The Black Gum Tree.
Nyssa aquatica, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1511. Mich. Arbr. Forest. vol. ii. p. 265 pl. 22.
N. biflora, Willd. Sp. Pl. vol. liv, p. 1113. Pursh, Flor. Amer. vol. i. p. 177. Polygamia Monœcia, Linn. Elæagni, Juss.
The Black Gum is seldom found of a greater height than from fifty to sixty feet, with a diameter of about three. The wood is of little use, even for firing, as it takes a long time to consume, affords no blaze, and burns dismally. A trunk of this tree falling into the water immediately sinks and remains. Its foliage is pleasing to the eye, and in many parts of the Middle Districts some are kept standing as shade-trees for cattle. The berries, which hang in pairs, and sometimes three or four together, at the extremity of their slender peduncle, are eaten in great quantities during winter by various species of birds.