164 Transactions of the [Sess. 



of the most splendid of flowering trees and shrubs. Among these is 

 the Tulip-tree (Liriodendron tulipiferd), a remarkable tree, which in 

 May and June puts forth numerous campannlate flowers. It was 

 early dispersed throughout Britain ; and a specimen we saw in Rox- 

 burghshire in 1850 was twenty feet in height. It is only in the 

 southern part of our island that it flowers well. The bark has a 

 bitter aromatic taste, and has been used as a substitute for Peruvian 

 bark. It may be added that there are some fine specimens of the 

 Tnlip-tree growing in the Edinburgh Eoyal Botanic Garden, one in 

 especial measuring about 60 feet in height. 



3. Anonacese. — Of this large order, comprising trees and shrubs, 

 only four species, belonging to the genus Asimina, are found within 

 the limits of the United States. A. triloba, which bears the Custard- 

 Apple, is a small but beautiful tree, fifteen to twenty feet high, found 

 growing on the banks of streams. The fruit is one of the most 

 delicious products of tropical countries. 



4. Berberidacese. — This is said to be an order hard to define, 

 containing plants of widely different habit and of very doubtful 

 affinities. Five genera and six species are found in the flora of the 

 United States and Canada. One of the most curious and interesting 

 plants of America belongs to this order — namely, Podophyllum pel- 

 tatum, or the May-Apple. An extract from the root of this plant, 

 named Podophyllin, is now well known in this country as a remedy 

 in liver-disease. Another curious plant of the order is Jeffersonia 

 diphylla, or Twin-leaf, named in honour of President Jefferson. It 

 is known in Ohio as the " Rheumatism plant." 



5. Nymphseacese. — This is an inconsiderable order, yet it has a 

 wide geographical range. The representative now exhibited is IN'uphar 

 ad vena, which has been described as " a well-looking and very curious 

 plant, but from its filthy habits it has been called, with justice, the 

 Prog-lily." 



6. Tiliacese. — To this order, comprising trees and shrubs, belongs 

 Tilia americana, or Bass-wood, a common tree in the northern and 

 western States. The wood is white, soft, and clear in colour, being 

 much used in the panelling of carriages. The inner bark, which is 

 very strong and tough in texture, is manufactured into ropes. When 

 in flower, the trees are a favourite resort for bees. 



7. Rhamnaceae. — The Buckthorn family contains 42 genera and 

 250 species, many of these being natives of America, though found 

 in all parts except the frigid zone. One genus, however, is peculiar 

 to l^orth America, namely, Ceanothus. The representative shown is 

 Ceanothus americanus, a lovely dwarf shrub, with a profusion of white 

 flowers. The leaves, which are very downy, with soft hairs on the un- 

 der-surface, have been used as a substitute for tea, giving the plant the 

 name of "Jersey Tea." Another cognomen is "Red-root," — the root, 

 which is large, and of a red hue, being used for colouring purposes. 



