TWIN-FLOWERED NYSSA. 425 



Sch wobber, are grown in moist meadows, ona level with the waters of the adjoin- 

 ing rivers. 



Properties and Uses. The Nyssa biflora holds a middle rank between soft 

 and hard -wooded-trees. When perfectly seasoned, the sap-wood is of a slight 

 reddish tint, and the heart-wood is of a deep-brown. Of trees exceeding fifteen 

 or eighteen inches in diameter, frequently more than half of the trunk is hollow. 

 The ligneous fibres, which compose the body of most other trees are closely united, 

 and usually ascend in a perpendicular direction. But, on the contrary, the trees 

 of this genus exhibit a constant peculiarity of organization, the fibres being united 

 in bundles, and are interwoven like a braided cord. This property gives it a 

 decided superiority for certain uses. In the parts of the country where it abounds, 

 it is employed for the naves of wheels destined for heavy burthens. It is also 

 employed for the heads of the shafts of wind-mills, and, sawn into boards, it is 

 used for lining carts. Wooden bowls are made of it, which are heavier tlian 

 those made of the tulip-tree, (Liriodendron,) and are less liable to split. From 

 this irregularity of fibre, the ' gum-tree " is not admitted as evidence in the courts 

 of Pennsylvania, in establishing boundaries to lands, fcc., from the number of 

 years which have elapsed since the trees have been blazed. As fuel, this wood 

 burns slowly, and diffuses a great heat. 



In British gardens, it does not appear that much pains have been taken to 

 encourage the growth of this, or any other species of Nyssa ; nor are there but 

 very few specimens of a tree-like form to be seen either in the European or Amer- 

 ican pleasure-grounds ; but, from the singularity of the fruit, and the beauty of 

 the foliage, which dies off of an intensely deep scarlet, this tree deserves a place 

 in every collection. 

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