THE TEASEL. 235 



the seed cones and young stems, are all used by the manu- 

 facturers. The R. cotinus or Venice sumach, is the fringe 

 tree or burning bush, a shrub for ornamental grounds, bear- 

 ing a flossy, drab-colored blossom. It is known in England 

 as young fustic, and is much used in the arts. 



Cultivation and treatment. All the sumachs are propa- 

 gated by layers, though it is probable they might, under 

 favorable circumstances, be raised from the seed. On good 

 soils they grow in great profusion. The harvesting consists 

 simply in cutting off the young branches with the leaves 

 and seed cones attached, in clear weather, drying them thor- 

 oughly, without exposure to either rain or dew, and packing 

 them in bales of about 160 Ibs., for market. 



The sumach is highly astringent, often taking the place 

 of galls. This quality is much enhanced by warmth of cli- 

 mate ; and the most valuable article is brought from the 

 more southern regions. There is no doubt this species of 

 plants might be cultivated with great profit in the southern 

 States, and thus save the large amount annually expended 

 in its importation, which is constantly increasing. The 

 total importation is now estimated at between one and two 

 millions of dollars per annum. 



THE TEASEL OR FULLER'S THISTLE (Dipsacus fullomun). 



Is another article exclusively used by the manufacturers for 

 the purpose of raising a nap, or combing out the fibres, upon 

 the dressed surface of woollen cloth or flannels. The consump- 

 tion cannot of cpurse be extensive, being limited exclusively 

 to this demand. There is but one kind cultivated. A 

 bastard variety of spontaneous growth exists in portions of 

 our middle States, which resembles the useful teasel, with 

 this peculiar difference, that the ends of the awns or chaff 

 on the heads are straight, instead of hooked, which renders 

 them perfectly worthless. 



Cultivation. The teasel is a biennial, requiring two 

 years to mature. It is sown on a deep, loamy clay, previ- 

 ously well plowed and harrowed, in drills 20 inches asunder, 

 leaving a plant in every 10 inches ; or, if planted in hills, 

 they maybe about 16 inches apart. The ground should be 

 kept light by occasional stirring, and free from weeds. The 

 plants are generally stronger and more thrifty if allowed to 

 mature where sown ; and to accomplish this, the interme- 

 diate spaces between the hills may be annually planted 

 with new seed. Many adopt the plan of sowing in beds 



