REPORT OK MASTIC. 357 



being shorter, and lie thinks may prove a distinct species. He 

 ^idds, '* the celebrated botanist Onolanzan describes it in his 

 ^work ' K^Yal,' as a straight and lofty tree, which should be found 

 common on the mountains of Jamato and Jamasiro, as well as 

 at Simotsuki. The learned botanist Mitsutani Sukerok cites it 

 under the name of NiJcivo momi^ a fir in the mountains of 

 Nikwo, in the province Suruga." 



We have not yet materials to say whether the suppositions of 

 these "celebrated and learned" Japanese botanists are founded in 

 flict or not. The specimens brought home by Mn Veitch suffi- 

 ciently agree with Siebold's description. The cones are perhaps 

 somewhat larger than is represented in his figure, and the leaves 

 shorter, broader, and more emarginate. The above woodcuts aro 

 taken from Mr. Veitch 's specimens, with the exception of the 



inflorescence, which is copied from Siebold. 



The timber is distinguished for its whiteness, softness, and 

 fine grain. The cases in which the lacquer ware is packed are 

 usually made of it, and it is more employed by upholsterers and 

 coopers than for building. The young branches are used by the 

 Ainos for making their huts. 



Although the Japanese only reckon it as fifth-rate timber, it 

 will take a much higher position here for its beauty, if not for its 

 usefulness — the broad leaves and crowded foliage combining with 

 its straight and lofty port to make it a tree of great beauty. 



XLII.— REPORT ON MASTIC L^IIOMME LEFORT. 



In consequence of an inquiry from M. L'Homme Lefort, the 

 inventor of the mastic known under the above name, whether the 

 Royal Horticultural Society had tried it, and, if so, with what 

 success, Mr, Thomson, who has the immediate charge of the 

 Fruit department at Chiswick, was asked to report upon it. Ho 

 has in consequence made the following report, which appears 

 worthy of being made generally known to the Fellows : 



"This composition has been tried in the Royal Horticultural 

 Society *s Garden at Chiswick, and so far it has proved a better 

 grafting wax than any hitherto known. It is easily, and ex- 

 peditiously applied, without any heating or other preparation. 

 It only requires to be thinly laid on with a spatula or any thin 

 flat piece of stick. Its great merit is that it continues pliable 



VOL. n. 



