364 KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 
and of more luxuriant vegetation, than in North Carolina, on the loftiest parts of 
the Alleghanies. It there occupies large tracts, and forms thickets upon their 
summits, and for a third of the distance down their sides, which are rendered 
almost impenetrable by the crooked and unyielding trunks, crossed and locked 
with each other. As the shrubs which compose these copses are nearly of the 
same height, and richly laden with evergreen foliage, they present, at a distance, 
the appearance of verdant meadows, surrounded by tall trees. 
This species was introduced into Britain in 1734, by Peter Collinson, who pro- 
cured it from Pennsylvania, and planted it in Catesby's garden, at Fulham, where 
it flowered for the first time in England, in 1741. It was introduced into France, 
by the elder Michaux, in about the year 1790, and is to be found in many of the 
European collections. 
Soil, Situation, fyc. The Kalmia latifolia, in its natural habitat, usually occurs 
on the sides of stony hills, near water, where the soil is sterile ; but when culti- 
vated, it flourishes best in a soft, loose, and cool soil, with a northern exposure. 
For propagation and culture, the reader is referred to our article on the Rhodo- 
dendron maximum. 
Properties and Uses. The wood of the Kalmia latifolia, particularly that of 
the roots, is very compact, fine-grained, and marked with red lines. When 
green, it is of a soft texture, and is easily wrought ; but, when well seasoned, it 
is very hard, and more nearly resembles the European box, (Buxus semper- 
virens,) than any other American wood. Consequently it is worthy of the atten- 
tion of mathematical instrument-makers, and of engravers on wood. It is 
sometimes employed in the United States for the handles of light tools, for screws, 
boxes, &c. ; and it is said, also, to make good clarionets. It is used by the 
American Indians for making small dishes, spoons, and other domestic utensils. 
The whole plant is regarded as poisonous to young cattle, and sheep, but not to 
goats and deer. A decoction of the leaves of this tree was formerly taken by those 
miserable natives who had determined on self-destruction. But modern enter- 
prise has successfully enlisted it in the service of medicine, and it is applied, in a 
pulverized form, internally, in fevers, or topically, for the relief of cutaneous 
affections. A few drops of the tincture poured upon the body of a large and vig- 
orous rattlesnake, killed the reptile in a short time. The powder which covers 
the leaves is popularly employed in some parts of the country where it grows, 
for snuff. The honey collected from the flowers by bees, is accounted deleteri- 
ous, which, with other noxious qualities of this elegant shrub, lessens that esteem 
which its beauty claims. 
