412 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



One of the most remarkable plants said to belong to the Eose 

 family is Bray era anthelmintica, a native of Abyssinia. It is 

 a tree with winged leaves, and said to have dioecious flowers. 

 It is described by Bruce as being one of the most beautiful 

 of Abyssinian trees. The flowers are of great repute as a 

 vermifuge, and are most efiicacious in the cure of Tape 

 Worm, a prevalent disease in that country. It probably 

 belongs to some other family than Eosaceae. 



About 20 species of South American trees and shrubs 

 constitute another section, but which probably should be 

 considered a distinct family under the name of Qaillajce. 

 They differ from Eoses, in having a capsular fruit and 

 winged seeds, and in habit seem more nearly related to the 

 Apple and Plum family. 



The species most worthy of notice is Quillaja saponaria. 

 A tree, native of Chili, attaining the height of from 50 to 60 

 feet, having smooth, shining, oval green leaves, about 1^ 

 inches in length, and terminal white flowers. Its bark is called 

 Quillaja, or soap-bark, and consists of numerous layers, con- 

 taining much carbonate of lime, and other mineral matter, 

 which renders it so heavy that it sinks in water. It is in com- 

 mon use in Chili as soap. Some years ago it was introduced 

 into this country and recommended as a substitute for soap, 

 especially for Avashing printed goods, silks, and delicate co- 

 loured fabrics. An extract of it is in great repute for pro- 

 moting the growth of hair, a preparation having been brought 

 into use and sold by hairdressers under the name of " Quillaja 

 Bark." The chemical action of this extract is very peculiar 

 on gold, silver, and glass, a full account of which is given in 

 the Journal of the Society of Arts for 1859. 



The Almond and Plum Family. 



(Drupace^.) 



Trees or shrubs, with alternate simple leaves, often having 

 glands on their petioles, and furnished with stipules. Flowers 

 solitary or in umbels or racemes, generally white or pink 



