74 The Natural History 



The Horn-beam Tree, grows in some places in this Prov- 

 ince both plentiful and large, the Leaves are like those of the 

 Elm or Witch Hazel, but tenderer; the Timber of the Tree 

 becomes so strong, durable, and hard, in process of time, that 

 it may rather be compared to a Horn than Wood, from whence 

 it took the Name Horn-beam, or Hard-beam; it is excellent 

 for making Arrows, Pullies, Shafts for Mills, and many 

 other Xecessaries; yet is little regarded, or made use of, by 

 reason of the great plenty of other Wood in those parts ; there 

 may be an Oil drawn from it, which is of excellent use in the 

 cure of the French Pox. 



The Maple Tree, of which there are two sorts, the first 

 has an exceeding white Grain, and generally gTOWs in the 

 plain and champion Country; the second has a much harder 

 and more curled Grain, and grows in the Hilly and Moun- 

 tainous parts ; both these sorts are large, with a smooth Bark, 

 great Boughs, and Leaves much like those of the Vine, hang- 

 ing by long reddish Stalks, which make delightful and re- 

 freshing Shades to sit under from the Heat of the Sun : The 

 Flowers which are of a whitish-gTeen Colour, hang in Clus- 

 ters, after which come forth long Fruit resembling the Wings 

 of Grass-hoppers, with white and little Kernels in them : Of 

 this Wood is made Wainscots, Tables, Trenchers, Dishes, 

 Spinning-wheels, and the like; the Leaves and Roots are 

 Astringent, stop all sorts of Fluxes, and the Root helps Pains 

 of the sides and Liver. 



The Persimon Tree agrees with all Lands and Soil^, tlicy 

 are common on all Plantations, the Fruit when ripe is nearest 

 to our Medlar, it is one of the greatest Astringents T have 

 ever met Avith, for if eaten, or chew'd before it is ripe, it 

 draws the Mouth up like a Purse. The Fruit when ripe, be- 

 ing apply'd to a Foul wound, presently cleanses it, but cnusea 



exquisite 



