ORDER RIIAMNE.E, OR BUCKTHORN TRIBE. 419 



completely encloses it. The species of this order are distributed 

 over nearly the whole world, with the exception of the arctic 

 regions. They are mostly shrubs or low trees which are gene- 

 rally remarkable for their spiny character ; this manifests itself 

 strongly in the common Buckthorn of this country, and in the 

 Christ's Thorn, which abounds in Greece and Palestine, and 

 which has been naturalised in our gardens. The latter derives 

 its name from the tradition that our Saviour's crown of thorns 

 was made from it. The spines are, as formerly explained 

 (. 307), undeveloped branches ; and a little examination of any 

 spiny bush will make this evident, since all stages of develop- 

 ment may be found, between the simple thorn and the complete 

 branch. As already stated, cultivation has a tendency to do 

 away with this character, by supplying the plant with nutri- 

 ment sufficient to develop the buds that would otherwise be 

 abortive. Upon the final cause, or object, of this curious pro- 

 vision, the following excellent remarks, by an eminent Botanist, 

 may be quoted : " In open barren tracts of country, the very 

 circumstance of the sterility of the soil must prevent the produc- 

 tion of many plants ; and of those which grow, few will be 

 enabled to perfect many seeds. It is necessary, therefore, to 

 protect such as are produced from extermination by the brows- 

 ing of cattle ; otherwise not only would the progeny be cancelled, 

 but also the present generation would be cut off. And what 

 more beautiful and simple expedient could have been devised, 

 than ordaining that the very barrenness of the soil, which pre- 

 cludes the abundant generation by seed, should at the very same 

 time, and by the very same means, render the abortive buds a 

 defensive armour to protect the individual plant, and to guard 

 the scantier crop, which the half-starved stem can bear ?" s 



584. The inner bark and fruit of most species of this order 

 are possessed of active purgative powers ; and some of them are 

 also emetic and astringent. The syrup made from the juice of 

 the berries of the common Buckthorn, was formerly much used 

 in medicine ; but, as its operation is attended with much dis- 

 comfort, it is now seldom employed except for administration to 

 dogs. The berries afford, however, a valuable colouring matter, 



