74 



is another species of this tree as large as the Cherry, bear- 

 ing pointed leaves* (Myrica Caerifera Angustifolia) ; those of 

 the other being broader and more obtuse (Myrica Caerifera 

 Latifolia.)f In France the Myrtle is cultivated for its wax,j: 

 which is prepared by simply boiling the berries in water; 

 the wax rising to the top of the vessel. It is apt to be of 

 a pale green colour, which is not reckoned handsome. 

 This however may probably be remedied by throwing some 

 alkali into the*boiling water, which will convert the wax 

 into a deep green. The experiment indeed I have not at- 

 tempted, but there can be no doubt of its success. By 

 chemical agents it is probable that almost any colour may 

 be given to this wax. From four pounds of the berries, one 

 pound of wax is obtained, superior in quality, and applica- 

 ble to all the purposes of bee's wax. Candles made of it 

 afford a clear white flame ; and if burned newly made, 

 they emit an agreeable, and it is said a salubrious odour.— 

 Should the Myrtle wax excite proper attention it might be 

 highly advantageous to medicine as well as to the arts.§ 



The Papaver or Poppyli for the variety of its species and 

 the richness of its colours is not exceeded by any of the 

 garden flowers. The petals both of the single and double 

 kind are ornamented with every shade of crimson, yellow 

 and purple ; and hence we find it prized in this country 

 more for its beauty than its inherent virtues. It begins 

 however to receive some attention for its medicinal qualities 

 in many parts of the country— In our neighborhood, at 



* Medical Repos. vol. 12, p. 191. 



■\ Two varieties of this tree are found at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Barrow's Tour in Africa, p. 18, Am. ed. 



i Medical Repos. vol. 12, p. 192. 



§ For the medicinal qualities of the Myrtle wax, see Barton's Col- 

 lections, part 2, p. 4 — and for experiments on its analysis, Dr. Bos- 

 tick's Memoir in Nichelson's Journal, March, 1803 — and for the 

 mode of propagating- the tree and manufacturing 1 the wax, C. L. Ca- 

 det's Account, Nichelson's Jour. vol. 4th. 



If This article might perhaps with more propriety be inserted in 

 the list of medical plants, but as an important agricultural object I 

 have thought proper to place it here. 



