558 



DRUPACE^. 



[Perigynous Exogens. 



inhabits hot arid plains in Mexico ; and another, A. cochinchinensis, is reputed to grow 

 in the woods of Coehin-China. 



The astringent febrifugal properties of Roseworts, with which Order this is usually 

 combined, are also found here ; as in the bark of Cerasus virginiana, which is prescribed 

 in the United States, of the C. Capollim of Mexico, and of others to be mentioned pre- 

 sently. They are, however, better known for yielding an abundance of prussic, or hy- 

 drocyanic acid,»a deadly principle residing in the leaves and kernel ; in consequence of 

 which some of the species are poisonous to cattle which feed upon them : as, for example, 

 the C. capricida, which kills the goats of Nipal ; and the C. virginiana, which is known 

 in North America to be dangerous. The oil of Bitter Almonds is extremely poisonous, 

 and many fatal cases of death arising from taking them into the stomach are on record. 

 They have, nevertheless, been recommended as a cure for intermittent fever. They 

 produce urticaria, and are said to be an antidote to intoxication. The flowers and ker- 

 nels of the Peach have similar quaUties. Dr. Christison mentions a case of a gentleman 

 who died in consequence of having swallowed a salad of the flower ; and another of a 

 child which perished after taking a decoction of the flowers to destroy worms. The 

 leaves, bark, and fruit of C. Laurocerasus, the common Lam-el, and the oil obtained from 

 them are virulent poisons ; even the vapour of the former wDl destroy insect Ufe. 

 Martius says that this secretion is greatly increased in Brazil. C. Padus, the Bird 

 CheiTy, has similar properties, but in a less degree. They all of them, also, jdeld a 

 gum analogous to gum tragacanth. Notwithstanding, however, the poisonous principle 

 that is present in them, their fruit is, in many cases, a favom-ite food ; that of the 

 Amygdalus (Peach and Nectarine), Prunus (Plum), and Cerasus (CheiTy), are among the 

 most dehcious with which we are acquainted ; the seed of Amygdalus is familiar to us 

 under the name of Almonds, and its oil under the name of Oil of Almonds. The bark 

 of the root of C. Capolhm is used in Mexico agamst dysentery. The leaves of Prunus 

 spinosa (Sloe), and C.a^^um (Wild Cherry), have been employed as a substitute for Tea. 

 The former are well known to afford one of the means used in Europe for adulterating 

 the black tea of Chma. Pinmus domestica, or the common Plum, j'ields those fmits sold 

 in the shops imder the name of Prunes, which are chiefly prepared in France, from the 

 varieties called the St. Catherine and the Green-gage ; and in Portugal from a sort 

 which derives its name from the \illage of Guimaraens, where they are principally 

 dried. They contain so large a quantity of sugar, that brandy is distilled from them 

 when fermented ; and it has even been proposed to manufacture sugar from them. 

 The kernel of Prunus brigantiaca yields a fixed oil, called HuUe des Marmottes, which 

 is used instead of oHve or almond oil. The bark of Prunus spinosa is one of the 

 substances that has been reported to resemble Jesuits' bark in its effects. Pinmus 

 Coccomilia yields a bark, the febrifugal properties of which are spoken of very highly. 

 According to Tenore, it is a specific for the cm'e of the dangerous intermittent fevers 

 of Calabria, where it grows. A variety of Cerasus avium is used, in the Vosges and 

 Black Forest, for the preparation of the liquem' known under the name of Kirschen- 

 wasser. The flowers of Amygdalus persica (Peach), are gently laxative, and are used 

 advantageously for children. The kernel of Cerasus occidentalis is used for flavour- 

 ing the liqueur Noyau. 



GENERA. 



Pygeum, Gdrtn. 



Polydontia, Blum. 



Polystorthia, Blum. 

 Amygdalus, Ldnn. 



, Neck. 

 Persica, Touraef. 

 Trichocarpus, Neck. 

 Ceraseidos, Zucc. 



Prunus, Linn. 



Armeniaca, Toumef. 



Prunopho7-a, Neck. 

 Cerasus, Juss. 



Cerasophora, Neck. 

 Padus, Endl. 

 Laurocerasus, Toiunef. 



Numbers. Gen. 5. Sp. 110. 



Position. — Rosacese. — Drupace^. — Fabacese ? 

 TliymelacecB. 



