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friability of the latter, and requires a high temperature to melt or sof: 
ten it. 
SCHINUS MOLLE.—The root of this plant is used medicinally, and the 
resin that exudes from the tree is employed to astringe the gums. The 
‘leaves are so filled with resinous fluid that, when they are immersed in 
water, itis expelled with such violence as to have the appearance of 
spontaneous motion in consequence of the recoil. 
SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS.—This palm is a native of the northern part 
of Australia, where it is utilized by the natives. The seeds have a ‘ 
granular fibrous rind, and are spotted and marked like a nutmeg. 
SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA.—This species of Club-moss is found 
in Southern California, and hasremarkable hygrometric qualities. Itsnat- 
ural growth is in circular roseate form, and fully expanded when the air is 
moist, but rolling up like a ball when it becomes dry. It remains green 
and acts in this peculiar manmer for a long time after being gathered. 
Of late years numbers have been distributed throughout the country 
under the names of ‘‘ Rose of Jericho,” and ** Resurrection Plant.” This 
is, however, quite distinct from the true Rose of Jericho, Anastatica Hiero- 
chuntina, a native of the Mediterranean region, from Syria to Algeria. 
This plant, when growing and in flower, has the branches spread rigidly, 
but when the seed ripens the leaves wither, and the whole plant becomes 
dry; each little branch curls inward, until the plant appears like a small 
ball; it soon becomes loosened from the soil, and is carried by the winds 
over the dry plains, and is often blown into the sea, where it at once 
expands. It retains this property of expanding when moistened for 
at least ten years. 
SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM.—The Marking Nut tree of India. The 
thick, fleshy receptacle bearing the fruit is of a yellow color when ripe, 
and is roasted and eaten. The unripe fruit is employed in making a 
kind of ink. The hard shell of the fruit is permeated by a corrosive 
juice, which is used on external bruises and sprains, and for destroying 
warts. This juice, when mixed with quick-lime, is used to mark cotton 
or linen with an indelible mark. When dry it forms a dark varnish, 
and among other purposes it is employed, mixed with pitch and tar, in 
the calking of ships. The seeds, called Malacca beans, or Marsh nuts, 
are eaten, and are said to stimulate the mental powers, and especially 
the memory, and, finally, they furnish an oil used in painting. 
SERISSA Fa:TIDA.—A cinchonaceous shrub, having strong astringent 
properties. The roots are employed in cases of diarrhea; also in oph- 
thalmia and certain forms of ulcers. It is a native of Japan and China. 
SHOREA ROBUSTA.—This tree produces the Saul wood of India, which . 
has a very high reputation, and is extensively employed for all engineer- 
ing purposes where great strength and toughness are requisite. It is 
stronger and much heavier than teak. An oil is obtained from the 
seeds, and a resin, similar to Dammar resin, is likewise obtained from 
the tree. f 
SIDA PULCHELLA.—A plant of the Mallow family; the bark contains 
fibrous tissue available for the manufacture of cordage. The root of 
S. acuta is esteemed by the Hindoos as a medicine, and particularly as 
a remedy for snake-bites. The light wood of these species is used to 
make rocket-sticks. 
SIMABA CEDRON.—A native of New Grenada, where it attains the 
size of a small tree, and bears a large fruit containing one seed; this seed, 
which looks like a blanched almond, is known in commerce as the ced- 
ron. As aremedy for snake-bites it has been known from time imme- 
morial in New Grenada. It is mentionedin books of the 17th century. 
