The ailanthus, as an ornamental and shade tree, has of late years gone into disrepute on account of the offensive effluvium of its male blossoms, and its planting in Washington was positively forbidden by an act of Congress - at least an appropriation for the District of Columbia, made some years ago, was granted upon the condition that no ailanthus trees should thereafter be planted in the city of Washington. The tree is, however, one of very great value as a timber tree, and is highly recommended, for growth upon the Western prairies, as its development is extremely rapid, and the wood is equal to chestnut in mechanical properties. It is one of the largest trees known, being said to attain a height of 300 feet in China. Very little attention has been directed to its medicinal virtues; but according to Dr. Robert of the French naval fleet in the waters of China and Japan, the bark of the root, in the form of a powder, is more efficient in the treatment of dysentery than ipecac, calomel, astringents, opiates, etc. For this purpose, one part of the bark of the root is cut into very fine pieces and pounded up in a mortar, to which one and a half parts of warm water are added.

The whole is to be allowed to stand for a sufficient time to soften the bark, and it is then strained through a piece of linen. The infusion is administered in doses of a tablespoonful morning and evening, either pure or in a cup of tea. This is to be continued for three days under a very strict dietary regimen. After that, bread and milk may be given, and subsequently, ordinary diet. If at the end of eight days a cure is not effected, the treatment may be renewed. This substance is extremely bitter, and its administration frequently produces nausea. In Dr. Robert's experience, a complete cure was almost always brought about within eight days; in only one instance was it necessary to renew the application.