1G2 TRANSACTIONS OP THE 



action of the liver. The bark and roots of all the species of this family 

 enjoy much celebrity in domestic practice as remedies in jaundice, pre- 

 viously macerated in wine. 



Pursh's Alder Buckthorn — {Rhamnns Purshianus — D. C.) 



We received the specimens of this tree from Dr. Chamberlin, of Eureka, 

 where it is found growing to the height of thirty to fort}* feet, trim and 

 handsomely formed, and about a foot in diameter. The wood is of a bright, 

 beautiful, yellow color, like boxwood or fustic. The timber is said to 

 be firm, straight grained, and fine for turners and cabinet makers, taking 

 a remarkably smooth polish. The leaves are broadly elli])tical, as seen 

 in the Figure Number Five, three to five inches long, and about two inches 

 broad ; veins fourteen to sixteen, very prominent, saw-toothed on the 

 margin; flowers, ten to twenty, onl}^ a few attaining to maturity; berries, 

 black. Whether the fruit is cathartic, like some of the species, we have 

 yet to learn. We have been promised experiments in regard to its dye- 

 ing properties, etc., but have not heard from our correspondent. 



Oregon Alder — (Alnus Oregona — Xutt.) 



The cognomen alder is associated in the public mind as significant of 

 some sort of bush, or sj-nonomous with shrub; but the species of this 

 coast, designated as Oregon alder, is a handsome upright tree, two to 

 four feet in diameter, and fort}" to eighty feet high. The branching por- 

 tion — slightly elongated, elliptical — conic in outline — is symmetrical and 

 graceful, maintaining its broad leaves so perfectly horizontal, it affords a 

 remarkably fine shade, notwithstanding its open and airv spray, and in 

 situations suitable to its habit, very desirable on account of its rapid 

 growth. This tree is pretty generally distributed; chiefly throughout 

 Middle and Noi'thern California into Oregon; always growing along the 

 banks of living streams. 



Whensoever the Pacific traveller, weary, thirsty, and fainting, seeks 

 water but finds none, deceived by poplars, myrtles, and willows, wont 

 to grow b}^ the brooks, if from afar he sees this pinnacle of his 

 hopes towering above the long, verdant line of various trees that Avind 

 along the vale, he hails his hopeless companion in triumph, for lo ! the 

 truth-telling tree — •' that old alder there never lies!" He ever pitches 

 his tent of green above living waters — symbols of sacred truth ; nor can 

 any false, flattering streams lure him above the pure perennial fountain 

 head, where he may forever bathe in everlasting springs. No; nor does 

 death banish him. He visits the springs and streams with the Naiads 

 still. His soft wood, yet strong, close bound fibre, loth to crack in wash- 

 board, bowl, or machine, play there merrily, •' all on a washing day." 

 Glorious old aider! associated with charining by-gone memories of the 

 mines, where we sat beneath his shade; 3'ea, slept and dreamed the 

 happy, gilded, and glittering dreams which gold won't buy. Bless the 

 good tree! though we never rest under that shade more in this world, 

 his soft, refreshing voice still vibrates on the harp strings of the heart. 



" Like the whispering breeze 

 That lulls on the leaves and dies among the trees." 



We omit the specific, detailed description until we are able to furnish 

 proper illustrations. 



