98 PRUNUS LAUROCERASUS 



been almost superseded by that of the more definite hydrocyanic 

 acid, in consequence of its uncertain strength from the causes 

 already mentioned, and also from the fact of its strength varying 

 according to its age. 



Cherry-Laurel water has been fraudulently used in Paris in the 

 preparation of the cordial called Kirsch, in imitation of the genuine 

 cherry cordial, which is so named. 



The fresh leaves are sometimes used for flavouring sweetmeats, 

 custards, creams, &c., but they should be employed with caution, 

 as on account of their poisonous properties they may produce 

 injurious, or even fatal effects. 



Per. Mat. Med., by B. & R., p. 813; Pharmacographia, p. 226; 

 U. S. Disp., by W. & B., pp. 522 and 1043; Christison's Dis- 

 pensatory (1842), p. 592 ; Garot, Annuaire de Therap., 1843, 

 p. 45 ; Journ. de Pharm., Juillet, 1861, p. 15, Juin, 1864, p. 

 520, and vol. xvi, p. 346; Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., 

 4 ser., vol. i, p. 33 ; Br. and For. Med.-Chir. Rev., Oct., 1868, 

 p. 517; Umney, in Pharm. Journ., 3 ser., Jan., 1869; Tilden, 

 in Pharm. Journ., 3 ser., vol. v, p. 761, and Tear Book of 

 Pharmacy (1875), p. 88. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from a plant in the Royal Gardens, Kew ; the fruit added from 

 Nees and Hayne. 



1. Portion of a flowering branch. 



2. A flower. 



3. Yertical section of the same. 



4. Transverse section of ovary. 



5. Cluster of ripe fruit. 



6. A ripe fruit. 



7. Same, with half the pulp removed. 



8. The stone. 



9. The same, with half the endocarp removed. 



10. A seed. 



11. Transverse, and 12. Vertical section of the same. 



(2-4 enlarged.) 



