plum, from the pulp of which a vinous beverage
and excellent vinegar are prepared, and an eatable, though
slightly purgative, oil is extracted from the seeds. The oil is
also strongly recommended for baldness and scalp affections.

326. PAPYRUS ANTIQUORUM.--The paper-reed of Asia, which yielded the
substances used as paper by the ancient Egyptians. The underground
root-stocks spread horizontally under the muddy soil, continuing
to throw up stems as they creep along. The paper was made from
thin slices, cut vertically from the apex to the base of the stem,
between its surface and center. The slices were placed side by
side, according to the size required, and then, after being wetted
and beaten with a wooden instrument until smooth, were pressed and
dried in the sun.

327. PARITIUM ELATUM.--The mountain mahoe, a malvaceous plant, that
furnishes the beautiful lace-like bark called Cuba bast, imported
by nurserymen for tying their plants. It was at one time only seen
as employed in tying together bundles of genuine Havana cigars. It
forms a tree 40 feet or more in height, and yields a greenish-blue
timber, highly prized by cabinet-makers.

328. PARKIA AFRICANA.--The African locust tree, producing seeds which
the natives of Soudan roast, and then bruise and allow to ferment
in water until they become putrid, when they are carefully washed,
pounded into powder, and made into cakes, which are said to be
excellent, though having a very unpleasant smell. The pulp
surrounding the seeds is made into a sweet farinaceous
preparation.

329. PARKINSONIA ACULEATA.--This leguminous plant is called Jerusalem
Thorn. Although a native of Southern Texas and Mexico, it is found
in many tropical countries, and is frequently used for making
hedges. Indians in Mexico employ it as a febrifuge and sudorific
and also as a remedy for epilepsy.

330. PARMENTIERA CEREIFERA.--In the Isthmus of Panama this plant is
termed the Candle tree, because its fruits, often 4 feet long,
look like yellow candles suspended from the branches. They have a
peculiar, apple-like smell, and cattle that partake of the leaves
or fruit have the smell communicated to the beef if killed
immediately.

331. PASSIFLORA QUADRANGULARIS.--The fruit of this plant is the
Granadill