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32 
into a vessel, and agitated, in order to promote the formation of the blue 
coloring-matter, which does not exist ready formed in the tissues of the 
plant, but is the result of the oxidation of other substances contained 
in them. The coloring-matter then settles at the bottom; it is then 
‘boiled to a certain consistency, and afterward spread out on cloth 
frames, where it is further drained of water, and pressed into cubes or 
cakes for market. 
IPOMHA PURGA. species of jalap is obtained from this convol- 
vulaceous plant; this is a resinous matter, contained in the juices. 
IRIARTELLA SETIGERA.—A South American palm, growing in the 
underwood of the forests on the Amazon and Rio Negro. The Indians 
use its slender stems for making their blow-pipes, or eravatanas, through 
which they blow small poisoned arrows with aceuraecy to a considerable 
distance. 
JACARANDA MIMOSIFOLIA.—This belongs to the Bignonia family, and, 
like many of the genus, is employed in medicine, 
JAMBOSA MALACCENSIS..This Indian plant belongs to the Myrtle 
family. It produces a good-sized edible fruit, know! nas the Malay 
Apple. 
JASMINUM SAMBAC TRIFOLATUM.—A native of South America. The 
flowers are very fragrant, and an essential oil, much used in perfumery 
under the name of jasmine oil, is obtained from this and other species. 
JATROPHA GLAUCA.—An East Indian plant, the seeds of which fur- 
nish an oil when crushed, which is used in medicine. 
JATROPHA CuRCAS.—The Physic Nut tree of tropical America. This 
plant contains a milky, acrid, glutinous juice, which forms a permanent 
stain when dropped on linen, and might form a good marking-ink. 
Burning oil is expressed from the seeds in the Philippine Islands; the 
oil, boiled with oxide of iron, is used in China as a varnish. It is used 
in medicine in various ways, the leaves for fomentations, the juice to 
ulcers, and the seeds as purgatives. 
JUBHA SPECLABILIS.—The Coquito palm of Chili. The seed, or nut, 
is called Coker-nut, and has a pleasant, nutty taste. These are used by 
the Chilian confectioners in the preparation of sweetmeats, and by the 
boys as marbles, being in shape and size very like them. The leaves 
are used for thatching, and the trunks or stems are hollowed out and 
converted into water-pipes. A wet sirup, called Miel de Palma, or 
palm honey, is prepared by boiling the sap of this tree to the consistency 
of treacle, ‘and i is much esteemed for, domestic use as sugar. The sap is 
obtained by cutting off the crown of leaves, when it immediately begins 
to flow, and continues for several months, provided a thin slice is shaved 
off the top every morning. Full-grown trees will thus yield ninety 
gallons. 
K @MPFERIA GALANGA.—This plant belongs to the family of Gingers. 
The root-stocks have an aromatic fragrance, and are used medicinally 
in India, as well as in the preparation of perfumery. The flowers 
appear before the leaves, upon very short stems. 
KNIGHTIA EXCELSA.—A New Zealand tree, of the family Proteacee, 
forming a narrow columnar growth sometimes of great height, showing 
conspicuously in the forests of that country. The timber is valued for 
its mottled red and brown colors, and, as it splits readily, is much used 
for shingles. 
KRAMERIA TRIANDRA.—This is one of the species that vield the 
Rhatany roots of commerce. In Peru an extract is made from this 
species, which is a mild, easily assimilated, astringent medicine. It acts 
as a tonic, and is used in intermittent and putrid fevers. It is also 
