244 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



Spurge Laurel {Daphne Laureola). A pretty evergreen 

 shrub, with poisonous berries, native of this country. Other 

 species of the genus are highly ornamental garden plants; 

 D. indica and D. odora are prized in the greenhouse for 

 their sweet smell. 



Bark Paper {Daphne cannabind). A tree native of Hima- 

 laya, China, and Japan. By a process of manufacture the 

 bark is made into paper; the sheets, when prepared, vary in 

 size, the largest being about a yard square. It is remarkable 

 for its toughness and durability, and is free from the attacks 

 of insects. Paper is also made in India from the bark of 

 Edgworthia Gardneri. 



Lace Bark {Lagetta lintearia). A small tree, native of 

 Jamaica, growing on limestone rocks, and insinuating its 

 roots in the fissures. It has broad somewhat roundish leaves, 

 and flowers like lily of the valley, the fruit being a pulpy 

 white berry. It is remarkable for its bark, which separates 

 into twenty or more layers, becoming like lace, and was at 

 one time used in Jamaica for many domestic purposes, 

 such as net-caps, bonnets, veils, ruffles, &c. ; it is said that 

 Charles II. had a cravat made of it. With care it will bear 

 washing. During the time of slavery, whips and thongs were 

 made of it. 



Wickstrcemia Indica. A large tree-like shrub, common on 

 the sea shores of tropical Eastern Australia, Fiji, Society and 

 other Polynesian islands. The bark is extremely tough, and 

 is used by the natives for making lines, ropes, and fishing-nets. 



Different species of Pimelea, natives of Australia and New 

 Zealand, and Gnidia, Lachncea^ and Fasserina, natives of the 

 Cape of Good Hope, have long been cultivated in the green- 

 houses of this country as ornamental plants. 



The Wood Aloe Family. 



(Aquilariace.^.) 



Trees with smooth bark, opposite, alternate, simple leaves 

 and inconspicuous flowers. About 10 species represent 



