CALYCANTHACE^l. 407 



developed in a similar manner as in the case of bitter Almonds. The 

 oil exists in largest quantity in the young leaves. Prunus Lusitanica 

 is the Portugal Laurel, which is extensively cultivated in Britain as an 

 evergreen. The leaves of Prunus spinosa, the Sloe, have been used 

 as a substitute for, as well as an adulteration of Tea, The fruit of a 

 variety of Cerasus avium, the Cherry, is used in the manufacture of 

 Kirschenwasser. The kernel of Cerasus occidentals is used for flavour- 

 ing Noyau. The flavour of Ratafia, Cherry-brandy, and Maraschino, 

 are due to the kernels of Cerasus. 



The suborder Pomece supplies many edible fruits, as Apples, Pears, 

 Medlars (fig. 472), and Quinces. The seeds, and occasionally the 

 flowers and bark of some, yield hydrocyanic acid. All the cultivated 

 varieties of Apple are derived by grafting from the native species, 

 Pyrus Mains; while Pears have their origin in Pyrus communis. The 

 seeds of Cydonia vulgaris (Pyrus Cydonia}, the Quince, when boiled in 

 water, yield a mucilaginous decoction, which has been used as a 

 demulcent. Malic acid is found in some of the fruits of this suborder. 

 Eriobotrya japonica yields the Loquat, a Japan fruit. 



The other suborders contain plants which are distinguished by 

 astringent and tonic qualities. Geum urbanum and rivale (Avens) have 

 been employed as tonics and astringents, as also the root of Potentilla 

 Tormentilla (Tormentil). The varieties of Scotch Roses are derived 

 from Rosa spinosissima. The fruit of Rosa canina, the Dog-rose, which 

 consists of the enlarged fleshy calyx enclosing numerous achasnia (fig. 

 270), is beat into a pulp with sugar, and used as an acidulous refri- 

 gerant and astringent. The petals of Rosa gallica, Red, French, 

 and Provins Rose, are employed in the form of infusion, as a tonic and 

 slightly astringent remedy. The petals of Rosa centifolia, the Hun- 

 dred-leaved or Cabbage-rose (fig. 88), and its varieties, R. damascena, 

 Damask-rose, R. moschata, Musk-rose, &c., are employed in the pre- 

 paration of Rose-water, and of the oil or attar of Roses. It is stated 

 by Dr. Christison, that 100,000 roses, the produce of 10,000 bushes 

 of Rosa damascena, yield at Ghazeepore only 180 grains of attar. 

 The bark of many species of Quillaia, as Q. saponaria, are used as a 

 substitute for soap. 



856. Order 71. Caiycanthaceie, the Calycanthus Family. (Potypet. 

 Perigyn.) Sepals and Petals confounded, indefinite, combined in a 

 fleshy tube; estivation imbricated. Stamens oo , perigynous; anthers 

 adnate, extrorse, with longitudinal dehiscence. Ovaries several, 1- 

 celled, adhering to the tube of the calyx; ovules solitary or two, one 

 above the other, anatropal; style terminal. Fruit consisting of achasnia, 

 enclosed in the fleshy tube of the calyx. Seed exalbuminous; embryo 

 straight; cotyledons convolute; radicle inferior. Shrubs, with square 

 stems, consisting of a central woody mass, with four smaller ones 

 around (^[ 90); leaves opposite, simple, scabrous, exstipulate. They 



