THE BEAN AND MIMOSA FAMILY. 



421 



Senna (Cassia acutifolia, C. elongata, and others). Slender 

 annuals, about 2 feet liigh, having winged leaves, which 

 when dry constitute the Senna of the shops. They are cul- 

 tivated in the regions of the Mediterranean, Egypt, Arabia, 

 and India. 



Cassia fistula. A small tree, producing abundance of 

 showy yellow flowers. It is a native of the East Indies, and 

 has been introduced into the West Indies, and other coun- 

 tries. Its pod is cylindrical, about twice the thickness of the 

 finger, 1 to 2 feet in length, and known by the name of 

 Pudding Pipe. The interior is divided into numerous parti- 

 tions, each containing a seed embedded in black pulp, which 

 forms the laxative medicine called Lenitive Electuary. 



Indigo {Indigofera tinctoria). A slender branching shrub, 

 with winged leaves, native of and extensively cultivated in 

 India, which, with /. Anil, a species of the West Indies, pro- 

 duces the Blue Indigo dye. It is obtained by soaking the 

 stems in water, and after undergoing several " processes the 

 deposit when dry is made into cakes. 



Crotalaria juncea. This, as well as C. retusa, is a slender- 

 stemmed annual, with simple leaves. Both are extensively 

 cultivated in India for their fibre, which is much used for 

 making ropes and bags. 



Another fibre is obtained from Seshania aculeata, a much- 

 branched annual, native of India, where in some parts it is 

 cultivated. The fibre is very strong and durable under 

 water. It is also found in the West Indies and Tropical 

 America. 



Shola or Solah (vEchynomene aspera). A native of India, 

 .Malacca, and other parts. It has spongy white stems, 2 to 

 3 inches in diameter, floating in water, and winged leaves. 

 The stems, on account of their lightness, are united together 

 by pressure, and used for many purposes — such as for 

 making pith hats, floating jackets, and other ornamental arti- 

 cles. The curiosity chips from Japan are made from the pith. 



Locust or Carob Tree (Geratonia Siliqua). A small tree, 

 with shining, winged leaves, attaining the height of from 20 



