824 J A Tvl A I C A. 



192. Dogwood. — Itthyometbia. 



I'his tree is common in the ifland, particularly the lowlands, 

 where it rlfes to the height of about thirty iect, or upwards. It is 

 one of the bert and motl durable timbers in America, and lafts al- 

 nioft equally well in or out of water. It is reckoned not inferior 

 to theEnglifh oak, and refembles it much in the fhape of the leaf. 

 It flowers about May or June, and throws out all its bloffoms be- 

 fore the leaft appearance of any foliage. The flowers, which grow 

 in bunches, cover all the branches in fuch a manner, as to make 

 a veiy beautiful (how. The wood is of a lightiili-brown colour, 

 coarfe, crols-grained, heavy, firm, and rehnous; and makes ex- 

 cellent piles for wharfs. This tree may be j)ropagated from flips, 

 or cuttings; and the flakes foon form a good live-fence. The bark 

 of the root, pounded, is ufed for the lame purpofe, and with the 

 fame eflcft, as the Surinam poifon. It has a very ftrong, rank fmell. 

 The bark of the trunk is very reftringent : a decoftion made with 

 it flops the immoderate difcharge of ulcers, efpecially when it is 

 combined with the mangrove bark; cures the mange in dogs; and 

 would probably anfwer well with the other reftringent barks for 

 tanning leather. 



The mountain dog-wood tree differs but very little. It grows 

 to a more confiderable fize, infomuch that it may be had, of almoll 

 any dimenfions, for plantation ufe. Its timber is of a rather 

 darker complexion, but efteemed not inferior in durability. 



193. Yellow Nick a r. — Guilandia biennis, fejiiinibusjhvefceniibus. 



194. Grey Nickar. — Guilandia fpinofa, fetn'mibus cinereis. 



The feeds, bark, and roots of both thefe fpecies, which are ex- 

 tremely common near the coafl, are thought to be aftringent, and 

 are fometimes adminiftered in gleets. The Indians and Negroes 

 chiefly apply them to this intention; affirming, that they purge off 

 the diforder, and likewife reftore and flrengthen the parts. 



Thefe plants are common al fo to the Eaftern regions; and the 

 feeds are faid to be made ufe of by the women in Egypt and Alex- 

 andria, by way of amulet, ftrung in necklaces, and hung , about 

 their children, to guard them from forcery. 



The grey nickar makes a good fence. 



195. Canker- 



