1886.] NOTES OX THE GENUS RHUS. 573 



it. cojyaUina. This was long erroneously believed to be the source 

 of the celebrated jum copal, which is now, however, believed to be 

 the product of a Mexican tree which is in no way related to the 

 Sumachs. It is one of the few species that may occasionally be 

 found in this country in ornamental shrubberies. 



B. vcrnicifcra (Japan varnish tree). This furnishes the varnish 

 with which the celebrated lacquer-work of Japan is made. So 

 transparent is it, that when laid in its pure unmixed state on un- 

 colourcd wood, every vein and fibre are clearly visible, apparently 

 e^'en rendered more visible than they were prior to being coated 

 with the varnish. When applied on a dark ground, it produces the 

 reflecting qualities of a looking-glass. 



E. rcHcnata (Swamp Sumach or Poison Wood of the Americans). 

 This, like the last, yields a very superior varnish, which, however, is 

 not much sought after, probably owing to the highly poisonous 

 cliaracter of the tree. Souie have suffered violently from merely 

 inhaling the exhalations from the leaves and bark, becoming swollen 

 and feverish, and the skin of tlie extremities and glandular parts 

 breaking out in inflamed Idotches, which are succeeded by watery 

 pustules, attended with violent itching and burning ; but it rarely 

 ends in death, although the ill effects may remain for some time. 

 It is singular that all who come under its influence are not affected 

 in the same violent degree, and that some are capable of handling 

 the plant freely at any time without any ill effects. 



B. fjlalra. — This is another Nortli American of elegant character, 

 and which is not uncommon in our ornamental shrubberies. The 

 fruit is eaten freely and with impunity by children, although by no 

 means agreeable, being very sour and astringent ; but these qualities 

 are concentrated in the skin or downy surface, which, when removed 

 by washing it away in warm water, leaves a tolerably pleasant 

 mouthful for young folks. The leaves produce excrescences resem- 

 bling oak galls, which contain strong concentrations of tannic and 

 gallic acids, and appear on trial to have proved superior to oak galls. 



B. cotinus (Venice Sumach). This is one of the more common 

 of the species to be met with in our gardens, and is sometimes 

 called Burning Bush on account of tlie brilliant autumn tint of 

 crimson the leaves assume. It is largely used in Italy for tanning, 

 all parts of the plant being found applicable to the purpose, and is 

 known under the name Scotino. The wood of this species is used 

 in Greece for dying wool a beautiful tint of yellow. 



B. pinnila, an American species, is perhaps the most poisonous 

 species of the genus. It is stated that Lyon, an American botanical 

 collector, was poisoned throughout his whole system when merely 

 collecting the seeds, and that he was lame for long afterwards. 



