CHAP. 13.—THE SUMACH-TREE.
The male sumach-tree[1] 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.