FLOWERING SHRUBS 
of the Mezereum family ;* it has neither the fragrance nor 
the dark glossy foliage of the Daphne or Spurge Laurel of 
the English gardens; but, nevertheless, forms a_ pretty 
addition to our garden shrubberies, the early blossom, abun- 
dant foliage and light scarlet globular berries being very 
attractive. The New England people call the plant Moose- 
wood, in allusion to the hairy covering of the flower-buds; 
the Canadians call it Leatherwood, and the Indian name 
for it is Wycopy, meaning a thong, on account of its tough 
leathery bark. The specific name, palustris, would imply 
that it was more particularly a marsh-loving plant; but the 
Leatherwood may be found frequently growing on dry, 
gravelly ground, and is by no means confined to wet, marshy 
soil. Dr. Gray says: “The name of a fountain near Thebes 
was applied by Linneus to this North American genus for 
no imaginable reason, unless because the bush frequently 
grows near mountain rivulets.” 
This shrub is found all over the Eastern Provinces of 
the Dominion and has also a wide northerly range. I 
know of no especial uses, excepting the one already named, 
among the settlers in the backwoods and the Indians, who 
use the bark as loose handles for their bark baskets used in 
rough work. j 
FEvERBUSH—SPICEBUSH—Lindera Benzoin (Meisner). 
This highly fragrant shrub is commonly found growing in 
low, wet, marshy ground, and is sought for by the Indians. 
* The beautiful Daphne Mezereum, shown on Plate XVI., is not a native of Canada,. 
although it is occasionally found growing wild in the woods near towns. The seeds may 
possibly have been carried there by birds. Some kinds of finches are said to eat the: 
showy scarlet berries notwithstanding their intense acridity. This shrub was brought: 
to America from Europe, but is thought to be of Eastern origin. The Persians call it 
Madzaryoum, from which word its specific name is derived. The pretty rose-colored 
sweet-scented flowers are produced in abundance along the naked branches in early 
spring, before the smooth green leaves unfold, followed later in the summer by clusters 
of bright scarlet berries.—J.F. 
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