140 FIRST STEPS IN GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. 



" In size it resembles an orange, and it is filled 

 with a very sweet and delightful pulp. It thrives 

 greatly in the hot, damp atmosphere of Malacca. 

 The same tribe produces the Mammee Apple or 

 Wild Apricot of South America, which is said to 

 rival the mangosteen. From some member of this 

 tribe also comes the acrid yellow gum known in 

 commerce as gamboge" 



" I have some in my paint-box," said Robert. 



"I must now recall to your recollection the 

 different kinds of ST. JOHN'S WORT that frequently 

 enliven our hedge-rows and pastures with their 

 yellow blossoms about Midsummer-day (the feast 

 of St. John). Also that interesting plant called 

 Grass of Parnassus, which is less common here, 

 because we have not much of the boggy soil in 

 which it delights." 



"But these are not gummy plants, are they, 

 papa ?" said Henry. 



" They are not, or at least their properties are 

 not developed in this climate; but some of their 

 American relatives yield a sufficient quantity of 

 gum to make them known in commerce, while 

 others, and even some of our own species, have 

 been used medicinally. And now I will conclude 



