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CHAP. 13.—THE SUMACH-TREE.

The male sumach-tree1 of Syria is productive, but the female is barren. The leaf resembles that of the elm, though it is a little longer, and has a downy surface. The footstalks of the leaves lie always alternately in opposite directions, and the branches are short and slender. This tree is used in the preparation of white skins.2 The seed, which strongly re- sembles a lentil in appearance, turns red with the grape; it is known by the name of "ros," and forms a necessary in- gredient in various medicaments."3

1 "Rhus." The Rhus coriaria of Linnæus. Pliny is wrong in distinguishing this tree into sexes, as all the flowers are hermaphroditical, and therefore fruitful.

2 It is still used by curriers in preparing leather.

3 See B. xxiv. c. 79. The fruit, which has a pleasant acidity, was used the culinary purposes by the ancients, as it is by the Turks at the present day.

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