THE BEAN AND MIMOSA FAMILY. 



429 



ported for that purpose. Its hardness and durability were 

 tested by forming of it the stairs of the Great Exhibition in 

 1851, at the close of which they were found quite perfect, 



Tonquin Bean {Dipterix odorata). A tree, native of 

 Guiana. It attains the height of 60 to 80 feet, having sim- 

 ple winged leaves, and fruit of an oval form like the almond, 

 containing one seed, about an inch in length. It is the Ton- 

 quin Bean used for scenting snuff, and comes to this country 

 principally from Cayenne. 



Laburnum {Cytisus Laburnum). Scotch Laburnum (C. 

 alpinum). These well known ornamental trees are natives of 

 Switzerhind and elevated regions of France and South Ger- 

 many. In this country they attain the height of 20 feet or 

 more. The wood is hard and valued for turnery work; it takes 

 a good polish, like ebony. The seeds are poisonous. A 

 variety or hybrid, C. Adami, is remarkable on account of its 

 producing common yellow and dusky red flowers on the same 

 tree, or even on the same branch ; as also tufts of the little 

 C. purpureus. To account for this morphism forms a puzzle 

 to physiologists. 



Sophora Japonica. This tree was introduced from China 

 more than one hundred years ago, and is perfectly hardy, 

 forming a handsome bushy deciduous tree from 30 to 40 feet 

 high, having dark green winged leaves, and a great profusion 

 of racemes of white flowers, which are used in China as a 

 yellow dye for silk. Several fine specimens are still to be 

 seen at Kew, which were planted at the foundation of the 

 Botanic Garden, in 1760. 



Locust Tree of North America, or False Acacia (Rohinia 

 Pseud- Acacia). A tree, native of North America, and has 

 been grown in this country for more than two hundred years. 

 It attains the height of 40 or 50 feet, averaging 2| feet in 

 diameter. The wood was at one time considered valuable 

 for ship-building, but if now used, it is only for trenaiL. 

 The roots smell and taste like liquorice, but are poisonous. 



Gleditschia triacanthos is also a Locust Tree of North 

 America similar to the last. Old trees in this country have 



