177 
seeds of a plant nearly allied to Cecropia, called Miisanga by the Africans 
of the Gold Coast, as well as those of Artocarpus, are eatable as nuts. The 
famous Cow Tree, or Palo de Vacca, of South America, which yields a co- 
pious supply of a rich and wholesome milk, belongs to this order ; it is supposed 
to be related to Brosimum. Brosimum alicastrum abounds in a tenacious 
gummy milk ; its leaves and young shoots are much eaten by cattle, but when 
they become old they cease to be innocuous. Tlie roasted nuts are used in- 
stead of bread, and have much the taste of Hazel nuts. Sivartz, 1. 19. A 
kind of paper is manufactured from Broussonetia papyrifera. The bai'k of the 
Moms dba contains moroxylic acid in combination with lime. Turner, 640. 
Fustick, a yellow dye, is the wood of Moms tinctoria. The seeds of Ficus re- 
ligiosa are supposed by the doctors of India to be cooling and alterative. 
Ainslie, 2. 25. The leaves of Ficus septica are emetic. Ibid. The Cochin- 
chinese consider that plant caustic and anthelmintic. The bark of Ficus race- 
mosa is slightly astringent, and has particular virtues in hsematuria and me- 
norrhagia. The juice of its root is considered a povrerful tonic. Ibid. 2. 31. 
The white glutinous juice of Ficus indica is applied to the teeth and gums, to 
ease the toothache ; it is also considered a valuable application to the soles of 
the feet when cracked and inflamed. The bark is supposed to be a powerful 
tonic, and is administered by the Hindoos in diabetes. Ibid. 2. 11. Gum 
lac is obtained from Ficus indica in great abundance. The tenacity of 
life in some plants of this family is remarkable. A specimen of Ficus australis 
lived and grew suspended in the air, without earth, in one of the hothouses in 
the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, for eight months, without experiencing any 
apparent inconvenience. Ed. P. J. 3. 80. The celebrated Banyan Tree of 
India is Ficus religiosa. Prince Maximilian, of Wied Neuwied, says that the 
colossal Wild Fig-trees “ are one of the most grateful presents of nature to 
hot countries : the shade of such a m.agnificent tree refreshes the traveller 
when he reposes under its incredibly wide- spreading branches, with their dark 
green shining foliage. Tlie Fig-trees of all hot countries have generally very 
thick trunks, with extremely strong boughs, and a prodigious crown.” Travels, 
p. 104. Is it possible that the Indian poison with which the Nagas tip their 
arrows, of the tree that produces which nothing is known, can belong to this 
tribe } See, for an account of the elFect of this poison, Brewster's Journal, 9 . 
219. The poisonous property of the Upas has been found to depend upon 
the presence of that most vimlent of all principles, called strychnia. Turner, 
650. Batis yields Barilla in great abundance. Jacq. Dorstenia contrayerva, 
has bitterish roots, a remarkable overpowering odour, with a little pungency. 
It is supposed to be an antidote to the bites of venomous animals. Fee. The 
tree Ule of Papantla, from which Caoutchouc is obtained in that country is 
supposed by Chamisso and Schlechtendahl to be a plant of this order. Deppe, 
in his original ticket, asks if it be not Castilloa elastica ? Linnoea, VI. 385. 
GENERA. 
§ 1. Elatosteme^, 
Gaudich. 
Elatostema, Forst. 
Sciophila, Bl. 
Pellionia, G, 
Langeveldia, G. 
Pilea, Lindl. 
Dubreuilia, G. 
§ 2. Urerea;, G. 
Urtica, L. 
Urera, G. 
Fleurya, G. 
Laportea, G. 
Girardinia, G. 
§ 3. BOEHMERIEiE, G. 
Boehmeria, L. 
Duretia, G. 
Neraudia, G. 
Procris, Comm. 
Vanieria, Lour. 
§ 4. PARIETARIEiE, G. 
Parietaria, L. 
Helxine, Req. 
Gesuouinia, G. 
Freirea, G. 
Thaumuria, G. 
Haynea, Schum. 
Pouzolzia, G. 
Rousselia, G. 
Soleirolia, G. 
§ 5. FORSKAHLEAi, G. 
Forskahlea, [.. 
Droguetia, G. 
Australina, G. 
Clibadium, Allem. 
§ 6. CECROPIEiE, G. 
Cecropia, L. 
Musanga, Chr. Sm. 
Coussapoa, Aubl. 
§ 7. Cannabine^, 
Blume, Bijdr. 
(1825). 
Cannabis, L. 
Hmnulus, L. 
§ 8. CHLOROPHOREiE, 
G. 
Chlorophora, G. 
N 
