The Natural System of Botany. 139 



long cords ; in which peculiarity, as well as in the con- 

 ization Q f t he carpels, they also differ from Ranuncu- 



Resides the Magnolias, there is another fine tree belonging 



the same order, which inhabits the United States. This is 

 the Liriodendron tulipifera, or Tulip Tree, one of the most re- 



-L-nhlp in American forests. It is found in the Atlantic 

 States, from Massachusetts to the Carolinas, and is particularly 

 abundant in the Western States. It grows to the height of 

 piffhtv an ^ sometimes even one hundred feet. The trunk is 

 straight, and the branches disposed with great regularity. Its 

 flowers are large, marked with spots of green, yellow and pur- 

 ple and when abundant, present a most brilliant display. The 

 leaves are very singular, being truncated, so that they appear 

 as if cut off at the end, and having very much the shape of the 

 body of a violin. The whole appearance of this tree is in- 

 deed so peculiar as to render a description of it unnecessary 

 to any person of observation, who has ever lived in the regions 

 which it inhabits. The Tulip Tree has been introduced into 

 Europe, and is now common, both in France and Italy ; and 

 in England it forms a conspicuous ornament to the pleasure 

 grounds of many of the gentry. 



The Magnolia tribe all possess a tonic and stimulating prin- 

 ciple, and their bark has been used with success for medical 

 purposes; that of the Tulip Tree having been considered 

 equal to the Peruvian bark. 



Very closely connected with this tribe, in which, indeed, it 

 was formerly included, is the small order, Wi?iterea, which 

 contains the genus Illicium, the seeds of one species of which, 

 I. anisatum, produce a very fragrant oil, are burned by 

 the Chinese in, their temples, and under the name of aniseed 

 are employed by Europeans to flavor liqueurs. A very pleasant 

 cordial, which owes its taste and aroma to these, is well knowr 

 as Anisette de Bordeaux. Two or three other species are found 

 in the southern parts of North America. 



