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Ai:;aiii it is frequently the ease tliat the lower hraiiches are 

 triinui jd oflF to a mischievous extent, which also is a mistake ; for 

 where a tree has sufficient space to grow in, but little trimming is 

 necessary, and it is a false taste which seeks to improve (?) upon 

 nature by depriving a tree of its normal physiognomy and distinctive 

 character by carving it into grotesque or inappropriate shapes ; it is 

 simply mutilation, and is certain to result in the premature decay and 

 death of the victim. The flattening of the head by certain aboriginal 

 tribes, and the distorted feet of the fashionable Chinese ladies, are 

 further and pertinent illustrations of analogous hideous violations 

 of natural form. 



In compliance with my request to Dr. Arthur B. Stout, of this 

 city, f)r a relation of his exj)erience with the Eucalyptus in comiec- 

 tion with his medical practice, I have received the following : 



Mr. ^^tearns : 



Dcur Sir : In response to your invitation, I am happy to contribute 

 to your important article on the culture and uses of the Eucalyptus 

 in California, my experience of the medical properties of that valuable 

 plant. The Eucalyptus is not less precious for its medicinal virtues 

 than it is ornamental in arboriculture and useful in the a"ts. 

 Several months ago, incited by information derived from the Prac- 

 titioner and other sources of knowledge, I collected and dried the 

 leaves. The agreeable empyreumatic oil of the leaves, in evaporat 

 ing, diffused a balmy odor through the house. I therefore considered 

 that as this oil, as well as the catechu gum and kino, and the 

 cajepui oil, are all similar hydrocarbons, their qualities must resem. 

 ble the creosote, pyroligaeous and carbolic acids in their disinfectant 

 and hygienic properties. I have no doubt that Eucalyptus has these 

 properties in a milder or weaker degree, only differing in being ac- 

 companied with an agreeable perfume, wanting to creosote and 

 carbolic acid. As a purifier therefore of the musty atmosphere and 

 unpleasant emanations in basements and cellars, I have recom- 

 mended the scattering of the dried leaves in such places. The 

 powder of the dried leaves scattered in trunks and among clothes 

 will no doubt be as useful and more agreeable than tobacco or 

 camphor to prevent the growth of moths or other insects. Its 

 chief value is, however, as a sedative and antiseptic in asthma, and 

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