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25. Solanum verbascifolium, L. — Bermudas Balsam. — Wild 

 Tobacco. 



Bermudas balsam is of speedy growth, and triennial; the stem 

 is woody, grey coloured, and has a large pith in the middle ; 

 the leaves are large, soft, and of the colour of sage. The 

 flowers are numerous, white and pentapetalous. The fruit is 

 a berry of the size and shape of a cherry, is yellow, and con- 

 tains several seeds. 



The leaves are used in fomentations, or beaten into a poul- 

 tice, to deterge foul ulcers. In this country unctuous appli- 

 cations do not seem to succeed, and the vegetable dressings 

 are with propriety substituted in their room. 



26. Cordia Gerascanthus, L. — Spanish Elm. 



This is a tree of a middle size ; the bark is grey and furrow- 

 ed. The timber is white, hard, and useful in building. 



In April, the whole tree is clothed with white, beautiful 

 pentapetalous flowers, which in a few days wither, but do not 

 drop, till the fruit is ripe, when both fall oft' at the same 

 time. 



27- Plumeria rubra, L. — Milk Shrub. 



This is called here Spanish Jessamine, and is cultivated in 

 gardens on account of its flowers. The tree grows as tall as 

 a cherry tree, and sends off several branches, which terminate 

 abruptly. 



It has no leaves from January till May, when they are 

 put forth, and are of a shining green colour. The leaves and 

 blossoms grow from the summits of the thick branches. These 

 flowers are red and white, and of a luscious sweet smell. 



