THE MYRTLE FAMILY. 



369 



"Western Asia, extending westward to %h.e countries of the 

 Mediterranean. It has been long cultivated in Spain, and 

 other countries of the South of Europe; and is also now 

 abundant in the West Indies and America. There are 

 several varieties, generally having scarlet, red, or yellowish 

 flowers. The fruit is usually about as large as a full 

 sized apple, having a hard rind of a yellowish colour ; it 

 contains a pulp that is highly prized for making cooling 

 drinks. In Persia a wine is made from it in sufficient 

 quantities for exportation. The rind as well as the flowers 

 are used medically as a powerful astringent ; it contains a 

 large quantity of tannin, which is used in the manufacture of 

 Morocco leather. A decoction of the bark and root is a 

 powerful remedy for the tape worm. The pomegranate is 

 recorded as being introduced into this country in 1548. It 

 grows freely under the protection of walls, but suffers in 

 severe winters. In January, 1838, the whole in the neigh- 

 bourhood of London were killed to the ground. The pome- 

 granate is of ancient renown, being mentioned in the Bible 

 as one of the fruits of the Land of Promise, and is also 

 described by Theophrastus 300 years before the Christian 

 era. 



Myrtle (Myrtus communis). This favourite shrub, although 

 widely spread and cultivated in countries bordering on the 

 Mediterranean, is nevertheless believed to be a native of 

 Western Asia, where in Persia and other parts it is found 

 wild. In favourable situations it forms a small tree 20 or 

 more feet in height, but is often seen of a bushy or shrubby 

 habit. Its wood is hard and mottled, often knotty, and is much 

 esteemed in turnery. An oil is obtained from it, which is 

 used in perfumery, the leaves and flowers constituting what 

 is called sachet powders, pot pourris, &c. The fruit, which 

 is a pulpy black berry, is used in some countries as an aro- 

 matic condiment. It was introduced into this country about 

 300 years ago, and in protected situations it is sufficiently 

 hardy to withstand the ordinary winters of the climate of 

 London. The myrtle is mentioned in the Bible, and is used 



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