82 The Natural Historg 



not melt with the extreamity of the heat, so readily as the 

 former. A Decoction of these Berries cure the falling out of 

 the Womb, Tettars, and Scald Heads, by fomenting the Parts, 

 and their Syrup is good in Coughs, and the like disorders in 

 the Breast. 



The Sumach Tree grows about nine or ten Feet high, and 

 has tough and pliant Stalks, and Branches full of Twigs (like 

 Oziers) of a brownish colour, whereon grow Leaves that are 

 soft and hairy, having a red sinew or ridge gi'owing through 

 the midst of them, and indented all about the edges. The 

 Flowers which come forth in July are of a greenish yellow 

 colour, and grow with the Leaves upon long and red Stalks 

 in clusters, after which follow small reddish Seeds in bunches 

 like Grapes, which are ripe in Autumn. This Plant is in 

 very great plenty all over this Province, but little or no use 

 is made of it at present. Yet it is of great value and use in 

 Europe in dressing Skins, and especially the Spanish Leather. 

 There are small Birds that feed on it and the Myrtle Berries 

 in the Winter. This is one of the Ingredients used in the 

 cure of the Yaws. The Leaves and Seeds stop all kind of 

 Fluxes, and help the Hoemorrhoides, all Issues of Blood and 

 weakness of the Stomach and Intestines; outwardly they 

 resist putrefaction; drie up running Sores, heal old Ulcers, 

 Gangrens, &c. the Gum put into the Teeth eases the Pains 

 thereof. 



The Indico Tree (which is a kind of Woad, such as Dyers 

 use to dye Cloth) grows plentifully in this Province, but I 

 have never known any uses made of it. 



The Indian-Nut Tree grows to be very tall, large, aid 

 smooth, and free from Branches 'till you come near the top, 

 whereon grow Leaves like those of the Date, but broad and 

 sharp at the point as Thorns, whereof the Indiaiis nudvc 

 Needles, Bodkins, and many other Instrumouts for tlioir 



uses. 



