THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 127 



ius Mutianus and a retinue of eighteen persons. Its 

 interior was 75 feet in circuit. The wood of our tree 

 becomes reddish in seasoning, of a fine close grain, 

 and takes a better polish than Beech^ to which it 

 bears some resemblance. As it is liable to warp, it is 

 not much used in cabinet work, except for bedsteads. 

 It decays rapidly by exposure to the weather, and is 

 therefore suitable for such articles only as are 

 thoroughly sheltered. The rapid growth, great size, 

 and thick shade of this tree, render it valuable for 

 avenues and shaded grounds. 



Sweet Gum. (Liquidambar Styraciflua, Linn.) — 

 One of the most extensively diffused trees in North 

 America, it being found from Southern New England 

 to Mexico. It is from 40 to 70 feet high, and 2 to 3 

 in diameter. The wood is reddish, compact, fine 

 grained, and takes a fine polish. Though inferior to 

 Oak, it is suitable for objects requiring toughness 

 and solidity. When properly seasoned, it serves 

 w^ell in the upper frame-work of buildings, and lasts 

 better than any of the Red Oaks. It is sometimes 

 employed for lining the inside of Mahogany furniture, 

 to which it is well adapted by its color, lightness, and 

 fine grain. Though inferior to Black Walnut and 

 Cherry^ it is sometimes used for similar purposes in 

 the manufacture of furniture ; but is not durable un- 

 less sheltered from the air. The bruised leaves have 

 a resinous fragrance, and fresh ones are successfully 

 used in cases of dysentery. The dusty matter in the 

 ripe burs is only the abortive seeds. The fragrant 



