WAX MYRTLE. 39 
is the same in small quantity, which produces 
the coagulation in a large one; I am not -pre- 
pared to say. 
it appears, then, that there exists in the 
berries of the Myrica a peculiar vegetable prin- 
ciple, bearing nearly the same relation to alcohol, 
as starch and gelatin do to water. I have not yet 
obtained it in a separate state, and cannot there. 
fore give any additional characteristics to those 
which have been already stated. __ 
The Myrtle wax is useful for many of the 
purposes for which bees wax and tallow are 
employed, particularly for candles. It burns 
with a clear flame, though less yivid than that of 
common oil, and emits a considerable fragrance. 
It was formerly much in demand as an ingredi- 
ent in a species of blacking ball, to which it com- 
municated a temporary lustre and power of re- 
pelling water. It has occasionally been used 
in pharmacy in various compositions intended for 
external use, and is mild or stimulating according 
as it is more or less pure and freed from the 
colouring matter. 
_ In some parts of Europe plniteliene of this 
shrub haye been raised with a view to the profit 
to be derived from the wax. In this country, 
where the shrub abounds, he berries are often 
