Forest Trffs and Shrubs of Men den, Conn. 69 



very close-grained, compact. The bark and leaves rich in tannin, 

 and in the form of decoctions and fluid extracts is largely used 

 medicinally. Specific gravity, 0.6856; ash, 0.37. 



99. LIQUIDAMBER STYRACIFLUA. (Linn.) 



Sweet Gum. Star-leaved Gum. Liquidamber. Red 

 Gum. Bilsted. Alligator-tree. 



Not common in Meriden. Resembles the Sugar Maple, but with 

 a more conical head. Grows rapidly, and reaches a height of from 

 fifty to seventy feet, and two or more feet in diameter. Wood 

 fine-grained, inclined to shrink and warp badly in seasoning, sus- 

 ceptible of a beautiful polish; decays rapidly when exposed to the 

 weather, and is of very little value as fuel. The balsamic exuda- 

 tion is obtained from the tree only in warm climates, and is used 

 medicinally and also in the manufacture of chewing gums. Spe- 

 cific gravity, 0.5910; ash, 0.61. 



XX. ROSACEA. The Rose Family. 



100. SPIRCEA OPULIFOLIA. (Linn.) 



Nine Bark. Nine Bark Syringa. 



Shrub, three to ten feet high, with spreading branches and loose 

 lamellated bark, the numerous layers, suggesting the popular name. 

 Flowers white, often tinged with purple. 



101. SPIRCEA SALICIFOLIA. (Linn.) 



Queen of the Meadows. 

 Abounds in wet places. 



102. SPIRCEA TOMENTOSA. ^Linn.) 



Hardback. Steeple bush. 



A leafy shrub two to three feet high, in wet places. Stem and 

 lower surface of the leaves covered with a rusty-colored wool. This 

 plant is astringent, and is used medicinally in the treatment of 

 diarrhoea and dysentery. 



The 6". ulmifolia, Meadow-Sweet, and S. filipendula, Drop-wort, 

 and other well known ornamental plants belong to this genus. 



