172 



ROSACE^E. 



perate regions of the northern hemisphere. Examples 

 of the deadly properties residing in these plants are 

 afforded by the leaves of the common Laurel, Prunus 

 Lauro-cerasus, even the vapour of which is destructive 

 to insect life. The oil of Bitter Almonds is extremely 

 poisonous, and many instances are recorded of its fatal 



effects. But notwithstanding the presence of this 

 destructive principle in the leaves and other parts of 

 the trees belonging to this division, the fruit is, with 

 the exception of the Laurel, harmless, or even a nou- 

 rishing food. Amygdalus communis, the Almond-tree, 

 grows naturally in Barbary, and in Asia, from Syria to 



