80 



The myrobalan family, Combretaceae, is represented in an 

 interesting species, Terminalia Catappa, a native of tropical Asia, 

 but widely introduced into other tropical regions. It is common 

 in the West Indies, where it is often called the almond tree. The 

 name myrobalans is given to the fruits of this tree in India. The 

 fruit is yellowish when ripe, and oblong and somewhat com- 

 pressed in shape. The kernels are edible and have the flavor of 

 almonds, hence the common name of the tree. 



Near the genus Codiaeum are two or three small plants repre- 

 senting the mezereon family, Thymeleaceae. These are the lace- 

 bark tree, Lagetta lintearia, a native of Jamaica. Its common 

 name is derived from the peculiar character of its bark, which 



time much used in Jamaica for making veils, bonnets, ruffles, etc. 



among them Aralia Guilfoylei, A. Veitchii and others. 



The chocolate tree family, Sterculiaceae, is represented by Cola 



height of thirty to forty feet. Its fruit contains several nut-like 

 seeds which are known as cola or goora nuts. They are held in 

 high esteem by the negroes of that region, for they are supposed 

 to quench thirst, allay hunger, and give strength ; qualities 

 which, if true, might well endear them to the negroes. A super- 

 stitious value also attaches to them, for the fetish-man there offers 

 these nuts as food to the spirits to obtain favors for his votaries. 

 The plant has been introduced into tropical America. It is said 

 that these nuts will quickly counteract the effects of intoxication: 

 this is due to the caffein present, which equals about twice the 

 amount found in coffee. 



House No. 8. 

 The chief families represented in this house are the following : 

 the acanthus family, Acanthaceae ; the torch-wood family, Burse- 

 raceae ; the dogbane family, Apocynaceae ; the milkweed family, 

 Asclepiadaceae ; the madder family, Rubiaceae ; the potato family, 

 Solanaceae; the gesneria family, Gesneriaceae ; the figwort family, 

 Scrophulariaceae ; the begonia family, Begoniaceae ; the poke- 

 weed family, Phytolaccaceae ; the nettle family, Urticaceae ; the 



