passes through them, in consequence of its expansive power.
Lignum Vitæ. See Guaiacum.
LILAC, or Syringa, L. a genus of exotic plants, natives of Persia, consisting of three species, the principal of which is the vulgaris, or Common Lilac. It has long been cultivated in our gardens, on account of its ornamental flowers; and, if properly managed, will grow to the height of 18 or 20 feet.
This shrub thrives on almost any soil, but it produces the most beautiful flowers on rich, light land, though it flourishes best on wet grounds. It is propagated by suckers, which should be separated from the parent plants in the month of October, and set in a nursery, in rows three feet asunder, each sucker being one foot distant from the other. In the second or third year, they may be removed to the spot where they are intended to remain. After this operation, no farther attention will be required, except digging about their roots once in the course of the year, and cutting off the suckers; which not only destroy the beauty of the plant, but likewise deprive it of its nourishment.
The leaves of the Common Lilac are frequented by the Spanish Fly:—the yellowish and red-streaked wood of old trees is valuable to turners and cabinet-makers; as the vessels or utensils manufactured of it, are equal to those made of olive-wood, and almost indestructible: bv immersing such articles in a cold dye, consisting of aqua-fortis largely diluted with water, they acquire a fine red colour.—From the flowers of this plant may be distilled an essential oil, similar to that of roses.
LILY, or Lilium, L. a genus of exotic plants, consisting of ten species, all of which are remarkable for the beauty of their flowers; but the two following deserve a distinguished place:
1. The candidum, or White Lily, which produces a beautiful flower, the fragrant odour of which is so powerful as to induce fainting, if numbers of it be kept over night in a close apartment:—an essential oil may be obtained from them, in a manner similar to that described under the article Jasmine.
2. The bulbiferum, or Fire Lily, which also bears fine flowers of a flaming red colour, and which, by culture, sometimes become double.—The Russians and Tungusians eat the roots of this species, either roasted, or boiled in milk; and Dr. Franke informs us (in his System of Medical Police, printed a few years since, in German), that these mealy roots might, in times of scarcity, be prepared into wholesome bread.—On account of their emollient and maturating properties, they have been greatly recommended in the dropsy; but are chiefly employed in cataplasms, when boiled, and bruised into a pulp, with oil: in this manner, they are said to form an efficacious application to recent burns.
LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY, or May-Lily, Convallaria Majalis, L. an indigenous perennial plant, growing in woods, heaths, and at the foot of hills: it flourishes in the month of May.
This vegetable is eaten by sheep and goats, but refused by cows, horses, and hogs; its flowers are in a high degree fragrant; but, when dried, they acquire a narcotic scent, and, if reduced to powder, excite sneezing. Both the flowers and roots have a bitter taste; and an
