DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
189 
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 bal- 
samic ; 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 
sometimes exudes from the leaves, and, by incision, small 
quantities 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 colors almost too bright and vivid 
for foliage ; forming one of the most brilliant objects in 
American scenery at that period of the year. The pre 
vailing tint of the foliage is then a deep purplish red, unlike 
any symptom of decay, and quite as rich as is commonly 
seen in the darker blossoms of a Dutch parterre. This is 
sometimes varied by a shade deeper or lighter, and occa- 
sionally an orange tint is assumed. When planted in the 
* Arboretum Brit. 2051. 
