dry and sandy places: it is likewise found in Chili, unless the specimens 
I have received from that country are cultivated plants. If not possessed 
of much beauty in the flowers, (which, however, are rarely produced in 
our collections,) the Molle yields to few trees in the gracefulness of its 
foliage: added to which, its properties and uses are well deserving of our 
attention. 
The whole plant abounds in a viscid and resinous oil, which yields a 
powerfully aromatic and pungent odour, and which some have compared 
to the scent of Fennel. That which naturally exudes from the bark is 
most viscid, and concretes on exposure to the air, and resembles Mastick ; 
that of the leaves is more fluid; and if these leaves be broken trans- 
versely into pieces and thrown on the surface of water, especially if the 
back of the leaf be applied to the fluid, they move by jerks, generally in 
circles, in a most remarkable manner. In warm weather, and during a 
calm state of atmosphere, this movement continues for a considerable 
length of time, gradually becoming weaker and weaker, till it ceases 
altogether. This singular property is due to the escape of the oil just 
mentioned, which escaping suddenly from the wounds in the broken 
fragments of foliage, propels them in an opposite direction. Some other 
species of Molle (if we may judge from the peculiar odour, for they have 
not flowered with us,) have been observed by Mr. Murray to exhibit 
this phenomenon ina more remarkable degree, especially a simple-leaved 
species from Peru, given to us by Mr. Crucxsnanxs. A white odori- 
ferous substance is also obtained from the foliage, resembling Gum Elemi, 
which, dissolved in milk, is used for diseases in the eye. Of the bark, 
boiled in water, lotions are made for healing tumours and reducing in- 
flammations. _ The pulp of the fruit is described as gummy, and of a sweet 
flavour: the Indians prepare from it an agreeable drink which is very re- 
freshing, by infusing the berries in water and pressing out the juice which 
communicates a vinous colour. This again is often converted into vinegar. 
In Mrs. Granaw’s “ History of Chili,’ we are told that the heart of 
the Molle tree is very solid, and used for pillars, for the axletrees of 
waggons, and gables and corner-posts of dwellings. Where a part is 
buried under ground, it takes root, and thereby secures the building better. 
This tree yields a gum, which applied to the head as a plaister, relieves 
Spasms; and the thickened fluid that exudes from the wounded bark is 
excellent for nervous complaints, and affords a good stomachic and car- 
— “preneag 
is shrub flowered in April of the present year, 1834,) in the green- 
house of WiLt1am aasas Jun., Esq. of Clhare oa aa our 
drawing was obligingly made from his specimens by Mr. J. D. C. 
_ Sowersy, who inherits the same talent for the fine arts which so emi- 
nently distinguished his father. : 
Descr. Inour collections this forms a moderately-sized shrub: bear- 
ing copious evergreen, pinnated leaves, varying exceedingly in the num- 
ber of leaileta, as well as in their relative length and brontth, the margins 
_ Serrated, in # entire, the terminal leaflet generally the longest. Flowers 
small, in axillary and terminal panicles; 
oe five-cleft. Petals five, obovato-lanceolat 
en 
se ary ; in the present instance bearing 
_ Stamens and pistil; but the latter are small and probably imperfect, Calyz 
e, Spreading, pale yellow-green. 
_ Germen globose. Styles three, each tipped with a large capitate stigma. 
es 
> ~ 1. Part of a Flower, exhibiting the Cal 
i x, a Petal, the Stamens,- 
Pistil. 2. Stamen: slightly magnified, : eae 
