s plant, when growing and in flower, has branches
spread rigidly, but when the seed ripens the leaves wither, and
the whole plant becomes dry, each little branch curling inward
until the plant appears like a small ball; it soon becomes
loosened from the soil, and is carried by the winds over the dry
plains, and is often blown into the sea, where it at once expands.
It retains this property of expanding when moistened for at least
ten years.

389. SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM.--The marking nut tree of India. The thick,
fleshy receptacle bearing the fruit is of a yellow color when
ripe, and is roasted and eaten. The unripe fruit is employed in
making a kind of ink. The hard shell of the fruit is permeated by
a corrosive juice, which is used on external bruises and for
destroying warts. The juice, when mixed with quick-lime, is used
to mark cotton or linen with an indelible mark. When dry it forms
a dark varnish, and among other purposes it is employed, mixed
with pitch and tar, in the calking of ships. The seeds, called
Malacca beans, or marsh nuts, are eaten, and are said to stimulate
the mental powers, and especially the memory; and finally they
furnish an oil used in painting.

390. SERISSA F[OE]TIDA.--A cinchonaceous shrub, having strong
astringent properties. The roots are employed in cases of
diarrhea, also in ophthalmia and certain forms of ulcers. It is a
native of Japan and China.

391. SHOREA ROBUSTA.--This tree produces the Saul wood of India, which
has a very high reputation, and is extensively employed for all
engineering purposes where great strength and toughness are
requisite. It is stronger and much heavier than teak. An oil is
obtained from the seeds, and a resin similar to Dammar resin is
likewise obtained from the tree.

392. SIDA PULCHELLA.--A plant of the mallow family; the bark contains
fibrous tissues available for the manufacture of cordage. The root
of _S. acuta_ is esteemed by the Hindoos as a medicine, and
particularly as a remedy for snake bites. The light wood of these
species is used to make rocket sticks.

393. SIMABA CEDRON.--A native of New Grenada, where it attains the size
of a small tree, and bears a large fruit containing one seed; this
seed, which looks like a blanched almond, is known in com