TWIN-FLOWERED NYSSA. 425 
Schwobber, are grown in moist meadows, on a level with the waters of the adjoin- 
ing rivers. 
Properties and Uses. The Nyssa biflora holds a middle rank between soft 
and hard -wooded-trees. When perfectly seasoned, the sap-wood is of a slight 
reddish tint, and the heart-wood is of a deep-brown. Of trees exceeding fifteen 
or eighteen inches in diameter, frequently more than half of the trunk is hollow. 
The ligneous fibres, which compose the body of most other trees are closely united, 
and usually ascend in a perpendicular direction. But, on the contrary, the trees 
of this genus exhibit a constant peculiarity of organization, the fibres being united 
in bundles, and are interwoven like a braided cord. This property gives it a 
decided superiority for certain uses. In the parts of the country where it abounds, 
it is employed for the naves of wheels destined for heavy burthens. It is also 
employed for the heads of the shafts of wind-mills, and, sawn into boards, it is 
used for lining carts. Wooden bowls are made of it, which are heavier than 
those made of the tulip-tree, (Liriodendron,) and are less liable to split. From 
this irregularity of fibre, the " gum-tree " is not admitted as evidence in the courts 
of Pennsylvania, in establishing boundaries to lands, &c., from the number of 
years which have elapsed since the trees have been blazed. As fuel, this wood 
burns slowly, and diffuses a great heat. 
In British gardens, it does not appear that much pains have been taken to 
encourage the growth of this, or any other species of Nyssa; nor are there but 
very few specimens of a tree-like form to be seen either in the European or Amer- 
ican pleasure-grounds ; but, from the singularity of the fruit, and the beauty of 
the foliage, which dies off of an intensely deep scarlet, this tree deserves a place 
in every collection. 
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