yroxylon, which yields the resinous drug called balsam of Tolu.
This substance is fragrant, having a warm, sweetish taste, and
burns with an agreeable odor. It is used in perfumery and in the
manufacture of pastilles, also for flavoring confectionery, as in
Tolu lozenges.

303. MYRTUS COMMUNIS--The common myrtle. This plant is supposed to be a
native of western Asia, but now grows abundantly in Italy, Spain,
and the south of France. Among the ancients the myrtle was held
sacred to Venus and was a plant of considerable importance,
wreaths of it being worn by the victors of the Olympic games and
other honored personages. Various parts of the plant were used in
medicine, in cookery, and by the Tuscans in the preparation of
myrtle wine, called _myrtidanum_. It is still used in perfumery,
and a highly perfumed distillation is made from the flowers. The
fruits are very aromatic and sweet, and are eaten fresh or dried
and used as a condiment.

304. NANDINA DOMESTICA.--A shrub belonging to the family of berberries.
It is a native of China and Japan, where it is extensively
cultivated for its fruits. It is there known as Nandin.

305. NAUCLEA GAMBIR.--A native of the Malayan Islands, which yields the
Gambir, or Terra Japonica of commerce. This is prepared by boiling
the leaves in water until the decoction thickens, when it is
poured into molds, where it remains until it acquires the
consistency of clay; it is then cut into cubes and thoroughly
dried. It is used as a masticatory in combination with the areca
nut and betel leaf, and also for tanning purposes.

306. NECTANDRA LEUCANTHA.--The greenheart, or bibiru tree of British
Guiana, furnishing bibiru bark, which is used medicinally as a
tonic and febrifuge, its properties being due to the presence of
an uncrystallizable alkaloid, also found in the seeds. The seeds
are also remarkable for containing upwards of 50 per cent of
starch, which is made into a kind of bread by the natives. The
timber of this tree is extensively employed in shipbuilding, its
great strength and durability rendering it peculiarly well suited
for this purpose.

307. NEPENTHES DISTILLATORIA.--This pitcher plant is a native of
Ceylon. The pitchers are partly filled with water before they
open; hence it was sup