110 ROSE-WOOD. COMMON AND SUGAR MAPLES. 
.119. ROSE-WOOD (Amyris balsamifera) is an odoriferous 
tree, with smooth oval leaves, which grows in the Island of Jamaica. 
The wood of this tree is much used by cabinet-makers 
in this country for the covering or veneering of tables 
and other furniture. Its grain is of dark colour, and 
very beautiful. This tree yields an odoriferous balsam, 
which is much esteemed, both as an external applica- 
tion for the cure of wounds, and an internal medicine 
in various diseases. 
120. The COMMON MAPLE (Acer campestre) is a low 
kind of tree, common in tuoods and hedges, which has its leaves 
in lobes, blunt, and notched, and green flowers in upright 
clusters. 
By the Romans, the maple tuood, when knotty and 
veined, was often highly prized for furniture. The 
poet Virgil speaks of Evander sitting on a maple 
throne. The knots of this wood were considered to 
resemble the figure of birds, beasts, and other animals : 
and when boards, large enough for tables, were found 
of this curious part of it, the extravagance of purchasers 
is said to have been incredible. Indeed its value, in 
that madly luxurious age, is stated to have been such, 
that, when, at any time, the Romans reproached their 
wives for their extravagance in pearls, jewels, or other 
rich trifles, the latter were accustomed to retort, and 
turn the tables upon their husbands. Hence our ex- 
pression of " turning the tables" upon any person is 
said to have been derived. 
With us the maple tree is used by turners, particularly 
for making cups, which may be rendered so thin as to 
be almost transparent. This wood, where it is devoid 
of knots, is remarkably white, and is sometimes used for 
domestic furniture. On account of its lightness it is 
frequently employed for musical instruments, and par- 
ticularly for those of the violin kind. 
121. SUGAR MAPLE (Acer saccharinum) is a North- 
American tree, which grows to the height of fifty or sixty feet , and 
