Fhnda f^xiiiirionirtifh. 419 



Sp, Ch, Ijraflfts sessile, oval-laiiceolale, ferrate, ariiniinat«% 

 base rounded and uncqnal. 



Oy. Thi> is also a larire Irro, hut niut Mess frecjurnt tlnu ei- 

 ther of tlie pncedinjr* in this ncii;lil>ourliood;in tliL' ue-t«Mij part 

 of the Statt', on the eontrary, it hecorncs more ahundant ihan 

 either, and is made to supply the pwrpo^^es of both. Its wood, 

 however, being marked with black streaks makes it more unfit 

 for tloorini!:. It is said, moreover, to he less durable than tlut 

 two species just ir.entioiud. 



39. Gfms. LAURUS. L. 



(Pirir. The ancient Latin name of the Bay tree: Origin obscure. 

 Dari) 



Class 9th. EA'XEJXDRU— Order, MOA'OGYM^]. 

 Gen, Ch. Calyx none. Ctrolln resembling a calyx, 4-6 parted. 



Xcctorif with 3 two-awned glands surrounding the germ. 



Stamina variable, 3 to 14. Drupe l-seeded. 

 Species \st. Laurus Benzoin. Spicezcood. 



Sp, Ch. Leerces obovate, lanceolate, pubescent underneath: 



J?ozrfr.<f in clustered umbels: buds and pedicels smooth. 



Obs. The Spicewood is a common shrub throughout the 

 Union; and is here met with in all shaded, rich woods where 

 the undergrowth has not been destroyed; preferring mostly 

 situations near small streams of water. Its little, yellow, clus- 

 tered flowers appear towards the middle of April or earlier, 

 before any appearance of foliage is observed on the branches, 

 and are succeeded by luinierous bright red beriies. The bark 

 of the V. ood is pleasantly aromatic and is sometimes used in 

 warm infusion as a diaphoretic. 



Species 2d. Laurus Sassafras. Sassafras. 



Sp. Ch, Mostly dioicous: /fmr-5 some oval and entire, others 

 2 or 3 lobed. 



Obs, This tree, although very abundant in some portions 

 of the state, is not m.et with any where within a few miles of 

 Lexington. On approaching the Kentucky river, within the 

 bounds of the county of F'ayettr, it is seen growing in tenre 

 corners, having sprung up since the clearing of the land: and on 

 the alluvions and hills bordering that river large trees of 12-18 

 inches diameter arc frequently seen. F'lowers generally to- 

 wards the middle of April, in somewhat the same manner witli 



/. 



