ELDER. SAMBUCUS. 



In Botany, a Genus of the Pentandria 

 Trigynia Class. 



THE common elder-tree is a native of Eng- 

 land, and is found also in most parts of 

 Europe, as it will grow on any soil, and in 

 situations where few other trees would live. 



The elder thrives near wet ditches, and 

 is often seen growing on the ruins of old 

 walls, or from the hollow of decayed trees : 

 so hardy is this valuable and neglected tree, 

 that it is found both in sheltered swamps 

 and on the bleak tops of church towers. 



The elder does not appear to have been 

 used medicinally by the ancients, but the 

 berries were employed by the Romans to dye 

 the hair of the head black. If they be boiled 

 in water, says Pliny, they are as good and 

 wholesome to be.eaten as other pot-herbs. 



Sir J. E. Smith has remarked, that this 



