THE TEREBINTH FAMILY. 



being made in the stem, a resin called mastic" exudes, 

 which is said to derive its name from the use made of it by 

 the Turks, who chew or masticate it in order to sweeten their 

 breath. In this country it is used for varnishing, also by 

 dentists for stopping teeth. It is imported from several of 

 the Greek islands, particularly from Scio. 



There is much doubt respecting the plant yielding the 

 "balm of Gilead" carried by the Ishmaelites into Egypt; 

 but by restricting the localities of the plant to the rocky 

 country of Gilead, there seems little doubt that it was the 

 juice of Pistacia Lentiscus which was anciently in repute for 

 its healing virtues. 



Ohio Turpentine tree {Pistacia Terehinthus). A native of 

 Western Asia and countries bordering the Mediterranean. 

 The turpentine is obtained by incisions made in the stem, 

 and is imported from the same ports as mastic. The first 

 two are not hardy ; but a plant of the third has braved the 

 winters of nearly one hundred years at Kew. Curious red- 

 horned galls are produced on the trees, which are used for 

 tanning Morocco leather. 



Marking nut {Semecarpus Anacardium). A tree, native 

 of India, with large oblong leaves, and fruit borne on a 

 fleshy receptacle similar to the Cashew nut. It is roasted 

 and eaten by the natives. The black juice obtained from 

 the unripe fruit is used in making ink, and, when mixed 

 with quicklime, forms an indelible marking ink. Great care 

 is requisite in using it, as, from its acrid nature, it is apt to 

 cause severe inflammation. 



Japan lacquer {Rhus vernicifera\ A small tree, native 

 of China and Japan, furnishing the famous varnish with 

 which the Japanese lacquer their ware. 



Japanese wax [Rhus succedaneum) . An evergreen tree, 

 with shining winged leaves, native of Japan, having bunches 

 of fruit like small grapes, which by pressure yield a wax 

 analogous to bees'-wax ; it is extensively imported to this 

 country, and is used in making candles and night-lights. 

 The plant has been long known in the botanic gardens 



H H 



