus, 207. 
 
 Corynocarpus, 232. 
 
 Coryplia, 400. 
 
 Coscinium, 80^ 
 
 Couroupita, 85. 
 
 Crambe, 231. 
 
 Crassula, 141. 
 
 Crategus, 206, 270, 271, 
 
 411. 
 Cratajva, 190. 
 Crescentia, 78. 
 Critlmuin, 364. 
 Crocus, 361. 
 Crotalaria, 211. 
 Croton, 96, 143, 238, 258 
 
 422. 
 
 Cryptocarya, 290. 
 Cryptomeria, 100. 
 Cryptostegia, 89. 
 Cubeba, 318. 
 Cucumis, 143, 271, 436. 
 Cucurbita, 341, 427. 
 Cuminum, 144. 
 Cupressus, 100, 147. 
 Curatella, 145. 
 Curtisia, 206. 
 Curcuma, 421. 
 Cuscuta, 155. 
 Cyathea, 171. 
 Cycas, 146. 
 
 Cyclopia, 407. 
 
 Cydonia, 343. 
 
 Cyminosma, 446. 
 
 Cvmopteris, 190. 
 
 Cynara, 25, 93. 
 
 Cynodon, 157. 
 
 Cynomorium, 187, 345. 
 
 Cynosurus, 207. 
 
 Cyperus, 146, 188, 312, 
 
 Cypripedium, 302. 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Cytisus, 63, 237. 
 Cyttaria, 45. 
 
 Dacrydium, 217, 353. 
 
 Dactylis, 423. 
 
 Dsedalea, 158. 
 
 Dahlia, 148. ^ o^^ 
 
 Dalbergia, 53, 225, 356 
 
 357, 379. 
 Damraara, 139, 148. 
 Daniellia, 182. 
 Daphne, 56, 219,^ 389. 
 Darlingtonia, 326. 
 Datiira, 152. 
 Daucus, 94. 
 Davallia, 206. 
 Delabechea, 57. 
 Delphinium, 392. 
 Dendrobiuin, 302, 353. 
 Dendrocalamus, 36. 
 Desmodium, 409, 411. 
 Dianthus, 120. 
 Dichopsis, 204, 
 Dicypellium, 121. 
 Dieffenbachia, 159. 
 Digitalis, 180. 
 Dillenia, 154, 367. 
 
 Dimorphandra, 276. 
 
 Dionfea, 427. 
 
 Dioscorea, 444, 445. 
 
 Diospyros, 78, 151, 161, 
 190, 253, 254, 267. 
 
 Dipsacus, 408. 
 
 Dipterix, 136, 415. 
 
 Dipterocarpus, 442. 
 
 Dirca, 242. 
 
 Dittelasma, 384. 
 
 Dodecatheon, 140. 
 
 Dolichos, 114, 216. 
 
 Doona, 157. 
 
 Dorema, 15. 
 
 Dorstenia, 130. 
 
 Doryphora, 369. 
 
 Dractena, 157, 411. 
 
 Dracocephalum, 31. 
 
 Dracuncuhis, 158. 
 
 Drimys, 441. 
 Dryobalanops, 82. 
 
 Duboisia, 328. 
 Duguetia, 239. 
 Durio, 159. 
 
 ECBALIUM, 389. 
 Echinocactus, 75, 76, 208. 
 Echinocystis, 51. 
 Ecklonia, 419. 
 Edgeworthia, 219. 
 Edwardsia, 237. 
 Elcegia, 426. 
 Elseagnus, 297. 
 Elseocarpus, 43, 212. 
 
 453 
 
 Elseodendron, 298. 
 Elais, 306. 
 
 Eleusine, 273, 285, 345. 
 Ellettaria, 92. 
 Elymus, 268. 
 Encephalartos, 76, 449. 
 
 Entada, 51, 371. 
 Eperua, 432. 
 Epiphyllum, 76. 
 Epiprenmum, 414. 
 Ecmisetum, 160, 294. 
 Erica, 63, 207, 208. 
 Eriobotrya, 250^. 
 Eriodendron, 377, 3<8. 
 Erioglossum, 384. 
 Eriophorum, 135. 
 Erodium, 191. 
 Ervum, 243. 
 Eryngium, 373. 
 Erythrsea, 103, 104. 
 Erythrina, 43, 132, 231. 
 Erythroxylon, 122, 223.^ 
 Eucalyptus, 55, 165, 179, 
 
 227, 265, 319. 
 Eucheuma, 227. 
 Euchlsena, 409. 
 Eugenia, 121, 202, 22/, 
 242, 260, 355, 424, 449. 
 Euonymus, 389. 
 Eupatoriuni, 136. 
 Euphorbia, 90, 98, 167, 
 
 449. 
 Euryale, 196. 
 Euryangiuni, 398. 
 Eurybia, 280. 
 Euterpe, 28, 30, 410. 
 Excoecaria, 5. 
 Exocarpus, 108. 
 Exogonium, 226. 
 
 Faba, 43. 
 
 Fagopyrum, 67. 
 
 Fagus, 44, 46, 404, 417. 
 
 Fatsia, 352. 
 
 Feronia, 163. 
 
 Ferula, 25, 95, 170, 188, 
 
 361, 398. 
 Festuca, 172. 
 
 Feuillsea, 18. 
 Ficus,36,88,l72,325,360, 
 
 400. 
 Flacourtia, 331. 
 Flindersia, 389, 447. 
 Foeniculum, 169. 
 Foetidia, 393. 
 Fragaria, 394. 
 Frasera, 79. 
 Fraxinus, 26, 264. 
 Fritillaria, 143. 
 Fuchsia, 182, 236. 
 Fucxis, 183. 
 Fusanus, 43. 
 
454 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Galbanum, 188. 
 Galipea, 17. 
 Galium, 107. 
 Garciuia, 1 89, 263. 
 Gardenia, 154, 
 Gastrolobium, 98. 
 Gaultheria, 376, 406. 
 Genipa, 190. 
 Genista, 234. 
 Gentiana, 190, 382. 
 Geoffroya, 10. 
 Geranium, 191. 
 Gerrardantlius, 52. 
 Gleditschia, 249. 
 Glvceria, 265. 
 Glycine, 386. 
 Glycyrrhiza, 247. 
 Gmelina, 408. 
 Gompliocarpus, 90. 
 Gonolobus, 144. 
 Gordonia, 55. 
 Gossypium, 134. 
 Gouania, 106. 
 Graptophyllum, 93. 
 Grevillea, 379. 
 Grias, 15. 
 Guaiacum, 244. 
 Guatteria, 239. 
 Guettarda, 449. 
 Guevina, 29. 
 Guibourtia, 131. 
 Guilandiua, 43, 56. 
 Guilielma, 315. 
 Guizotia, 346. 
 Gymuarrliena, 356. 
 Gymnocladus, 234. 
 Gyiierium, 310. 
 Gyuocardia, 106. 
 Gypsopliila, 384. 
 G3Tand.ra, 104. 
 GjTophora, 418. 
 
 H^MAlfTHUS, 54, 331. 
 Haematostapliis, 55, 330. 
 Hfematoxylon, 250. 
 Hagenia, 145. 
 Halesia, 383. 
 Halimodendron, 364. 
 Hancornia, 89. 
 Harpagoph5i;um, 197. 
 Harpulia, 421. 
 Hedera, 224. 
 Hedysarum, 182, 265. 
 Heisteria, 314. 
 Heliamphora, 327. 
 Helianthus, 228, 398. 
 Heliotropium, 209. 
 Helleborus, 209. 
 Helotium, 200. 
 Helvella, 276. 
 Hemidesnius, 369. 
 Hemileia, 126. 
 
 Heracleum, 137. 
 Herrainiera, 377. 
 Heucliera, 14. 
 Hevea, 85, 89. 
 Hibiscus, 14, 53, 233, 296, 
 
 356. 
 Hierochloa, 214. 
 Hippomane, 262. 
 Hippophae, 67. 
 Hirneola, 228. 
 Hirtella, 337. 
 Hopea, 150. 
 Hordeum, 39. 
 Humirium, 217. 
 Humulus, 215. 
 Hura, 365. 
 Hyaciutbus, 217. 
 Hydrastis, 446. 
 Hymenaja, 131, 136. 
 Hymenophyllum, 174. 
 Hyoscyamus, 211. 
 Hypbaene, 192. 
 Hyssopus, 218. 
 
 IciCA, 92, 102, 163. 
 Ilex, 53, 213, 313, 406. 
 Illicium, 17. 
 Impatiens, 33, 417. 
 Indigofera, 220. 
 Inga, 202, 222. 
 Inocarpus, 111. 
 Inula, 163, 195. 
 Ipomoea, 88, 226, 275. 
 Iriartea, 347. 
 Iris, 179, 222, 303, 446. 
 Irvingia, 153. 
 Isatis, 441. 
 
 Jacaranda, 225. 
 Jacquinia, 58, 143. 
 Jasminum, 227. 
 Jateorliiza, 80. 
 Jatropha, 319, 392. 
 Jubaea, 131. 
 Juglans, 433, 434. 
 Juncus, 358. 
 Jungermannia, 249. 
 Juniperus, 99, 100, 230, 
 
 370. 
 Justicia, 284. 
 
 K^MPFERIA, 188. 
 Kalmia, 232. 
 Kigelia, 360. 
 Kingia, 199. 
 Knightia, 349. 
 Kokoona, 236. 
 Krameria, 349. 
 
 Lablab, 236. 
 Lachenalia, 140. 
 Lactuca, 243. 
 
 Lagenaria, 57, 439. 
 Lagerstromia, 55. 
 Lagetta, 238. 
 Laminaria, 183, 419. 
 Landolphia, 88. 
 Lansium, 239. 
 Larix, 239, 265, 423. 
 Larrea, 142. 
 Lastrtea, 171, 258. 
 Laurelia, 241, 369, 370. 
 Laurus, 240, 369, 387. 
 Lavandula, 241. 
 Lavatera, 259. 
 Lawsonia, 81. 
 Lecanora, 144, 266. 
 Lecythis, 368. 
 Ledum, 406. 
 Lens, 243. 
 Leonia, 3. 
 Leoutice, 247. 
 Leopoldinia, 320. 
 Lepidium, 142. 
 Lepidostacbys, 236. 
 Lepironia, 147. 
 Leptospermum, 407. 
 Lespedeza, 227. 
 Leucadendron, 379. 
 Leucaena, 42. 
 Lewisia, 51. 
 Liatris, 382. 
 Libocedrus, 8, 23, 234. 
 Licben, 266. 
 Licuala, 317. 
 Ligustrum, 437. 
 Liliuni, 245. 
 Limnantbemum, 182. 
 Limonia, 234. 
 Linociera, 357. 
 Linum, 177. 
 Liquidambar, 247, 394. 
 Liriodendron, 421. 
 Litbrffia,249 ; rcnd/or'Rh.ns. 
 Livistona, 74, 414. 
 Lodoicea, 124. 
 Loiseleuria, 29. 
 Lolium, 151, 207, 347. ;, 
 Lonicera, 442. 
 Lorantbus, 3. 
 Lotus, 194, 253. 
 Loxopterygium, 342. 
 Lucuma, 76, 268. 
 Lupinus, 254. 
 Lycium, 57. 
 Lycoperdon, 340. 
 Lycopersicum, 414. 
 Lycopodium, 121. 
 Lysiloma, 358. 
 
 Mach^rium, 225, 412. 
 Madura, 187, 303. 
 Macrochloa, 165. 
 Macrozamia, 449. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 455 
 
 Madia, 255. 
 Magnolia, 255, 447. 
 Mahonia, 39. 
 Mallotus, 232. 
 Malpighia, 108. 
 Malva, 229, 259. 
 Mamillaria, 76. 
 Mammea, 261. 
 Mandragora, 262. 
 Mangifera, 263. 
 Manicaria, 69. 
 Manihot, 88, 96. 
 Maranta, 25. 
 Marasmius, 169. 
 Marcgravia, 225. 
 Marchantia, 249. 
 Marsdenia, 221. 
 Marsilea, 284. 
 Matisia, 115. 
 Mauritia, 92, 273. 
 Maximiliana, 226. 
 Medicago, 270. 
 Megarrhiza, 51. 
 Melaleuca, 56, 77, 407. 
 Melanorrhoea, 426. 
 Melhania, 162. 
 Melia, 42, 285. 
 Meliantlius, 214. 
 Melicocca, 214. 
 Melilotiis, 136, 271. 
 Melissa, 31. 
 Melocactus, 76, 271. 
 Mentha, 319, 387. 
 Menyanthes, 65, 182. 
 Merulius, 158. 
 Mesembryanthemum, 173, 
 
 218. 
 Mespilus, 271. 
 Mesua, 223. 
 
 Metrosideros, 7, 331, 347. 
 Metroxylon, 362. 
 Michelia, 105. 
 Mikania, 201. 
 Mimosa, 3, 216. 
 Mimulus, 280. 
 Mimusops, 139, 205. 
 Mirabilis, 269. 
 Monarda, 304, 406. 
 Monizia, 95. 
 Monstera, 275. 
 Moquilea, 337. 
 Mora, 275. 
 Morchella, 276. 
 Morinda, 4, 276. 
 Moronobea, 212. 
 Morus, 278. 
 Mi;cor, 278. 
 Mucorini, 185. 
 Mucuna, 139. 
 Muntingia, 78. 
 Murray a, 245. 
 Mnsa, 1, 164, 211, 329. 
 
 Mylitta, 61. 
 Myoporum, 366. 
 Myrica, 84, 384, 445. 
 Myristica, 289. 
 Myrospermum, 33. 
 Myrrhis, 109, 282. 
 Myrsine, 68. 
 Myrtus, 283. 
 
 Nandina, 359. 
 Narcissus, 148, 283, 420. 
 Nardostachys, 387. 
 Nartheciuni, 28. 
 Narthex, 25. 
 Nasturtium, 142. 
 Nauclea, 275. 
 Nectandra, 200, 289, 370, 
 
 439. 
 Nelumbium, 359. 
 Neottopteris, 49. 
 Nepenthes, 327. 
 Nephelium, 248. 
 Nerium, 296. 
 Nicotiana, 413. 
 Nigella, 169. 
 Nipa, 287. 
 Nitella, 106. 
 Nitraria, 253, 287. 
 Norantea, 225. 
 Nostoc, 391. 
 Notelsea, 223. 
 Nuphar, 435. 
 Nuytsia, 177. 
 Nymphea, 251, 435. 
 Nyssa, 421. 
 
 OCHROMA, 133. 
 
 Ocymum, 399. 
 Odontoglossum, 302. 
 CEnanthe, 139, 434. 
 ffinocarpus, 30. 
 CEnothera, 168. 
 Oidium, 164, 422, 430. 
 Oldenlandia, 106. 
 Oldfieldia, 407. 
 Olea, 53, 223, 297. 
 Omphalobium, 449. 
 Oncocarpus, 223. 
 Oncosperma, 286. 
 Onobrychis, 362. 
 Onopordon, 135. 
 Onosma, 256. 
 Ophelia, 113. 
 Ophiocaryon, 381. 
 Ophioglossum, 5. 
 Ophiorrhiza, 381. 
 Opoidia, 188. 
 Opopanax, 299. 
 Opuntia, 76, 219, 288. 
 Orchis, 302, 363. 
 Oreodaphne, 369. 
 Origanum, 268. 
 
 Onnosia, 42. 
 Ornithogalum, 27, 391. 
 Omus, 26. 
 Orobanche, 64, 345. 
 Oryza, 83, 351. 
 Ostrya, 215, 223. 
 Ouvirandra, 240. 
 Owenia, 386. 
 Oxalis, 296, 385. 
 
 Pachira, 378. 
 Pachyrhizus, 444. 
 Ppeonia, 317. 
 Paliurus, 115. 
 Panax, 193. 
 Pandanus, 372. 
 Panicum, 202, 272, 
 Papaver, 334. 
 Pappea, 439. 
 PapjTus, 312. 
 Parechites, 225. 
 Parinarium, 192. 
 Paritium, 41. 
 Parkia, 287. 
 Parkinsonia, 227. 
 Parmelia, 144. 
 Pamientiera, 84. 
 Paspalum, 273, 352. 
 Passiflora, 197, 314. 
 Pastinaca, 299, 313. 
 Paullinia, 201, 398, 412. 
 Pelargonium, 191. 
 Penea, 368. 
 Penicillium, 184, 431. 
 Pentaceros, 102. 
 Pentachlethra, 305. 
 Pentadesma, 72. 
 Pereskia, 76, 196. 
 Peronospora, 337, 422, 430. 
 Persea, 10, 83. 
 Petroselinnm, 313. 
 Peucedanum, 137, 386. 
 Peziza, 200. 
 Phalaiuopsis, 302. 
 Phalaris, 83. 
 Phallus, 393. 
 Phaseolus, 235, 371. 
 Phlebodinm, 78. 
 Phleum, 207, 412. 
 Phcenix, 76,151,306,307. 
 Phormium, 178. 
 Photiuia, 250. 
 Phragmites, 348. 
 Phyllocladus, 103, 402. 
 Phyllocor}'ne, 229. 
 Phyllostachys, 438. 
 Phylloxera, 430. 
 Physalis, 441. 
 Physocalymma, 421. 
 Physostignia, 77. 
 Phytelephas, 224. 
 Phytolacca, 331, 424. 
 
456 
 
 IJ^DEX. 
 
 Picea, 31, 379, ,423. 
 
 Picraena, 342. 
 
 Pierardia, 346. 
 
 Pimenta, 10. 
 
 Pimpinella, 17. 
 
 Piuguicula, 72. 
 
 Pinus, 174, 181, 322, 372, 
 
 422, 442. 
 Piper, 47, 233, 270, 317. 
 Pistacia, 30, 203, 269, 325, 
 
 409. 
 Pistia, 43p. 
 Pisum, 315. 
 
 Pithecolobium, 383, 448. 
 Pittosporum, 58, 439. 
 Planera, 449, 
 Platanus, 73, 111, 328. 
 Platycerium, 390. 
 Plocaria, 104. 
 Plumbago, 242. 
 Plumieria, 180. 
 Poa, 207. 
 Podocarpus, 234, 417, 444, 
 
 446, 447. 
 Podophyllum, 270. 
 Pogostemon, 314. 
 Poiuciana, 179. 
 Poinsettia, 167. 
 Polianthes, 420. 
 Polyactis, 185. 
 Polygala, 382. 
 Polygonatum, 384. 
 Polygouum, 221. 
 Polypodium, 332. 
 Polyporus, 158, 191, 277, 
 
 412. 
 Polystichum, 78. 
 Polytriclium, 277. 
 Pomaderris, 130. 
 Ponganiia, 333. 
 Populus, 27, 136, 333, 440. 
 PorphjTa, 242. 
 Poterium, 69. 
 Praugos, 338. 
 Primula, 28, 140, 331, 
 
 338. 
 Pringlea, 74. 
 Prinos, 406, 441. 
 Prionium, 309. 
 Prosopis, 8, 9. 
 Protea, 214, 339. 
 Protococcus, 347. 
 Primus, 11, 20, 68, 240, 
 
 330, 336, 380. 
 Psidium, 201. 
 Psophocarpus, 194. 
 Psoralea, 41, 228, 337. 
 Psychotria, 222. 
 Pteris, 58, 171. 
 Pterocarpus, 204, 340, 356, 
 
 367. 
 Pteroxylon, 383. 
 
 Ptychosperma, fi. 
 Ptychotis, 7. 
 Puccinia, 214. 
 Pulmonaria, 253, 305. 
 Punica, ?32. 
 Puya, 341. 
 
 Pyrethrum, 172, 178. 
 Fyvns, 18, 20,27,316,375, 
 439. 
 
 QUADRIA, 29. 
 
 Quassia, 342. 
 
 Quercus, 133, 291, 295, 366, 
 
 440. 
 Quillaja, 343. 
 
 Rafflesia, 345. 
 Ramalina, 301. 
 Randia, 221. 
 Ranunculus, 320, 434. 
 Raphanus, 344. 
 Raphia, 230, 307. 
 Ravenala, 417. 
 Reseda, 272, 437. 
 Rliagodia, 363. 
 Rhamnus, 65, 156, 253. 
 Rheedia, 439. 
 Rheum, 350. 
 Rhinacanthus, 284. 
 Rhipsalis, 76. 
 Rhizomorpha, 185. 
 Rhizophora, 264. 
 Rhododendron, 177, 349. 
 Rhodomenia, 159. 
 Rhodorrhiza, 296. 
 Rhus, 187, 249, 397, 426, 
 
 437. 
 Rliynchosia, 43. 
 Rhynchospermum, 225. 
 Ribes, 145, 195. 
 Riccia, 249. 
 Richardia, 419. 
 Richardsonia, 122, 222. 
 Ricinus, 307. 
 Rivina, 54. 
 Robinia, 250, 355. 
 Rocella, 90, 301. 
 Rollinia, 239. 
 Rosa, 353. 
 Rosmarinus, 356. 
 Rottlera, 232. 
 Roupellia, 141. 
 Rubia, 254. 
 Rubus, 60, 346. 
 Rnellia, 353. 
 
 Rumex, 155, 212, 351, 385. 
 Ruscus, 7b. 
 Ruta, 357. 
 
 Sabal, 308, 410. 
 Saccharum, 396. 
 Saccolabium, 302. 
 
 Sagittaria, 24. 
 
 Saguerus, 307. 
 
 Sagus, 224, 362. 
 
 Salacia, 415. 
 
 Salicornia, 193. 
 
 Salisburia, 257. 
 
 Salix, 304, 363, 439, 440, 
 
 441. 
 Salsola, 193, 364. 
 Salvadora,' 281, 
 Salvia, 112, 361. 
 Sambucus, 150, 162. 
 Sangiiinaria, 55. 
 Sanguisorba, 69. 
 Sanseviera, 210. '^ 
 Santalura, 43, 342, 365. 
 Sapindus, 383. 
 Saponaria, 384. 
 Sapota, 68, 284. 
 Sarcocephalus, 316. 
 Sargassum, 202. 
 Sarracenia, 377. 
 Sassafras, 363, 369. 
 Satureia, 370. 
 "Sauvagesia, 212. 
 Saxifraga, 44, 250. 
 Schinus, 269, 275. 
 Schistostegia, 277. 
 Schleichera, 237. 
 Scilla, 389. 
 Scirpus, 6S. 
 Scorzonera, 371. 
 Seaforthia, 74. 
 Secale, 358. 
 Sechium, 113. 
 Selaginella, 349. 
 Semecarpus, 268. 
 Sempervivum, 216. 
 Senecio, 200. 
 Sequoia, 261, 348, 
 Serjania, 412. 
 Sesamum, 193, 375, 
 Sesbania, 150. 
 Shepherdia, 67. 
 Shorea, 363. 
 Sideroxylon, 223. 
 Silphium, 129. 
 Simaba, 102. 
 Simaruba, 342. 
 Sinapsis, 280, 281. 
 Slum, 379, 436. 
 Srailax, 94, 113, 36S, 406. 
 Smyrnium, 8. 
 Soja, 386. 
 Solanum, 52, 85, 162, 336, 
 
 431. 
 Solenostemma, 24. 
 Solidago, 195. 
 Souneratia, 232. 
 Sophora, 3S5. 
 Sorghum, 63, 202, 272. 
 Soymida, 257. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 457 
 
 Spartiura, 63, 187, 344. 
 Sphseria, 186. 
 Sphagnum, 277. 
 Spigelia, 443. 
 Spinacia, 388. 
 Spir«a, 389. 
 Spodiopogon, 68, 
 Spondias, 213, 304. 
 Stachytarpheta, 407. 
 Stadtmannia, 222. 
 Stanhopea, 302. 
 Stapelia, 94. 
 Staphylea, 53. 
 Statice, 241, 411. 
 Steenhammara, 305. 
 Sterculia, 57, 177. 
 Sticta, 253. 
 Stillingia, 401. 
 Stipa, 169. 
 Strelitzia, 395. 
 Strychnos, 119, 290, 383, 
 
 425. 
 Styrax, 47, 393. 
 Swartzia, 310. 
 Swietenia, 256. 
 Symphonia, 212. 
 Symphoricarpus, 383. 
 Symphytum, 129. 
 Syraplocarpus, 380. 
 Symplocos, 250. 
 Syncarpia, 423. 
 Syringa, 244. 
 
 Tabern^montana, 138. 
 Tacca, 105, 319. 
 Tamarindus, 401. 
 Tamarix, 265, 401, 402. 
 Tamus, 64. 
 Tanacetum, 402. 
 Tanghinia, 303. 
 Taraxacum, 150. 
 Tarchonanthus, 178. 
 Tasmannia, 319. 
 Taxodium, 147. 
 Taxus, 447. 
 Tecoma, 58. 
 Tectona, 408. 
 Telopea, 434. 
 Tephrosia, 220. 
 Terminalia, 282. 
 
 Testudinaria, 416. 
 Tetracera, 436. 
 Tetragouia, 388. 
 Teucriuiu, 411. 
 Thapsia, 25, 94, 190. 
 Thea, 404. 
 Thelephora, 158. 
 Theobroma, 114. 
 Thrinax, 410. 
 Thuja, 22, 101, 367. 
 Thymus, 411. 
 Tilia, 41, 246. 
 Tillandsia, 277. 
 Tinospora, 189, 
 Toluifera, 34. 
 Tontelea, 415. 
 Torreya, 290. 
 Torrubia, 186. 
 Torula, 445. 
 Trachylobiura, 131. 
 Tradescantia, 387« 
 Tragopogon, 364. 
 Trapa, 111. 
 Treculia, 62. 
 Tribulus, 79. 
 Trichcosanthes, 381. 
 Trichilia, 357. 
 Trichomanes, 174. 
 Trifolium, 121. 
 Trigonella, 170. 
 Tripsacum, 67. 
 Tristania, 423. 
 Triticum, 319, 387, 394, 
 
 438. 
 Tropa^olum, 83, 142. 
 Tuber, 418. 
 Tulipa, 420. 
 Tussilago, 128. 
 Typha, 68, 348. 
 
 Ulex, 187. 
 Ulmus, 163, 285. 
 Ulva, 242. 
 Umbilicaria, 418. 
 Uncaria, 189. 
 Urania, 395, 417. 
 Urceola, 88. 
 Urtica, 211, 285, 286. 
 Usnea, 418. 
 Ustilago, 380. 
 
 Uvaria, 239. 
 
 Vaccinium, 48, 141, 217. 
 Valeriana, 387, 425. 
 Vanda, 302. 
 Vanilla, 425. 
 Valeria, 131. 
 Vepris, 223. 
 Veratrum, 209. 
 Verbascum, 278. 
 Verbena, 428. 
 Vernonia, 235. 
 Viburnum, 202, 
 Vicia, 403. 
 Victoria, 428. 
 Vigna, 114. 
 Viola, 431. 
 Virgilia, 446. 
 Viscum, 274. 
 Vismia, 190, 275. 
 Vitex, 341, 408. 
 Vitis, 52, 429. 
 Voandzeia, 161< 
 Vochysia, 130. 
 
 Wellingtonia, 261. 
 Welwitschia, 437. 
 Willughbeia, 88. 
 Wrightia, 221, 305. 
 
 Xanthium, 69. 
 Xanthorrhoea, 199. 
 Xanthoxylon, 188, 212, 
 
 318, 415, 446. 
 Xirnenia, 366. 
 Xylia, 222. 
 Xylomelum, 443. 
 Xylopia, 202, 318. 
 
 Yucca, 5, 157. 
 
 Zamano, 448. 
 Zamia, 76, 362, 448. 
 Zanthorhiza, 446. 
 Zasmidium, 185. 
 Zea, 257. 
 Zingiber, 192. 
 Zizania, 83. 
 Zizyphus, 115, 229. 
 Zostera, 200. 
 Zygophyllum, 43. 
 
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