The Collection of Woods 1 1 1 



Large-Leaved Sea Grape. This tree is remark- 

 able for its leaves, which reach the enormous diam- 

 eter of three feet. The wood is very durable and 

 fence-posts made of it will last for a hundred years. 



LiGNUM-ViTAE. There are two species, very much 

 alike, both having blue flowers. The fruit is a cap- 

 sule which becomes orange when ripe. The wood, 

 which is heavier than water, is light-yellow to green- 

 ish, with black center. 



Live Oak. The same tree that occurs in eastern 

 Virginia and farther south. The light-colored wood 

 is valuable. The acorns resemble those of the white 

 oak, but are very small, pointed, and enclosed in 

 deep, attractive cups. 



Mahogany. This large tree is well known be- 

 cause of its valuable wood. The fruit resembles a 

 large hickory-nut in the husk, but splits at the bot- 

 tom instead of at the top, and is full of winged seeds 

 like those of the maple. 



Manchineel. a coastal tree with fine wood and 

 a very poisonous milky juice, which was used by the 

 Carib Indians to poison their arrows. The apple- 

 like fruits are also acrid and poisonous. Much has 

 been said about the danger of sleeping in the shade 

 of this tree on account of the poisonous juices in the 

 leaves, but the accounts have been much exagger- 

 ated. 



