162 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES EBONY 



which could not be removed by the application of different 

 washes. 



Ebony, St. Helena {Melhania melanoxylort), a small tree of 

 the Cocoa Nut family (Byttneriaceae), one of the special plants 

 found only in St. Helena, where it is indigenous ; the trees 

 having, however, been cut down in large numbers for firewood, 

 and the young plants destroyed by goats which were introduced 

 into the island, the plant has become nearly, if not entirely, 

 exterminated. Dr. Eoxburgh, who botanised in St. Helena in 

 1816, says the few trees remaining are about 10 to 15 feet high, 

 their trunks crooked and about as thick as a man's thigh, the 

 branches very numerous and spreading. In old trunks the wood 

 is hard and black like Ebony. A supposed second species is M. 

 erythroxylon, which has red wood, but which is not now found 

 in the island. 



Eddoes. {See Lotus and Taro.) 



Egg" Plant (Solanw/i Melongenct), an annual herb of the 

 iSrightshade family (Solanaceffi), native of South America, and 

 now spread over the tropics. It was introduced into Britain in 

 1597. It is a tender annual plant, cultivated for curiosity. Its 

 fruit resembles an egg. There are several varieties, the fruits of 

 which vary in colour from white to red, yelloAv or dull purple, 

 and in shape more or less round or oblong. It is much culti- 

 vated in France, as also a sort called Bringall or Brinjal, of 

 w^hich French cooks make great use for culinary purposes. 



Elaterium. {See Squirting Cucumber.) 



Elder Tree {Samhucus nigra). — This well-known tree belongs 

 to the Woodbine family (Caprifoliacese). It seldom exceeds 20 

 or 30 feet in height. Its various parts are applied to many 

 domestic uses. Its wood is white and hard, and used for making 

 skewers, shoemakers' pegs, and for articles of turnery. Elder 

 Wine is made from its black berries, which are also used for 

 colouring port wines. A well-known eye-wash is made from its 

 flowers, which is also used as a lotion for the skin and for 

 fomentations. Herbalists make an ointment of the leaves, and 

 a tea is made from the flowers, to which many virtues are 



