VIRGINIA MYRTLE. 



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Virginia Myrtle Myrica cerifera. 



order, sometimes in pairs, sometimes alternately, and 

 generally at unequal distances. Their upper sur- 

 face is smooth and of a glossy bright green; the 

 under side is of a more dusky hue. It has been 

 erroneously supposed to be an evergreen, but the 

 full-grown tree always sheds its leaves in autumn. 

 The young plant, raised from seed, retains its 

 leaves nearly throughout the winter, every year 

 losing them somewhat earlier, until it arrives at 

 its full growth. The flowers are small and brownish. 

 The whole shrub has somewhat the appearance of 

 the common myrtle, and its leaves on being rubbed 



