JUNIPER BERRIES

The fruit of the Junipcrus communis. They are used in medicine as a diuretic; but their principal consumption is in flavouring gin. When distilled with water they yield an e ential oil, upon which their peculiar flavour depends. The resin of this tree is called juniper gum or sandarach, and is occasionally used in varnishes. When powdered it is used under the name of pounce, to prevent ink sinking into paper from which writing has been erased. [s. 640]