‘te 
. ROSACEEZ— ROSE 543 
the emulsin acts as a kind of ferment upon the amygdalin, and the result is 
the formation of a volatile oil containing hydrocyanic acid, which is known 
as the Essential Oil of Bitter Almonds. he presence of hydrocyanic acid 
renders this oil very poisonous, but this is not the case when the acid is 
separated from it. ‘Bitter Almonds and their essential oil are extensively 
employed Sead by the cook and confectioner, and also for scenting 
soap and fo er purposes by the perfumer. The cake left after expressing 
the oil is frequently used for fattening pigs and for other purposes.— Prunus 
(Amygdalus) persica is the Peach-tree of our gardens, and a variety of 
the same species produces the Nectarine. The flowers have been employed 
as a vermifuge, and the leaves for flavouring, and also as a vermifuge. The 
kernels may be used for the same purposes as the Bitter Almond. All these 
parts, as well as the bark, possess poisonous properties owing to the forma- 
tion of hydreeyanie acid. 
The following plants are considered by some botanists to constitute a 
distinct genus, which is termed Cerasus, but the species comprised in it are 
now far more commonly included under Prunus. Several species or varieties 
produce the fruits called Cherries: thus, P. vir giniana of Miller is the Wild 
Black.Cherry of the United States; P. avium, the Wild Cherry ; P. Padus, 
the Bird Cherry ; and P. Virginiana of Linnzus, the Choke Cherry or Choke- 
berry. The latter is one of the fruits used ‘commonly for mixing with 
Pemmican. (See Amelanchier.) The leaves, bark, and fruit of the Prunus 
Lauro-cerasus, the Common Laurel or Cherry-laurel, are poisonous. Their 
poisonous properties are due to the production of a volatile oil containing 
hydroeyanic acid when they are moistened with water. Cherry-laurel 
water is anodyne and sedative in its action, and may be employed in all 
cases where the use of hydrocyanic acid is indicated. It is, however, very 
liable to vary in strength. It is official in the British Pharmacopeeia, 
and is prepared by the distillation of the fresh leaves with water. The 
bark of P. virginiana of Miller (Pr unus serotina, Ehrh.) is official in the 
United States Pharmacopceia, and is much valued as a remedial agent. It 
is regarded as tonic, calmative of nervous irritability, and as an arterial 
sedative. The kernels ot P. occidentalis and other species are used for 
flavouring liqueurs, as Noyau, Cherry-brandy, Maraschino, &c. A gummy 
exudation somewhat resembling tragacanth takes place more or less from 
the stems of the different species of Prunus. 
Sub-order 3. Roska.—The Rosez are chiefly remarkable for their 
astringent properties. Many vield edible fruits, and some very agreeable 
perfumes. 
Agrimonia Eupatoria has been used as a vermifuge and astringent. 
Fragaria elatior, F. vesca, and other species or varieties of Fragaria, 
furnish the different kinds of Strawberries. 
Geum urbanum and G. rivale are reputed to possess aromatic, tonic, and 
astringent properties. 
Gillenia trifoliata and G. stipulaceaa—The roots of both these species 
are used in the United States as medicinal agents. In small doses they are 
tonic, and in larger doses emetic. They are commonly known under the 
names of Indian Physic and American Ipecacuanha. 
Hagenia abyssinica (Brayera anthelmintica) is a native of Abyssinia. 
The flowers and tops, under the name of Cusso or Kousso, have been long 
employed by the Abyssinians tor their anthelmintic properties. They have 
been also used of late years in this and other countries for a similar purpose, 
and are said to be effectual in destroying tape-worms. Cusso is official in 
the British Pharmacopeceia. 
Potentilla Tormentilla.—The rhizome and rootlets possess astringent and 
tonic properties. They are used in the Orkney and Feroe Islands to tan 
leather ; and in Lapland in the preparation of a red dye. Some other species 
possess analogous properties, 
