86 BRITISH HONDURAS. 



abundantly derived from the seeds, although good, does not 

 appear to be so valuable as that derived from another species 

 (M. aptera), which is said to yield the true oil of Ben. Amongst 

 trees of medicinal value that yielding Balsam of Tolu 

 (Myroxylon Toluifera) deserves special mention. It is a large 

 handsome tree found in the interior, which yields, by incision 

 into the wood, a balsam used in medicine as an expectorant and 

 stimulant. " Tolu lozenges are well known as a remedy in 

 allaying coughs." Balsam of Copaiba is yielded by several 

 species of Copaifera, one of which, probably C. officinalis, is 

 native of British Honduras. The balsam as it flows from the 

 trees is very thin and colourless, but soon becomes thicker and 

 assumes a yellow tint. 



The Guaco (Mikania guacd), a composite twiner with 

 cordate leaves and large panicles of pale lavender-coloured 

 flowers, is one of the commonest plants on the outskirts of woods 

 and along road- sides ; the leaves are used as a febrifuge and 

 authelmintic, but the chief interest connected with the plant is 

 on account of its being supposed to be a powerful antidote for 

 the bite of venomous serpents. " So strong is the impression of 

 the powerful medicinal virtue possessed by guaco that no Indian 

 ever traverses the dark and dense forests without carrying a 

 portion of it in his pouch."* The Naseberry or bully-trees, as 

 noticed before, are abundant in the forests : and from one, if 

 not more, an elastic gum is furnished which is imported into 

 New York from Mexico, under the name of Chicle gum, for use 

 as a masticatory. 



The Fustic (Madura aurantiaca) is one of the most valuable 

 trees of Central America, as its timber yields a yellow dye. 



The Corkwood, or alligator-apple (Anona palustris), bears a 



* See "Journal of the Society of Arts," January llth, 1857. 



