0346 



to protect himself from thunderbolts. The tree was consecrated to Apollo, undoubtedly 

 because of its enduring greenery. It was planted at the palace gates of Caesars and 

 pontiffs. It was believed to guard against all sorts of poisons and plagues. 



The fruit of the common laurel tree yields two kinds of oil: one is volatile and is 

 obtained by distillation; the other is stable and is extracted by pressing. In the latter case 

 the fruit is picked when fully ripe; it's crushed and put in a large boiler full of water. It 

 should be slowly boiled for several hours. The boiling liquid together with the residue is 

 poured into a rather thin cloth bag and passed through it. The residue is then pressed to 

 get the rest of the oil out of it. When cooled it congeals on the surface of the water. It's 

 collected and stored in jars. The oil is used both in human and in veterinary medicine. An 

 aqueous infusion of the leaves can successfully stimulate and strengthen the stomach, 

 activate blood circulation, and promote menstrual flow. 



The sassafras tree is used as a sudorific and as an antipyretic. In America an 

 infusion similar to tea is made from the flowers. The bark is highly aromatic; a fragrant 

 oil can be extracted from the roots. 



Cultivation. The common laurel tree is propagated from cuttings and from 

 seeds. In the north of France it should be placed against a wall with a good exposure. The 

 sassafras prefers dark, loose, and slightly damp soil. In the north it should not be put in 

 open ground until it's two or three feet high. 



KEY TO PLATE. 



619. Common laurel tree. 1. Flower prior to opening. 2. Stamen, enlarged. 3. Pit 

 of the fruit, transverse section. 



620. Sassafras tree. 1. 2. Flowers. 3. Fruit. 



