160 LANGUAGE AXT) 
perfume the air to a considerable distance. It 
is said, but on very dubious authority, that this 
fragrance is dangerous to human beings. 
A good yellow dye is extracted from its 
branches, and a useful and valuable medicine 
from its bark. The berries, which are a violent 
poison, are yellow on the white-flowered, and 
red on the peach-colored varieties. 
The silvery-leaved species is very pretty. Its 
leaves are white, small, soft, and shiny as satin ; 
between them blossom thick clusters of Avhite 
bell-shaped flowers, tinged inside with yellow. 
Another variety, which is a native of Jamaica, 
is known as “lace-wood.” The inner bark is 
of such a texture that it may be drawn out in 
long webs like lace, and has been actually worn 
as such. Charles II. had a cravat made of it 
presented to him. 
It is sad, but too true, that very many fair 
daughters of Eve might appropriately adopt 
this flower as their emblem ; their conversation 
is prompted by no deeper feelings than that lady 
whom Mrs. Browning represents as saying 
“'Yes,’ I answered you last night; 
‘No,’ this morning, sir, I say. 
Colors seen by candle-light 
Are different seen by day. 
When the viols played their best, 
Lamps above and laughs below, 
Love me sounded like a jest, 
Fit for yes or fit for no.” 
