316 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



and apparently also of Surinam, and called Ballata. It is 

 imported in large quantities from that colony, and considered 

 equal to the best gutta percha of the east. 



A tree called Massaranduba,^^ or Cow Tree of Para 

 (^Mimusops alata), is probably of this family. It is described 

 as a lofty tree, attaining the height of 100 feet; and on inci- 

 sions being made in the bark, a milky juice flows most copi- 

 ously from it ; it is about the consistence of thick cream, from 

 which, but for a slight peculiar flavour, it can scarcely be dis- 

 tinguished. 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 pur- 

 poses. 



Black Bully Tree {BumeUa nigra). A large tree, native 

 of Jamaica, and indio;enous in Barbadoes. The fruit has an 

 agreeable flavour. 



Argan Tree {Argania sideroxylon). A low, spreading 

 tree, of a shrubby nature, often growing as a bush, having 

 very small leaves. It is a native of Morocco, and western 

 parts of North Africa. The fruit is about the size of a small 

 Orleans plum, and is so abundant that it is collected and 

 used for feeding cattle, the skin and pulp being much re- 

 lished ; but in chewing the cud they eject the hard kernels, 

 which are collected and crushed, when an oil is obtained 

 from them. 



Butter Tree {Bassia hutyracea). A middle-sized tree, 

 native of Nepaul, and other parts of India. By pressure the 

 seeds yield an oil of a fatty nature, which thickens and be- 

 comes like lard ; it is used for culinary purposes, also for 

 making soap, and by the natives of rank as an unction. It 

 is also known by the name of " Chooree," and forms a con- 

 siderable article of trade. The flowers abound in honey, 

 scarcely differing in the raw state from hive honey, except 

 that it is more limpid. It is manufactured into sugar, in 

 every respect equal to that of the sugarcane. 



Bassia latifolia. A native of Bengal, and other parts of 



