304 EXTRACTS FROM 



The wood has long been known as a dye, and it is a very 

 useful timber for mill-rollers, naves for wheels, &c. 



The leaves of this mulberry are of a deep-green; they might 

 be used for feeding silk-worms, and, were skilful people em- 

 ployed, would turn to good account. At present we are in_ 

 tent on making sugar, rum, and the other staple articles al- 

 ready known, nor do we care to go beyond our depth. 



DKECIA PENTANDRIA. 



143. Antidesjia Alexiteria, L — Murjo, or Billet Bush. 



The murjo or bitter bush is frequent in pastures and sa- 

 vannahs, and grows to ten or twelve feet high. The bark is 

 of a grey colour, the wood is soft, and of little use. The leaves 

 are numerous, smooth, shining, and of a rusty colour. The 

 blossoms are very small, and grow in a pendulous raceme. 

 The berries are at first red, afterwards black, growing in clus- 

 ters, and having a very good appearance. Their taste is ex- 

 ceedingly bitter, as is that of the leaves. Of these a decoction 

 is given internally in bad habits for the cure of external ul- 

 cers. They are no doubt antiseptic ; and, by strengthening 

 the stomach, good juices will be sent into the blood. They 

 are likewise applied by way of fomentation and poultice to 

 foul and ill disposed ulcers, with very good effect. 



DICECIA HEXANDRIA. 

 144. Smilax Pseudo-China, L. — China Root. 



China root grows in moist woodlands. The stem is green, 

 strong, flexible, and jointed every eight or ten inches. Theleaves 

 are of a shining green colour. The root is well known in the 



