SUMACH OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 397 



spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah (chap. vi. 20). In Europe 

 large quantities of Sugar are manufactured from Beetroot, and 

 in America from the Sugar Maple. Grape Sugar produced from 

 the fruit of the grape is also a well-known article ; an account 

 of these will be found under their respective names ; also see 

 Date and Wine Palms. 



Sugar Berry. (See Nettle Tree.) 



Sumach. — Under this name are included the species of 

 Blius, a genus of Anacardiaceae. They consist of bushy, 

 stiff- branched shrubs, with winged, rarely simple leaves, and 

 bunches of inconspicuous flowers, followed by small berries ; 

 they are mostly poisonous in a more or less degree, and highly 

 astringent ; they are used for tanning. B. Coriaria, a shrub 

 with pinnate leaves, is common to all the coasts of the Mediter- 

 ranean, and is extensively cultivated in Sicily for its leaves, 

 which, with the young shoots cut when a foot or more in height, 

 are ground between millstones into a fine powder. It is used for 

 tanning, and also produces a yellow dye. An average of 10,000 

 to 18,000 tons is annually imported into this country. 11. 

 Cotinus is also employed in the same manner ; it is called Venice 

 or Venetian Sumach {see Fustic). Several North American 

 species are highly poisonous, such as B.. venenata, a shrub with 

 wdnged leaves, and the trailing and climbing three -leaved 

 species B. Toxicodendron and B. radicans, known as the Poison 

 Oaks ; the mere rubbing or handling of the leaves of which has 

 been known to lead to serious consequences. 



Sumach, Jamaica (B. Metophm), a strong -growing shrub, 

 native of Jamaica; its leaves are used for tanning; it yields 

 a gum called by the negroes Doctor's Gum ; it is a powerful 

 purgative and emetic. 



Sumach, Myrtle-leaved. {Sec Coriaria.) 



Sumach, Virginian {B. iyphina), is commonly to be seen 

 in shrubberies, especially in old gardens in this country ; cases 

 are recorded of much injury having been done to the eyes from 

 its fumes on being burnt. It is also commonly known by tlie 

 name of Sta^j's-horn Sumach. 



