CATALPA. 
77 
Catalpa, ( Catalpa syringcefolia , Sims. Bot. Mag. 1. 1094. 
Bignonia Catalpa , Mich. Sylva, vol. 1, t. 64.) In a journey 
which I made into Georgia, Alabama, and West Florida 
in 1830, at Columbus in Georgia, on the banks of the 
Chatahootshee, I for the first time in my life beheld this tree 
decidedly native, forming small haggard crooked trees 
leaning fantastically over the rocky banks of the river. 
Around Philadelphia, and other parts of the middle and 
warmer states, it appears to be perfectly naturalized and 
very common, particularly in rocky and gravelly soils. It 
is a tree of rapid growth, with the wood remarkably light, 
greyish-white, of a fine texture, capable of receiving a bril- 
liant polish, and when properly seasoned it is very durable. 
The bark is said to be tonic, stimulant, and more power- 
fully antiseptic than the Peruvian bark. The honey col- 
lected from its flowers, like those of the Gelseminum, is said 
to be poisonous. 
Vol. iii.— 11 
r'; ■ : V ' ■ , 
' v 'V 
