eous pulp of an
agreeable acid taste.

164. DIALIUM INDUM.--The tamarind plum, which has a delicious pulp of
slightly acid flavor.

165. DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA.--The large fern tree of Australia. This
plant attains the height of 30 or more feet, and its fronds or
leaves spread horizontally some 20 to 25 feet. It is found in
snowy regions, and would be perfectly hardy south. It is one of
the finest objects of the vegetable kingdom when of sufficient
size to show its true beauties.

166. DIEFFENBACHIA SEGUINA.--This has acquired the name of dumb cane,
in consequence of its fleshy, cane-like stems, rendering
speechless any person who may happen to bite them, their acrid
poison causing the tongue to swell to an immense size. An ointment
for applying to dropsical swellings is prepared by boiling the
juice in lard. Notwithstanding its acridity, a wholesome starch is
prepared from the stem.

167. DILLENIA SPECIOSA.--An East Indian tree, bearing a fruit which is
used in curries and for making jellies. Its slightly acid juice,
sweetened with sugar, forms a cooling beverage. The wood is very
tough, and is used for making gun-stocks.

168. DION EDULE.--A Mexican plant, bearing large seeds containing a
quantity of starch, which is separated and used as arrowroot.

169. DIOSPYROS EBENUM.--An East Indian tree which in part yields the
black ebony wood of commerce, much used in fancy cabinetwork and
turnery, door knobs, pianoforte keys, etc.

170. DIOSPYROS KAKI.--The Chinese date plum or persimmon. The fruits
vary in size from that of a medium-sized apple to that of a large
pear; they also vary much in their flavor and consistency, some
being firm, and others having a soft custard-like pulp, very sweet
and luscious. The Chinese dry them in the sun and make them into
sweetmeats; they are sometimes imported, and in appearance
resemble large-sized preserved figs. These plants are being quite
largely cultivated in some of the southern States, and the fruit
is entering commerce.

171. DIPTERIX ODORATA.--This leguminous plant yields the fragrant seed
known as Tonka bean, used in scenting snuff and for other purposes
of perfumery. The odor resembles that of new-mown hay, and is due
to the presence of _coumarine_. The tree is a native of Cayenne