152 LETTER XL. 



{fig. 4.) ; it has a slight depression at the point where 

 the stigma was, and it contains a single suspended 

 seed {fig. 5.). The embryo is a large almond-like 

 {amygdaloid') kernel, with two fleshy plano-convex 

 cotyledons, and a radicle pointing to the apex of the 

 fruit {fig. 6.). 



All the genera you are likely to meet with, belong- 

 ing to the Mezereum Tribe, are very like the above 

 n nearly every respect ; the most important differences 

 to remember, are, that some of them, as Gnidia, have 

 little scales in the mouth of the calyx, and that it is 

 only in a few that the fruit is succulent : more gene- 

 rally it is hard, dry, and nut-like. 



You have before had instances of the toughness of 

 the bark of plants, and of its fitness to be manufac- 

 tured into cordaoe or similar materials. All the 

 Daphnes, and indeed the Tribe, partake of this qua- 

 lity ; they are, however, chiefly known for the produc- 

 tion of paper and lace. In China and India, a coarse 

 paper is manufactured from the inner bark of two or 

 three species ; and in the West Indies, Nature pro- 

 duces a beautiful description of lace in that of another 

 kind. You seem incredulous ; and yet I know not 

 wherefore you should be, considering how many 

 greater wonders you have already witnessed among 

 plants. I repeat it, in Jamaica a natural lace, of fine 

 quality, is produced ready manufactured, in the bark 

 of the Lagetto Tree ; so fine, indeed, that ruffles, a 

 frill, and cravat were cut from it, and sent as a present 

 to King Charles II. This substance is not so often 

 seen in England as its beautv and curiositv would 



