DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. '189 



is sometimes called the white balsam of Peru, or liquid 

 storax, is, when it first issues from the tree, perfectly liquid 

 and clear, white, with a slight tinge of yellow, quite bal- 

 samic ; and having a most agreeable fragrance, resembling 

 that of ambergris or styrax. It is stimulant and aromatic, 

 and has long been used in France as a perfume, especially 

 for gloves."* In the middle states a fragrant substance 

 sometimes exudes from the leaves, and, by incision, small 

 quantities of the gum may be procured from the trunk ; but 

 a warmer climate appears to be necessary to its production 

 in considerable quantities. 



We hardly know a more beautiful tree than the Liquid 

 amber in every stage of its growth, and during every season 

 of the year. Its outline is not picturesque or graceful, but 

 simply beautiful, more approaching that of the maple than 

 any other : it is, therefore, a highly pleasing, round-headed 

 or tapering tree, which unites and harmonizes well with 

 almost any others in composition; but the chief beauty lies 

 in the foliage. During the whole of the summer months 

 it preserves, unsoiled, that dark glossy freshness which is 

 so delightful to the eye ; while the singular, regularly palmate 

 form of the leaves readily distinguishes it from the common 

 trees of a plantation. But in autumn it assumes its gayest 

 livery, and is decked in colors almost too bright and vivid 

 for foliage ; forming one of the most brilliant objects in 

 American scenery at that period of the year. The pre- 

 vailing tint of the foliage is then a deep purplish red, unlike 

 any symptom of decay, and quite as rich as is commonly 

 seen in the darker blossoms of a Dutch parterre. This is 

 sometimes varied by a shade deeper or lighter, and occa- 

 sionally an orange tint is assumed. When planted in the 



* Arboretum Brit. 2051. 



