106 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



The reputed virtues of the root caused it to become 

 one of the first of our native products introduced 

 into Europe, and ship loads were carried thither in 

 the earlier settlement of this country. The bark of 

 the root is a powerful aromatic stimulant, and has 

 been used in medicine more than 200 years. The 

 young buds and ends of branches contain a good deal 

 of mucilage, and are sometimes used as a substitute 

 for Okra in soups, — where the latter cannot be had. 

 Red Bay. (Persea Carolinensis, Nees.) — This 

 extends from Virginia through the Lower Districts 

 of the Southern States to Louisiana, appearing to be 

 confined to the branch swamps within the range of 

 the Long-leaved Pine. It is a small tree or shrub 

 here, but in the vicinity of the Gulf it reaches a 

 height 50 and 70 feet. The evergreen leaves are 2 

 to 4 inches long, 1 or more wide, smooth and green 

 above, pale beneath. The shrubby form has the 

 leaves larger and the underside clothed with a gray 

 down. They have a strong aromatic odor very like 

 that of the European Laurel and may be Used in the 

 same manner in cookery and medicine. An aromatic 

 distillation like the Bay Rum of the West Indies 

 could doubtless be obtained from them. The wood 

 is of a beautiful rose color, strong and durable, with 

 a very fine compact grain, and is susceptible of a 

 brilliant polish. Before Mahogany came into such 

 extensive use, articles of furniture of great beauty 

 were made from it at the South, the best having the 

 appearance of watered satin, and they are still found 



