SYSTEM. 235 



tJapollim, of Mexico. They are, however, better known for 

 yielding an abundance of prussic, or hydrocyanic acid, a 

 deadly principle residing in the leaves and kernel ; in conse- 

 quence of which, some of the species are poisonous to cattle, 

 which feed upon them ; as for example, the Cerasus Capri- 

 cida, which kills the goats of Nipal, and the Cerasus Virgin- 

 lana, which is known in North America to be dangerous. The 

 whole tribe yields a gum analogous to gum tragacanth. Not- 

 withstanding, however, the poisonous principle that is present 

 in them, their fruit is, in many cases, a favorite food ; that of 

 the Amygdalus, (Peach, and Nectarine,) Prunus, (Plum and 

 Apricot,) and Cerasus, (Cherry,) are among the most deli- 

 cious with which we are acquainted. The seed of the 

 Amygdaius is familiar to us under the name of Almonds, and 

 its oil under the name of Oil of Almonds. The bark of the 

 root of Cerasus Capollim, is used in Mexico against dysen- 

 tery. Prunus domestica, or the common Plum, yields those 

 fruits sold in the shops under the name of prunes, which are 

 chiefly prepared in France, from the varieties called the St. 

 Catherine, and the green gage. They contain so much sugar 

 that brandy is distilled from them when fermented, and it has 

 been proposed to manufacture sugar from them. 



Genera belonging to this natural order are the Almond, 

 which includes the Peach and Nectarine, and of which there 

 are six or eight species, and a great number of varieties ; the 

 Prunus, (Plum,) including the Apricot, of which there are ten 

 or twelve species ; and the Cerasus, (Cherry,) containing 

 twenty or more species. 



In our recapitulation of the definitions of the class, sub- 

 class, and tribe, for the purpose of ascertaining where the or- 

 der Amygdaleae belongs in the Natural System, we will take 

 the common Peach as the representative of all the species 

 the order contains. 



1. The Peach tree is characterized by its pith, woody fibre, 

 spiral vessels, and bark. It also has distinct flowers, fur- 

 nished with stamens and pistils. This plant therefore belongs 

 to Class I. VASCULARES, OR FLOWERING PLANTS. 



2. The leaves of the Peach are distinctly reticulated with 

 veins ; they are articulated with the stem, and the seed con- 

 tains two cotyledons, placed opposite to each other. It con- 

 sequently belongs to Sub-Class I. EXOGEN^E, or DICOTYLE- 

 DONOUS PLANTS. 



