CLASS XII. ICOSANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 
147. The GUAVA, or BAY PLUM, is a West Indian 
fruit, of which there are two kinds, one white and round, and 
the other red and pear-shaped. The former is produced ly a 
tree (Psiclium pomiferum) which has sharp-pointed and highly 
ribbed leaves, and flowers three on each stalk; and the latter 
ly a free (Psidium pyriferum) with oval leaves and single- 
stalked flowers. 
Equally delicious and wholesome, these fruits are 
in the highest estimation in the countries where they 
are produced. The rind or skin is lined with an apple- 
like substance, which is used for tarts and other sweet 
preparations. It is also stewed and eaten with milk; 
and, in this form, is generally thought better than any 
other stewed fruit ; from the same part a marmalade is 
made. This rind encloses an agreeable pulp, mixed 
with innumerable small seeds. The whole fruit is eaten 
raw, or prepared as a sweetmeat in various ways ; the 
most common form in which we see it is that of a jelly. 
The tvood is used for fuel, and also makes excellent 
charcoal. 
148. fVie COMMON MYRTLE (myrtus communis) is 
. a well-known ornamental evergreen shrub, which is cultivated 
chiefly in greenhouses in this country, lut grows wild in the 
countries of the South of Europe. 
Although this shrub is cultivated with us chiefly for 
ornament, it is of considerable utility to the inhabitants 
of the South of Europe. Its young shoots are used for 
tanning leather ; and both its leaves and berries are em- 
ployed in medicine. From the former a distilled water is 
obtained, which is sometimes used in gargles. The berries 
are likewise distilled ; and an oil prepared from them has 
considerable repute as a means of thickening the hair. 
