166 COLONSAY 



URTICACE^E (the Nettle family) 



A large order, of warm climates, with leaves often rough 

 or stinging, and small unisexual flowers. The family 

 includes many interesting species. Edible fruit, fibre 

 (hemp, ramie, etc.), and timber are their principal products ; 

 some have a milky juice. From time immemorial the Fig- 

 tree (Crann Fige) has been esteemed for its fruit. The 

 renowned Banyan-tree of India is another species of Ficus. 

 In hot countries the Bread-fruit is a staple article of food, 

 the Jack-fruit, a near relative, growing to an enormous size. 

 While Hemp (Cainb) is cultivated in temperate countries 

 for its fibre, it is grown in India for a narcotic resin which 

 produces intoxication. In Eastern countries the White 

 Mulberry is planted for feeding silkworms, and the Black 

 Mulberry (Crann Maol-Dhearc) in Europe for its fruit. The 

 juice of the Venezuelan Cow-tree resembles milk, and is 

 used as such by the people. Lac, dyes, etc., are obtained 

 from other species. The India Kubber is a useful parlour 

 plant. 



Ulmus, L. 



U. montana, Stokes. Scots or Wych Elm. Learnhaiu 

 Cultivated forms, now springing up spontaneously from 

 seed, are among the commonest trees in Kiloran woods. 

 The wood lasts well for works in damp situations, and is 

 locally used for cart-shafts, oars, etc. April. 



U. campestris, L., b suberosa (Moench). Common Elm. 

 Kecorded by Mr Grieve. 



Humulus, L. 



H. Lupulus, L. Common Hop. Lionn Luibh, C. Intro- 

 duced. July. Cultivated in Kent for the female flowers. 

 They are dried over charcoal fires, and added to beer to give 

 it a better flavour and stop its fermentation. 



