DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
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of this continent, viz : the Black gum, (N. sylvatica ,) a tree 
of greater dimensions, and larger, more elongated leaves, 
whose northern boundary is the neighbourhood of Philadel- 
phia ; the Large Tupelo, (N. grandidentata , ) a tree of the 
largest size, with large, coarsely toothed foliage, and a large 
blue fruit, three-fourths of an inch long, which is sometimes 
called the wild olive ; and the sour Tupelo, (N. capitata ,) 
with long, smooth, laurel-like leaves, and a light red, oval 
fruit, called the Wild Lime, from its abounding in a strong 
acid, resembling that of the latter fruit. Both the latter trees 
are natives of the southren states, and are little known north 
of Philadelphia. 
The wood of all the foregoing trees is remarkable for the 
peculiar arrangement if its fibres ; which, instead of running 
directly through the stem in parallel lines, are curiously 
twisted and interwoven together. Owing to this circum- 
stance it is extremely difficult to split, and is therefore often 
used in the manufacture of wooden bowls, trays, etc. That 
of the Peperidge is also preferred for the same reason, and 
for its toughness, by the wheelwrights, in the construction 
of the naves of wheels, and for other similar purposes. 
Michaux remarks that he is unable to give any reason why 
the names of Sour gum, Black gum, etc., have been bestowed 
upon these trees, as they spontaneously exude no sap or fluid 
which could give rise to such an appellation. We suspect 
that the term has arisen from a comparison of the autumnal 
tints of these trees belonging to the genus Nyssa, with those 
of the Sweet gum or Liquidambar, which, at a short distance, 
they so much resemble in the early autumn. 
