ENNEANDRIA. 145 



ter passes off at the spout. It is afterwards purified by sub 

 li. nation in a close vessel. 



GENUS Anacardium. Cashew-nut. The name of the n- 

 nus is compounded of the Greek, ana, (in composition,) like, 

 and kardia, the heart, in allusion to the form of the nut 

 This is a small, but elegant tree, bearing corymbs of sweet 

 smelling flowers. The fruit is red, or F ' l %- 



yellow, and shaped like a pear. Fig. 

 168. Its taste is a little acid, and as- 

 tringent, but very agreeable. The juice 

 being expressed and fermented, makes 

 an agreeable wine, and when distilled a 

 spirit is drawn from it which is highly 

 esteemed among the lovers of strong 

 drink. The nut, which is the part of 

 the fruit best known abroad, and from 

 which the species takes its name, is a 

 singular and odd looking appendage to 

 the pome. It is appended to, or perhaps protrudes from the 

 base of the fruit, as represented by the figure. The shape is 

 rather that of a kidney than a heart. The shell which en- 

 closes the kernel contains a thick inflammable oil, which is 

 extremely caustic, as those who have cracked these nuts with 

 their teeth have often found. This oil when extracted, is a 

 remedy for corns, ringworms, &c. The kernel, when fresh, 

 is perfectly wholesome, and has a most delicious taste. This 

 tree grows in hot climates, as India, and the West Indies. 



ORDER III. TRIGYNIA. Stamens 9. Styles 3. 



(Tfcere are no plants with 9 stamens and 2 pistils, and 

 therefore the second order is here omitted.) 



GENUS Rheum. Rhubarb. Rheum comes from Rha, the 

 ancient name of the river Volga, on the banks of which, 

 this plant appears to have been first discovered. It is the 

 only genus of this order. Common Rhubarb, (Rheum rha- 

 ponticum,) is extensively cultivated in gardens, for the sake 

 of its petioles, which are used in making pies and tart&. 

 When the leaves are full grown, one half of them may be 

 cut off at a time, taking the foot stalk near the ground. The 



In what manner does the cashew-nut grow ? Why is the 2nd order of 

 this class omitted ? How does the genus Rheum derive its name ? What 

 are the uses of rhubarb ? 

 13 



