192 SYLVA AMERICANA. 



the chain in Georgia. It is nowhere seen more profusely 

 multiplied, nor of a greater height and of more luxuriant vegetation, 

 than in North Carolina, on the loftiest part of the Alleghanies. 

 It occupies tracts of more than one hundred acres, and forms 

 upon the summit, and for a third of the distance down the sides, 

 thickets which are rendered nearly impenetrable by the crooked 

 and unyielding trunks, crossed and locked with each other. As 

 the shrubs which compose these copses are of an uniform height, 

 and richly laden with evergreen foliage, they present, at a 

 distance, the appearance of verdant meadows, surrounded by tall 

 trees. It flourishes best in a soft, loose and cool soil, with a 

 northern exposure. 



In favorable situations this shrub grows to the height of 18 or 

 20 feet, with a diameter of three inches. Its leaves are of a 

 coriaceous texture, oval-acuminate, entire and about three inches 

 long. The flowers put forth from May to July, are destitute of 

 odor, and disposed in corymbs at the extremity of the branches : 

 in general they are of a beautiful rose color, and sometimes of 

 a pure white. They are always numerous, and their brilliant 

 effect is heightened by the richness of the surrounding foliage. 

 The minute seeds are contained in small, globular capsules. 



The wood, particularly that of the roots, is compact, fine-grained, 

 and marked with red lines. When dry it is very hard, and it 

 turns and polishes well. It is employed for the handles of light 

 tools, for screws, boxes, etc. ; it is said also to make good 

 clarionets. The leaves are narcotic, and are poisonous to 

 cattle. 



