eir great chiefs. The fruits, which are very large,
when cut in half and slightly roasted, are employed as an outward
application to relieve pains.

254. KRAMERIA TRIANDRA.--This is one of the species that yield the
rhatany roots of commerce. In Peru an extract is made from this
species, which is a mild, easily assimilated, astringent medicine.
It acts as a tonic, and is used in intermittent and putrid fevers.
It is also styptic, and when applied in plasters is used in curing
ulcers. The color of the infusion of the roots is blood-red, on
which account it is used to adulterate, or rather it forms an
ingredient in the fabrication of port wine.

255. KYDIA CALYCINA.--An Indian plant of the family _Byttneriaceae_. The
bark is employed in infusion as a sudorific and in cutaneous
diseases, and its fibrous tissue is manufactured into cordage.

256. LAGETTA LINTEARIA.--The lace-bark tree of Jamaica. The inner bark
consists of numerous concentric layers of fibers, which interlace
in all directions, and thus present a great resemblance to lace.
Articles of apparel are made of it. Caps, ruffles, and even
complete suits of lace are made with it. It bears washing with
common soap, and when bleached in the sun acquires a degree of
whiteness equal to the best artificial lace. Ropes made of it are
very durable and strong.

257. LANSIUM DOMESTICUM.--A low-growing tree of the East Indies, which
is cultivated to some extent for its fruit, which is known in Java
and Malacca as lanseh fruit, and is much esteemed for its delicate
aroma; the pulp is of somewhat firm consistence and contains a
cooling, refreshing juice.

258. LAPAGERIA ROSEA.--A twining plant from Chili. The flowers are very
beautiful, and are succeeded by berries, which are said to be
sweet and eatable. The root has qualities closely resembling
sarsaparilla and used for the same purpose.

259. LATANIA RUBRA.--A very beautiful palm from the Mauritius. The
fruit contains a small quantity of pulp, which is eaten by the
natives, but is not considered very palatable by travelers.

260. LAWSONIA INERMIS.--This is the celebrated henna of the East. The
use of the powdered leaves as a cosmetic is very general in Asia
and northern Africa, the practice having descended from very
remote ages, as