the balsam-tree: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the polygamia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under those plants the order of which is doubtful. The calyx is tetraphyllous or hexaphyllous, with its leaflets opposite and imbricated; the corolla tetrapetalous, or hexapetalous; the stamens numerous. The calyx and corolla of the female as in the male; the nectarium... rium of antherae or glandules coalited, including the germen. The capsule is quinquilocular, quinquevalved, and full of pulp. There are four species, all natives of America. The most remarkable is the flava. This is pretty common in the British American islands, where the trees grow to the height of 20 feet, and shoot out many branches on every side, furnished with thick, round, succulent leaves placed opposite. The flowers are produced at the ends of the branches, each having a thick succulent cover. After the flowers are past, they are succeeded by oval fruit. From every part of these trees there exudes a kind of turpentine, which is called in the West Indies bog-gum; because they say, that when any of the wild hogs are wounded, they repair to these trees, and rub their wounded parts against the stem till they have anointed themselves with this turpentine, which heals their wounds. These plants are very tender, and in this country must be kept constantly in a stove; and sparingly watered, especially in winter; for they naturally grow in those parts of the islands where it seldom rains, and consequently cannot bear much moisture. They may be propagated from cuttings, which must be laid to dry for a fortnight or three weeks, that the wounded parts may be healed over, otherwise they will rot. The best time for planting these cuttings is in July, that they may be well rooted before the cold weather comes on in autumn.