66 Forest Trees and Shrubs of Meriden, Conn. 



79. VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM. (Linn.) 



Black Haw. Stag Bush. 



Not common in Meriden. A large shrub, or small tree, ten to 

 twenty feet high. Wood, very hard, strong, brittle, close-grained. 

 The bark is tonic and astringent, and in the form of decoctions 

 and fluid extracts, is used in the treatment of uterine disorders. 

 Specific gravity, 0.8332 ; ash, 0.52. 



There are several other varieties of the Viburnum in Meriden, 

 which I have not been able to identify. 



XVI. ERICACE^. The Heath Family. 



80. GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS. (Linn.) 



Partridge Berry. Tea-berry. Checkerberry. Winter- 

 green. Box-berry. 

 A delicate evergreen plant, creeping on or near the surface of the 

 ground. The leaves are aromatic, and yield on distillation a very 

 heavy volatile oil. 



81. RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM. (Linn.) 



Great LaureL Rose Bay. 



A tall tree or more often a tall, straggling shrub. Not common 

 in Meriden, Wood heavy, hard, strong, close-grained. Some- 

 times used as a substitute for boxwood in engraving. Decoction 

 of leaves used medicinally in the treatment of sciatica and rheuma- 

 tism. Specific gravity, 0.6303; ash, 0.36. 



82. CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA. (Linn.) 



White Alder. Sweet Pepper-bush. 



Grows from three to ten feet high. Flowers are exceedingly 

 fragrant. 



83. KALMIA LATIFOLIA. (Linn.) 



Mountain Laurel. Calico Bush. Spoon-wood. Ivy. 



Grows from three to ten feet high, with irregular, crooked, strag- 

 gling branches. Wood very hard, strong, close-grained, com- 

 pact. Leaves said to be poisonous to cattle. The leaves, buds 

 and fruit are used medicinally. 



