138 SYLVA AMERICANA. 



On the banks of the Ohio, this tree grows to the stature of 80 

 to 100 feet with a circumference of 12 to 16 feet, with a trunk 

 of an uniform size and undivided to the height of 25 or 30 feet. 

 Its bark is so peculiar as to render it distinguishable at first sight, 

 when from its height the form of its leaves cannot be discerned. 

 The trunk is regularly shaped, but the bark is blackish and rough, 

 and detaches itself semi-circularly in thick, narrow plates, which 

 are renewed after a considerable lapse of time. The leaves are 

 5 or 6 inches long, oval-acuminate, denticulated, of a beautiful 

 brilliant green, and furnished at the base with two reddish glands. 

 It puts forth white flowers in May or June, collected in spikes 

 which have a beautiful effect. The fruit is about the size of a 

 pea, disposed in the same manner as the flowers, and nearly 

 black at its maturity, which is in August or September ; soon 

 after which, notwithstanding its bitterness, it is devoured by the 

 birds. 



The perfect wood is of a dull, light-red tint, which deepens 

 with age. It is compact, fine-grained and brilliant, and not 

 liable to warp when perfectly seasoned. It is extensively 

 employed by cabinet makers for every species of furniture ; and 

 when chosen near the ramification of the trunk it rivals mahogany 

 in beauty. This wood is generally preferred to the black walnut, 

 whose dun complexion with time becomes nearly black. On 

 the banks of the Ohio it is employed in ship building, and the 

 French of Illinois use it for the felloes of wheels. The fruit is 

 employed to make a cordial, by infusion in rum or brandy, with 

 the addition of a certain quantity of sugar. The bark of this tree 

 is bitter and aromatic, its taste being strong, penetrating and not 

 disagreeable. It is undoubtedly a useful tonic, and appears to 

 possess, in some degree, a narcotic and antispasmodic property. 

 The latter quality is strongest in the recent state, and in the 

 distilled water. The powdered bark may be given in doses of 

 from 10 to 15 grains. This tree probably contains prussic acid. 



