DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
193 
gum issued from its trunk in that country, to which, from its 
appearance, he gave the name of liquid amber ; this is now 
the common name of the tree in Europe ; and the gum is at 
present an article of export from Mexico, being chiefly val- 
ued in medicine as a styptic, and for its healing and bal- 
samic properties. 11 This substance, which in the shops is 
sometimes called the white balsam of Peru, or liquid storax, 
is, when it first issues from the tree, perfectly liquid and 
clear, white, with a slight tinge of yellow, quite balsamic ; 
and having a most agreeable fragrance, resembling that of 
ambergris or styrax. It is stimulant and aromatic, and has 
long been used in France as a perfume, especially for 
gloves.”* In the middle states a fragrant substance some- 
times exudes from the leaves, and, by incision, small quan- 
tities of the gum may be procured from the trunk ; but a 
warmer climate appears to be necessary to its production in 
considerable quantities. 
We hardly know a more beautiful tree than the Liquid- 
amber in every stage of its growth, and during every season 
of the year. Its outline is not picturesque or graceful, but 
simply beautiful, more approaching that of the maple than 
any other : it is therefore a highly pleasing, round-headed 
or tapering tree, which unites and harmonizes well with 
almost any others in composition ; but the chief beauty 
lies in the foliage. During the whole of the summer months, 
it preserves, unsoiled that dark glossy freshness which is so 
delightful to the eye ; while the singular, regularly palmate 
form of the leaves readily distinguishes it from the common 
trees of a plantation. But in autumn it assumes its gayest 
livery, and is decked in colours almost too bright and vivid 
* Arboretum Brit. 2051. 
25 
