n.] 



ELALAGNACEAl. 



289 



Observe the stamens, opposite to the lobes of the peri- 

 anth : small scales alternating with the stamens : the ovules 

 attached to a free central placenta. By the latter character 

 the Sandalwoods may be distinguished from the Mistletoe 

 Family, to which they are nearly allied. Some of the San- 

 talacece are parasitical. 



The wood of Sanialum album affords, on distillation, a 

 fragrant oil much used in India as a perfume. 



89. Natural Order, Elceagnaceos, — The Oleaster Family. 



Trees or shrubs, more or less covered with silvery scurf- 

 scales. Base of perianth-tube persistent over a free, one- 

 celled ovary. Ovule erect. 



Type — Elceagmis (any Indian species). 



Shrubs or trees, more or less covered with minute shining 

 scales, with alternate, entire leaves, and small, axillary, 

 fascicled, regular flowers. 



Observe the scurf-like peltate scales, which more or less 

 abundantly cover all the young parts and the under surface 

 of the leaves ; scraped off with a knife, they are interesting 

 objects under the microscope : the base of the perianth- 

 tube, which persists as in Nydaginece^ closely investing the 



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