Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/229

Rh lighter on the lower. The flowers are small, white, and grow in large bunches; they impart an agreeable odour, similar to that of the lily of the valley. The fruit is shaped like an acorn, but of a smaller size.

With respect to the culture, or propagation of this valuable tree, in its native place, we possess no particular account; but it is now become of importance to us, since it has been introduced into our colonies.

According to the account given by Dr., its propagation is very easy, and its culture requires but little care. Dr. asserts, that the tree puts out numerous side-branches, with a dense foliage, from the very bottom of the trunk: this furnishes an opportunity of obtaining a sufficiency of layers, and facilitating the growth of the tree, which does not perfect its seeds in any quantity under six or seven years, when it becomes abundantly loaded. It seems to delight in a loose, moist soil, and to require a southern aspect: the trees thus planted, flourish better than others which grow in loam, and are not so much exposed to the sun. When healthy, it is reared from layers of a pretty quick growth, attaining, in eight years, the height of fifteen or twenty feet.

The cinnamon-tree, with other valuable plants, was taken in a French ship by Admiral, in the last war, and presented to the Assembly of Jamaica. From this parent-tree, several hundred of young plants are already produced, and transplanted in different parts of the island; in all of which it thrives luxuriantly, and will soon be a valuable addition to our commerce. In this country, it requires to be treated like other green-house plants, or rather as a stove-plant.

The best cinnamon bark taken from the trees growing in Jamaica, is that from the branch, of about an inch in diameter; as the larger ones do not yield so good a spice. It is the inner rind that constitutes the cinnamon, from which the two external coats must be separated.

Cinnamon, though more retentive of its properties than any of the other spices, yet requires to be excluded from the air and moisture. The leaves of this tree, whether fresh or dried, are strongly aromatic, and afford a good substitute for the bark, both in cookery and medicine. In distillation, they yield a fragrant spirituous water, and an essential oil: when reduced to powder, they form a good perfume.

5. The Laurus Cassia, L. or Base Cinnamon, has lanceolated leaves, triple nerved. The bark of this species is imported from different parts of the East Indies, and from China. It resembles cinnamon more in its aromatic flavour than in external appearance; as it is thicker and coarser: it farther differs from it, in being weaker, abounding more with a viscid mucilaginous matter, and being less astringent; as likewise by its breaking short and smooth; while the cinnamon breaks fibrous and splintery.

6. The Laurus Camphora, L. or Camphor-Tree, grows wild in the western woods of Japan, and in the adjacent isles. The root of this tree smells stronger of camphor than any other part, and yields it in greater abundance. This is another of the captured plants presented to the inhabitants of Jamaica; and, if cultivated with care,