Genus NYSSA, Linn. 
SantalaceoG. Polygamia Dioecia. 
Syst. Nat. Syst. Lin. 
Derivation. The genus Nyssa was so called by Linnasus, from a water nymph of that name, who educated Bacchus ; because 
several of its species grow in water or moist places. 
Generic Characters. Flowers bisexual and male ; the two kinds upon distinct plants, and without petals. 
Calyx of bisexual flower connate, with the ovary in its lower part, having a free, 5-parted limb. Sta- 
mens 5. Ovary ovate, containing 1 pendulous ovule, and in some instances, 2. Style simple, revolute, 
curved inwards. Stigma acute. Fruit a roundish drupe. Nut elliptical, acute, angular, somewhat 
irregular, grooved lengthwise, containing 1 seed, which is albuminous, and has an embryo that has 
large, leafy cotyledons, and a superior radicle. Calyx of male flower 5-parted, spreading. Stamens 
5, 8, 10, and 12 ; surrounding a shield-shaped gland. Leaves alternate, entire. Inflorescence axillary, 
peduncled, of 1 flower, or several aggregate flowers. Fruit red or blackish-purple, suffused with a 
frosty appearance. Loudon, Arboretum. 
,HE genus Nyssa embraces deciduous trees, natives of North Amer- 
ica, and, though several sorts have been described by botanists, 
they are all, probably, referable to two, or at most, three species; 
namely, Nyssa biflora, candicans and grandidentata, the two lat- 
ter being so nearly allied, that we have considered them as belong- 
ing to the same species. 
To the natural family of hardy trees next preceding Santalacese belong the 
genera Daphne and Dirca, the former of which contains the mezereon, (Daphne 
mezereum,) a well-known shrub, much valued in gardens and shrubberies, both 
for the beauty of its flowers and its fruit. It produces its agreeably fragrant flow- 
ers in early spring, before the leaves; when, as is beautifully expressed by Cow- 
per, its branches are, 
"Though leafless, well attired, and thick beset 
With blushing wreaths, investing every spray." 
The marsh dirca, or leather-wood, (Dirca palustris,) sometimes also called 
wickoby, is a native from Maine and Canada to Georgia, and is noted for the. 
extreme toughness of its inner bark, which is so strong that the stoutest man 
could not break, by pulling, a strip an inch in width, taken from the main stem. 
The wood, when deprived of the bark, is remarkably soft and brittle, snapping 
with the slightest effort. Like the mezereon, it blossoms before leafing. 
