APPENDIX. 377 



of its foliage, it may be considered one of the most interesting of the 

 American forest trees. The bark of the young stem and branches 

 is smooth, arid of a beautiful green color. When old, the bark 

 becomes rough, and the -tree is not so interesting as when in its 

 younger state. The leaves vary in shape on the same tree, being 

 sometimes oval, and without notches, and sometimes divided into 

 lobes. The flowers are of a greenish-yellow hue, and appear in 

 small clusters before the unfolding of the leaves, in May, and are 

 slightly odoriferous. The leaves are tour or five inches in length, 

 and, upon their first appearance in the spring, they are downy, 

 and of a slender texture. When placed in a cup of water, the 

 leaves create a delicate transparent mucilage. The inner bark of 

 the tree has a spicy flavor, which renders it a favorite substance 

 for chewing, to such persons as must have something to stimulate 

 the saliva! glands, and whose stomachs reject the nauseating poi- 

 son of tobacco. The bark of the root is highly odoriferous, and 

 was used sixty years ago, in some rural localities, as a substitute 

 for more costly spices, in giving flavor to pies, puddings, cakes, &c. 



LIGUSTRUM. 



Privet. The English Privet is much used for ornamental 

 hedges, and is also desirable in a shrubbery, on account of the 

 permanency of its elegant foliage. Mr. Emerson is of opinion 

 that it is identical with the American privet ; but this is a mis- 

 take, as the English retains its foliage much longer, and bears 

 green berries. In England it is an evergreen, and nearly so here. 

 The American variety is also very desirable. It sheds its foliage 

 much sooner, and has black berries. There are a number of 

 other varieties or species of privet, which are also desirable. 



The Golden-edged Privet is a very striking variety, with varie- 

 gated leaves. L. lucida has elegant, thick, glossy, green foliage, 

 and is a valuable acquisition. L. Japonica has large, long, glossy 

 leaves, of a bright green ; if found to be hardy, it will be very 

 desirable. 



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