HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
37 
The greater part of the trees natural to this island have received their names from 
the arbitrary fancy of its inhabitants. 
A large and very uncommon tree is found among the rocks, whose substance is 
as soft as the flesh of a turnip. It is called Mapou, or stinking-wood, from its offen¬ 
sive odour, and is considered as unwholesome. 
The Bois de ronde is small, hard, and twisted; when burning it emits a lively 
flame: it is formed into flambeaux, and is considered as incorruptible. 
Bois de Cannelle. The cinnamon wood, so called from a slight resemblance to 
the real spice tree of that name, is among the largest of the island. Its wood is use¬ 
ful in joinery work, and resembles that of the walnut tree, both in colour and veins. 
When first worked up it emits a foetid smell, like that of excrement, a peculiarity 
which it possesses in common with the flower of the cinnamon. Its seeds are enve¬ 
loped in a red peal of a sour but very agreeable taste. 
Of the Natte, there are two kinds: the one bearing a large and the other a small 
leaf. The carpenter finds it a very useful wood. 
The Bois d’Olive, so called from a slight resemblance of its leaves to those of 
the olive tree, furnishes very durable timber for building. 
The Bois de Pomme, is a red wood, in little or no estimation. 
The Benjoin,* so called from its compact quality, is admirably calculated for the 
purposes of the wheelwright. It is very thick, and never splits. 
The Colophane,+ which yields a resinous juice, like that of the real rosin; is one 
of the largest trees in the island. 
The fictitious Tatamaca, is very well adapted for building; it is of a very large 
size, and its trunk has been sometimes known to measure fifteen feet in circum¬ 
ference. It weeps a gum like that of the real Tatamaca. 
Le Bois de lait. The milk-wood, so called from its milky juice. 
Le Bois puant. The stinking-wood; which, though it emits an unpleasant odour, 
is excellent timber. 
The Iron tree. J Its trunk is, as it were, blended with the roots; while from its 
sides a kind of small wing projects in the form of planks. Its wood is so hard as to 
turn the hatchet’s edge. 
The Bois de fougue, is a large creeping tree, whose bark is very tough: it also 
yields a milky juice, which is esteemed to be an excellent vulnerary. 
* Benzonium.—-Croton Benzoe, Linn. f Colophonia. J Lignum ferri. 
