264 THE SUMACH. 



The Sumach is sometimes very ornamental in situa- 

 tions that permit the whole ground to be occupied by it. 

 Its natural habit of growth is in clumps, gradually spread- 

 ing over a wide extent of surface. So prone is this tree 

 to throw up suckers from its long roots, that if it meets 

 with no opposition it^ is apt to monopolize the whole 

 ground. The most appropriate places for it are the banks 

 of railroads and other similar slopes, which are rendered 

 firm by the network of its numerous roots. There is no 

 other plant that would in so short a time cover a grav- 

 elly bank with wood and foliage. 



The Smooth Sumach is a smaller shrub, averaging only 

 three or four feet in height. It affects similar localities, 

 being common on the borders of dry fields and the sides 

 of old roads that pass over a sandy and gravelly plain. 

 It is not readily distinguished from the larger species ; 

 but its fruit and flowers are borne in loose panicles, and 

 its bunches have none of that downy substance that char- 

 acterizes the Velvet Sumach. 



THE POISON SUMACH, OR DOGWOOD. 



I come now to speak of the Bohon Upas of our land, 

 the Poison Sumach. This is confessedly a danger- 

 ous plant, and is allied to the shrub from which the 

 celebrated Wourali poison is made by the natives of 

 Guiana. The poisonous properties of the sap are said to 

 be dissipated by boiling. Hence the varnish prepared 

 by the Chinese from the sap of this plant is free from 

 its injurious properties. Hence also the danger of being 

 exposed to its fumes, when its branches are burned with 

 other brush. 



The Poison Sumach is a very elegant shrub. It is 

 prim and slender, and draws attention by its want of 

 resemblance to other trees and shrubs in our woods. The 



