292 



BOTANY. 



tion of a whole forest of tropical flowers ; which thougli 

 beautiful, and highly interesting, are still of comparatively 

 trifling value. Of the timber trees common to other coun- 

 tries, their size, age of attaining maturity, and durability, 

 should be ascertained, with the purposes to which from the 

 texture of the wood they are applicable ; if for ship timber, 

 for building, for agricultural or domestic purposes ; if capa- 

 ble of receiving a fine polish, or likely to be of use for the 

 purpose of inlaying ; if any dye is afforded ; if the wood or 

 bark is applied medicinally, and if so, how prepared, and ad- 

 ministered ; if they produce nuts or seeds, useable as food,, or 

 for the purpose of extracting oil ; if the husk like that of 

 the Cocoa Nut, is used for domestic purposes ; whether 

 Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, Resin, or Gums of any kinds are 

 naturally produced, or extracted ; if they aff'ord Sugar, or 

 from any natural or artificially caused exudation, a vinous 

 or spirituous extract is afforded ; numerous other queries of 

 this nature will probably arise in the mind of the observing 

 Naturalist, which he will do well to have resolved, enough 

 having been said in this place, to turn his attention to these 

 subjects. 



As a considerable difficulty arises in determining the par- 

 ticular species of Tree, without specimens of the wood, (we 

 do not mean botanically) small pieces should be obtained, 

 cut to one size, say six inches long, by three wide and thick, 

 these being all of equal dimensions, will conveniently pack, 

 and be of sufficient magnitude to ascertain their qualities, 

 particularly the ornamental kinds; when obtained, they 

 should be suffered to dry gradually, and when perfectly so, 

 may be coated over with varnish, which will mostly repel the 

 attacks ol insect&» 



