RHUS VERNIX. 
Poison Sumach or Dogwood. 
PLATE X, 
Tur fine, smooth foliage of the Rhus vernix 
render it one of the most elegant of our native 
shrubs, while its well known poisonous qualities 
make it an object of aversion, and deter most per- 
sons from a near inspection of its structure and 
characteristics. From Canada to Carolina it is a 
common tenant of swamps and meadows, usually 
attaining the height of ten or fifteen feet, but 
sometimes rising into a tree of twice that altitude. 
The names of Poison tree, Poison wood, Poison 
ash, &c. are applied to it in different parts of the 
United States. In Massachusetts it is universal- 
ly known by the name of Dogwood. 'This appel- 
lation, being applied throughout the country to 
Cornus florida, seryes to shew the fallacy of de- 
