426 ORDER LEGDMINOS43, OR PEA TRIBE. 



they contain, others are violently irritant, and others strongly 

 astringent. The seeds of the common Laburnum, for example, 

 of which the flower and the pod very much resemble those o 

 the Pea, are violently emetic and purgative, and have proved 

 absolutely poisonous to children. The seeds of other species are 

 very bitter, and are valued in India for their tonic virtues. The 

 character of the juices which may be extracted from the wood, 

 is equally various. This apparent exception, however, does not 

 really weaken the principle ; since the number of points of dif- 

 ference among the several tribes is so great, that there can be 

 little doubt that they might be subdivided into several orders, 

 each of which might be characterised by properties peculiar, or 

 nearly so, to itself. Having already adverted to some of the 

 best known among the useful products of this order, we may 

 here mention a few others. The pulp of the Tamarind, which 

 is so grateful in thirst on account of the large quantity of acid it 

 contains, lies between the seeds and the valves of a legume ; as 

 does also that of the Cassia, which has a sweetish taste, and 

 which is useful as a mild aperient for children. Licorice is 

 derived from the juice of the roots of the plant which yields 

 it. The juices of other species are powerfully astringent, and are 

 used both in medicine and in arts ; of this kind are Catechu, 

 (. 365), Kino, and other substances. The bark of the New Hol- 

 land Acacias has been introduced into this country as a material 

 for tanning. The fragrant resins, called Balsams of Tolu and 

 Peru, which are in much use for burning as perfumes, and for 

 medicinal purposes, are the produce of a South American species. 

 Full details regarding Indigo, one of the most valuable products 

 of this order, have been given on a former occasion (. 388). 

 Some species, which are found in the "West Indies and in South 

 America, contain juices which have a remarkable power of 

 intoxicating fish, rendering them easy of capture, without in- 

 juring their wholesomeness as food. 



593. The next order is one of nearly equal extent and 

 importance ; and contains, like the Leguminosaa, a large number 

 of species having the same general resemblance, yet differing in 

 the structure of many important parts. This is the order 



