158 LIME TREE. 
In countries where the arnatto shrubs are found, the 
roots are employed by the inhabitants in broth ; and 
they answer all the purposes of the pulp, though in an 
inferior degree. The bark is occasionally manufac- 
tured into ropes ; and pieces of the wood are used by 
the Indians to procure fire by friction. 
173. The LIME or LINDEN-TREE is a British forest 
tree (Tilia europsea), distinguished by its heart-shaped and 
serrated leaves of bright green colour, and by its berries or 
seed-vessels, having each four cells and one bud. 
The blossoms are whitish, in small clusters, and have a yel- 
lowish green floral leaf, nearly as long as the fruit-stalk, and 
attached to it for about half its length. 
No one can have passed a grove of lime-trees, in the 
month of July, without having been charmed with the 
perfume which, at this season, is emitted by the flowers. 
They are a great resort of bees, and supply those 
insects with materials for their best honey. Whether 
fresh or dried, they easily ferment, and a fine flavoured 
spirit may be distilled from them. The u>ood is close- 
grained, though soft, light, and smooth. It is much 
used by carvers and turners ; and is in great request 
for the boards of leather-cutters. When properly 
burnt it makes an excellent charcoal for gunpowder, 
and for painters. 
If the bark be softened in water, the fibrous inner 
part may be separated : of this the Russians manufac- 
ture fishing-nets, mats, shoes, and rustic garments ; 
and ropes and other cordage, made from it, are stated 
to be so remarkably strong and elastic, that, in this re- 
spect, they are superior to iron chains. In some coun- 
tries the leaves are dried as a winter food for sheep and 
goats ; and, from these and the bark, a smooth but 
coarse brown paper may be manufactured. An inferior 
kind of sugar may be made from the sap ; and the seeds, 
by pressure, yield a sweet and pleasant oil. 
The lime is an eligible tree to form shady walks and 
