BALSAM OF PERU BALSAM OF TOLU. 181 



lying between Acajutla and Port Libertad, in the western part 1859. 

 of the state of San Salvador, known as the Balsam Coast. The 

 tree which affords it may also be found at Ispanguasate (where 

 it has been planted), and near Chiquimulilla, and on the coast 

 of Suchultepeques. Of this tree, which is the Myrospermum 

 Pereirce of Eoyle, good flowering specimens are much desired, 

 as are also fresh seeds, in order that the plant may be raised in 

 our hot-houses. The seeds should be transmitted by post, as 

 their vitality is not long retained. The balsam, which is called 

 Balsamo negro, is brought for sale to Sonsonate, previously to 

 shipment at Acajutla. 



Although the plant above mentioned is undoubtedly that 

 which affords the balsam of Peru of commerce, yet there is 

 reason to think that a balsam of similar character was formerly 

 extracted from other species. Monardes (1565) states that 

 balsam, of Peru is lighter than water, but the balsam of modern 

 times is heavier. Inquire into this. Is not balsam prepared at 

 Chongon, near Guayaquil ? Is any produced in Mexico ? We 

 have received the seeds of a Myrospermum from that country. 



BALSAM OF TOLU. Myrnxylon Toluifera, H. B. K, the tree 

 which affords this substance, is very imperfectly known. It 

 grows in New Granada, in the neighbourhood of Turbaco, and 

 especially in the high savannas near Tolu, Corozol, and the 

 town of Tacasuan. It is also found at the mouth of the river 

 Sinu, near El Zapote, and here and there on the banks of the 

 Eio Magdalena, in the environs of Garapatas and Mompox. 



Is it not possible to obtain at least the seeds, not to mention 

 a supply of good botanical specimens, of this famous tree, and 

 some account of the extraction of, and trade in, the balsam it 

 affords ? 



ON PRESERVING PLANTS FOR THE HERBARIUM. 



This is by no means the difficult process which many have 

 imagined. The object is to prepare the specimens in such a 

 manner that their moisture may be quickly absorbed, the colours, 



