THE EUCALYPTUS, MYRTLE, ETC.

Of later introduction than the trees of the orange family is the

Eucalyptus globulus, which, not being able to compete with the former

in the variety of nasal titillations it gives rise to, probably

consoles itself with coming off the distinct victor in the department

of power and penetration. The leaves and twigs of this tree are

distilled for oil. This oil is in large demand on the Continent, the

fact of there being no other species than the globulus in the

neighborhood being a guarantee of the uniformity of the product.

Whereas the eucalyptus is but a newcomer in these regions, another

member of the same family, the common myrtle, can date its

introduction many centuries back. An oil is distilled from its leaves,

and also a water.

Associated with the myrtle we find the leaves of the bay laurel,

forming the victorious wreaths of the ancients. The oil produced is

the oil of bay laurel, oil of sweet bay. This must not be confounded

with the oil of bays of the West Indies, the produce of the _Myrcia

acris_; nor yet with the cherry laurel, a member of yet another

family, the leaves of which are sometimes substituted for those of the

sweet bay. The leaves of this plant yield the cherry laurel water of

the B.P. It can hardly be said to be an article of perfumery. It also

yields an oil.

Another water known to the British Pharmacopoeia is that produced from

the flowers of the elder, which flourishes round about Grasse.

The rue also grows wild in these parts, and is distilled.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888 · 第 24 / 57 题