242 FOREST CULTURE AND 
many kinds as possible for local test- growth. The 
acorns, when packed in dry moss, retain their vitali- 
ty for some months. The species with deciduous fo- 
liage are not desirable for massive ornamental plant- 
ing, because in this clime they shed their dead leaves 
tardily during the very time of their greatest ver- 
dure. 
Rhus vernicifera, Cand.—Extends from Nepal to 
Japan. It forms a tree of fair size, and yields the 
Japan varnish. 
Rhus succedanea, L.—The Japan Wax - tree, the 
produce of which has found its way into the English 
market. The Sumac (Rhus coriaria, L.), and the 
Scotino (Rhus Cotinus, L.), both important for supe- 
rior tanning and for dyeing, thrive here quite as well 
as in South Europe. They are more of shrubby 
growth. 
Robinia pseudacacia, L.—The North American 
Locust Acacia. Height to ninety feet. The strong, 
hard and durable wood is for a variety of purposes 
in use, and particularly eligible for tree-nails. The 
roots are poisonous. The allied Robinia viscosa at- 
tains a height of forty feet. 6 
Sassafras officinale, Hayne.—The deciduous Sassa- 
fras-tree, indigenous from Canada to Florida, in dry, 
open woods. Height fifty feet; leaves lobed; wood 
and bark medicinal, and used for the distillation of 
sassafras oil. 
Sophora Japonica, L.—A tree of China and Japan, 
resembling the Laburnum, up to sixty feet high ; 
wood hard and compact, valued for turner’s work. 
All parts of the plant purgative ; the flowers rich in 
a yellow dye. 
