414 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



sweet almonds, from whicli by distillation an essential oil is 

 obtained, wliicli is one of the most virulent poisons known. It 

 is, however, used in perfumery and for flavouring confec- 

 tionery ; but great care is required in its use. A liquid is 

 also distilled from them, which contains prussic acid, and is 

 highly poisonous, but is used in medicine. 



Apricot {Primus Armeniaca). This is supposed to have 

 come from Armenia, in Western Asia, but is now domesti- 

 cated with the almond and peach in most temperate countries, 

 and appears to have been introduced about the same time. 

 On account of its early flowering, it is an uncertain crop in 

 this country, but is well known as a dessert fruit, and is also 

 made into preserves. In Syria Apricots are dried in large 

 quantities, and exported to Egypt under the name of " Mish- 

 mush." They are also pressed together, and rolled out into 

 thin sheets 2 or 3 feet long, and are called " Moon of the 

 Faithful," the appearance of which a traveller likens to a 

 blacksmith's apron." Both these preparations form a con- 

 siderable article of food, being a very palatable dish when 

 stewed. 



Plum (Prunus domestica). The wild plum is supposed to be 

 a native of this country, but the fine sorts have mostly origi- 

 nated in France. A great many kinds are cultivated for des- 

 sert ; those called Damsons and Prunes are extensively used 

 for preserves, the latter in a dried state coming to this 

 country from Portugal, and from France under the name of 

 Brignoles Prunes. 



Sloe, also called Blackthorn {Prunus spinosa). A small 

 tree or straggling shrub, common throughout Europe. In 

 this country it is generally found in copses and hedge-rows. 

 Its wood is hard and takes a fine polish, and is in common 

 use for making walking-sticks, handles for tools, &c. The 

 leaves when dried make the best substitute for Chinese tea, 

 and were at one time extensively used in the adulteration of 

 that article. The fruit is harsh and acrid; in Germany 

 and Kussia a spirit is distilled from it. 



Bullace {Prwius instititia.) This grows like the preceding, 



