136 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. Ca. XX 
class; the name may be derived from the ancient Celtic, which 
signifies green, the leaves of this plant being mostly perennial 
and evergreen ; some suppose it derived from laus, praise, as 
it was used for crowning victors or pcets. 
One species, the Laurus nobilis, or noble laurel, is the Bay 
of the ancient Romans. They considered it as a peculiar fa- 
vourite of Jupiter the thunderer, and some wore it as a protection 
against his thunderbolts. But this, you know, was a ridiculous 
superstition, like many other notions of the believers in the 
Grecian mythology, since there is but one living and true God, 
and to Him all the vegetable creation is equally dear; He has 
made plants for the support of man and beast, and for the beau- 
tifying and refreshing of the earth on which we live—that we 
should love and cherish these His gifts, is undoubtedly agreea- 
ble to him; butif we deserve his frowns, no bough of a plant, 
nor even the rocks or mountains, can shield us from the effects 
of His anger—But it was before men had learnt from the Bible 
to worship one God only, that they thus fell into such foolish 
errors with respect to the Powers in Heaven; none in Christian 
countries now adhere tothe superstition of the ancients, although 
there are some who sore than the heathen, by refusing to be- 
lieve, although God has revealed himself to men through His Son, 
who sealed with his own blood the message delivered to them. 
576. The Laurus is an important plant; for besides the 
honour and superstitious regard bestowed upon it by the ancients, 
it now affords us very important medicines, as well as some of 
our most valuable spices. 
577. The Laurus Camphor is the camphor tree. Camphor 
is obtained from its roots, leaves, and wood. 
The Laurus Cinamomum is the cinamon tree, whose inner 
bark or liber furnishes this valuable spice. 
The Laurus sassafras is the American sassafras tree.— 
Children are fond of the bark of this plant, which is sometimes 
improperly called saxifax. 
578. The third order of the ninth class contains the genus 
Rheum, or the Rhubarb. Fig. 80, at 6, represents a flower of 
this genus. The Rheum palmatum furnishes the medicinal 
rhubarb, which is obtained from its thick, yellow roots. The 
Rheum tartaricum, or sour rhubarb, is much cultivated in gar- 
dens, and is a useful plant for tarts, which are made from its 
large, thick, and juicy petioles. 
576. Why is the Laurus an important plant ? 
577. Which are some of the species of the genus Laurus ? 
578. What plant is menticne’ as belonging to the third order of 
the ninth class ? 
