ARABIAN JASMINE: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the diandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking with the 4th order, Sapiaria. The corolla and calyx are octofid; the perianthium dioecious. There are five species; the most remarkable of which are, 1. The arbor triflora, or sorrowful tree. This tree, or shrub, the pariaiaca of the Bramins, grows naturally in sandy places in India, particularly in the islands of Ceylon and Java, where it is produced in great abundance, and attains the height of 18 or 20 feet. It rises with a four-cornered stem, bearing leaves that are oval, and taper to a point. They stand opposite, on short footstalks; are of a shining brownish green on the upper side, a more vivid green on the under, and of a taste that is astringent and somewhat bitter. From the middle-rib, on the under surface of the leaves, proceed on both sides a number of costulae, or smaller ribs, which run nearly to the margin, and mark the surface with the impression of their arched furrows. The flowers, which are white and highly odoriferous, ha-

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ving a sweet delectable smell emulating the best honey, consist of one petal deeply divided into eight parts, which are narrower towards the stalk, and dilated towards the summit. They stand upon foot stalks, which emerge from the origin of the leaves; are rigid, obliquely raised towards the top, grow opposite in pairs, and are divided into three short lesser branches, which each supports five flowers placed close together, without partial foot stalks. The fruit is dry, capsular, membranaceous, and compressed.

It is generally asserted of this plant, that the flowers open in the evening, and fall off the succeeding day. Fabricius and Paludanus, however, restrict the assertion, by affirming, from actual observation, that this effect is found to take place only in such flowers as are immediately under the influence of the solar rays. Grimmelius remarks in his Laboratorium Ceylonicum, that the flowers of this tree afford a fragrant water, which is cordial refreshing, and frequently employed with success in inflammations of the eyes. The tube of the flower, when dried, has the smell of saffron; and, being pounded and mixed with sanders-wood, is used by the natives of the Malabar coast for imparting a grateful fragrance to their bodies, which they rub or anoint with the mixture.

2. The sambac, noted, like the other species, for the fragrancy of its flowers, is a native likewise of India; and is cultivated in our flows, where it generally rises with a twining stem to the height of 18 or 20 feet. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire; but in different parts of the plant assume different forms: the lower leaves being heart-shaped and blunt; the upper, oval and sharp. The flowers are white, inexpressibly fragrant, and generally appear with us in the warm summer-months. Strong loam is its proper soil. There is a variety of this species with a double flower, which is much larger and more fragrant than the former.