VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 77 



softer kind of wood, called vimigo-zvood^ is used by Ningpo 

 carvers for the fine image work which they do. It may be 

 from this tree, or from a different species. The original 

 habitat of the tree is not recorded, but it is now largely 

 cultivated both for commercial purposes and for ornamental 

 use. The leaf is the part used in medicine. As the plant 

 is said to be free from the element of fire, the leaves are 

 assumed to be cooling in their nature. They are prescribed 

 in difficult labors, being supposed to induce expulsive efforts. 

 The ordinary toilet combs of women, being made of this wood, 

 are often turned to account as a ready domestic remedy ; the 

 incinerated wood being used in the same way as are the leaves. 

 The powdered leaves are rubbed on prickly heat and summer 

 boils. 



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