127 



some of them fill the air with fragrance after rain ; and S. Molle and some 

 others expel their resin with such violence when immersed in water as to have 

 the appearance of spontaneous motion, in consequence of the recoil. Schinus 

 Arroeira is said by M. Auguste St. Hilaire to cause swellings in those who 

 sleep under its shade. Ibid. 14. 267. The fresh juicy bark of the Arueira 

 shrub (Schinus Molle) is used in Brazil for rubbing newly made ropes, which 

 it covers with a very durable, bright, dark brown coating. The juice of the 

 same plant is applied by the Indians in diseases of the eyes. Pr. JMaxim. 

 Trav. 270. This last plant, and also Rhus coriaria, possess .acid qualities. 

 The fruit of Cassuvium occidentals and Anacardium orientale is said to exer- 

 cise a singular effect upon the brain. Virey Bull. Pharm. 1814, p. 271. Mas- 

 tich is the produce of Pistacia atlantica and Lentiscus ; Scio turpentine is 

 yielded by Pistacia Terebinthus ; a substance like mastich is exuded by 

 Schinus Molle, and the Peruvians use it for strengthening their gums. The 

 juice of many species of Rhus is milky, stains black, and is sometimes ex- 

 tremely poisonous, [particularly R. vernix and R. toxicodendron. Big. J\>Ied. 

 Bot. 1. 96. Raf. Med. Bot. 2. 256.] Rhus coriaria is used by tanners. [R. 

 glabrum and typhinum arc employed in the United States for tanning morocco.] 

 The bark of Rhus glabrum is considered a febrifuge, and is also employed as 

 a mordant for red colours. Several Comocladias stain the skin black. Dec. 

 Decandolle distinguishes 2 sections of this order (Prodr. 2. 62.), viz. 



1. ANACARDIEiE. 



Cotyledons thick, folded back upon the radicle. 

 Examples. Anacardium, Iloligarna, Mangifera. 



2. SumachinejE. 



Cotyledons foliaceous. Radicles bent back upon their line of union. 

 Examines. Rhus, Mauria. 



CXIV. XANTHOXYLE^E. 



TerebintacejE, Juss. Gen. 368. (1789) in part. — Xanthoxylej;, Aces and Marlins in Nov. 

 Act. Bonn. 11. (1823) ; Adricn de Jussicu Rutacees, p. 114. (1825.) — PteleacejE, Kunth 

 Ann. des Sc. 2. 354. (1824.)— Terebintace^, trib. 6. Dec. Prodr. 2. 82. (1825.) 



Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypog3 r nous stamens, 

 partially concrete carpella, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical diclinous flowers, 

 definite pendulous ovules, capsular or drupaceous fruit, and exstipulate dotted 

 leaves. 



Anomalies. Many species have distinct carpella. 



Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous, regular. Calyx in 3, or more commonly in 4 

 or 5 divisions. • Petals the same number, very rarely none, usually longer than the calyx ; 

 aestivation generally twisted, convolute. Stamens equal to the petals in number, or twice as 

 many, arising from around the base of the stalk of the abortive carpella ; in the pistilliferous 

 flowers wanting or imperfect. Ovarium made up of the same number of pieces as there are 

 petals, or of a smaller number, either altogether combined, or more or less distinct; ovules 

 in each cell 2, collateral, or one above the other, very seldom 4 ; styles more or less combined, 

 according to the degree of cohesion of the carpella. Fruit either berried or membranous, 

 sometimes of from 2 to 5 cell3, sometimes consisting of several drupes or 2-valved capsules, 

 of which the sarcocarp is fleshy and partly separable from the endocarp. Seeds solitary or 

 twin, pendulous, usually smooth and shining, with a testaceous integument; embryo lying 

 within fleshy albumen; radicle superior; cotyledons ovate, fiat. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves 

 without stipula?, alternate or opposite, either simple, or more commonly abruptly or unequally 

 pinnate, with pellucid dots. Flowers axillary or terminal, gray, green, or pink. The various 

 parts bitter or aromatic. 



