MYRISTICACEJE. 



in its substance, is the embryo, which is small, fleshy, yellowish-white, 

 rounded below, where is the radicle ; its cotyledons of 2, large, some- 

 what foliaceous, plicate lobes, in the centre of which is seen the plu- 

 mule. The seed is the nutmeg of the shops, the aril is the mace. 

 They contain a volatile oil which renders them stimulant. In small 

 quantities they relieve flatulence, and allay colicky pains but in large 

 quantities they excite the circulation and act as narcotics. Pereira. 



22 



