410 DICTIONAEY OF POPULAR NAMES TERRA 



Algeria, tlie latter supposed ty some to be a distinct species 

 known as T. atldntica. By making incisions in the stem and 

 branches a liquid flows, whicli is the Chian turpentine of com- 

 merce. It has a pleasant aromatic smell ; and comes chiefly from 

 the Island of Ohio, and only in small quantities. This substance 

 has been brought very prominently into notice during the past 

 two years as a remedy for the cure of cancer. 



Terra Japonica. {See Gambir.) 



Thatch Pahns, a name given in Jamaica to several species 

 of low-growing fan palms, such as Thnnax parviflora, T, argon- 

 tea, and in I^Torth America to Salal Falmetto and S. Adansonii, 

 and Euterpe montana in Brazil. A wing-leaved species is called 

 Mountain Thatch. As the name impHes, they are employed by 

 the negroes for thatching their huts, and for making hats and 

 baskets. The unexpanded leaves of the Palmetto or Silver 

 Thatch (r. arr/entea) were largely imported some years ago for 

 making Chip Palm Hats. 



Thistle, the common name for different species of Oarduus 

 and Cmcus, consisting of biennial and perennial prickly plants 

 of the Composite family (Compositcti). About foiu'teen or fifteen 

 are natives of this country, C. arvcnsis and C. lanccohtas being 

 pests in cornfields. 0, marumus is known as the Ble&sed Milk 

 or Mary's Thistle, tradition ascribing the white lines or maiks on 

 its leaves to a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk falling on it, and 

 becoming permanent in its progeny. It is common in Pales- 

 tine, and has become indigenous in most of the temperate regions 

 both in the northern and southern hemisphere, being a pest to 

 the cultivator ; but in some parts it is used as fodder in dry 

 seasons. A great portion of the once grassy pampas of South 

 America has become overrun with thistles. A flowering head 

 of thistle is the badge of Scotland, but early history assigns no 

 cause, nor does there seem to be any authority for adopting any 

 particular species, all legends, and what has been written about 

 it in modern times, being merely fables. Thistles are wholesome, 

 and when bruised to destroy the prickles are given to cattle, 



Thitsee, or Theetsee. {See Varnish.) 



