THE FARMER AT HOME. 289 



shrubs, with simple opposite leaves, which are sprinkled with pellucid 

 glandular points, and having axillary or terminal white or rose-colored 

 flowers. One species, the common myrtle, is a native of the south of 

 Europe, and other countries bordering on the Mediterranean. It has 

 been celebrated from remote antiquity on account of its fragrance and 

 the beauty of its evergreen foliage, and, by different nations, was con- 

 secrated to various religious purposes. Myrtle wreaths adorned the 

 brows of bloodless victors, and were the symbol of authority for mag- 

 istrates at Athens. With the moderns, it has always been a favorite 

 ornamental plant, and is commonly cultivated in gardens both in 

 Europe and America. Pimento or allspice is the produce of a species 

 of myrtle inhabiting tropical America, and consists of the berries, 

 which are collected before they are ripe, and dried in the sun. 



NAIL. A bony excrescence, growing at the ends of the fingers 

 and toes of men and animals. The several parts of nails have their 

 respective names. The extremity is called the apex ; the opposite 

 end, the root or base ; and the white part near the latter, somewhat 

 resembling a half moon, lunula. The substance of the nail is that of 

 the skin, hardened, but firmly connected with it. For this reason, it 

 is extremely sensible at its root, where the substance is yet tender ; 

 but at the apex, where it is perfectly hardened, capable of being cut 

 without pain. 



NANKEEN. A well known cotton stuff, deriving its name from 

 the ancient capital of China. According to Van Braam, it is manu- 

 factured in the southeast of the province of Kiang-nam upon the 

 seashore. The color of nankeen is natural, the cotton down of which 

 it is made being of the same tinge with the cloth. The color, as well 

 as superior quality of this cotton, seems to be derived from the soil ; 

 for it is said that the seeds of the nankeen cotton degenerate in both 

 particulars when transplanted to another province, however little 

 (different in its climate. The common opinion, that the color of the 

 stuff is given by a dye, occasioned an order from Europe, some years 

 ago, to dye the pieces of nankeen of a deeper color than they had at 

 that period ; and the reason of their being then paler than formerly 

 is as follows; "Shortly after the Americans began to trade with 

 China, the demand increased to nearly double the quantity it was 

 possible to furnish. To supply this deficiency, the manufacturers 

 mixed common white cotton with the brown ; this gave it a pale cast, 

 which was immediately remarked ; and for this lighter kind no pur- 

 chaser could be found till the other was exhausted. But the demand 

 xfterwards lessening, the white cotton was no longer mixed with it, 

 and the color returned to its former standard." 



NASTURTIUM. Indian Cress is a frequent name for this plant. 

 It is a native of South America, and is distinguished for its brilliant 

 show of orange and crimson colored flowers. It was carried to Eng- 

 land in the sixteenth century. Being a good climber, it is useful in 

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