COWRIE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 139 



4. The Co^ tree of Para is a lofty tree, attaining a lieiglit 

 of 100 feet, belonging to tlie Star Apple family (Sapotace^), and 

 is supposed to be a species of Mi7nusops (M. elata). On incisions 

 being made in tlie bark, a milky juice flows most copiously; it 

 is about the consistence of thick cream, from which, but for a 

 slight peculiar flavour, it can scarcely be distinguished. By 

 exposure to the air it thickens, and forms an adhesive glue, 

 something like gutta-percha. The fruit is about the size of an 

 apple, very juicy, and is sold in the markets of Para. The 

 timber is very hard, and used for many purposes. In Para the 

 tree is known, by the name of Massaranduba. 



Oowbane {Cicuta virosa), a perennial aq^uatic of the Carrot 

 family (UmbelKferse), producing an erect, hollow, much- 

 branched, striated stem, 3 to 4 feet high, furnished with dis- 

 sected leaves. It is like the hemlock, highly poisonous, and 

 fatal accidents have occurred from eating its roots, and to 

 cattle from eating its leaves. It is also called "Water Hemlock. 

 It is a native of tliis country, but, fortunately, not common. 

 (EnantJie Fhellandrmm is also called Water Hemlock ; it 

 belongs to the same family, and is similar in habit to the pre- 

 ceding, and is eq.uany poisonous ; indeed, it may be said that aU 

 aquatic Umbelliferae are poisonous. 



Cowberry. {See Bilberry.) 



Cow-itch, or Cowhage (Mucima ^ruriens), a strong tri- 

 foliate-leaved climbing plant of the Bean family (Leguminosse), 

 having somewhat the habit of the scarlet runner ; it and allied 

 species are natives of tropical countries. The name Cow~itch 

 is a corruption of the Indian name Cowhage. The pod is 

 densely covered with small, very light, and short hairs, which 

 are removed by the slightest touch, settling on and penetrating 

 the skin, producing an intolerable itching well Imown to many 

 travellers, and to those who incautiously handle the pods, or 

 even open packages in which they are contained ; when mixed 

 with honey or syrup they are used as a vermifuge. 



Cowrie, Kawrie, or Oowdie Pine (Dammara australis), (See 

 Dammar.) 



