SHADDOCK OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 375 



Senega or Seneka Root. {See Snake-root.) 



Senna. — Cassia aeiUifolla, C. angustifolia, and other allied 

 species, slender annuals of the Bean family (Leguniinosre), 

 about 2 feet high, having winged leaves, which wlien dry con- 

 stitute the Senna of the shops. They are cultivated in tiie 

 regions of the Mediterranean, Egypt, Arabia, and India. Senna 

 is a well-known purgative medicine. 



Sensitive Plant. (See Humble Plant.) 



Service Berry (Amekmchier canade7isis), a small much- 

 branched tree of the Apple family (Pomaceie), native of the 

 Northern United States and Canada. When in flower it is a 

 complete sheet of white, and is known in this country by the 

 name of Snowy Mespilus. Its fruit (berries) is black, and of a 

 sweet agreeable taste. Eaten by the native Indians. 



Service Tree (Pyrus domestica), a large, spreading, branched 

 tree of the Apple family (Pomacea^), with winged leaves. It 

 bears an oblong or round fruit, about the size of a large goose- 

 berry, which is austere, and not much used. In Brittany a drink 

 like cider or perry is made from it, which has a most unpleasant 

 odour. It is a native of various parts of the Continent, espe- 

 cially France and Italy, where it is much valued for its hard 

 wood, which is used for many purposes. It grows wild in 

 Cornwall, and is considered to be indigenous. 



Sesamum, a name for the seeds of Sesamum indicum, an 

 annual weed-like herb of the family Pedaliacea3 native of the 

 East Indies, where it is cultivated as well as in other countries 

 for the seeds, which yield a bland oil equal to olive oil. It 

 is used for many purposes of domestic economy. It is also 

 known as Gingelly Oil, and used for adulterating olive and 

 other oils. 



Shaddock (Citrus dccumana), a tree of the Orange family 

 (Aurantiaceee), native of China. It was introduced into the 

 West Indies early in the eighteenth century by Captain Shad- 

 dock, hence its name. There are varieties which produce fruits 

 of various sizes, some measuring nearly 2 feet in circumference. 

 Setting aside size, their appearance is like an orange. The 



