{Indico-Trees.}
The Indico grows plentifully in our Quarters.
{Bay-Tulips.}
The Bay-Tulip-Tree is a fine Ever-green which grows frequently here.
{Sweet Gum.}
The sweet Gum-Tree, so call'd, because of the fragrant Gum it yields
in the Spring-time, upon Incision of the Bark, or Wood. It cures
the Herpes and Inflammations; being apply'd to the Morphew and Tettars.
'Tis an extraordinary Balsam, and of great Value to those
who know how to use it. No Wood has scarce a better Grain;
whereof fine Tables, Drawers, and other Furniture might be made.
Some of it is curiously curl'd. It bears a round Bur, with a sort of Prickle,
which is the Seed.
{Black Gums.}
Of the Black Gum there grows, with us, two sorts; both fit for Cart-Naves.
The one bears a black, well-tasted Berry, which the Indians mix
with their Pulse and Soups, it giving 'em a pretty Flavour,
and scarlet Colour. The Bears crop these Trees for the Berries,
which they mightily covet, yet kill'd in that Season, they eat very unsavory;
which must be occasion'd by this Fruit, because, at other times,
when they feed on Mast, Bears-Flesh is a very well-tasted Food.
The other Gum bears a Berry in shape like the other,
tho' bitter and ill-tasted. This Tree (the Indians report)
is never wounded by Lightning. It has no certain Grain;
and it is almost impossible to split or rive it.
{White Gum.}
The white Gum, bearing a sort of long bunch'd Flowers,
is the most curled and knotted Wood I ever saw, which would make
curious Furniture, in case it was handled by a good Workman.
{Red Cedar.}
The red sort of Cedar is an Ever-green, of which Carolina affords Plenty.
That on the Salts, grows generally on the Sand-banks; and that in the Freshes
is found in the Swamps. Of this Wood, Tables, Wainscot,
and other Necessaries, are made, and esteemed for its sweet Smell.
It is as durable a Wood as any we have, therefore much used
in Posts for Houses and Sills; likewise to build Sloops,
Boats, &c. by reason the Worm will not touch it, for several Years.
The Vessels built thereof are very durable, and good Swimmers.
Of this Cedar, Ship-loads may be exported. It has been heretofore
so plentiful in this Settlement, that they have fenced in Plantations with it,
and the Coffins of the Dead are generally made thereof.
{White Cedar.}
White Cedar, so call'd, because it nearly approaches the other Cedar,
in Smell, Bark, and Leaf; only this grows taller, being as strait as an Arrow.
It is extraordinary light, and free to rive. 'Tis good for Yard, Top-Masts,
Booms and Boltsprits, being very tough. The best Shingles for Houses
are made of this Wood, it being no Strain to the Roof, and never rots.
Good Pails and other Vessels, free from Leakage, are likewise made thereof.
The Bark of this and the red Cedar, the Indians use to make their Cabins of,
which prove firm, and resist all Weathers.
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