FLORA OF THE SOUTH. 
4:5 
blended, occupy generally distinct tracts; and also with 
the post-oak and black-jack. The same may be said, but 
to less extent, of the hickory and the chestnut. 
Other tracts exhibit a remarkable variety of the forest- 
trees in close association, which generally affect distinct 
soils and situations. This was noticed as forming a remark 
able feature of the forests in the eastern part of Wilkinson 
county, and in part of Amite. 
The evergreens and deciduous trees are seen inter- 
mingled, and forming varied and pleasing contrasts. In- 
deed, it was often difficult to detect on quite limited areas 
the absence of any of our forest trees. 
The sweet-gum was formerly regarded as a useless cum- 
berer of the earth, and, from its great size on the rich allu- 
vial lands, difficult to be got rid of except by the slow pro- 
cess of deadening, by belting or cutting around the tree 
through the sap. Of late years, it has come into consid- 
erable use as a fuel on steamboats, and, when seasoned, 
little difficulty is experienced in burning it. 
The sassafras, a valuable timber tree, and formerly 
abundant, and in great demand in past years for shingles 
where the cypress was less convenient, has in consequence 
been greatly diminished, but large trees of it are still 
found in many portions of the State. 
The liuQ has also become scarce in many situations 
■where it was formerly very abundant. In early times the 
bark was very useful in manufacturing ropes, and for other 
purposes, and this was one of the early causes of its destruc- 
tion. It is a soft-grained wood, of even texture, free from 
knots and other imperfections, and not liable to shrink or 
warp when seasoned, and therefore very suitable for ceilings 
and other interior parts in buildings. 
Bees are very fond of the flowers, and the honey made 
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