fOR msumm owiy TTliuversitp Xibrarp Itore lA 02699 BooK No 0437739 30114 004377399 I Store HA 01 -t* ^ 'i* MEDIC Ali FLORA; OR MAIVIJAL. OF THE MEDICAL BOTANY OF THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. CONTAINING A SELECTION OF ABOVE 100 FIGUHES AND DESCKIPTIONS OP MEDI- CAL PLANTS, WITH THEIU NAMES, atJALITIES, PIIOPEUTIES, HI5T0BT, &iC. : AND NOTES OR REMARKS ON NEARLX 500 EaUIVALENT SUBSTITUTES, IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME THE SECOND, WITH 48 PLATES. Medical Plants are compound Medicines, prepared bij the hands of Nature, i^c— Med. Princ. 31. BY C. S. RAFINESaUE, A. M.— PH. D. Ex-Prof, of Botany, Natural History, &c. in Transyl v. University of Lex- ing-lon, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, &.c. Member of the Medical Societies of Cincinnati and Lexington — the Philos. Soc. and Lyceum of New York — the Acad, of Nat. Sc. of Philadelphia — the Amer. Antiq. Societij — the Kentnckij Institute — the Linnean Soc. of Paris— the Imp. Nat. Cur. Soc. of Bonn. — the Imp. Eco- nomical Soc. of Vienna— the R. Italian Inst.— the R. Inst, of Nat. Sc. of Naples, ^c. ^-c. PHILADELPHIA : PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL C. ATKINSON, No. 112, Chcsnut Street. 1830. Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit: BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the eleventh day of Januarv in A. U. 1828 Atkinson and Alexander of the said district hath deoosiled in tj.s office the Title of a Book, the right whereof they cldm a^^Priprie- tors, m the words following-, to wit • i^iopne Medical Floraj or Manual of the Medical Botany of the United States of N. America Containing a selection of above one hundred Hres and descriDtions of medical plants, with theirnames, qualities, properties Ws- StefcCtto-vSrel^"^^^'^ '^^^^'^ five'^hondred'e^q^vSt^'sub. Volume the first, A H. with fifty-two Plates. Medical Plants are compound medicines prepared by the hands of Nature, &c. By C. S, Rafinesaue A, M.-Ph. D. Ex-Prof, of Botanf Natol^His- Phi^'H f'h" ^r^'^M- University of Lexington, the Fran^'lin Institute of Philadelphia, &c Member of the Medical Societies of Cincinnati and Lexington-the Philos. Soc. and Lyceum of New York-the Acad, of Nat. Sc. of Philadelphia— the Amer. Antiq. Society.— the Kentucky In- stitute—the Lmnean Soc. of Paris— the Imp. Nat. Cur. Soc. of Bonn — f M f Vienna-the R. Italian List.-the R. Inst, of Nat. Sc. of Naples, &c. &c.&. In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled ,T ° ^'^^ Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned." And also to the act, entitled An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to tlie au- thors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned " and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving- and etching historical and other prints." o & a> D. CALDWELL. Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Russell &. Martien, Printers. INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND VOLUME. 1. After some delay arising from various causes, I have the pleasure to present to the public the second and last Volume of my Medical Flora of the United States. 2. It will be seen that although this second Volume has assumed somewhat a different shape, it has lost nothing by the change, but rather improved in matter and value. 3. The plan closely pursued in the first Volume was that of Bigelow and Barton, with the improvements of alphabetical order, separation and condensation of facts. This plan was by no means the best, and limited very much the number of medical selections. 4. If I had pursued the same plan throughout, it was my intention to have added afterwards a third Volume or Supplement, including all the Medical plants omitted by this mode, with tables of Equivalents and other need- ful elucidations. 5. By a trifling change effected in this Volume, I have been enabled to comprise these additional Plants and re- marks without further extension of the work. 6. If I had followed my own inclinations at the out- set, I might have included all our Medical plants in a single thick Volume, and all the Figures in another Vo- lume by itself, so as to answer still better the purpose of Manuals. 7. To render this Volume adequate to answer the desirable purpose, it has been divided in two parts, the first of which contains the selected Articles and Plants that belong to the plan of the first Volume. 8. While the second part shall include several other selected plants and figures, united to a general account of all our Medical plants and Equivalents, forming a second 4 INTRODUCTION. alphabetical series. Whereby this Volume may become a work by Itself, or a kind of Le'xicon of our MedYcal pLnts! 9. . Ihis Lexicon will include the whole of our actual acquired knowledge on such useful plants, by blendS the officinal details of Schoepf and the early' waters, S ^ose of the latter observers, besides many nevv and un- published facts CO ected by myself during many years of botanical and medical researches. j j a^sui 10. I hope thereby to satisfy the wishes of those, who iftT V'^'T'^ f'^* notwithstanding Its limited character, and have repeatedly ureed me to complete this work. ' ^ & 11. A list of our Medical equivalents was only promi- sed by me and expected by them but I have done more, and united together all our Medical plants, thus to be kept all in view, that by future experiments, their respective medical value may be further ascertained. 12. It is a sad raistalce of some Physicians to consider the increase of officinal tools as an evil. The lazy pro- pensity that would reduce our stock of remedies to a few well known plants, is to be deplored as rendering the science stationary and lessening our resources. 13. A very different course is pursued by active and zealous investigators of medical properties,- they enlarge our circle of usefulness, increase our medical means, in- dicate all the available substitutes, and ascertain the best equivalents in specific cases. 14. In Europe they extend their researches to all the parts of the globe. The Society of Pharmacy of Paris has published a monthly journal since 1812, in which are found numberless discoveries and Analyses of medical plants from all the parts of the world. 15. In London a Medico-Botanical Society has been es- tablished, whose object is chiefly to ascertain the medical Properties of all the plants, and to send to the most re- mote regions in search of medical substances and equiva- lents. 16. It is therefore our duty at least to study our own, and to increase rather than diminish our actual know- ledge. Many of our medical substances are hardly known as yet, and require careful investigation^ others will be discovered perhaps when inquiries and researches shall not be discouraged by lazy teachers. INTRODUCTION. 5 17. Thus we shall furnish our share towards a great work not yet undertaken, although greatly needed, a General and Comparative Account of all the Medical Plants of the whole globe, for which the Medical Floras of Europe, Hindostan, Brazil, West Indies, and the United States, begin to offer the materials. 18. All our numberless officinal works on Materia Medica, are as yet mere rude or partial attempts of this kind. Not one has ever mentioned one tenth of the plants in actual use; the authors confining themselves to the narrow circle of their own experience or knowledge. 19. During the period that has elapsed since the pub- lication of the first volume, I have been able to consult many additional works and authors, and thus availed myself of their help. A list of them will follow this in- troduction. 20. I have received considerable assistance in that way from some public Libraries, such as those of the Philoso- phical Society of Philadelphia, and the Lyceum of Nat. History of New York for instance, and also from the Medical Library of my friend Dr. S. Betton of German- town. 21. In Bartram's Botanical Garden near Philadelphia, now owned by Colonel Carr, which is the oldest and best of the kind in the United States, and particularly rich in native plants, I have met with the most liberal assistance, from the worthy owner. 22. By these various means the practical value of this work has been increased; the first volume was well re- ceived, notwithstanding its limited range, and adopted as a text book in some Medical Institutions. I trust that this volume will be found still more practical and useful. 23. The number of plates will amount to 100 as pro- mised, but including 106 figures. A few of the figures of Bigelow and Barton belonging to well known plants may be omitted, but the number of those not figured by them will be increased, amounting to 32 in this volume, while only 14 were in the first. 24. It might have been well if I had omitted the figures of the Dogwood, Persimon, and Hops in the first volume, being so well known to almost every body, and I will accordingly omit in this the Poke, Tobacco, Tulip- A 2 6 INTRODUCTION. thi^ hdp'^^''''' so well known without 25. The other deviations from the previous plan will be easily perceived. None of them are very material. The chief aim has been to reduce the extent of the leading articles and to increase the indications. 26. If the proposed extent of this volume allows of sutticient space, several useful tables will be added to it with some Botanical Supplements. One of the additions will be an account of such doubtful medical plants as are only kMwn as yet by their Indian or vulgar names. 27". The labour required to complete this work, in such enlarged and improved style has been great,- but I trust to have fulfilled by it one of the aims in view, the production of a complete and correct practical work. Philadelphia, May, 1830. C. S. R. ADDITIONAL WORKS CONSULTED. Agardh, Classes and Ordines Plantar, Lond. 1822. AiNSLiE, Materia Medica of the Hindoos. Annals of New York Lyceum, 1820 to 28. Castiglione, Travels in the U. States, Milan, 1789. Douglass, Plants of the North West. Eaton, Manual of Botany, 5th edition, 1829, is be- come alniost a general Flora of the United States, but many omissions yet. Gameold, Medical Plants of the Cherokis. HiLAiRE, Medical Plants of Brazil, Paris. JossELYN, Early account of New England. Journal de Pharmaoie, Paris, 1812 to 1830. Leconte, Monographies of Viola, Ruellia, &c. Loddiges, Figures of Plants. Long, James and Keating, Travels in the U. States. Loudon, Encyclopedia of Plants, London, 1829. Lunan, Hortus Jamaicensis, 1814. Schoolcraft, Travels in the United States. SiLLiMAN, American Jour. Sciences 1818 to 1830. TouRTELLE, Principles of Health. Tanner, Narrative and Indian plants., Ware and Williams, Plants of Florida. No. 53. MiEX OPACA. AMSRXCArff HOLLY. CONTINUATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED SELECTED ARTICLES. I TO X. No. 53. ILEX OPACA. English Name, American Holly. French Name, Houx. Classification, Nat. Order of Rhamnides. Tetran- dria tetragynia of Linnaeus. Genus Ilex. Calix minute, 4 or 5 toothed, corolla rotate 4 or 5 parted. One ovary, 4 sestile stigmas, 4 or 5 sta- mina, opposed to the corolla. Berry one celled, four seed- ed. Shrubs or trees, leaves alternate. Sp. Ilex opaca. Leaves oval lanceolate, acute at both ends, evergreen, shining, spinose-dentate fascicles of flowers loose on the young branches, peduncles com- pound. DESCRIPTION. A tree from 10 to 40 feet high, small in the North, larger in the South : with handsome ever- green leaves, forming a compact foliage with spinose teeth, on short petioles, oval or oval-lanceolate, both ends sharp, texture firm. The flowers are small yellow- ish white, in small fascides on the small branches. The berries are scarlet, round and handsome. HISTORY. The Genus Jlex of Linnasus contains many heterogeneous species, some are polygamous or dioical, have 1, 2 or 4 stigmas, a cell or 4 cells in the berry, a corolla or none, &c. It requires to be re- modelled. As early as 1817 I separated the Ilex Cana- densis, calling it Nemopanthus, which has dioical flow- ers, calix 5 leaved, 5 stamina, alternate, no corolla, one stigma capitate, 4 lobed, berry 4 celled 4 seeded, &c. The Ilex obcordata has a single entire stigma. The 8 ILEX. No. 53. Genera Paltoria and Macucua united to it, are also dis- tinct. The Ilex Cassine or Vomitoria must form a par- ticuliar genus, if it has the corolla 4 lobed, the stamina alternate to it, and a 4 celled berry, as Elliot says: I pro- pose to call it Hierophyllus Cassine. Our Ilex opaca was formerly blended with the /. aqui- johum of Europe, Alton separated it, although hardly different. ^ It is however a larger tree in the Southern States, With leaves less undulate, with fewer and smaller teeth, and the berries not on the old branches. I have however seen varieties connecting both, and Persoon says that the I. aquifolium grows also in Virginia. The /. opaca IS found from Long Island to Florida, chiefly on the Alluvial Region. The berries remain on the tree throughout the winter, and form a fine contrast with the deep green leaves. It blossoms in May. It is intro- duced m gardens as ornamental, and forms fine hedges. The bark of the branches is very viscid, and produces the best bird lime by boiling: it contains gum, wax, a yellow resin, many salts, &c. The figure 53 represents the variety 1. Macrodon, with remote large teeth, very near to /. aquifolium, if not the same. Other varieties noticed by me were 2. Latifo- lia with broad ovate leaves with rounded base, and small teeth. 3. Acuminata, with narrow and very sharp leaves &c. 4. Globosa, small, with a globose foliage, &c. PROPERTIES. Those of /. aquifolium and /. opaca appear to be the same. The root, bark, leaves, and berries are used. They are mucilaginous and a little bitter, par- ticularly the berries, which are reckoned resolvent, pec- toral, demulcent, and laxative. The decoction and wine has been used for coughs, pleurisy, colics, constipation, fever, gout, rheumatism, &c. and externally as a cata- plasm in tumours. Their juice also in jaundice. The leaves have the same but weaker effects. The bark gives a fine bitter mucilage, useful in fever, diabetes, and an external application in gout. Kalm says the leaves boiled in small beer cure pleurisy. The Nemopanthus farcicidaris or Ilex canadensis, found in the Alleghany Mountains and Canada, has per- haps some of the same properties, since the bark is also employed for bird lime, and the wood by turners, &.c. 10 ILLICIUM. No. 54. Sp. Illidum floridanum. Leaves subverticillate, fiub- sessile, broad lanceolate, acuminate, entire, evergreen. nT^^f ri^Tm'M'^f J^^^I^^^^^J' ^^ong, obtuse. iJ^iOlvKiJf'llUJN. A handsome large evergreen, 10 to 20 feet high, with fine purple flowers, similar to those of Caiycanthus. The leaves grow in tufts or whorls three or four together, are similar to those of Kalmia, but sharp- er. The calyx is deciduous, shorter than the corolla, which has many (20 to £7) petals, oblong, linear or cu- neate; distorted, obtuse. The pistils form a kind of yel- low star in the centre. HISTORY. This Genus is nearly related to Magnolia a.nd Liriodendron. Two species, are both found in Florida, equally fragrant in all their parts, like the /. amsatum of China. Their fragrance is however dif- ferent; the Asiatic species smell like Aniseed, the 1. floridanum somewhat between Coriander and Magnolia, and the /. parviflorum exactly like Sassafras. This last is distinguished by small yellow flowers with few (7 to 9) round petals, and the leaves alternate. Both grow in East and West Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. They are worthy of cultivation for beauty and use, but demand the shelter of a green house in winter north of Virginia. Their bark and seeds ought to be collected for an article of trade. PROPERTIES. The Bark of /. floridanum is bitter, pungent, and aromatic, with a spicy, taste and smell. It is tonic, stimulant, and diaphoretic chiefly, like the barks of the Magnolias and of Cascarilla, to which it is equivalent. Bigelow has found in it mucilage, extractive, and an aroma soluble in the distilled water. The leaves and seeds have the same qualities. It may be substitu- ted for Cascarilla in some peculiar fevers, and for Ihe Starry Anise of commerce, which the Chinese chew after dinner as a stomachic and sweetener of the breath. They mix it also as condiment in some dishes, in tea and sher- bet, besides burning it as a perfume and considering it as an antidote to various poisons. The /. parviflorum has the same properties, but par- takes also of the qualities of Sassafras, to which it may gafely be substitutea as a sudorific and alterative. No. 55« JEFFERSONIA BARTOM. COMMON TWINLZiar, No. 55. JEFFERSONIA. 11 No. 53. JEFFERSONIA BARTONI. Names. Common Twinleaf. Fr. Jeffersone. Vulgar, Yellow Root, Helmetpod, Ground Squirrel Pea Classif. Nat. Order of Berberides. Octandria mono- gynia L. Genus JEFFERSONIA. Calyx 4 leaved, caducous, 8 petals, 8 stamina opposed to the petals, one pistil. Stigma sessile. Capsule obovate, substipitate, one celled, opening near the top by a transversal cut, top operculated. Seeds many, arillated, inserted on one side, opposite the fissure. Leaves all radical binate on long petioles. Scapes uniflore. Only one species was known, but in 1820 I discover- ed the J. adorata in Kentucky, and in 1830 observed they, hhata inCarr's garden, near Philadelphia. Their habit and properties being identic, I include them all in this article, and give their specific differences. 1. /. Bartoni, Mx. Folioles pendulous, entire, ob- lique, acute. Scape subclavate, stigma four lobed, cap- sule angular behind. 2. J. adorata, Raf. Folioles pendulous, entire, ob- lique, acute. Scape filiform, stigma capitate, sessile, cap- sule oblong, obovate. Varieties—l. Undulata. 2. Par- vifolia. 3. Cespitosa. 3. J. Lohata, Raf. Folioles erect, oblique, lobed on the outside, lobes acute, sinusses obtuse, petioles fistu- lose, capsules compressed and short. From Georgia the flowers are large and inodorous. ' DESCRIPTION of the S. hartoni. Root large, peren- nial, yellow, multiform. Radical leaves on long erect petioles, binate or twin, with two oblique folicles insert- ed on one side, each oval, acute, smooth. Scapes erect naked thicker above, bearing one single flower,very much like that ot Sanguinaria, white, inodorous. Petals ob- long, lanceolate, obtuse, longer than the calyx. Anthers HTc'^Soi'^''^''''^^"'' •'^'^'''"^ ^ If^e a helmet. niblORY. A very singular plant, mistaken by Lin- naus for a Popdophyllum and called P. diphyllum, dis- tinguished by Dr. B. Barton, who dedicated it to the 12 JUNIPERUS. No. 56. philosopher, naturalist, and Statesman, Jefferson. He called it binata, a name applying to all the species. Michaux gave it the actual name. It has since been wrongly united to the Nat. Order of Podophylacew, but I ascertained in 1820 that it belongs to Berberi'des, having the stamina equal, and opposed to the petals. It has a few varieties such as 1. Cespilosa,2. Gra7idi/Iora.3.Undulata, 4. Rosea, &c. It is found from Virginia and Maryland to Ohio and Missouri, chiefly near streams and rivers^ it appears to be unknown in Carolina, since Elliot has omit- ted it. By the singular leaves and seed-vessels, and the fragrant flowers of J. odorato, smelling like Narcissus jonquilla, these plants deserve cultivation in gardens: they blossom early in April, and the flowers are very fu- gacious, lasting only a few days. The squirrels eat the seeds. The J. odorata is chiefly confined to the western states, Ohio, Kentucky, &c., and the /. lobataio Carolina and Georgia. Their properties are alike. PROPERTIES. Similar to those of Hydrastis rather than Podophyllum, of which Barton ascribes to the root the taste, smell, and properties. It is yellow like the Eye- root, but much larger, it tsains of a yellow colour, and might be used as a tinctorial root. It is bitterish, some- what pungent and nauseous, like Hydrastis and many other roots. It is not cathartic so far as I know. The Indians used this plant in Dropsy, and as a diure- tic The root alone is available. I have seen some weighing a pound: the shape is very variable, but fre- quently knobby. It is very efficacious as a topical to- nic in sore eyes and sore legs. Other properties little known as yet, but deserving investigation. No. 56. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS L. Names. Common Juniper. Fr. Genievre coramun. Classif. Nat. Order of Coniferes. Dieocia monadel- phia L. Genus Junifkrus. Dioecious. Ament ovate, scales verticillate peltate, anthers three to eight, on a single ]Vo. 56, No. 56. JUNIPERUS. 13 filament. Fertile filament, globose, three scales, coadu- nate, stigma gaping. Berry formed by the united fleshy scales, inclosing one to three nuts. ^ Sp. Juniperus communis. L. Shrubby erect, leaves a ternate spreading, linear, mucronate, Ihining above fhf« "n .^'^'^^^^ the full descrfption of this well known shrub, which the\bove, and the figure IS amply sufficient to distinguish, I shall add the fha! 111,, aecumoent. Leaves ternate, snreadino- s„hiilat„ mucronate with a white stripe abovi, convex beneath llTf "i" '"""i"ate, amentsternate seS e' varTetv 'of thfr' ™k°*' <'"'P«'^- C»nsider'ed a 'a T„ 't % ■ fi™" by many botanists, but verv di« followino-: ' '^P^^^i^ar kind J. radicatus : or the , 3. ^V' Juniperus prostrata.lme of Europe, with No. 56. JUNIPERUS. 15 berries globular, three seeded. 4. True Savin with spreading leaves, berries compressed, bluish. The J. montana of Europe, was once reckoned as one ot the J. communis. It has crowded leaves, a cespitose stem, berries ovoid, not globular,- while the/, commwm* ftas slender, remote leaves, stem erect, berries globular, aark blue. Our American kind appears intermediate bj having the stem erect, shrubby^ but the leaves ciowded and broader, with larger berries. It is found ' PRnp&'i^'o^^7l-r'^.' mountains. PROPERTIES. _ Alike in all the species, stronger in ttie bavins, less violent m virginiana and the Ce- dars weaker in the true Junipers. Thej are stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, carminative, eccoprotic, anthel- mmtic, emmenagogue, &c. The berries, leaves, and wood may be used,- the berries have a stron-, nunVent aromatic smell and taste, somewhat sweet and Er,' containing an essential oil, tannin, and a sweet muci: ilfn .-^^^l^f^es and wood contain some of the oil also, m which resides the active properties The leaves are more acrid and bitter than the berries. The wood has a weaker taste and a better smell owing to a kind of resin called Sandarac, which it exuc esTfva™ countries, and resembling Copal, by a part beinVonlv soluble m other. This Jend^rs ^he^woid very d^abli and obnoxious to insects. Boxes made of itVeserve woollens from moths The Cedar wood is ligS, dole Tc" /entrf C^^^^^^ ^^^s, peSc!ls,t" uy carpenteis, sliip-builders, coopers, turners- if \l on^ lt"„"o'"' ""^ P™^^"- ^ '"Me its pe"! much less oil. They iimart tWi. fl= mmnte; or a decoction of the ^L.T" J' 16 KALMIA. No. 57. The leaves of Savin are the officinal parts. Those of our Cedars are used as equivalents with us, under the name of Saving but they are weaker than the European Savin, and often fail as emmenagogue, because the doses are regulated upon the European prescriptions. They have all the properties of the Junipers in a higher and even violent degree; they increase all the secretions, but may produce hemorrhagy and abortion, acting chiefly on the uterus. Pregnant women ought nevc" to use them; but they are very useful in dropsical complaints, menstrual suppressions, also in rheumatism, gout, worms, &c. in powder, conserve, or tincture. None but expe- rienced pliysicians ought to prescribe them. Farriers use them frequently in diseases of horses. Externally, the powdered leaves may be applied to warts, venereal excrescences, ulcers, carious bones, psora, tinea, and gangrenous sores, to heal them. The fresh leaves mixed with lard and wax, form a good perpetual epipastic, applied to a vesicated surface, keeping it open, and cnanging the discharge from a serous to a punform ap- pearance. No. 57. KALMIA LATIFOLIA. Names. Broadleaf Kalmia. Fr. Grande Kalmie. Vulgar. Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Rose Laurel, Cali- cobush, Big Ivy, Spoonwood, Lambkill, Sheep-poison, Wicke, &c. Classif. Nat. Ord. of Rhodoracea. Decandria mono- gynia L. Genus Kalmia. Cal. five parted, corolla h}T)Ocraten- form, five lobed, with ten cavities, ten stamina, anthers lodged in the cavities, one pistil, style, and stigma, cap- sule five celled, many seeded. Sp. Kalmia latifoUa. L. Leaves clustered, petiolate, oval lanceolate, acute, entire: corymbs terminal, viscid, and pubescent. . u • u DESCRIPTION. A shrub, four to ten feet high. Leaves evergreen, thick, coriacious, very smooth, lucid 'No* 5t. KALJOIA I.ATIFOI.IA. No. 57. KALMIA. 17 above, pale beneath, entire, acute at both ends, on short petioles, and grovi^ing at the end of the branches in clus- ters. Flowers very handsome, in terminal compound corymbs, trichotome, pubescent viscid, with small su- bulate tracteas. Flowers large, corolla of a rose colour, tube short, limbus like a cup, Avith five short acute lobes, ten long staminas, lodging their antlers in the ten cavi- ties of the corolla. HISTORY. A beautiful genus of evergreen shrubs, peculiar to North America, dedicated to Kalm, a Swedish traveller and botanist; several species belong to it, all highly valued in gardens as ornamental: this is the largest and most splendid. Their vernal blossoms are beautiful, but scentless. The K latifolia grows all over the mountains and hills of the United States. It pro- duces many varieties, such as 1. dlba, all the flowers white. 2. Maeulata, with purple spots. 3. Ternata, ^ with ternate leaves. 4. Acuminata. S. Ovatifolia, X 6. Arborect^ Sec. 5 It has been by many deemed poisonous to men and ,^ cattle. It is certainly deleterious to horses, calves, and ~ sheep feeding on it zn winter, because indigestible to ^^^^®P' soon relieved by oil, will swell and die. Yet deer and goats feed on the leaves, and can digest them. The American partridge, feeding on the buds in the winter, is said by some to become deleterious as tood. Bees collect honey on the flowers. The wood . is solt when fresh, but becomes hard and dense, nearly similar to box, much used for tools, instruments, and spoons. The Kalmia grows very slow, and lives a cen- tury or more. All the species of this genus having equal properties, ought to be slightly mentioned. ^ ^ i 1 2. K. angmtifolia, or Sheep Laurel. Leaves ternate, oblong, obtuse, rusty beneath. 3. K. glauca, or Swamp Laurel. Leaves opposite, oblong, glaucous beneath. ^ ^ ' 4. K rosmarinifotia. Leaves opposite, linear, revo- lute, green beneath. 6. a: cuneata. Leaves scattered, sessile, cuneate. oblong, pubescent beneath. In Carolina, &c B 2 18 LEONTODON. No. 58. I ^- ^- Hairy, leaves opposite and alternate, lanceolate, flowers axillary, solitary. Southern States. PROPERTIES. Narcotic, errhine, antisiphylitic, antiherpetic, &c. Rather dangerous internally, if it be true that the Indians killed themselves by a strong de- coction of It. More useful externally; powdered leaves einployed in tmea capitis, and in some fevers: with lard, they form a good ointment for herpes. Bigelow found m them tannin, resin, and mucilage only, yet Thomas asserts its narcotic qualities, and that the decoction even in small doses, produced vertigo, which Bigelow is inclined to disbelieve. Elliot states that the negroes of Carolina use the K. angiistifolia and K. hirsuta in a strong wash to cure the itch of men and dogs; it smarts, but cures effectually. It has also been used in psora and other cutaneous affections. It is stated to have been used in syphilis, but how is not told, probably in sores and ulcers. The brown powder of the leaves and seeds are errhine. Their tincture is powerful and dan- gerous: a few drops killed a rattle snake. No. 58. LEONTODON TARAXACUM. Names. Common Dandelion. Fr. Pissenlit commun. Vulgar. Pissabed, Puff-ball, &c. Classif. Nat. Order of Cichoracca. Syngenesia Equalis L. Genus Leontodon. Perianthe, or common calyx double, both polyphylle, many ligular florets, phoranttie naked, pappus stipitate and plumose. Sp. Leontodon taraxacum. L. Outer calyx reflexed, scapes fistulose and one-flowered, leaves runcinate, with toothed divisions. DESCRIPTION. It is a perennial plant, with the leaves all radical, smooth, oblong, and acute, cut up on the sides in a runcinate form, sometimes almost pinnati- iid, the divisions acute, toothed, unequal, like teeth of a large saw, sinusses acute, only one large mid rib; scapes or radical naked stems erect, from six to eighteen inches high, cylindric, fistulose, smooth, milky when No^ 58- MONTODUm TARAXACUlU COmiVXON DANDELION. No. 68. LEONTODON. 19 broken, bearing only one blossom, and growing in length while the blossom unfolds and decays. The two perianthes have lanceolate acute sepals, the outer ones shorter, lax, and spreading or reflexed, the inner one closely erect. Florets yellow, numerous, unequal, tigular, with five teeth; succeeded by black seeds, bear- ing a white stipitate plumose pappus, forming a spheri- cal ball. HISTORY. This well known plant is common to Europe, Asia, and America, in pastures and meadowsj it is spread all over the United States, and is really a native, not introduced. It blossoms during the whole year in succession from April to October. Although deemed a weed, it is not injurious. It spreads very fast by its seeds borne to a great distance by winds. Chil- dren use the seed-balls for playthings, as they may be blown off at a single blast. The name of Dandelion de rives from dent de lion, an old French name, meaning lion's tooth. The leaves were compared to lion's teeth by the Greeks and Romans. It affords many varieties: 1. Laciniata. 2. Sinuata. S.Lanceolata. 4. Folyphylla. 5. Unifiorn. 6. Longifolia, &c. PROPERTIES. Deobstruent, diuretic, hepatic, sub- tonic, corroborant, aperient, &c. The taste is slightly bitter, but not unpleasant; the leaves and root may be used. They contain a green resin, fecula, sugar, nitrate of potash and of lime, acetate of lime, &c. An excel- lent popular remedy for liver complaints, obstructions, jaundice, dropsy, hypochondria, &:c. The most usual way IS to eat the leaves in salad in the spring; they may be bleached like Endive, and in the same way. The juice of the leaves is also used, and their extract is very efficient. It promotes all the secretions, and removes obstructions of the viscera and glands. It is an excel- lent diet for scrofulous, dropsical, and hypochondrical patients. It has been used in induration of the liver, gravel, itch, impetegines, dyspepsia, and consumption. In this last, it acts only as a mild deobstruent. It is very good for the spleen. The milky juice of the stems removes freckles of the skin. 20 LEPTANDRA. No. 59. No. 59. LEPTANDRA PURPUREA. Names. Purple Leptandra. Fr. Leptandre rouge. Vulgar. Quitel, Hini, Physic-root, Black-root, Whorly- wort. Culvert-root, Brinton-root, Bovi'man-root. Classif. Nat. Ord. Pederotia. Diandria monogynia L. Genus Leptandra. Calix 5 parted, corolla tubular nearly equal, 4 fid, 2 stamina, and 1 style, both long and slender. Capsule oval, bilocula, semi-bivalve. Seeds many and central. Leaves verticillate, powers spiked. Sp. Leptandra purpurea. Raf. Smooth, stem round, leaves ternate, sessile, elliptic, both ends acute, unequally serrate, spike angular, verticillate, base interrupted. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, large, black, with many long fibres. Stem 15 to 20 inches high, simple, erect, smooth, round. Leaves vi^horled by three, sessile, smooth, longer than the intermodes he\ow, shorter above : of a broad oblong form, breadth 2-5ths of the length, somewhat cuneate and entire at the base, end acute, margin with unequal serrate teeth, sometimes double serrate in the middle J nerved and pale beneath. Flowers in a hand- some single terminal, spike 3 to 4 inches long, purplish, rachis angular, bearing crowded whorls of flowers, sepa- rated towards the base^ each flower has a small bract, oval, acuminate. Calix with 5 equal divisions, oval acu- minate, somewhat ciliate, corolla tubular, cylindric, lim- bus with 4 oval acute divisions, nearly equal. Two fila- ments twice as long as the corolla, anthers fulvous, ob- long, obtuse, sulcate. Style as long as filaments, stig- ma simple acute. HISTORY. The Veronica FiVg-tmca of Linnaeus was widely different from the genus in habit and characters, and 3 or 4 species were blended under that name. I formed with it the Genus Callistachya in 1803, but find- ing that Brown had established an Australian genus of that name, I changed it to Eustachya: both meaning fine spike. But in 1818 Nuttall called it Leptandra; that name meaning slender stamina, being equally good, and now more generally adopted. I have used it here, although I had published, in 1820, a Monography of the Eustachya and its 4 species, wherein I first des- JVo. 59. liEPTAIVDRA PURPUREA. .J No. 59. LEPTANDRA. £1 cribed the purple kind. The others were the Ve- ronica Sibirica of L. or Leptandra Cerulea, and the v. virginica of Thunberg, very different from ours, which must be called L. japonica, bes des the true F. virginica of L. which I designate as follows, and call 2. Leptandra alba; stem angular and smooth, leaves verticil I ated, commonly bj five, senii-petiolate, lanceolate, acuminate, unequally and mucronately serrate, spikes dense, cylindrical, flowers white. This is therefore very different from my purpurea. It is, however, the most common species, being found all over the United States, while the L. purpurea is confin- ed to the savanas of the South and the West. They have both the same properties, and are used promiscuously. The L. alba has many varieties, such as — 1. Qua- drifolia. 2. Multicaulis. 3. Polystachya. 4. Macrosta- drya. 5. ^ngustifoUa, &c. The L. purpurea has fewer — 1, Heterophylla, upper leaves opposite, ovate. 2. ProUfera, spike subramose. 3. Pallida^ with pale or whitish flowers. A third species of this genus appears to grow in the United States, very different from the L. alba and pur- purea. It is the Veronica virginica described by Vahl and Poiset, but not L. Mr. Schriveinitz has found it in North Carolina; it may be called, and designated as follow: > 3. Leptandra villosa. Stem round, branched, hairy, and brown; leaves oval lanceolate, subpetiolate, sub- serrate, acuminate, hairy, and brownish beneath, lower whorls by five, upper by three or four, and sessile; spike cylindrical, pubescent, base lax, bracts subulate, calix lanceolate, unequal, flowers white. These plants blossom in summer, and are very orna- mental, but scentless. They have many local names: the Delaware Indians call them Quitel; the Missouri and Usages Ht?ii; black root is a name common to many plants and liable to deceive; the Pterocaulon is thus called in the South, and the Botrophis in many parts. Ihe local names of Bowman, Brinton, Culvert, were given from men who used the roots in practice. PROPERTIES. The root alone Is medical; it is bitter and nauseous, has never been analyzed, and is commonly use ' in warm decoction as purgative and 22 LOBELIA. No. 60- emetic, acting somewhat like the Eupatorium and Ver- bena hastata; some boil it in milk for a milder cathartic or as a sudorific in pleurisy. A strong decoction of the tresh roots is a violent and disagreeable, but effectual and popular remedy in the Western States for the sum- mer bilious feversj some physicians depend upon it alto- gether. The roots loose much of their virulence by drying, and a drachm of the powder becomes an uncer- tain purgative: while, when fresh, they are drastic and dangerous in substance, and said to produce bloody stools, dizziness, vertigo, and abortion. The safest way is to use It in weak and cold infusion. Employed also for rheumatism, spasms, and bilious complaints. No. 60. LOBELIA INFLATA. Names. Common Lobelia. Fr. Lobelie enflee. Vul- gar. Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Emetic Weed, Puke Weed, Asthma Weed. Classif. Nat. Ord'er of Lobelides. Syngenesia mo- nogamia L. Genus Lobelia. Calyx superior, five cleft. Corolla monopetalous, irregular, five cleft, tube cleft on one side, five stamina, epigyuous, monadelphous, and syngene- sious, one style and stigma, capsule two or three celled, cells opening by pores, many minute seeds. Sp. Lobelia inflata. L. Branching and hairy, leaves sessile, ovate, denticulate, flowers in slender racemes, axillary to oblong bracts, capsules swelled. DESCRIPTION. Biennial plant, one or two feet high, stem milky, erect, ramose, flexuose, subangular, hirsute; leaves alternate, oval or oblong, acute, sessile, or semi-amplexicaule, unequally serrate or toothed, pu- bescent, iMcemes of flowers terminal, erect, foliose: flowers remote, each nearly sessile and axillary to a bract, somewhat similar to the leaves, but smaller, the upper ones smallest; lower flowers pedunculated; ovary swelled, oval, globose; calyx with five unequal subulate divisions; corolla small blue. Capsule crowned by the calix, swelled, striated, two-celled, full of very minute seeds. JSfo. 60. I.OB£I.XA IIVFJLATA. No. 60. LOBELIA. 23 HISTORY. The genus Lobelia is dedicated to Lo- bel, an old botanist. It contains a great variety of species, fifteen of which grow in the United States; many are handsome ornamental plants. This species is not such, but has very important qualities. It grows all over the United States in fields and woods, blossoming from July to November ; the flowers are very small, but singular; when broken, a milky acrid juice is emitted; the root is fibrous, yellowish white, acrid and nauseous: it is biennial, throwing out the first year only a few ra- dical roundish leaves. When horses and cattle eat it, they are salivated, producing what is commonly called the Slavers, which debilitates them, and for which cab- bage leaves are said to be a remedy. I was informed that some horses eat it on purpose to medicate them- selves; several Euphorbias produce the same effect. It produces many varieties, such as — 1. Simplex. 2. Ela- tior. 3. Jilbiflora. 4. Angustifolia, &c. PROPERTIES. One of the most powerful and effi- cient emetic, narcotic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, su- vorific, diuretic, anti-asthmaic, and sialagogue. It con- tains an acrid principle, caoutchouc, and extractive, ac- cording to Dr. Bigelow. In its effects it acts very much like tobacco, but the action is more speedy, diffusible, .and short; besides, affecting even those who are accus- tomed to tobacco. The herbalist, Samuel Thompson, clamis in his guide of health to have discovered the pro- perties of this plant towards 1790; but the Indians knew some of them; it was one of their puke weeds, used by them to clear the stomach and head in their great coun- cils. Its medical properties have since been confirmed and elucidated by Doctors Cutler, Dorsey, Thatcher, Bigelow, Barton, Bradstreet, Randall, Eberle, &c. It IS now extensively used, although many physicians con- sider it as a deleterious narcotic, uncertain and dana-e- rous in practice: while Thompson denies it, and consi- ders it as harmless, depending almost altogether upon it in his new and singular practice of medicine, borrowed chieHy from the steaming and puking practice of the Indian tribes. The whole plant is used, but the most powerful part are the seeds, as in Hyosciamus. The medical effects are speedy and very powerful, but va- 24 LOBELIA. No. 60. rious, according to the preparations, doses, and tempe- raments. In large doses, it is a deadly narcotic, like tobacco and, henbane, producing alarming svmp oms, continual vomiting, trembling, cold sweat, Ld evei death. It appears to act upon the brain rather than the stomach, as usual with narcotics, and is therefore dan- gerous m practice, unless prescribed with great care and caution. In strong doses it produces great relaxa- tion, giddiness, head-ache, debility, and perspiration: m moderate doses it causes sickness in the stomach and vomiting, a prickly sensation through the whole system, acting therefore on the nervous system, and beinff a very diffusible stimulant of it. It has been recommended in some shape or other for almost every disease; but those for which it is most effi- cient are spasmodic asthma, bronchial cough, tetanus or lockjaw, and strangulated hernia. In asthma parti- cularly, it appears to be almost a specific, although it has failed in some cases when the disease was not spas- modic; it has lately been introduced in Europe as a remedy for this complaint, and with decided advantage. It must be used in that case until it produces nausea and vomiting, while for the other diseases, it is better to give small doses, frequently repeated; it avails thus for pneumonia and cough caused by accumulated mucus in the bronchias. For hernia, it is given in injection, like tobacco, which produces a complete relaxation, when the hernia can easily be reduced. Its effects in croup, rheumatism, dyspepsia, hooping-cough, catarrh, leucor- hea, &c. are nriore doubtful: although in catarrh it ap- pears to act like squill and antimony. Schoepf men- tions it only as astringent and useful in opthalmia, but probably by mistake. It has no cathartic effect, as once asserted. Thatcher has given a case of hydrophobia cured by it in the last stage; this deserves attention, as the plant, by its effects on the mouth and system, ap- pears calculated to avail in this fatal disease; but the subject has not yet been properly pursued. The prac- tice of Thompson to use it in every thing, fevers, con- sumption, measles, jaundice, &c. is preposterous. It is not even a proper emetic for common use, as we have 80 many much milder. In consumption it is baneful. No. 60. LOBELIA. 25 because it prostrates the patient without relieving the symptoms. It is, however, the base of many quack medicines for consumption, which are violent and dan- gerous; they are erroneously called Indian specifics, tlie Indians having no specific for the disease, but only palliatives. This plant loses its active properties by boiling or even scalding. It must be used in substance or tinc- ture ; the seeds and young leaves are strongest; the whole plant is commonly collected in the fall when in se^, and pulverised. One single grain is sometimes sufficient to produce emesis, while a moderate dose is said to be about ten grains of the powder. A tea spoon full of the tincture is the usual dose; when made with the seeds it is more efficient, and Mr. Cannon has told me that a single dose has cured the lockjaw, by relaxing instantly the jaws and the whole system; it must be poured by the sides of the mouth. One pound of the p ant IS directed to be infused in a gallon of diluted alcohol. The aqueous cold infusion is equally good. 1 consider the best and most available use of this plant to be m all nervous diseases, fits, convulsions, spasms, asthma, tetanus, St. Vitus' dance, and perhaps hydro- phobia. I venture to recommend its trial in all these disorders, but not to depend upon it in any other. The other species of this genus ought to be investi- gated; some, by their taste, appear to have properties somewhat similar, but milder, and thus perhaps are pre- ferable; such are the Lobelia siphititica, L. cardinaUs, L. claytomana, &c. The two first named have already attracted some attention ; they are called blue and red Cardinal Flowers, and are handsome ornamental plants Ihey are figured by W. Barton fig. 47 and 53 L. siphilitico has large blue flowers in a foliose spike, calyx with reflexed sinusses and oblong leaves; com- mon in woods and roads. It has been analyzed in France, and found to contain a new substance similar to butter, sugar, mucilage, and malates, besides traces of amanne, silex, iron, muriate and phosphate of lime, lignin, &c It IS a lactecent, acrid, and nauseous plant also, which has been deemed long ago to be diuretic repellent, cathartic, emetic, and anti-siphilitic; but iJ^ C 26 LYCOPUS. No. 61. properties are rather similar to L. injluta, although less, active; it is chiefly sudorific and diuretic, and its pro- perties ace not so easily destroyed by heat, since it is used in decoction and extract. The root has been chiefly used instead of the plant ; dose, five to twenty grains of the extract in dropsy. The Northern Indians used it for the cure of syphilis, in conjunction with Prunus and Podophyllum, and in strong decoction, wash- ing also the ulcers with it, and sprinkling them with the powder of Ceanothus ; but it has failed in the hands of physicians, and only availed in some cases of gonorrhea, acting then as a diuretic. Henry recommends to unite to it Geranium maculatum and willow bark as astrin- gents. It disagrees with the stomach, and often causes griping, purging, and vomiting. Li. cardinalis has large scarlet flowers in a long naked raceme, leaves oval lanceolate, acuminate at both ends. Found near streams and marshes. The taste is similar to L. inflata. The root has chiefly been employed in decoction by the Cherokee Indians in syphilis, and against worms. It is said to be equivalent to Spigelia or pinkroot. These properties deserve further inquiry, as the whole genus Lobelia appears to be more or less medical with us ; the otlier species have not yet been tried: one species (perhaps L. clayioniana) is said to be used as a mild diuretic in Carolina. No. 61. LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS. Names. Bugleweed. Fr. Lycope de Virginie. Vul- gar. Water Bugle, Buglewort, Water Horehound, Gypsie Weed, Paul's Betony. Classif. Nat. Order of Labiate. Diandria monogy- nia L. Genus Lycopus. Calix four or five cleft, corolla tu- bula, four cleft, nearly equal, upper segment broader and emarginate, two distant stamina, four retuse seeds; /lowers verticillate. Sp. Lycopus virginicus. Stem simple, angles obtuse, leaves broad lanceolate, serrate, base attenuated, entire, JVo, 61. No. 61. LYCOPUS. 27 end acuminate, surface rough, dotted beneath, calix quadrifid, acute, shorter than the seeds. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, creeping, and fibrous, stem erect, commonly simple, somewhat rough, \rith four furrows and four obtuse angles, leaves oppo- site, sessile, acuminate, or attenuated and entire at both ends, remote serrate in the middle, broad lanceolate, as long as the internodes, somewhat rough, covered with glandular dots beneath^ flowers sessile, in small axillary whorls, very small, two small subulate bracteas under each flower, calix with four ovate-lanceolate and acute segments, corolla white, tubular, with four small round lobes, upper larger and notched, two stamina, hardly exert, filiform, style exert, four seeds longer than the calix, obovate, compressed, crenate at the top. HISTORY. The genus Lycopus merely differs from Mentha, or mint, by having only two stamina instead of four. The name means Wolf-foot. This species must form a peculiar sub-genus, which I call Euhemus, meaning good for the blood, distinguished from all the other species by the /owr cleft, short calyx, and crenulate long seeds. It affords many varieties, some of which might even be deemed species, they are: 1. Var. Gracilis. Stem simple, one or two feet high, slender, leaves remote. 2. Var. Microphylus. Rough, glaucous, leaves small, oval lanceolate, crowded, stem branched, six to ten inches high. 3. Var. Ruber. Rough, leaves oval lanceolate, ruo-ose, tinged with red, crowded, whorls multiflore. ° 4. Var. Latifolius. Rough, glaucous, afoot high, leaves ovate, with large teeth, very crowded, whorls multiflore, seeds large, almost cristated above. 5. Var. Sylvaticus. Stem smooth, two feet hio-h often branched, flpxuose, leaves subpetiolate, twice^'as long as the internodes, oval or obovate, acuminate, with large teeth. In the woods of Kentucky and Ohio. All these agree in the calix and seeds, as well as the medical properties, and must be distinguished from the other species of the genus, which have somewhat diffe- rent properties, and may be easily known, although their habit is similar, by noticing the calix with five long and r 28 LYCOPUS. No. 61. spinose segments, seeds shorter and obtuse, not crenu- lated. As thej are also medical, I shall give their cha- 1. LyeojMs vidgaris, Pars, or L. sinuatus E. {Euro- peus L.) Smooth, stem branched, with four sharp an- gles, leaves crowded, sinuate, lanceolate, with long acu^ teeth, both ends attenuated. Several varieties: 1. Trachigonus with rough angles, teeth lanceolate. 2. Hepens (Lyc. sinuatus of Elliot.) Creeping, leaves rugose, deeply sinuated. 3. ^ngustifolius. Leaves nar- row lanceolate, upper ones less sinuated. 4. Latifolius. Leaves broad, lanceolate, sinuate, serrate. Common to Europe and America. 2. Lycopus heterophyllus, Raf. (Exaltatus, Elliot, not L.) Stem tall and branched, angles acute, leaves petio- late, pmnatifid, segments narrow, subserrate, upper leaves sessile, linear lanceolate, subserrate. Varieties 1. Bipinnatifidus. 2. Dissectus. 3. Angustatus. 3. Lycopus longifolius, Raf (angustifolius, Elliot.) Stem simple, hispid, angles striated and acute; all the leaves sessile, linear, lanceolate, elongated, remote ser- rate, attenuated at both ends. Var. 1 . Gracilis. 2. Li- nearifolius. In the South and West. 4. Lycopus paucijiorus, Raf [Pennsyh aniens, Mg.) Stem nearly simple and smooth, angles striated and acute, leaves all similar, lanceolate, remote, serrate, sub- petiolate, acuminate, whorls pauciflore. Var. 1. Hirsu- ius. 2. Flexuosus. 5. Lycopus uniflorus, Mx. Leaves lanceolate, sub- serrate, smooth, suckers pecumbent, flowers nearly solitary. 6. Lycopus obtusifolius, Vahl. Leaves lanceolate, obtuse, with remote obtuse teeth. These two last are boreal plants. All the species are cstival plants, blossoming in sum- mer, and growing near water, ditches, creeks,°swamps, &c. Although so similar to mint, their properties are totally different, not being at all stimulant nor heating. All the species have minute glandular dots under the leaves, affording the smell and a peculiar essential oil. To this oil, probably, the plants owe their active proper- ties: it is easily soluble in hot or boiling water. They No. 61. LYCOPUS. 29 contain also a little tannin, although they are scared j astringent, yet Schoepf says they dye black with vitriol. PROPERTIES. The L. virginicus is an excellent sedative, subtonic, subnarcotic, and subastringent. It has only lately been taken notice of, when the Z. vul- garis was extolled in Europe for fevers. Schoepf only mentions its qualities, and it is omitted in all the books of Materia Medica, except Ives and Zollickofter. The first inquirers on its properties were Drs. Pendleton and Rogers, of New York, who have published several cases of Hemoptysis and incipient phthisis cured by it. This has been confirmed by Drs. J. M. Smith, Ives, Lawrence, and myself. It is now much used in New York and New Jersey. The whole plant is employed; it has a balsamic terebinlhaceous smell, peculiar to itself, when bruised, which is stronger in the seeds. The taste IS pleasant, balsamic, and slightly bitter, but to some it appears mawkish and nauseating. It is described as I^rtaking of the properties of Digitalis, Sangiiinaria, £otrophis, and Spigelia ; but it is neither emetic nor anthelmintic, and is rather one of the mildest and best narcotics in existence. It acts somewhat like Digita- lis, and lowers the pulse, without producing any of its bad effects, nor accumulating in the system. It is, therefore, altogether preferable to it, and not only an equivalent, but even a valuable substitute, as I have ascertained upon myself and many others. Volumes have been written on the Digitalis, a rank poison, and this excellent substitute is hardly noticed yet. It has, how- ever, been used in the New York Hospital, and found very beneficial; it lessens the frequency of the pulse, allays irritation and cough, by equalizing the blood. It 18 said to be most useful when febrile excitement has been subdued; but I have seen it to subdue it by itself or with other tonics. I have made many experiments on this plant, and the results are, that although it does not cure the consumption, nor heal the lungs, it is very usetul in hemoptysis, a plethoric habit, and internal in- flammation. I consider it as a very good substitute to all narcotics, Prussic acid, and even to bleeding, since it produces the same state of the pulse and arterial system, c 2 ' so LYCOPUS. No. 61. without inducing any debility, nor acting on the heart or brain in any injurious manner. It may be used in many diseases, and whenever it is required to quell inordinate actions of the blood, or even other fluids. I have been informed that it is commonly used in New Jersey for diarrhoea and dysentery, which it helps to cure. It is a good adjunct to tonics in fevers. It IS also pecuharlj useful in the inflammatory diseases ot the drunkards, in diseases of the heart, &c. I deem It the best sedative m almost all cases; it does not ap- pear to act on the nervous system, but chiefly over the blood vessels. The usual way to take it has been in the torm of a warm infusion, allowed to cool, taken as a diet drink, and without much nicety about the quantity. In hemoptysis, I prefer a lemonade made with a weak tea of it, or a syrup made with it, A very strong infu- sion may also be used, by putting one or two spoonsful of it in tonic or refrigerant drinks. The Lycopus vulgaris has lately been extolled in Eu- rope in fevers, and is said to have cured intermittents alone. As its qualities are very near alike those of L. virginicus, being only a little more tonic and astringent, and a little less narcotic and sedative: they may, per- haps, be tried as mutual equivalents in fevers and in- flammatory disorders. All the species appear to have somewhat similar qualities and properties; but it is best to trust to the L. virginicus alone as a sedative. The dried plants preserve their properties for many years. I have prepared a compound syrup of it with Eupatoi-ium and other tonics, which I have found very useful in ca- tarrhs, pneumonia, hemoptysis, &c. It induces diapho- resis without debility, and acts as a tonic sedative, an article till now almost unknown in materia medica. Cutler says that the Z. virginicus is used in New Eng- land to dye wool, linen, and silk of a black colour. I cannot tell why this plant has received the name of Bugle, which properly belongs to the Ajuga reptana of Europe. ■ I ]Vo. 62. No. 62. MAGNOLIA. SI No. 62. MAGNOLIA MACROPHYLLA. Names. Bigleaf Magnolia. Fr. Magnolia grande feuille. Vulgar. Laurel, Elk Wood, Itomico, Silver- leaf, Bigleaf, Whitebay, Beaver Tree, Elkbark, Biff- bloom. ° ■Classif. Nat. Ord. Magnolidia. Polyandria poljgy- nia L. Genus Magnolia. Calix three leaved, six or nine petals, many stamina, pistils many, imbricate on a re- ceptacle oval or oblong, capsules manj-, united in large cones, bivalve, one or two seeded, seeds fleshy berry like pendulous. Sn. Magnolia macrophylla, Mx. Branches brittle, medullar: leaves very ample, obovate or oblont»-, base subcordate, glaucous beneath, six petals oblong ob- tuse, cone oval. * DESCRIPTION. A small tree from ten to fifty feet high with few branches and leaves, bark smooth and white, leaves at the end of the branches very large, from a toot to a yard long, very smooth, white beneath, and bright green above, base narrow and cordate, end broader but acute, margin entire, flowers solitary at the end of the branches, very large, sometimes one foot broad when expanded, petals six, white, with a red spot near the base cuneate at the base, obovate oblono-, H. tuse or bhmt, stamina and pistils yellow, pistils" in a Incf eX'g^"^' ' ''"^ ^ ^^^^ -bolt six HISTORY. The most wonderful species of the most beautiful genus of American trees. Although exceTed irof-^lf'^^^r'i'' .-«nrf^>.«, it excels ?n he sue ot i s leaves and flowers, and has the largest leaf among all our trees except the palms. The flower?are also inf ' ."1?^ ^" Mly and June. It was sun posed that his tree was confined to a few disMcts S North Carolina, but it extends over the Allegheny and Gumber and mountains of Virginia, Kentuckyf Tennes see, and Alabama. I found^it very common on fh.' Rockcastle and Cumberland rivers, and a? the Fa where it forms a prominent feature in the scenery ' u 32 MAGNOLIA. No. 62. is rave in gardens, and highly valued; it requires a rocky and moist soil, grows quick, and begins to blos- som when only five feet high. The genus Magnolia is dedicated to a French bota- nist. It includes about ten American species, and as many Asiatic: all are handsome, ornamental, and me- dical. Ours are chiefly found in the Southern States, but the M. glauca extends to New England. They are promiscuously called Laurels, Beaver-wood, Elk-wood, Sweet Bay, Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree, &c. and by the Southern Indians Itomico, which means royal treej they consider it the emblem of peace, as we do the olive. Some are evergreen; all have blossoms and leaves more or less fragrant, an aromatic bark, and a white soft wood of little use, except the M. grandiflora, which has a hard compact wood of a straw colour, useful for plank and timber. All have vernal white flowers, except il£ cordata, which has yellow flowers. All our fol- lowing species are equally medical. 2. M. grandiflora. Large evergreen tree, leaves oval lanceolate, thick, rusty beneath, six petals obovate, cones conical. 3. M. fragrans. Raf. in fl. Lud. 1817. Evergreen tree, leaves oblong, acute at both ends, pale beneath, six to nine petals, obovate, cones oblong, flowers four inches in diameter. 4. M. glauca. Shrubby, not evergreen, leaves elliptic, obtuse, glaucous beneath, nine petals, obovate, cones ovate. 5. M. acuminata. Large tree, not evergreen, leaves oval, acuminate, pubescent beneath, nine obovate petals, cones cylindrical. 6. M. tripetala. Small tree, not evergreen, leaves ample, cuneate, nine oblong petals, three reflexed, cones oblong. 7. M. cordata. Small tree, not evergreen, leaves small, oval, acute, base cordate, submentose beneath, petals nine, lanceolate, acute, yellow, cones cylindric. 8. M. auriculata. Small tree, not evergreen, leaves cuneate, base auriculate, green beneath, nine petals, lan- ceolate, cones oblong, cylindric. ! I Wo, 63, No. 63. MENYANTHES. 33 9. M. pyramidata. Large tree, not evergreen, leaves obovate, base sagittate, green beneath, petals and cones oblong. PROPERTIES. The medical parts in the order of their strength, are the bark of the root, bark of the trees, the cones, buds, and leaves. They contain a bitter extract, resin, and camphor. The taste is bitter aromatic, without hardly any astringency. The smell IS pleasant, somewhat similar to Laurus, Acorus, and Benzoin, fugacious, and soon lost in the dried bark: chiefly tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and stomachic. All tlie kinds may be used, and are equal to Liriodendron, Cascarilla, Cornus, &c. Extensively employed in the South and by the Indians in fevers and rheumatism.' The tincture of the fresh bark and cones is one of the best preparations: it avails in intermittents of an atonic nature, equally to cinchona: also in typhoid fevers, but' above all in chronic rheumatism. The cones infused in spirituous liquors are a popular stomachic, and prophy- lactic against fevers. The powdered bark may be given m doses of a drachm four or five times a day, or in de- coctions and infusions; it may be united to the snake roots with advantage. Their use is improper in all in- flammatory fevers, and the abuse of their tinctures is hurttul. Ihe bark and cones ought to be collected and become an article of trade. The Liriodendron bark is olten substituted as less stimulant. They are equiva- lent; the Magnolia is preferable in great debility, ner- vous and rheuniatismal atony. ^ No. 63. MENYANTHES VERNA. dV^r"*/;"'"""^..^"?^''"^"- Menyanthe trefle Bit?"; Roof Shamrock, nogynia L.^'*' Gantianides. ?entandria mo- rnlJn? fi M^7it''''"-'^f- ^^^^^ fi^e parted, persistent, above fiv'" f"^'' ""'^ " '^'""l^ tube, segments fringed above, five stamens, shorter than the corolla, one style, 34 MENYANTHES. No. 63. stigma bifid, capsule ovate, one celled, bivalve, seeds numerous, inserted on the valves. Sp. Menyanthes verna, Raf. Radical leaves triparted, segments oblong obovate, obtuse, erose, scapes race- mose, longer than the leaves, raceme conical, bracts ovate, concave, shorter than the peduncles, corolla fring- ed at the base, not ciliated. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, creeping, jointed, leaves and scapes proceeding from the joints, sheathed at the base by broad, oblong, obtuse stipules, leaves on long terete petioles, cut up into three deep segments or folioles, sessile, oblong, oboval, obtuse, somewhat repand or erose on the margin, thick and glabrous, scape as- cending, terete smooth, about a foot high, bearing a co- nical raceme of flowers. Peduncles scattered, streight axillary to shorter bracts, ovate, obtuse, concave, calix subcampansitate, five parted, acute; corolla white, with a red tinge, a short tube, five oval acute segments, spreading or revolute, fringed at the base above, by ob- tuse fibres, five short erect stamens, anthers sagittate, germ ovate, style terete, persistent, stigma compressed and bifid, capsule with two valves, bearing numerous minute seeds in lateral receptacles. HISTORY. This plant is common to the north of the two continents. The American plant, figured here, is confined to the North, in Canada, New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, but it spreads in the mountains as far South as Virginia. It forms a peculiar species called variety Mnor, by Michaux and Bigelow, which is well distinguished from the M. trifoliata of Europe, of which the characters are : M. trifoliata. L. Leaves triparted, segments oval, obtuse, repand, scapes racemose, shorter than the leaves, raceme slender, bracts lanceolate acute, co- rolla ciliated and fringed all over above ; flowers rose colour, blossoming in summer. It is a beautiful plant, growing in or near marshes, bogs, ponds, a'fid brooks, blossoming in April and May. The generic name means Moonflower ; it is one ot the shamrocks, vegetable emblems of Ireland. PROPERTIES. Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, pur- gative, asthritic, antipsoric, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, d No. 64. MOIVARDA COCCIIVEA, SCAHLZST ROSEBALm. No. 64. MONARDA. 35 &c. as in M. trifoliata. The whole plant is bitter, like Gentian, but the root is more intensely so. It contains a resin and an extractive matter, soluble in water and alcohol, much esteemed in Europe, and even esteemed a kind of panacea in Germany. In small doses of about ten grains, it imparts vigour to the stomach and the whole frame, cures intermittent and remittent fevers, &c. In large doses of a drachm, or a strong decoction, it acts* like Eupatorium perfoliatum, producing purging, vomit- ing, and profuse perspiration. Its unpleasant bitter taste renders it inconvenient for that purpose. It has been used with success in many other disorders, gout rheumatism, herpes, dropsy, scurvy, and worms. It keeps off the paroxysm of gout, and Boerhaave cured himself by drinking its juice with whey. Its tea was tound good in cutaneous and scorbutic affections. It acts as a powerful bitter tonic, and may be used when- ever indicated ^ the powder, tincture, and infusion are equally efficient. In Lapland and Germany, it is sub- stituted for hops in beer^ one ounce is equal to one pound ot hops. Sheep will sometimes eat it, notwithstanding Its bitterness. * No. 64. MONARDA COCCINEA. ^ame^. Scarlet Rosebalm. Fr. Monarde ecarlatte F«/gar. Mountain Mint, Oswego Tea, Mountain Balm Horse Mmt, Squarestalk, Red Balm. ' ^^1'"' Classif. Nat. Order of Labiate. Didynamia gym- nospermia. L. ^ Genus Monarda. Calix tubular, five toothed, corolla ingent with a long tube, upper lip' linear, invoking the ilaments, lower hp reflexed trilobe, two lon^ exert sta St^nt X: '^'^-^^ -ds^ in Z Sp. Monarda coccinea. Raf. Stem with four acute an- b es leaves petiolate, oval or lanceolate, or ubcordate pubescent, subserratej flowers capitate, involScrate : Ja»ceolate r corolla lar "e and scarlet. Many varieties which have sometimef been n 63 MONARDA. No. 64 deemed species, but all the Monardas with scarlet flow- ers, appear to me to form only one species, and as the Linnsean name of M. didyma applies to only one varie- ty, I have changed it for a better- one. 1. Var. Cordata. Leaves subcordate, oval lanceolate, acAiminate. 2. Var. Didyma. Leaves ovate, acuminate, heads double. 3. Var. Frolifera. Leaves oval or lanceolate, heads proliferous. 4. Var. Grandiflora. Leaves oval lanceolate, acute, heads simple, very large. This is figured here. 5. Yky. Jingustifolia. Leaves ovate lanceolate, acu- minate, base attenuated, stem slender. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, large fibrose stem, erect, three to four feet high, branched, tetragone, angles acute, somewhat pubescent; leaves opposite, petiolate, commonly oval lanceolate, but sometimes almost ovate, base round or subcordate, end acute or acuminate, mar- gin with remote serratu res, surface pubescent and nerved. Flowers in terminal multiflore heads, of a bright scarlet colour, the heads sometimes proliferous, involucrate by large lanceolate bracts, coloured red, acuminate, mem- branaceous; flowers sessile, crowded, with smaller bracts interjected; calix tubular, cylindrical, striated, with five subulate equal teeth; corolla very large, tube com- pressed, the two lips elongated narrow, upper curved, channelled, notched, lower with three small lobes ; sta- mina and style long and filiform. r -vt xu HISTORY. One of the handsomest plants ot North America, with sweet leaves and many heads of flowers of a bright scarlet. It is cultivated in the gardens ot America and Europe for its beauty, and its medical pro- perties give it additional value. The whole genus Mo- narc/a is beautiful, and peculiar to North America; it is dedicated to Monard, a French botanist. There arc eighteen or twenty species known already, all more oi less medical, but the M coccinea and M. imndata have been best investigated. They are commonly estival plants, blossoming in summer. The M. coccinea is found from Canada to Pennsylvania, and even further South in the Allegheny mountains; it delights near pure streams and in rich soil. No. 64, MONARDA. 37 This genus offers several anomalies, and must there- fore be divided into three subgenera, as follows : 1. True Monarda. Calyx with five equal teeth, flow- ers capitate, involucrate, such as I. M. coccinea. 2. M. Jistulosa. 3. M. oblongata. 4. M. clinopodia. 5. M. purpurea. 6. M. bradburiana. 7. M. scabra. 8. M. ru- gosa. 9. M. mollis, &c. 2. Cheilyctis. Raf. Calyx with five unequal teeth, flowers verticillate, involucrate, M. punctata. _3. Blephilia. Raf, Calyx bilabiate, upper lip shorter, bidentate, lower tridentate, flowers verticillate, brac- teated. 1. M. hirsuta. 2. M. ciliata, 3. M. becki, &c. 1 have seen in the Western States many new species or varieties of this genus ; but I am not yet prepared to give a complete monography of them. I shall merely indicate here three presumed new species of mine. \. rigida. R. Stem simple, stiff, rough, leaves sessile, amplexicaule, rough, oval, subcordate, nearly entire, acute, head terminal ; involucre lanceolate, acu- minate, stiff, flowers pale purple. In west Kentucky, among rocky hills. A true Monarda. 2. M. virgata. R. Stems simple, smooth, fistulose, angles acute leaves very far remote, petiolate, lanceo! late, acute, base subcordate, glaucous beneath, nearly entire ; head terminal, small ; involucre oblong, acute, cihate ; flowers of a pale flesh colour. Prairies of lilt' nois and Arkansas. anfiefnS'T''' ^' (^1^?^^!^) Stem simple, smooth, angles acute, leaves subsessile, linear lanceolate, en- tire, smooth, whorls terminal, aphyllous, bracts ^vate Z inZTt\'''r''^'''^ --'j«-ooth, colour! In east Kentucky, m meadows and pastures Flowers purple as well as the bracts. Pastures. J^^^^^'^^^f' • V'' Pl^"t has a grateful smell, somewhat similar to Dittany and Balmf much stronger when bruised. The taste is pun-ent warm bitterish, &c. It is resolvent, tonic, febrifu^'e, neTvTn^' TmL f ^'^^^ ^^[^"g aromatic and volatile oil, of aa ainber colour, m which resides the properties • t con tains ,n solution a camphor of a citroS cKr! 'schoepf has long ago recommended this plant in int^rmitL't 38 MONARDA. No. 64. fevers ; it appears to be equal to camomile, and makes a more palatable tea. It has been called Oswego tea, be- cause first used by the Indians near Oswego lake. It unites the properties of sage, Melissa, and j^nthemis, to which it is equivalent j but it is more effectual than either, particularly in fevers, pleurisies, &c. besides being used successfully in many other diseases, such as ardour of urine, piles, rheumatism, hemiplegia, paralysis, coldness of limbs, cholic, &c. The properties have been investigated by Schoepf, Atlee, Eberle, and myself. The oil is become an officinal article, kept in shops, as an excellent rubefacient. The Monarda oil is chiefly made from the M. punctata, as strongest and most pun- gent, but all the other species yield it. The M. punctata is easily known by its lanceolate leaves and many whorls of yellow flowers, with red dots. It is plentiful in dry soils from New Jersey to Missouri, and Louisiana. Dr. Atlee, in 1829, published a memoir of it in the Medical Recorder, with a good figure j he recommends the oil chiefly, and states that it is very active, producing heat, redness, pain, and vesication when applied to the skin j he had used it with much advantage as a rubefacient liniment in chronic rheuma- tism, paralytic aftections, cholera infantum, difficulty of hearing, periodical headache, and typhus. It must be dissolved in alcohol, and rubbed. A liniment made with camphor and opium, cured the periodical head- ache. The simple liniment rubbed on the head, cured a hard hearing similar to deafness ; it produces in a few minutes a comfortable glow when the arms, legs, and breast are bathed with it in the sinking state of typhus, with cold limbs. It relieves the gastric irritability in cholera infantum, by bathing the abdomen and limbs. Atlee states that it has cured a maniac. Internally, two drops of the oil in sugar and water, act as a powerful carminative, and stop emesis or profuse vomiting. The plant is used in New Jersey in cholic, and in gravel as a diuretic, being often united to onion juice in gravel and dropsy. The root of M. coccinea is said to be a stronger diuretic yet, and also emenagogue ; the Indians use it as such ; in strong doses, it acts sometimes as a cathar- tic on the bowels. No. 65. iVASTURTIUI?! PAtUSTRE. YZ3UOW WATEHCRESS. No. 65. NASTURTIUM. 39* Upon the whole, all the Monardas appear to deserve peculiar attention, having so many powerful combined properties. The M. punctata is the strongest, but the taste is less agreeable. The Jyi. coccinea, M Jistubsa, M. mollis, &c. are somewhat weaker, but more fragrant. The species of the subgenus Blephilia, are the weakest. The Indians, and the empirics Henrj and Smith, extol the M. coccinea above all, and I have found it quite effi- cient in catarrhs, cholic, rheumatism, &c. The M. citrodora of Louisiana, distinguished bv its sessile cor- date leaves, smelling like citron, and six leaved involu- cres to the heads, is frequently used as a pleasant sto- machic tea, and the dried flowers are strongly errhine ; perhaps all the species are such, as their properties ap- pear identical, differing only by more or less intensity. No. 65. NASTURTIUM PALUSTRE. ■^ames. Yellow Water cress. Fr. Cresson jaune. Uassif. Nat. Order of Cruciferous. Tetradynamia siliquosa L. Genus Nasturtium. Calix with four equal spreading foholes, corolla with four equal petals, stamina six te- tradidynamous, silique subterete and short, with convex valves, not cannate nor nervose. Sp. Nasturtium palustre. Root fusiform, stem branch- ed, eaves yrate pinnatifid, smooth, with unequal teeth, and turgid as the calyx and yellow, siliques short DESCRiPTION. Root perennial, fusiform. Stem one or two feet high, branched, nearly dichotome, leaves alternate, nearly sessile, smooth, spreading, lyrate or rr^'f^^* ^«"fl"ent ovaf lobes, las segment large, oval, oblong, sinuate, subacute, with flowers, pedice s short, calyx and corolla obtuse and equaU^sihques divaricate, oblong, acuminate, turgid, or . HISTORY. The genus Nasturtium or Water cress W one of those established by Tournefort, &c. which 40 NASTURTIUM. No. 65. Linnasus thought proper to reject; this was united to Sisymbrium, and thus this plant is the Sisymbrium pa- lustre of the Linnsean botanists j but Jussieu, Decan- dolle, &c. have found needful to restore the G. nastur- tium. The common Water cress is the N. officinale or Sisymbrium nasturtium of L.; it differs from this by white flowers and pinnate cordate leaves. They both grow near, or in water brooks, swamps, ponds, in North America and Europe. The N. ampkibium is also com- mon to both continents, and a few peculiar species or varieties are spread through the United States, not yet well distinguished. My N. diffusum and N. arcuatum grow in the Western States. The N. tuberosum of my Flora Ludov. belongs to a peculiar subgenus, with a rounded notched silique ; I call it Brachobium. AH these plants blossom generally in June and Julj^, but the N. tuberosem in February. They are alike in taste and properties. They can all be eaten in sallad, and form a good spring diet. Their taste is warm, pungent, and somewhat acrid, like that of Lepidium and Radishes, but by no means unpalatable, and mixed with a sweet juicy flavour. PROPERTIES. A mild stimulant, diuretic, anti- scorbutic, deobstruent, abstergent, hepatic, and stoma- chic. The whole plants must be used fresh, in sallad or their fresh juice, since these properties are lost by drying and boiling. The leaves may be found all the year round, but are best in the spring ; they are then a very useful diet for those who have scorbutic affections and spots, spungy gums, liver complaints, scorbutic rheuma- tism, pituitous asthma, &c. Water cresses are excellent and milder substitutes to horse radish or cochlearia, mustard, and scurvy grass, in almost all cases, except in palsy. Their active properties reside,, as in all the Cruciferous, in an acrid volatile oil, containing sulphur and an ammoniacal salt. Water cresses were formerly used for many other dis- eases, in gravel, histerical affections, diarrhoea, and ob- stipation, polypus, and even worms ; but these are not sufficient proofs of their service in these complamts. They are better in cold and sour stomachs, which they warm and revive. All the cruciferous plants which No. 66- IVELUifmnj]!! liUTEOI. YSLLOW NELITMBO. No. 66. NELUMBIUM. 41 have the same taste, are good equivalents ; such are manj species of Lepidium, Cardamine, Arabiz, Sisym- brium, Cochlearia, &c. Those which have edible tube- rous roots, like N. palentre, N. tuberosum, Arabis tube- rosa, &c. ought to be cultivated, these roots being a good condiment, somewhat like radishes, but milder j the root of N. palustre has a stronger taste, and has been wrongly deemed injurious by some. No. 66. NELUMBIUM LUTEUM. Names. Yellow Nelumbo. Fr. Nelumbo jaune. Vul- gar, Yellow Water Lily, Pond Lily, Water Shield, Water Nuts, Water Chincapin, Rattle Nut, Sacred Bean, Lotus, &c. Classif. Nat. Order of Nymphacea. Polyandria Po- lygynia L. Genus Nelumbium. Calix petaloid, four to six leaved. Many unequal petals and stamina. Torus or receptacle, turbinate, spongy, truncate, bearing above many pistils immersed in cells, each pistil becoming a large nut. Jioots creeping, bearing many radical peltated leaves and unijiore scapes. Sp. Nelumbium luteum.W. Petioles and scapes terete and rough, leaves peltate, orbicular, entire, smooth, and flat, cahx five leaved, unequal, many rows of elliptic ^ ' shorter, anthers appendiculated. DESCRIPTION. Roots perennial, creeping, cylin- drical, brownish, white inside, fleshy and knobby. Leaves radica , on long cylindrical rough and spongy petioles, orbicular, entire, peltate, centre like a knavel, a little excentnc, from which radiate many branched nerves beneath ; above of a fine green, perfectly smooth. Pe- tioles from three to five feet long, limbus floating on the water from six to twenty inches in diameter. Scapes uni- ttore, similar to the petioles, flower pale yellow, from six to eight inches in diameter, and erect above water. Calix small, with ovate obtuse folioles, corolla with many im- bricate petals on several rows, the inner ones largest, elliptic, obtuse; stamina numerous, yellow, surrounding D 2 42 NELUMBIUM. No. 66. the torus, and shorter, filaments linear, anthers adnata below the end, so as to leave a linear appendage at the end ; central torus spongy, becoming the fruit, and then large, three to four inches diameter, obconical sul- cated, summit truncate, flat, with a waved margin, and haying many perforated cells, containing nuts of an elliptic shape, with the persistent short style and obtuse stigma, as big as filberts, of a black colour, but white inside. HISTORY. This beautiful genus is known from the most remote antiquity, as a holy emblem of the fecun- dity of nature, has only lately been properly designated. Linnseus hardly knew it, since he united it to Nymphea. Jussieu distinguished and named it properly, from one of its Hindu names. Several English and American botanists have since attempted to change the name into Cyamus, (meaning a bean) already the name of a crus- taceous animal. If good local names are to be changed, we ought to change also Coffea, Yucca, &c. There are several species in Asia, blended under the name of N. indicum, with rose, blue, and white blossoms. Ours is not a variety of it, but a peculiar species. We have three or four species in North America ; the others are 2. N. codophyllum. Raf. in Flor. Louis. Petioles rough, furrowed inside, thicker above ; leaves peltate campanulate, tomentose beneath, calyx four leaved. First described by Robin, who gave a long account of it under the name of Napoleon plant ; admitted by De- candoUe. Flowers yellow. 3. N. pentapetalum. Walter. Leaves peltate, orbi- cular, entire, calix five leaved, five to eight petals ; Considered a doubtful species by many, but I have found j it again in west Kentucky ; it has yellow leaves also, ( calix equal, from five to eight petals nearly so, concave, : smaller than in N. luteum. ( 4. N. reniforme. Walter. Leaves reniform, corolla ; polypetalou s. Doubtful, seen only by Walter, probably j a Nuphar. , j Our N. luteum olfers several varieties : 1. Pallidimij \ flowers of a straw colour. 2. Albiflorum, flowers white. ^ j 3. Maculatum, yellow flowers, with rusty spots. 4. Un- < ^ No. 66. NELUMBIUM. 43 dulatum, with waved leaves. 5. Levigatum with petioles and scapes nearly smooth. The Asiatic species are called Lianhua bj the Chi- nese, Padma in the Sanscrit language, Nelumho in Malabar: formerly the sacred Lotus or Bean of Egypt. Ihe Hindus gods are represented sitting on them- in their mythology they were the first plants that sprung on the waters covering once the whole earth, and gave birth to many gods. They were the mystical bean of Pytha- goras. The Chinese also venerate them as sacred plants. t;ultivated in China and India for food and beauty. Ihey all grow in lakes and ponds only. Our American species are also deemed holy plants bv some tribes of Indians, who feed on them likewise. They are called Terowa and Taluwa by the Otos and Qua- ^Im^'xi ^podophyllum is peculiar to Louisiana, while the N. luteum is spread from New Jersey and Carolina to the Mississippi river and'beyond it, in lakes, ponds, deep swamps, bayous, and ditches. As it is scarce m the Atlantic States, it is said to have been planted in some ponds by the Indians. It ought to be cultivated for beauty and use in all our ponds, which it would embel- lish and utili/.e. It is difficult to transplant unless the roots are taken in large portions, or the capsules and seeds buned in the mud when quite fresh. But when once rooted. It lasts forever, the roots creep deeply in the mud, ^nrd! 4.*'""''*/ ^^''^y tl^^^es in Bartram's garaen. Ihe seeds germinate in the capsule, which was used as a Rattle by tli^ Florida Indians \n\\.^ Ma7aTa «L K ! r^'^^.f V'^ '^^^^^o"^^ ^^^^ a sweet smell, somewhat hU J^ymphea odorata, they open only in the middle of the day shutting at night and in cloudy wea- PROPERTIES. Ali^e in all the Asiatic and Ameri- W IXT' ^ • "^ts are edible, coo - ing, axative diuretic, emollient, &c. The Chinese and Hindoos make many dishes with them. The roots have some acrimony when raw, which they lose by roasting or Edt"?^ wl^^'^f ^••^^^'^^'^^ Colocasia^oi the Oto, tv^t '"''"^ '"'^^^ "^'^^^ ^ith them; the Otos like them very much. The petioles and youni leaves may be eaten as greens; but the nuts are chieflf 44 NYMPHEA. No. 67. valued, even in our country; children, negroes and Indians collect them for use under the name of water chincapins. They are as good as filberts and chesnuts even raw, cooling, and rather laxative; but still better when roasted. The Chinese make preserves with them. They are said to check emesis'and diarrhoea, to produce diuresis and be anti-crotic. The leaves are very cooling and emollient applied to the head and skin; the upper surface can never be wetted, water runs out of it like (quicksilver: those of the iV. codophyllum are used as a kind of cool hat by hunters and negroes: they hold rain water pure for a while in their hollow. No. 67. NYMPHEA ODORATA. Names. Sweet Water Lily. Fr. Nenuphar odorant. Vulgar. White Pond Lily, Tbad Lily, Cow Cabbage, Water Cabbage. Classif. Nat. Order Nymphacea. Polyandria monogy- nia, L. Genus Nymphea. Calyx four or five leaved, many petals in several rows inserted on the torus as well as the many stamina. Torus rounded, radiated above, with a central hollow and tubercle, becoming a many-celled spongy berry, containing mary polypermous cells like membranaceous follicles. Leaves radical, scapes uni- flore. Sp. Nymphea odorata. Smooth, leaves orbicular, base split, lobes acuminate, calyx four leaved, equal to the petals, which are unequal white, elliptic, obtuse. DESCRIPTION. Roots perennial, creeping, rough and blackish, thick and knotty. Petioles semiterete, one to six feet long, spongy or filled with oblong tubes; leaves floating on the surface of M'ater, nearly round and entire, with a cleft at the base, subpeltate, lobes ending in short acuminate points: upper surface glossy with- out veins, lower redish, with radiating nerves. Petioles terete smooth, bearing one large white floating flower. Calyx with four equal oblong obtuse folioles, green outside, white within. Petals numerous in many rows, unequal, 3iro. 6T. IVYMPHEA ODOKAIA, li t c I h No. 67. NYMPHEA. 45 the inner ones shorter, oblong, obtuse, flat, or concave ; stamina numerous, in several rows, with oblong petaloid filaments, and yellow adnate twisted anthers, bilocular, opening inside ; pistil formed by a torus or radiated re- ceptacle, with twelve to twenty-four rays, which appear to be as many stigmas : fruit singular, berry like, in- closing as many polyspermous utricles as rays and stigmas. HISTORY. A beautiful genus of aquatic plants, and this species is one of the handsomest, the flowers being very large, three to four inches in diameter, and of a delicious fragrance. It grows all over the United States, trom New England to Louisiana, in ponds, ditches, rivers, &c. It blossoms in summer j the flowers shut at night the seeds ripen under water. It is very orna- mental, both in its native and cultivated state. The perfume is similar to Magnolia, and very fugacious ; it IS destroyed by heat. The varieties are, l.Parviflom, flowers much smaller. 2. Rubella, tinged with rose. 3. Chlorhza, with yellow roots. The roots are fleshy and as thick as the arm, but in drying they become sponffv and friable. -i o j f There are three other new species of Nymphea in North America, which have similar properties. They 1. Nymphea rosea. Raf. Leaves orbicular, split at the base, lobes divaricate, acute, lower surface red, petals rose coloured. In New York, Ohio, &c. with smaller flowers, less odorous. 2. Nymphea maculata. Raf. Leaves orbiculate, sub- undulate, dentate, base cordate, lobes obtuse, a brown central spot on the leaves, petals white. In Canada and New. York, near Lake Ontario. Flowers nearly ino- dorous, smaller, with many narrow oblong obtuse petals. 3. Nymphea spiralis. Raf. (iV. alba, Mx.and N. odo- rata, iilliot.) Leaves orbicular, emarginate, base split, colorate, lobes divaricate obtuse, petioles and scopes spiral, cahx four leaved, equal to the corolla. In the blowers white, smell strong. PROPERTIES. Similar to those of N alba of Eu- rope, but much more efficient and decided. The roots are chiefly used, and are kept in shops in New England 4$ NYMPHEA. No. 67. They are astringent, refrigerant, demulcent, anodyne, hypnotic, emollient, an ti scrofulous, &c. Taste styptic and bitter when fresh j they dye of a dark brown and black colour Avith iron, and contain a large quantity of tannin and gallic acid 5 also starch, mucilage, sugar, resin, ammonia, ulmine, tartaric acid, &c. The variety with yellow roots is mildest and best. It is said to be preferable to Stalice and Geranium maculatum, in almost all cases, being milder and quite as efficient. Externally, the roots and leaves are used for poultices in biles, tumors, scrofulous sores, lockjaw, and inflamed skin. Internali}^, the roots are useful in diarrhoea, dis- sentery, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, scrofula, and many fe- vers. It may be taken in decoction alone or with tonics. The fresh roots act sometimes as a rubefacient exter- nally ; the dry ones are best for use. The fresh leaves are excellent for cooling and emollient cataplasms ; they are eaten by cows and cattle, and in Canada they are eaten in the spring, boiled for greens. The fresh root is used sometimes like soap. A conserve of the flowers is said to be very cooling and even anti-crotic. The syrup made with them is nearly useless, but the syrup of the roots is very good. The fresh juice of the roots, mixed with lemon juice, is said to be a good cos- metic, and to remove pimples and freckles of the skin. It may be united to Ulmus fidva and other discutients, for white swellings. Upon the whole, this plant has important properties, and deserves the attention of the medical practitioners, although many writers have to- tally omitted it. The yellow Water Lilies belonging to the genus Nuphar, have the same properties, although less efli- cient. No. 68, OXALIS ACETOSELLA. ^ Names. Common Woodsorrel. Fr. Oxalide alle- luia. Vulgar. Sour Trefoil, Cuckoo Bread, White Sorrel, Mountain Sorrel. ]Vo. OS. GOIVIIVION WOOD-SOBRXiL. No. 68. OXALIS. 47 Classif. Nat. Order of Geranides. Decandria pen- tagynia. L. Genus Oxalis. Calix five parted, persistent. Corolla of five petals, slightly connected at the base. Ten stami- na, monadelphous at the base, five alternate shorter. Five styles and stigmas, capsule pentagone, dehiscent at the angles, five locular cells, two or many seeded j seeds with an elastic axilla. Sp. Oxalis acetosella. Stemless, creeping, petioles and scapes long, filiform and pilose, leaves with three folioles, broad obcordate pilose, ciliate, scapes uniflore, erect. ' perennial, creeping, white, jmcy, with some little fleshy knobs, leaves nearly radi- cal, on long slender filiform hairy petioles, three fo- xholes, subsessile, more or less pilose, ciliated, obcor- date, broad, glaucous beneath: scapes similar and equal to the petioles, with two small adpressed bracts on the niiddle, one terminal flower, white, with purple veins, ihe five longest stamina equal to the styles. HISTORY. This plant is scattered in both conti- nents, in woods, groves, and hedges; but in America seems confined to the boreal and mountain regions. It blossoms in summer. It has many varieties— I . Minor i.'(iigured here) with small leaves, not very broad nor pilose, small erect flowers, with obtuse petals. In Ca- nada, New York, New England. 2. Montana, with large, very broad and short leaves, nearly glabrous and reticulated but ciliated, flowers large, erect, with retuse petals, and a yellow spot at the bate' of each. On the C^skill and Alleghany mountains. These appear almost different species, but they are connected by the Euro- pean varieties, such as, 3. Cespitosa. Leaves cespitose, flowers bluish-white. 4. Nutans. Leaves broad, pilose ■ flowers nodding, smaller, &c. Many other species are found in NortTi America, which have mostfy yellow flowers on a stem, except the O. violacea, which i^ temless, and has purple blossoms. The O.'sanguino. tana of Louisiana, has yellow blossoms, with bloody spots inside. They are all called Wood-so^rel; are sma^ scentless plants, with a sharp acid tastes, and have all similar properties. 48 OXYCOCA. No. 69. PROPERTIES. Acid, refrigerant, attenuant, anti- putnd and diuretic. Useful in decoction as a cooling drink in inflammatory disorders, fevers, piles, putrid diseases, &c. Boiled in milk they form a good acid whey, very cooling. They may also be eaten m sallad; they are peculiarly useful in diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra, when they are inflamed and pain- ful, acting as cooling diuretics. They are often substi- tuted to common sorrel and sheep sorrelj but they must not be eaten to excess, because they contain a violent poison, the oxalic acid; in small quantity, however, since 100 pounds of leaves give only 30 pounds of juice, and this only 10 ounces of the super oxalate of potash, which is sold and used by the wrong name of Salt of Lemons, for making a bad and dangerous imitation of lemonade, and for taking off ink stains from linen, cloth and paper. A ^ood conserve and syrup of oxalis leaves were made, which are pleasant medical preparations;, they are now, however, superseded, by currant jelly and other preparations of acid fruits. No. 69. OXYCOCA MACROCARPA. Names. Large Cranberry. Fr. Canneberge d'Ame- rique. Vulgar. Common Cranberry, Mossberry, Swamp Redberry. Atoca in Canada. Sourberry. Classif. Natural Order of Vaccinides. Octandria monogynia. L. Genus Oxycoca. Calyx superior four toothed. Co- rolla four parted, segments revolute. Eight stamina; filaments connivent; anthers bicorne, tubular. One style, stigma obtuse. Berry one celled many seeded. Small Evergreens. Sp. Oxycoca macrocarpa. Creeping, branches ascend- ing. Leaves oblong, obtuse, spreading, petiolate, nearly flat, glaucous beneath : pedicels elongated geminate, corolla with linear lanceolate segments, style straight: I^erry large, spherical or ovate, more or less red. Vac- cinium macracarpon, Ait. V. oxycocus, Var. Oblongi- folius, Michaux. No. 69. OXYCOCA, 49 Instead of a long description of this well known fruit, I add the definitions of two other species, one of which lately discovered is new. 2. Sp. Oxycoca vulgaris. Stem filiform, creeping, na- ked, leaves ovate revolute, obtuse, entire,- segments of the corolla oval,- berry purple, oval, and small. In the JNorth of Europe and Boreal America, in bogs. 3. Sp. OxycocaBerberidea. Raf. Stem filiform branched, suberectj leaves oblong, obtuse, revolute, entire, hardly glaucous beneath; peduncles solitary, elongated, style incurved,- berries red, oblong, oblique at the base. Dis- covered by Mr. John Carr, in Raccoon Swamp, in New Jersey, cultivated in Bartram's garden. 4. Sp. Ozycoca ery thro carp a. Pers. Stem erect, leaves oval, acuminate, serrulate, ciliated: berries scarlet. In the mountains of North Carolina. Sub-genus. Glyciphylla, R^f. 1817. {Follomia, R^f. al?^U/^''''%r' ^'''''T' ^^^^^ ^^^'^"^ campanulate biValve ^^"""^^^^ ^""^ berries calculated, calicule 5. Sp. Oxycoca hispidula. Pers. 1805. (White Cran- berry White Pollom, Sweetberry.) Stem^rofumbent, hispid; leaves oval, rounded, acuminate, hispid, entire sessile : corolla campanulate, quadrifid: berries subsessile cahculate, white, globular and hispid. In Boreal Ame Studrot'n.^''^'"' ^"^-^'^^"^ mountains 1 multitude of names was given to it, having been united to the genera Vaccinium, Arbutus, Gautiera, &c. It is Fwhl^ ^ peculiar genus, and the name ^fOxycoca aS;!^^^^-^^' ^^-ithassweefber. HISTORY Another old genus wrongly abolished bv p"soon\r'Tr"^^' bVt restored b^ ±;ersoon, &c The name must be modified into OxvcnJ 60 OXYCOCA. No. 69. ease. The large Cranberries peculiar to America, are the most usually gathered for our markets, and are everf exported to Europe and the West Indies: keeping pretty well in barrels, and still better in bottles. They grow from Labrador to New Jersey, Michigan, and the moun- tains of Carolina in swamps, called Cranberry Swamps, when bearing them in abundance. They are usually as large as cherries, and somewhat similar in shape and color, although there appears to be some varieties of | them. 1. Coccinea, almost scarlet. ^. Maculat a, sipotted 1 of yellow and red. 3. Ovata, fruits oval. 4. Globosa, fruits ! globular. The second or European species is not larger than a pea. The third is similar in size and shape to Barberries. But the white or sweet Cranberry has very different qualities, the berries are snowy white, and similar to those of the Snowberry or Symphona alba; they are quite sweet and taste somewhat like those of the Red PoUom or Gautiera. The Indians used to dry these fruits for use, they were called Moca and Atopa in Canada, Ampimecan by the Chippeways; Pollom was the name of the sweet kind. _ . PROPERTIES. Refrigerant, laxative, anti-bihous, anti-putrid, diuretic, sub-astringent, &c. Useful m le- j vers, diarrhcEa, scurvy, dropsy, and many other dis- 1 eases. Their acid is said to be the oxalic and malic j acid. Cranberry tarts are one of the American table j luxuries. Their juice mixed with sugar or alcohol keeps \ a long while, and forms a fine acidulous drink with wa- , ter, allaying thirst, and lessening the heat of the body. j The berries last throughout the winter on the bushes, I and are found in our markets from September to April; | when gathered early and unripe, they are less red and _ acid, with more astringency. A rob and syrup is made • also with them. . , • ! The Huckleberries, Bilberries or Whortleberries pro- - duced by nearly thirty species of the genus Vaccmitim, j are commonly round and black; their taste is sweet, sub- i acid, sub-astringent and vinous. The V. corymbosum, 1 V. duonsum, V. resinosum, &c. furnish most of those - brought to our markets, and extensively eaten alone, or . with milk, or in tarts, pies, and puddings; the Indians ■ made a kind of wine with them, and dried them m cakes. The V. f rondo sum and V. pemisylvamcum, have No. 70. OXYRIA. 51 blue berries. They are all equivalents. Schoepf relates that a woman with the dropsy, was cured by eating a large quantity of berries of V. fiondosum. The 0. his- pidiila appears equivalent of Gautiera, but has not yet been tried as such. No. 70. OXYRIA RENIFORMIS. Names. Boreal Sourdock. Fr. Oxyrie reniforme. Vulgar. Mountain Sorrel, Welsh Sorrel. Classif. Nat. Ord. Polygonia. Diandria digynia L. Genus Oxyria. Calix simple four leaved, two inner folioles larger; no corolla ; 2 to 6 stamens ; two styles, stigmas plumose ; nut compressed, with a broad winged margin. Sp. Oxyria reniformis. Stem branched erect ; radical and lower leaves on long petioles, reniform, undulate, upper rounded lobed ; flowers in slender racemes. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial ; stem a foot high or less, erect, slender, with alternate branches ; radical leaves on very long petioles, kidney shaped, obtuse, thick, sniooth, with waved margin : stem leaves alter- nate petiolate, subcordate, rounded,' emarginate, sinuate or lobed ; flowers in slender terminal and naked ra- cemes, often geminate, opposite, reddish ; calyx with two outer oblong folioles, and the two inner ones double the size, and obovate ; fruit one seeded, nut-like, wing- ed around, lenticular, wing membranaceous : stamina irom two to six. HISTORY. This plant was the Rumex digynus of J^innseus, lately made a peculiar genus by R. Brown, and very properly. It grows in the North of Europe and the Boreal part of America, in Greenland, Labra- dor, and Canada. It blossoms in the sprino-. The oj ficmex acetosella so common in the United States, fn this artTcle P^perties. I shall include thenl PROPERTIES. Refrigerant, antiseptic, antiscorbu- tic, subastringent, discutient, diuretic, &c. They con tain oxalate of lime, and owe their properties to it ; also 52 PANAX. No. 71. to a little sulphur. They are useful in scurvy, sores, and ulcers, cutaneous eruptions, diarrhoea, putrid and inflammatory disorders, &c. They have also been used in itch, wens, ring-worms, and even cancer. The juice or decoction is used externally and internally. Chiefly good in scorbutic affections, and equivalent of Oxalis in other respects. No. 71. PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM. Names. American Ginseng. Fr. Ginseng d'Ame- rique. Vulgar. Ginseng-root, Ninsin, Garantogen, Red- berry, Five-fingers, Gensang. Classif. Nat Ord. Araliacea. Pentandria digynia L. Genus Panax. Calj^x superior five toothed. Corolla of five petals. Stamens five. Styles two; berry two seeded; some flowers only staminate, or with one or three styles and seeds. Sp. Panax quinquefolium. Root fusiform, M'rinkled ; stem with three verticillate leaves, digitate with five un- equal petiolate folioles, umbel central pedunculate. Many varieties. 1. Var. Jmericanum. Raf. or Cuneaium, (figured here.) Three large folioles, cuneiform or oblong obovate, acuminate, equally serrate, two at the base much small- er, ovate, acuminate, sometimes missing; flowers white. In North America, in the Western States. 2. Var. Obovatum. Raf. (figured by Barton fig. 45.) Three large folioles, obovate, acuminate, unequally and duplicate serrate, two smaller folioles, ovate or missing; flowers white. In North America, in the Atlantic States. 3. Var. Asiaticum. Raf. or Ovatum. (figured by Du- halde, &c.) Folioles nearly equal, all oval lanceolate, acute, serrulate; flowers purplish. In Central and Eastern Asia, in Manchuria, Corea, &.C. DESCRIPTION of the variety £mericanum. _ Root perennial, fleshy, yellowish white, fusiform, wrinkled transversely, oftt.. forked, sometimes fasciculated m two or three spindles, ending in thick fibres, from two to six inches long. Stem one or two feet high, snnple, erect, round, smooth, divided into three petioles, and a No. n. PANAX. 53 central peduncle at the end, petioles swelled at the base, bearing five folioles, each also petiolated, (sometimes only three, very seldom seven,) unequal, smooth, with some scattered bristles on the veins above the two lower ones very small oval acuminate, the three middle ones larger, cuneiform or oblong, broader above, acumi- nate; all with sharp equal serratures, except at the base ; flowers in a globose umbel, supported by a cen- tral erect peduncle, and a short involucrum, subu- late; these flowers are small, with white petals ; ovary oval, adherent, with a five toothed calyx, and two styles clavate recurved ; petals five, oval, oblong, obtuse • live erect stamens, with round anthers ; fruit, red ber- ries, commonly bilobed, with two semi-globose seeds • sometimes only one style, and a dimidiate berry, or three styles with a trilobe and three seeded berry : some flowers are abortive, or simply staminate, and some plants produce only such with larger petals: calyx nearly entire, &c. » f ? «■ jjs- HISTORY. This plant is the famous Ginseno- of the i^mnese, whose name, meaning man's health, his been adopted in English and French. The Manc'hus call U wf t ' queen of plants. The Jesuits, who had known this plant in Tartary, found it afterwards in Canada towards ins, and a profitable trade was begun tTons nV4r.h «/nce undergone many fluctlia- cZtu 1 ' f^^^ dollar the lb. in Canada, and nearly five dollars in China,- it has since shTme'l'?: rr '7 '"^"^^^-fi^^ -^t^' 'some T^rA ^ ^'^''^ P^^d t'le <^ost and duties id fh r'''-''^' t'^" '^^^^y ^^^ds of Ginseng, admitl ted the American, but soon found out that it was an in fenor kind The large yellow forked roots, and those dried in their peculiar manner so as to be semi-transna rent were and are yet, the most saleable. Almost al tl t n1*? ^^•'^'itted to this day, that the Amer can and Chinese roots were produced by the ante s„e cies Lourem was the first to' doubt the fac and I have' ascertained by a more close inspection of the Chinele accounts and our plants, that they are at least d stinc? varieties, ,f not peculiar species.' Whoever will com- pare the published figures may become convinced^f E 2 54 PANAX. No. 71- this. Nay, it appears that there are even several varie- ties or species in North America, of which the figures of Bigelow (or mine) and of Barton, form two at least. The same happens probably in Asia j we have only the figure of one Asiatic kind to ascertain well this fact ; but the medical writers of China distinguish at least ten kinds of Ginseng, some of which must be produced by very different plants : they are, _ 1. The true Ginseng of Manchuria, my variety ^sia- ticum, with large juicy forked roots, yellow and strong. 2. Ginseng of Corea, with large soft roots, commonly four leaves. „ , ^ ^ 3. Of Petsi and Taighan, white firm small roots, taste mild, leaves purple. . 4. Of Sinlo, roots one foot long, with branches similar to the arms and legs of a man. 5. Of Chantang, long and thin roots, with many branches, very valuable. 6. Of Leaotong, roots smooth and yellow outside, white inside. 7. Of Hiang, with sweet roots. 8. Of Chaochu, small short roots, of little value. 9. Of Chaseng, roots dry, insipid, with little strength. 10. Of Kikeng, firm, but bitter root. There is, besides, a great difference in these roots, according to the soils where growing, the time and mode of gathering, &c. This explains, at least, the variety of opinions among medical men, on the value and proper- ties of this plant. It has always appeared strange to me, that our medical sceptics should doubt the Chinese accounts ; they may be a little exaggerated, but the ex- perience of many ages ought not to be ridiculed, because we are ignorant in Botany, have never properly analyzed this root, and have even none but an inferior kind to try. It is preposterous in a mere demulcent, while it contains a kind of camphor, which he could not detect. The best Chinese kinds may contain other active substances, and although their high price precludes our using them, we o"!'^*'^"^*^ for laughing at the Chinese for paying once 8100 the Ib^for them (al we did for Quinine and other drugs) to try how far our own kinds may be equivalents. The American Ginseng has the same form, taste, ana No. 71. PANAX. 55 smell; it must, therefore, possess nearly the same pro- perties, although in an inferior degree perhaps : our In- dian tribes did employ them : we may thus avail our- selves of them, and their cheapness ought not to make them the less available, as probably larger doses will answer all the indications. The Hu;on tribes call This voot Crarantogen, meaning root like a man. They are scattered all over the Northern and Western States, from Canada to Missouri and Alabama, also in the Alle- ghany mountains as far as Carolina ; the first variety is the most common, the second is found in Pennsylvania and the South, seldom mixed with the other. They are rare plants in some parts, while in some districts thev were very abundant, delighting chiefly in deep and S woods ; but they have been nearly extirpated from seie ral places by the collectors, and the annual su^nlv L DOW much lessened, coming chiefly from the TS^^ western regions. It may soon be needful to cult vate the %:kr'\''" easily be done, by transplantation, and trees T^L '^' '^^^"^P^' ""^^ ^^ade of ill u y^^f^P'ants are, however, of very slow growth the shoots of the three first years has only one lea'fXm four to seven years only two, and at eight years of a^^ the roo sends forth the three leaves, an! beghrto blof som; ,t IS stated that when twent^ years f ^ it often acquires four leaves, and even seven folioles n each /• ,^^11 the roots that have not blossomed are simll fifteen''; ^ ^s^ir 't^ 1^ l^f '""^^ ' ^'^^^ ^^^ '^ K + *L -V • -^'^^ and leaves are also uspfnl • but the berries are of no use, and not even ed ble t1' blossoms appear in the spring, and the berries are rine in shght degree of aromatic bitterness Th?y are a fin^ gentle and agreeable stimulant, both fresrand d^v! also nervine, cordial, restorative, analeptic de^^ulre/f' elt ' atte?uSit'Te"obrul ent, &c. They owe their active properties to n n^^., har substance very similar to caSipfo; whidi7 call Pjmne, whi e pungent soluble in alcohol and water and more fixed than camphor : they contain o i ' tile oil, sugar, mucilage, Vesin, &c? ^^'"^ ^ 56 PANAX. No. 71. This is one of the plants upon which I have made many experiments, and ascertained that some of the properties ascribed to the roots by the Chinese are not exasperated, although I cannot vouch for the whole. I shall, therefore, begin by giving the Chinese account of them. The Chinese medical writers, who have written volumes on these roots, say that the test of the best kinds consist in not feeling tired by walkmg while you chew them, or even keep them in your mouth. Our American Ginseng cannot stand this test, I oelieve. 1 he best Ginseng warms the cold stomach and bowels; it cures the belly-ache, disorders and obstructions in the breast. It attenuates the blood and humours, revives the body, repairs emaciation and debility, sustains ex- cessive labours of the body and mind, preventing weari- ness and dejection. It quenches thirst, and assuages hunger. It prevents dropsies and obstructions ot the vessels and bowels. It fortifies a weak stomach and weak lungs. It gives appetite, and assists digestion, preventing troublesome dreams, fainting fits, palpitations and sudden frights. It renovates the vital spirits, di- lates the heart, clears the sight, strengthens the judg- ment, making the body light and active, and the mind stronger and vigorous. It invigorates old people, and proloLs their life. It is useful for feeble breathing, kort breath, and asthma. It removes all the disorders of weakness and debility, nay, is also aphrodisiac, and cures hypochondriacal, nervous, and hysterical attec- tions. It removes also vertigo, dimness, head-ache, tenesmus, fainting, sweating, fevers, windy bowels, dys- pepsia, and vomittng, &c. Such are the wonderful pro- perties ascribed to this plant by the Chmese authors, after the experience of 2000 years or more. The physicians often unite it to orange peel, ginger, liquorice, cmna- mon, peach-kernals, honey, &c. to aid the effects, and thev prescribe it in powders, electuary, extract, pills, and decoction. The only detrimental property ascribed to it, is that the excessive use may bring on heemorrhagc. The roots are carefully dried over a decoction ot millet, and afterwards in the sun to give them a ye ow and horny appearance, which, with a large size, are the three requisite qualities of the roots. Dose about a drachm. No. t^. FINCKNEY PUBENS. - No. 72. PINCKNEYA. 57 These properties must more or less belong also to our American kinds ; naj, the Chinese consider the Comfrey root as often equivalent to Ginseng. The Ginseng appears to partake of the properties of camphor, valerian, zedoary, ^'^'^'^ "^^7 be the substi- tute Ihe European and American physicians who have tiled ours, differ in opinion on the subject, which may be ascribed to some using only young or bad roots. Many consider it as a mere aromatic demulcent others dprt^S vrf recommend it in nervous disor- aers, debility, marasm, and the senile cough. The In- wpTlf =; "? empirics use it for asthma, Tntv o iV "^'^^'^ P'"^"' *he bones, excessiv^ masfSff { ^o'^pJaints, &c. It is often used as a masticatory and answers the purpose of Snselica as a ¥fe° warrv'7"'^ ^ "^"^^"^ iS^drunka ds' well Is thT pv^'V"" ^'f^y^'^' ^'^^ properties as vvei as the extract, which is a very good preparation In my experiments, I have chiefl/ used the Ser powder"^^ har fo^"T^^ 't'^ - '-^yTn and nem-ne . ^ ^"'^ stomachic, restorative, in aLTrnVn^ ^' ^cts upon the nervous system seno-Ts so mjK.'f"? "'T'' '\ American Gin- sen^ IS so mild that It may be used in pretty lar-e doses nay, as far as an ounce. Dr. Cutler and Dn feeenwav small d» havefound it useful, even women fraitful TW r '"^ » ■"''''es No. 72. PINCKNEYA PUBENS. Names. Pincknev Tlarlf r\ • • ^. 58 ' PINCKNEYA. No. 72. Classif. Nat. Order of Rubiacea. Pentandria monog. L. Genus Pinokneya. Calyx superior five parted une- qual colored, one or two segments, larger bracteiform. CoroUa tubular, border five cleft recurved. Stamens five exserted, inserted at the base of the tube. One sty e ; capsule rounded bivalve bilocular, dissepiment double ; seeds winged. x- i Sp. Pinckneya pubens. Leaves opposite petiolate, oval, acute at both ends, subtomentose beneath ; flowers terminal cymose. DESCRIPTION. Large shrub, with many stems, from fifteen to twenty-five feet high, branches opposite tomentose. Leaves opposite, with stipules and petioles, oval, four or five inches long, acute at both ends, pe- tioles and lower surface very pubescent, or nearly to- mentose, margin entire ; flowers terminal, eymose, rather large, one or two inches long ; calyx pubescent, colour- ed of yellow and red, four segments, smaller, angular, acute, one or two larger, obovate, obtuse, reticulate with ?eS f corolla white, spotted with red ; five long stamens filaments filiform, erect, white, anthers brown ^pi td yellow ; capsule round, compressed, thm, cartilaginous, seeds round, flat, and winged. • HISTORY. Discovered by Bartram, m Georgia and ' Florida, called by him Mussenda bracteata Michaux established the genus, dedicated to General Pinckney, a botanist, philosopher and statesman j it is intermediate between Einchona and Mussenda. Only one species is known, found from Carolina to Louisiana, a ong th^^^^^^ coast, in cool, shady groves and ^^^P ' ^"^^^^^^ of rivers, &c. It blossoms in June and July, and is ve^ o n"mental. The genus ^^-""'.P^f ,^^'"| ^V'eft n^ v-,an hark extends no further north than the VVest in d ies thi^ Jirub appears to be the representative and sibstitute of it on the north continent, by its near orga- ^IoVe^M!'' Nearly similar to those of the Pe- Wks • the inner bark is bitter, and contains cTnchonafthis^ s^ .1^ has long been Se^dt Georgia and Florida, in interimtten^^^^^^^^^^ success, and found nearly ^^"^j *° "^^n^ Law. This property has been confirmed by Baiton ana J.a ]Vo. 73. PODOPHYL-IiUi^I MONTANUJtt. No. 73. PODOPHYLLUM. 59 Six cases out of seven are said to have been cured The powder infusion, and decoction are equally ava lable Doses from twenty to sixty grains of tL poVder ^^^^^^^^^ best vehicle must be mild wfne, as for coCon ba -k We have no account of any other use beinra empted • but there is ittle doubt that it will be fould a Zeral tome antiseptic, and stimulant, like the Pale Ba?k or Cinchona lanaf alia, to which it is nearest alike and k '"^^ rheumati nf gan'it * and all the diseases where Pale Bark is emplofedi ?n-' No.73. PODOPHYLLUM MONTANUM R Six^'oiLepeJau'S; '«>™d deciduous. Berry with oSf cell ^ ' f ^^i^ multilobe. >».r * jsirLr sTped::^"' e7'^1Kd"Tl=^^ stamina twelve to fiten beWv"„vn7; most common kind £l\l Zer™ e'Sd%/f'''= deeply furrowed ; leavel palltef „ t''nel 1' " acute, segments unenual, ends ar„fel„ P-„?'«'.«,""isses «ne.,„al teeth ; petal^ ob ongfo^t T"" '"""y -na seven to nine, berr/.;blo„r;el '^^""1",; f 60 PODOPHYLLUM. No. 73. Alleghany mountains, from New York to Virginia. Va- riety 1. Acuminatum. 2. Parvijlorum. 3. P. callicarpum. Raf. in Flor. Lud. sp. 20. Stem short, equal to the petioles ; leaves peltate palmate, six segments, obovate, bifid, with unequal teeth ; petals six round, concave ; stamina ten ; berry oblong, white and rose coloured. In Louisiana and Texas. Flowers large, smellinglike orange flowers ; berry small. AH these species have cylindrical, creeping, and pe- rennial roots, of a yellowish, brown. Stem erect, two unequal smooth leaves, glaucous beneath, with live to nine segments, a nodding peduncle, the petals white, veined, reticulated, and a berry good to eat. HISTORY. A fine natural genus, considered as hav- ins; a single species (since the F. diphyllum was called Je%rsonia,) to which I have added two others of the same habit, but well distinguished ; the P. momnum, by the slender furrowed stem, sharp bifid leaves, not piltate, and narrow Petals rthe P. ca ^^ca.;5um, by t^^^ short stem and leaves, smaU white fruit, &c. They are all equally medical, and I have figured the second as most novel and interesting. •„! ^n.l They are all found in rich soils, are perenmal and vernal plants, blossoming in May and June ; the truit is only ripe late in the summer, and is edible, tasting some- what like the Papaw or Mnina. The blossoms have commonly a sweet smell ; the generic name means leaf ^*^PR"0PERTIES. One of the best native cathartics ; it is equal to jalap, although a little more drastic, but quite safe and unfailing. The root is used ; yvhen diy, ?t s brittle, and easil/ powdered j the taste is unplea- sant, nauseous, and bitter ; the bitterness is extracted by water and alcohol ; it contains resin, fecula, bitter extractive gallic acid, and a gummy substance. Ihe medical properties of this article have been well asce - tained, a^d Sire admitted by all physicians : many use it freauently in the country : the extract is very good, evet bettl than the powir. Those who employ mei^ curial preparations, use it united to el, twenty grains of the powder with ten of calome being a sti on„ lose : but from five to twenty grains of the extract alone 62 POLANISIA. No. 74. Sp. Polanisia graveolens, Raf. Pubescent viscid, erect. Leaves petiolate, trifoliate, folioles sessile, ob- long, acute : raceme foliose, siliques oblong, acute, glandular, reticulated. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, white, branched. Stem erect, simple or branched, one to tliree feet high, pubescent viscose, terete. Leaves alternate petiolate, with three sessile oblong acute, unequal and entire folioles, viscid like the stems. Flowers in terminal ra- cemes, lengthening by degrees, rather crowded by leaves, becoming very small above, each flower axillary and solitary on a long peduncle. Calyx coloured of white and rose, with four unequal folioles, two narrow acute, two broader unequal. Petals white, erect, a lit- tle longer, unequal, cuneate, emarginate j stamina eight to fifteen, some longer and some shorter than the petals, fastigiate, filiform, red, anthers round. Pistils and sili- ques as above. The whole plant has a strong graveolent smell. HISTORY. A new genus of mine, indicated in 1 807, established in 1817, and confirmed by Decandollej it con- tains many species blended by Linnseus under the name of Cleome dodecandra, native of Asia, the tropics, &c.; while this is peculiar to North America, and is found all over it, from Canada to Louisiana, on the sandy and gravelly banks of rivers and lakes. It is one of the most com- mon plants on the banks of the Ohio. It blossoms in summer, from June to August. The generic name means many unequalities ; the specific applies to its strong smell, similar to Erigeron graveolens of Europe. This plant is properly perennial ; but as it blossoms on the first year of its growth, it resembles then an annual, and has been mistaken for such by Schoepf and Barton. It has some varieties : 1. Ulaiior, three or four feet high, and much branched. 2. Simplex. 3. Cespitosa. 4, Glabriuscula, &c. . i i • PROPERTIES. Very few authors have noticed this plant, except Schoepf, who first Stated the root to be anthelmintic. The fact is, that the whole plant is such, even the seeds, and its effects are similar to those ot Chcnopodium anthelminthkum. The decoction, powder, or confection, may be used in the same doses. An ac- No. 75. POL\ Giil.il PAIJCIFOMA. DWABF MILKWORT. No. 75. POLYGALA. 63 tive oil may be distilled from it but it is not jet in use. It IS a popular remedy in some parts of Ohio and Canada ; but I am not prepared to state whether it may be equally sure as the worm seed. We want experi- ments on it I do not believe that it is narcotic, except in a very harmless degree, although W. Barton states that It IS a deleterious active plant : his observations have never been published. By its smell, it appears to have smiilar properties with the Eri^eron graveolens of liurope, and thus it maybe diuretic and antispasmodic. No. 75. POLYGALA PAUCIFOLIA. <./T^H pT^'^'^i'''^''^''*- Polygale naine. Vul- gar. Little Pol lorn, Evergreen Snakeroot. CZas-si/: Nat. Order Polygalides. Diadelphia, L. l^enus PoLYGALA. Calyx persistent, five parted, une- qual, Corol a monopetalous, unequal, six to twelve stamens on the corolla, divided in two equal fascides. One pistil. Capsule two celled, two valved Subgenus Triclispeuma. Raf. 1814. Corolla three parted, two segments like wings, one scmi-tubular cari- mfot-in base nectariform top fimbriate. Six stamina. Sty e clayate, stigma bilabiate truncate. Seeds covered with a tnvalvearilla, not pubescent. Jiom. Kelt. 1814. Creeping, stems surculose, assurgent eaves few, terminal, sessile, ovate acute, glaucous hate : flowers one to four terminal a^^^ucous ci DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, creepinc^, yellow terete. Stems procumbent at the base, naked? wUl one inches hi. 1 assurgent, erect, three to six eavos if f ' ^^''^^^ ^'^h three to five leaves at the end, fasciculated alternate, ovate acute both ends, entire and smooth, uninerve Xcons rnf nutelyc.hateon the margin. Flowe s ten ^lal c 'n.T Stlesrii^ h^ndlom : b scentless, pedunculated; wings large oval acute, keel 64 POLYGALA. No. 75. shorter ; only six stamina in two fascicles of three. Pis- tils and seeds as described in Triclisperma. HISTORY. A pretty little plant, iound commonly in granitic hills, from New England to Carolina, chiefly in the Blue mountains ; rare in the Alleghany or Secan- dary mountains. It blossoms in the spring. Many va- rieties : 1 . Jlpogonia, nearly beardless, probably the P. unijlora o( Mx. 2. Procumbens. 3. Heterantha. Sur- culi with apterous flowers. 4. Quadriflora. 5. Albi- Jiora, &c. The genus Polygala is a cahos, rather a family than a genus ; the Heist cria, abolished by L. must be restor- ed. The stamina are far from being always eight, as stated by L. I ascertained as early as 18U3, that this plant was hardly a Polygala, except in habit, the arilla and stamina being the chief differences, and I established the genus Triclisperma in 1814, which must be a sub- genus at least. PROPERTIES. The whole plant, but chiefly the root, has a sweet pungent taste, and somewhat the smell of Gautiera. Its properties are similar to it, and to Po- lygala senega. It is stimulant, sudorific, restorative, &c. It may be used in tea or decoction : being milder than either; it may be very useful when the Senega would be too stimulant, and it may perhaps answer all its effects in asthma, rheumatism, dropsy, &c. It must contain the Gautiera oil, but it has not been distilled from it as yet. Several North American species of Polygala are me- dical ; such as P. senega, P. rubella, P. sanguinea, &c. The first is the common officinal Senega Snake-root, well known in materia medica, and kept in all the shops. It is stimulant, diuretic, sialagogue, expectorant, sudo- rific, menagogue, resolvent, deobstruent, purgative, and emetic. It was first brought to notice in 1785, as a cure for rattle snake bites, among the Senekas. Many phvsicians have since investigated its properties, and used it in dropsies, ascites, croup, typhus, with pneumonic symptoms, peripneumonia, rheumatism, lethargy, pleuri- tis, gout, marasm, asthma, &c. The Indians use it besides snake bites, for syphilis and malignant sorethroat. The powder, decoction, tincture, wine, and syrup are em- K"o. 76. Fig. l.-P01.Yf;omJilI AVICIXARE, Fig. 2.-POI.YGOiTOM PERSICARIA Pig. 1.— COmmON KNOTWSED. Tig, 2.>.COIVm[ON SniABTWCEB. T No. 76. POLYGONUM. 65 ployed. The taste and smell is very pungent and nau- seating. A resin and the Senegine, a peculiar sub- stance, are the most active constituents. Ten grains of the powder is a dose ; a larger one will often prove emetic. It produces sometimes a plentiful evacuation by stool, urine, and perspiration. It is injurious in consumption and inflammatory disorders. Some compare its action to calomel, and consider it a general alterative. In croup, it often disengages the morbid membrane. It is very beneficial in chronic rheumatism, the asthma of old people, and inveterate dropsy ; small and moderate doses prove good sudorifics. The F. sanguinea has the same taste and properties, being a milder equivalent ; but the P. rubella or polygama, figured by Bigelow fig. ' ^^^,.<|'ff*^»:ent properties, being bitter and tonic, al- though likewise stimulant and expectorant; it appears to resemble much more the P. vulgaris of Europe. No. 76. POLYGONUM AVICULARE. Names- Common Knotweed. Fr. Renouee vulsaire. Vulgar, knotgrass, Birdweed. Classif. Nat. Order of Pylygonea. Octandria tri- gynia L. Genus Polygonum. Perigone simple, unequal, co- lored and five parted. Stamens six to eight. One pis- til, two or three styles and stigmas. One seed. Sp. Polygonum aviculare. L. Annual, stem pro- cumbent, branched, leaves lanceolate, scabrous on the margin ; flowers axillary, eight stamens, three styles, seed triangular striated. DESCRIPTION. A well known annual plant, very variable, procumbent or erect, diffuse, with many slen- der branches, leaves narrow lanceolate, sessile, acute at Onl ffi'' ^^th nervose and membraneceous stipules. One to three axillary flowers on short peduncles, white or redish. Pengcme pe- distent, with five unequal obtuse segments, &c. Th. arieties are : 1. Frostratum. 1. Erectum. 3 n.^ ,um. 4. Pubrum. 5. ParvifoUum. G. Lineanfoh' 7. Gracile. F 2 66 POLYGONUM. No. 76. HISTORY. This genus includes the genera Fago- pyrum or Buckwheat, Persicaria and Helxine, united by Linnaeus with little propriety, The Persicaria with two styles and a lenticular seed, form a very distinct subgenus at least. The Fagopyrum has an equal pe- rigone, with a glandular nectarium. Polygonum means with many knots. This species is found every where in Europe and America, in fields, blossoming all the year round. PROPERTIES. The whole plant is astringent, vul- nerary, diuretic, subtonic, &c. although it has little smell and taste. It is useful in wounds, faintness, drojjsies, prolapsus, hemorrhagy, and whenever mild astringents are required. In China, it is used as well as the P. chinense and P. harhalum, to die of a black and brown color. The P. convoloulus, distinguished by climbing stems and sagitate leaves, is called Chizahaw, by the Osages, and is used in dropsies, producing a pro- fuse diuresis ; large doses of a tea are taken ; the leaves are smoked as a luxury and a fine tobacco. The P. bistorta, found in Long Island, according to Schoepf, is an officinal plant of Europe ; the root is a strong as- tringent and styptic, equal to Geranium and Statice, useful in dysentery, leucorrhea, hemorrhagy of the sto- mach and uterus, &c. The Poly gonum persicaria, (or Persicaria muculata) is figured here No. 76\^ tig, 2. It has, as well as the other species of Persicaria (called Asmart, Smartweed, and Water-pepper) very strong properties, is an acrid diuretic, burning the tongue and even the skin, rubefa- cient, vermifuge, stimulant, incisive, &c. They have been much used in gravel, commonly infused in wine ; are said to have cured odontalgy, sores of the ear, and aphthous sore mouth. Cutler relates, that the ashes make a soap which has been used as a nostrum to dissolve the stone in the bladder. Their tea is good in gravel, coughs, colds, and a good vermifuge. All cattle avoid them ; they kill fish in ponds, and even snakes fear them. They die wool of a fine yellow, with alum ; called Curage in Louisiana, and much esteemed. Schoepf says they cure the ulcers and sores of horses. The P. persicaria grows near waters all over the United States, and is ) FOI^YPODKIM VUL6tARE. No. 77. POLYPODIUM. 67 easily known by its lanceolate leaves, with a black spot above, and oblong spikes of red flowers. The P. hydro- piperoides, P. amphibium, P. pennsylvanicum, &c. are equally medical and equivalent to P. persicaria. No. 77. POLYPODIUM VULGARE. Names. Common Polypody. Fr. Polypode common. Vulgar. Fern Root, Rock Brake, Brake Root, Female Fern. Classif. Nat. Order of Ferns. Cryptogamia Fi- lices. L. Genus Polypodium. Feiix with round scattered sores or clusters of capsules under the frond, without involucrum. Sp. Polypodium vulgare. L. Caudex chaffy, stipe smooth, frond deeply pinnatifid, segments linear lanceo- late, obtuse, crenulate, approximate, the upper ones smaller. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, creeping, irregu- lar, brown, with chaffy scales extending to the caudex or base of the stipe. Frond six to twelve inches high distiched as usual in ferns, deeply cut in approximated segments j oblong or lanceolate, obtuse, smooth, cre- nulate, upper ones gradually coherent and smaller, l^ower surface with two rows of sores on each se?- rtient round, naked, brown, formed by a crowd of small capsules. HISTORY. This genus was formerly very exten- sive, but now contains, since the reform of the ferns the species without involucrum ; the others formino- the genera, Aspidmm, Nephrodium, Hypopeltis, &c. Lin- naeus had called our American plant Pf virginicum, but It ,s a mere variety of the European. It grows on rocks tr^'";^ ';.-"^?'"''^"^' theWietiesa^re, 1. LelTg^. K.r? r^^M officinal part: it has a sweet mucilaginous taste; it is pectoral, demul- cent, purgative and vermifuge. The syrup of it is very 68 PTEROSPORA. No. 78. good in violent coughs, the rickets of children, and the lumbago. A poultice of it with Thuya has been found useful in violent rheumatic pains. A strong decoction will act as a mild cathartic, and expel also the worms of children. The ^spidium Jilixmas, or Male Fern, once a Polypodium, is not a native of America : the root has been used with success, united to cathartics, to expel the tenia or tapeworm j perhaps this species is equivalent to it. No. 78. PTEROSPORA ANDROMEDEA. Names. Scaly Dragonclaw. Fr. Pterospore para- doxe. Vulgar, Dragon Root, Fever Root, Albany Beechdrop. Classif. Nat. Order of Monotropes. Decandria mo- nogynia L. Genus Pterospora. Calyx five parted. Corolla ovate, five toothed. Ten stamina, inserted on the recep- tacle, anthers peltate, two celled, adnate, bisetose. One pistil, one style, stigma five lobed. Capsule five celled, seeds minute winged. Sp. Pterospora andromedea. Nuttal. Stem simple, viscid, and scaly j flowers irregularly racemose, nod- ding. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, large, white, amorphous, full of irregular curved fleshy tubercles, re- sembling the claws of animals. Stem erect, one or two feet high, simple, straight, covered with short brown viscid hairs, cylindrical, without leaves, but some small scattered and subulate scales. Flowers in a long ter- minal raceme, floAvers scattered, some fasciculated, axillary to linear bracts, color reddish white, pe- duncle curved, nodding. Calyx with five ovate ci- liate segments. Corolla resembling Andromeda, mar- cescent, ovate, with five reflexed oval obtuse teeth. Ten stamina inclosed, filaments subulate, flat, arising from below the pistils ; anthers singular, semi-adnate, semi-peltate, two cells opening transversely inside. Pis- til free, style columnar, stigma capitate, nearly five JVo. 78. PTEROSPORA AIWROMEBEA. SCALY BBAGONCLaW. e n » t 1 i, No. 78. PTP:R0.SP0RA. 69 lobed. CapHule {globose, five celled, semi five valved, valves septiferouH, receptacle central, five lobed. Seeds minute, obovate, with a terminal wing, membranaceous and reticulated. JiJHTORV A very sinfruiar niant, similar in habit to liypopyllm, but with flowers like Andromeda. Jt had lon^r known to herbalists, yet was unknown to bo- taniHts, when discovered bj Dr. James, in 18 IG, near A bany, and called Monotropu procera. In 1818 Nut- tal established the jrenus, but mistook it for annual. It n 'n' lf\ ''^^."J*^"^''' '^"'J «ome sterile hilly sides, m the State of New York, in Gencssee, near Albany, oic. It blossoms in July. ft affords some vane- cijlora ^'Elalior. A, Pau- JMU)I^I<:iiTfP:s. The root is the officinal part, re- Ben. b,n^. that of Monolropa , it has a vapid smell, and a rmli' nf'T'i''!''?-^''"^ employed by the stru'enTLw? ' vermifuge, sudorific, anodyne, deob- with n rf T'"'?,"^'"'- ^'^'7 <>i«tinguish two kinds fevers it n 'l'' remittents, typhus, arid nerv^ous I3the fer "'''r^ r"^""" perspiration, and often pains .in th/U^, td^ oth.^";&^^ ^^^^ ' Tarns '"ai: «f Pec'oral X «am8. Also taken in decoction and in powder Mv Tl LT'V." "'" '""cli ,„„re ,„ than /^^„&/ iTe a ; ' "tZ? '/,"' 'V Sl«k7™ and prob:w7a,»o'rp.fcr;;:i.i^l'. — • 70 PYROLA. No. 79 No. 79. PYROLA MACULATA. Names. Spotted Pipsiseway. Fr. Pyrole blanche. Vulgar. Wintergreen, Whiteleaf, White Pipsiseway, Psiseva, Kingcure, Ground Holly, Rheumatism Weed, &c. Classif. Natural Order of Bicornes. Decandria monogynia. L. Genus Pyrola. Calyx five cleft. Five petals, slight- ly united at the base. Ten stamina, anthers opening by two pores. One pistil. Stigma capitate. Capsule five celled, fivevalved. Many arillate seeds. Sp. Pyrola maculafa. L. Leaves ovate lanceolate acute, base rounded, remotely serrate, variegated with w^hite : flowers two or three, style very short. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, creeping, con- torted, yellow. One to three perennial stems, tliree to six inches high, simple, erect. Leaves evergreen, but few, subverticillate, on short petioles, the lower sub- ovate, the upper ovate lanceolate, sharply serrate, very acute, variegated above by a broad longitudinal glau- cous stripe, with lateral branches. Flowers white, two or three subumbellate, pedicellated, drooping, at the end of a long terminal naked peduncle. Calyx five toothed. Five ovate concave petals, often red at the base. Ten stamens, with villose filaments. Pistd glo- bular, umbilicated. Style short and thick, almost con- cealed. Stigma large, depressed, urceolate, viscose, green. . HISTORY. This species belongs to the genus Cln- maphifa of Pursh, which Bigelow has shown to be based on mistaken characters. The genus, however, must be divided into several subgenera ; such as, 1. Streplylia. Raf. Calyx five parted, stvle crooked, declinate, stigma annulate. P.rotundifolia, P. asanfolni, P. elliptira, has calyx five toothed. 2. Orthylia. Rat. Calyx five parted, style straiglit. stigma peltate. P. minor. P. secunda. P. uniflore. 3. Psiseva. Raf. 1808. Calyx five leaved, style thick and short, stigma annular. P. umbellata. SPOTTED PIPSISEWAy. No. 79. PYROLA. 4. Chhnaphila. Calyx five toothed, style immersed, stigma urceolate. P. maculala. ' All these species are common to both continents, ex- cept the P. maculata, which is spread in woods from - Canada to Florida and Missouri. ^It blossoms in Ju?;^ and has very fragrant blossoms, which, with the painted leaves^ renders it the prettiest species of the genus. The P umbellata has also sweet scented flowers - it is easily known by its green cuueate leaves. Both ne! ciesjiave the same properties, and will be included ieaves, have a pungent bitter-sweet taste. Chemi- fib ine 'T'"';?'' tannin, t m oils W.r' ^'^V^.^'V'.'^r^^"' adhesive, and odorVer- Se las7s^l"rl''''''^;^.^'^^"^^« propert es , rul ot a strong infusion, given hourly with some slmn gave immediate relief. Manv nhvsirin^ n Pj orTe;s,I?d^^.i::^th:dtKl'^^^^^ ^'--dil to the stomach, whil aW ^ '''•"^S''^*^^"! with it, they invigo ate he an 'e ^'"'ft.cs disagree body, increase the flovv of Tine nn?l Schoepf states that the P m^uZa t\ 'ons- tents fn Pennsylvania. tents n Pennsvlvania n^J T^^^^ styptic, astnngYntT co;^^^^^^^^^^ f: Umbellata is = ivas also used'in typhis am A /" rheumatism in theXi 'ed tat^^^^ generally used, and often in la 't'doses bul'^'"? equally good ; doses about fifteen '"^^^ equally good ; doses about fifteen drains Tf s even been deemed antilithir • ^ ^''^^ '^^ve (been confir.ned, althougl l^eV a le^^^i^^^ '^^^ gravel. A,.o very useful ii^il'^i^ 72 RANUNCULUS. No. 80. cidedly useful in tumors, malignant ulcers, and chronic indurated swellings, acting as a topical stimulant, and sometimes they vesicate ; but utterly useless in cancer and scrofula, for which some empirics have employed them. Both a cataplasm and the decoction must be used for these external diseases. An obstinate cure of tinea capitis was cured by an ointment of an unguent made with the leaves. The Indian tribes of Canada and Mis- souri esteem highly these plants ; they are called Paigne and herbe apisser in Canada. They are used chiefly for gravel and retention of urine, rheumatism and fevers. They die urine of a greenish black color. The exter- nal application commonly produces redness, vesication, and desquamation of the skin. A drench of the leaves is used in veterinary, for the disease of horses unable to stale. The P. rotundifolia, P. elliptica, and P. uniflora, are called vulgarly Wild Lettuce, Roundleaf, and Consump- tion Weed. They possess some of the above properties, but in a much less degree. The Indians and empirics employ them as sudorific, astringent, anodyne, and ner- vine, in diseases of the breast, colds, wounds, ophthal- mia, bad humours, weak nerves, and externally as blis- ters. No. 80. RANUNCULUS ACRIS. Names. Acrid Crowfoot. Fr. Renoncule acre. Vul- gar. Buttercups, Yellow Weed, Blister Weed, Pilewort, ^ Burwort, Meadowbloom, Yellows, &c. \ Classif. Nat. Order of Ranunculaceou^ Polyandria polygynia L. \ . Genus Ranunculus. Calyx five leaved. Five petals, with a scale or pit at the base. Many stamina. Many ; pistils and seeds, united in ahead. j Sp. Ranunculus acris. L. Pubescent, stem multiflore, | erect, branched ; leaves tripartcd, segments laciniate i acute, upper ones linear j peduncles not sulcated, calyx . spreading, hairy. » i .1 No. "80. RANUNCULUS. 73 DESCRIPTION. Root fibrose, fasciculate, peren- nial. Stem two feet high, with manj branches and flowers, terete, pubescent, erect. Leaves alternate, pe- tiolate, broadly triparted, pubescent, segments broad lanceo ate, with many unequal gashes, all acute : the upper leaves almost sessile, with three linear entire seg;- ments. Flowers corymbose, large and yellow, pedun- cles unequal, not furrowed. Calyx with five spreading tolio es, hairy, oval, obtuse. Petals rounded; entire" feeeds in a globose head. ^ HISTORY An extensive genus ; nearly all the spe- cies have similar active properties, except R aurkomics, ii- lanugmosus, R.flammula, R. aquaHlis, and a few fbfbosus, R. repens, R fascicular is, R.pennsylvamcuL &c. are chiefly used with us ^ the two first, as well as R. acns are supposed to have been imported from Eu- rope with grass seeds, but now grow abundantly in our meadows and pastures, which tliey adorn with yellow blossoms in the spring. Although very acrid when^S they become mdd by drying, and do not spoil tL hay! becoming harmless to cattle, who avoid them careS when growing. Sheep and goats, however, eat the / acns and hogs like the roots of i?. bidbosti^ The mifd* Smdk 'if'y'^'f'^ cows fed?h them gWe good milk. The R. sceleratus is very similar to R. acris bu with smooth leaves and grooved peduncle^^he ?' hulhosus IS easily known by Its bulbousTot Ld the f fasciculans by a bundle of fleshy roots. They are com mon all over the United States. " roolTall Thof • -'-'%Pl-t, but chiefly the roots, ot all those species, are of a burnina- acrid nml corrosive taste when fresh. They act Tlhe kin " rubefacient and escharotics. These prope tie we' biirs^^i^^s'^h' 'fl"' 1'"^ ^^^''^ "'-^ f-"-- n Dusters betoie Spanish flies became in general use Thp acrid principle, like that of ^mm, is voSe and disan pears by the application of heat ov everdesication bft" may be preserved by distillation : the dis lie Heater being veiT acrid, and holding in solution a necn Lr cnK harm:' ^^y^^^^:^^^^::^^ hardly soluble in any menstruum. The acrimony of 74 RANUNCULUS. No. 80. these plants is so powerful that it inflames and corrodes the lips and tongue of men and cattle, acts as a violent steruntatory, and if Bwallowed, they bring on great pain, heat, inflammation of the stomach, and even death. Applied to the skin, they produce redness, erosion, and ulceration, but little pain : the beggars in Europe em- ploy them to produce ugly sores and ulcers, which are neither painful nor dangerous, in order to excite com- passion. When used for blisters, they operate in half an hour, and never cause strangury like cantharides. They however act very diffierently on different indivi- duals, sometimes mildly and beneficially, sometimes violently, producing deep and bad ulcers, difficult to heal. To prevent the elFect from spreading, the blister must be applied through a perforation in an adhesive plaster. Like the poison of the Rhus, it has hardly any effect on some individuals, while in others it spreads fast, inflames the parts, and even causes gangrene. They have, however, often been used as external stimu- lants, in rheumatism, hip disease, sciatica, piles, hemi- crania, fixed pains, &C.5 when applied to the scalp for hemicrania, it tumifies the hair without breaking the skin. A singular practice once existed in Europe, to cure intermittent fevers by applying them to the wrists or hands. They are useful to destroy warts, corns, and wens. In veterinary, they are employed to cure the fis- tulous ulcers, and biles on the back of horses. Although very dangerous internally, the distilled water has been used as an instantaneous emetic, equivalent to sulphate of zinc, mustard, and pepper. Also as a powerful but un- certain vermifuge. Henry mentions that the decoction thrown on the ground, makes the ground worms used in angling, come out of it. Schoepf says, that R. abortivus is diaphoretic, and used in syphilis along with Lobelia. The li. auricomus and other mild species are eaten in Europe as sallad, and all the worst species, even R. sceleratus, as greens, losing all the acrid property by coction. Children are fond of gathering and playing with the blossoms but this practice may be attended with some danger. No. 81. COMMON RUK No. 81. RUTA. 75 No. 81. RUTA GRAVEOLENS. - Names. Common Rue. F7\ Rue vulgaire. Classif. Nat. Order of Rutaceous. Decandria mono- gjnia L. Genus Ruta. Calyx four or five parted. Corolla four or five concave petals. Stamens eight or ten. Pis- til surrounded by eight or ten melliferous nectaries. One style and stigma. Capsule four or five lobed, four or five celled. Sp. Ruta graveolens, L. Sufruticose, leaves decom- pound, foholes oblong obtuse, the terminal obovate : flowers dichotomous, octandrous, the central one decan- drous, petals entire. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial. Stem shrubby at the base, three to four feet high, branched, terete. Ijeaves alternate, smooth, glaucous, decompound or bi- pinnated and tnpinnated, folioles sessile, unequal, ob- long, obtuse, and entire, the last foliole larger obovate. blowers yellow, in a terminal cynose and dichotome pamde. Petals large, rounded, entire, concave. Sta- mens equal. Only one central flower, the first unfold- ed has five petals and ten stamens ; all the others have tour petals and eight stamens. o ^u^I2^^' '^'V^ shrubby plant is a native of the south of Europe and north Africa ; it is cultivated in our gardens, is become naturalized and even spontaneous with us. It blossoms m summer. The whole plant has a strong peculiar smell, almost foetid when bruised, vet PROPERTIES. A foetid oil, strongly impregnated with the rutaceous smell, which congeals easily, and is almost corrosive, forms the active element of this plant: .1 k 't.^ ^'^"'^ P^^'^t ''^ blossom fhpt V.=f • ""-f t^^ ^^^'"^ a^-e also used ; then ^taste is acnd, bitterish, very penetrating and unl grateiul : yet some persons can eat the leaves as a relish, while others are blistered by mere handling. They are anti-spasmodic, deobstruent, stimulant, heating, rubefa- cient, and blistering, useful in spasmodic affections 76 SABBATIA. No. 82. hysteria, hypocondria, obstructions, obstructed secre- tions : also in rheumatism of the joints, feet, and loins, applied externally. Their effects in gout and hepatitis are more doubtful. No. 82. SABBATIA ANGULARIS. Names. Angular Centaury. Fr. Centauree angu- leuse. Vulgar. Rosepink, Wild Succory, Bitterbloom. Classif. Nat. Order of Gentianides. Pentandria mo- iiogynia L. Genus .Sabbatia. Calyx persistent, four to twelve parted. Corolla rotate, four to twelve parted. Stamens four to twelve, anthers revolute. One pistil and style, two spiral stigmas. Capsule one celled, bivalve. Sp. Sabhatia angularis. P. Stem erect corymbose, square and winged : leaves clasping, ovate, acute : seg- ments of the calyx lanceolate, half as long as the corolla; DESCRIPTION. Root annual, fibrous, and yellow. Stem one or two feet high, with opposite branches, form- ing a corymb, smooth, square, with small wings on the angles. Leaves opposite, quite sessile, subcordate, and clasping, very smooth, nerved, ovate acute, very entire. Flowers terminal, handsome, inodoi'ous, forming a large corymb. Calyx base pentagone, five lanceolate seg- ments. Corolla with obovate spreading segments, twice as long as the calyx, of a fine rose colour. Stamens five, erect, filaments short filiform, anthers oblong, re- volute after the anthesis. Pistil ovate, style terete, two linear styles, twisted together. Capsule with many seeds, inserted on the two valves. HISTORY. This genus, dedicated to a Roman bo- tanist, was united to Chironia by Linnaeus ; it hardly differs from it, and the species which have seven to twelve stamens, a seven to twelve parted corolla and calyx, such as S. calycosa, S. chloroides, S. coriacea, S. flexuosa, S. gentianoides, approximate to the genus Chlo- ' ra, and ought to form a peculiar subgenus at least, which I call Plurimaria. This species is very common in the Noi 82. %ABBATIA A]VOTI.Airi«. ANGULAR CEKTAVmr, No. 82. S ABB ATI A. ^7 meadows of the United States, and blossoms in summer It has some varieties: l.Mbiflora. ± Latifolia. 3.S czflora. 4. matior. It resembles exceedingly the ^ centaunum of Europe, which differs only by the round stem, and the S. corymbosa of our swampsf which has a square stem without wings, and a subulate calyx AH the species of this genu? are handsome oS;nred have a beautiful central star of two colors in the flower' ^li I /.P^ o'' and nearly equivalents next t? t afe ^ T'' bitter^d^trongS; 1. S maritima. Raf. 1802. Stem dichotome terete • linear ^^T'^^'rr'''^'' '^^^^ campanulate? segments mear, subequal to the corolla, which is white with lobes ovate oblong, and a central yellow Ld 10'; s^r nllt h ''r^'"^ New York, &c Th'; tuS.i ^?f3^]?bose stem, leaves narrower, calyx turbinate, corolla three times as long, lobes rose ibovate obtuse, the central star yellow and rfd. In the Sou'thern ]p«l/i-''f'f ^^^"^ ^^^nde'-' with four aneles- fx tur&e ' s?"''*'/ ''^^"f ' trichotomef a: irienSh J ^T!*' ^^""^ '"^"^a*«' co'-olla double t^s "^D^coveTe^dt rs/;^"'"*'. r^^"' ^"^^^^^ river cSrTand ' "^^^ PROPERTIES. The whole plant is used • it is A. mitten,, nervous, V K-! a J etn^to": tTZ 4 in a wari;'d:^„^„£/°^ :r.rsrArSe 78 SANGUINARIA. No. 83. it is in cold infusion. A good stomachic and febrifuge tincture is made with it, calamus, and orange peel. In powder, the dose is from ten to twenty grains. Wine IS a good vehicle for it, a wine glass being a dose. Quite equivalent of Gentian. No. 83. SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. Nmnes. Common Bloodroot. Fr. Sanguinaire du Ca- nada. Vulgar. Red Puccoon, Bloodwort, Redroot, Pau- son, Turmeric. Classif. Nat. Order of Papaveracea. Polyandna mo- nogynia L. , • ■ Genus Sanguinaria. Calyx two leaves deciduous. Corolla with seven to fourteen petals. Many stamina. Pistil oblong, stigma sessile bilobed. Capsule one celled, bivalve, seeds arillate. Sp. Sanguinaria canadensis. L. Radical leaves cor- date, sinuate, multilobe, obtuse, scapes uniflore, petals oblong, obtuse. . , , n . DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, horizontal, lieshy and thick, knobby, with some fibres, brownish red out- side, pale within, emitting a bright orange juice ; end truncate or obtuse, many buds sending off leaves and scapes. Leaves erect, on long channelled petioles, cor- date or subreniform, very smooth, sinuated into many rounded repand lobes, obtuse as well as the sinusses : color glaucous, almost white beneath, and reticulated by veins. Scapes erect, terete unfolded by the young leaves, one terminal flower. Calyx with two ovate, obtuse, and concave folioles, falling as soon as the corolla ex- pands. Corolla spreading, commonly with eight white petals, oblong obtuse, four alternate internal ones, a lit- tle shorter. Stamens many and short, anthers oblong, vellow. Pistil oblong, compressed. No style, stigma thick sessile, neady bilobe. Capsule oblong, both ends acute, two valves. Seeds many, round, red, base with a white vermicular arilla. , , j i. HISTORY. This genus named from its bloody root, has. only one species known, with several varieties: JVo. 83. SArVGUEVARIA CAIVADEIVSIS. 'i No. 83. SANGUINARIA. 79 \. Parmflora. 9,. Cespitosa. 3. JReniformis. 4. Sevens 5. Multipetala, with double petals. 6. Stenopetala,\vith a narrow Imear acute petals. Is it a new species? It IS a vernal plant, blossoming in April and Mav found in woods from Canada to Louisiana, Florida, and M?s souri. It is handsome, but inodorous. Whei the nlanf IS in blossom, the leaves are small 5 they continue to grow larger afterwards. ^ continue to PROPERTIES The root is the officinal part : it is one of the most valuable medical articles of our country and already begins to be introduced into generarprlcl tice. It IS an acrid narcotic, emetic, deobstment^dia phoretic, expectorant, vermifuge, escharotic, and at th; same time stimulant, tonic. The chemical analysis has detected in It chmconin, a resin, an acrid gumLin gal he acid, fecula, extractive and a peculiar bfttS Si ca led Sangmnarine, by Dana, which is of an oranl color, and forms colored salts with acids. Alcohol dfs! so Ives the color of the root better than water ; paper and cloth dipt in these solutions are dyed of a salmofcolor The Indians used the red juice to paint themselves and dye or stain skins, baskets, &c. ^It has not yet 'been much used in dyeing, although it stains woo/of a fine omnge color, the mordants ate alumine anrmurLsuT- phate of tin, for silk, cotton, &c. The taste of IS acrid and bitter, burning the mou?h atd thro^^^ powdering the dried root, L nose and throat are effect- ed. A large dose, from eight to twenty grains is dan gerous, causmg heartburnsr nausea, faintless 'vertt^' dimness and emesis. In small doses of two to Er grams. It produces nausea without vomitinrand «rr erates the circulation, while in minute Ssrf less than a grain it acts like a tonic, and lessens the frequency of the pulse like nigitalis. The best way to use it i{ in 80 SANGUINARIA. No. 83, rosive, was used for warts. Thatcher says it is the base of Rawson'a hitters, a remedy for jaundice. From thirty to eighty drops of the tincture in wine, twice a day, is a ^od prophylacted for intermittents, marshy fevers, and inward fevers. It is very bitter, increases the appetite and tone of the stomach. But it is beneficial in many other diseases of the liver and lungs, typhoid pneumo- nia, hooping cough, torpor of the liver, hydrothorax, croup, amenorrhea, asthma, peripneumonia trachealis, incipient consumption, ulcerous sorethroat, cynanche trachealis, dysentery, inflammatory rheumatism, and externally in ulcers, polypus of the nose, fleshy excre- senses, and fungous tumors. Few medical plants unite so many useful properties ; but it requires to be administered with skilful hands, and may become dangerous in empirical hands. Dr. Tully has investigated them very carefully : he says that it unites all the beneficial effects of Squills, Seneka root. Digitalis, Guayacum, and Ammoniacum, without their bad effects. In moderate doses, it excites the san- guiferous and lymphatic systems. Snuffed in the nose it excites sneezing. Applied externally to ulcers or dis- eased skin, it promotes absorption and changes actise sunlo' !? "^'"'^.^^^^ ^o^firm needfufto encourage rathe? t ''' T'^^^^'^ ^^^^ ''^ ^« tempt to throw lighfon the sub]:^ ^^^^^ No. 85. SIGILLARIA MULTIFLORA Genus Sigillaria. Perio-one h,h„io • i . nens six, inserted in the unn^r f T ^ta- »i8til, one style, one ti^.n^ ft 1^ One wo seeded. 'F^o^aers l^Ury to^^J, ^T'''^'^ 84 SIGILLARIA. No. 85. Sp. Sigillaria multiflora. Raf. Stem terete, leaves clasping oblong oval, acute, smooth, peduncles nodding multiflore. , , . , DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, horizontal, thick, wrinkled, premorse. Stem simple, erect, two or three feet high, smooth and round. Leaves alternate, longer than the internodos, oblong acute, broad or suboval, base clasping, entire, inultinerve, very smooth. Flowers white, pretty large, nearly one inch long, several on axillary reflexed peduncles, three to five sessile. Berry round, red, dotted. . HISTORY. Linnffius and the Linn^n botanists have united half a dozen genera under the name of Conmlla- ria, which thus has no characters of its own ; they are 1. Convallaria. L. Perigone coroUiform campanulate, six cleft. Six stamens. Berry three celled. Scapes racemose. Lillies of the valley. O. majahs and C. '^^^^^^Gl'oheria. Raf. Perigone corolliform globular, six toothed. Six stamens. Scape spicated. C. spicata ot Thunberg. , ^ j , 3. Sigmana.-Rd.lSn. See above: the Poly gonatim of Tournefort, bad name, same as Polygonum. AU the species vulgarly called Solomon Seal. A genus ot anti- diluvian plant has been called i^igillaria by Brongniart, which ought to be called Sigillites. If any name must be changed, I oflfer another substitute as good, Acillana. 4. Mayanthemum. Pers. {Similacma, Desf. a bad name, formed from Smilax.) Perigone corolliform, six parted, spreading, six stamina, divergent, inserted at the base of the segments. Berry three celled, d stem, Jlower sterminal racemose. M. stellatum, M. racemosum, M. trifolium, &c. . „.. 5. Styrandra.Rai. 1817. Perigone corolliform, four parted, spreading; four stamens divergent. Berry two , celled. Habit as the last. -Si. 6i/bZia. ; 6. CUntonia. Raf. 1817. Perigone corolliform, six parted, campanulate, six stamens, inserted at the base. Style compressed, stigma bilobe, compressed. BeiiJ two cdled! cells polysperm. Scape wUh uraheUate flowen. Several spe'cies called Dracena boreahs and No. 85. SIGILLARIA. , 85 Convallaria umhellata by authors, distinguished by my- self, 1. CI. nutans. 2. CI. odorata. 3. CI. podanisia, 4. CI. -parviflora. 5. CI. multiflora. It is absurd to consider all these genera as one genus, without any collective characters they are not even subgenera, since their habit and flowers are widely dif- ferent. The S. multiflora is found all over the United States, on hills 5 it blossoms in June and July. The other Ame- rican species of Sigillaria, such as S. biflora, S. latifo- lia, S. pubescens, &c. are all called Solomon Seal, and having similar properties, will be included here. PROPERTIES. The roots of those plants are chiefly used. They are demulcent, restringent, corroborant, depurative, vulnerary, cosmetic, cephalic, nervine, &c. Their smell is vapid, the taste rather mucilaginous and sweetish : they contain gum, sugar, mucilage, and fe- cula. Their properties are so mild that they can be eaten, particularly when dry or cooked. In Swedeii, a flour and good bread is made with them. Our Indians collected them as an article of food. The Indians of Oregon or Columbia river eat the berries, calling them Solma, which name is surprisingly similar to ours! The young shoots maybe eaten like Asparagus and Poke, according to Cutler. Schoepf says that the bruised root IS employed in ophthalmy or sore eyes. They are also useful in poultice, for piles, wounds, and inflammations ot the skin. A vinous infusion of them with Comfrey roots is useful as a restringent in fluor albus, leucor- rhea, and immoderate flow of the menses. The powder- ed roots purify the blood ; their extract has been used by Dr. Arnold for coughs and pains in the breast. They appear to be equivalent to Ulmus fulva, and may per- haps be used in bowel complaints. Schoepf says that one species (more probably Uvularia grandiflora) is em- -ployed in Pennsylvania against the bites of rattle snake*;. Jhe berries are cephalic and cardiacal, like those of Mayanthemum racemosum, mentioned by Clayton H 86 SOLANUM. No. 86. No. 86. SOLANUM DULCAMARA. Names. Bitter-sweet Nightshade. Fr. Solane dou- ceamere. Vulgar. Bitter-sweet Vine, Nightshade Vine, Violet bloom, Scarlet Berry. ' Classif. Nat. Order of Lurides. Pentandria mono- gynia L. Genus Solanum. Calyx five cleft, persistent. Co- rolla rotate, five cleft. Stamens five, anthers coherent with two pores above. One pistil, style and stiema! Berry two celled, many seeded. Solanum dulcamara. 1,. Stem shrubby, twining, inerme, flexuose : leaves ovate, subcordate, commonly with two auricles at the base : panicles cymose. DESCRIPTION. Woody vine, creeping or climbing to the extent of five or six feet, base woody, end or last shoots herbaceous, flexuose, without thorns, smooth, te- rete. Leaves alternate, petiolate, ovate acute, entire, base subcordate, and often with one or two small lobes like auricles at the base, with obtuse sinusses. Flowers on peduncles opposed to the leaves, bearing a loose cluster or cymose panicle of many flowers, of a pretty violet color, with yellow anthers. Calyx small, acute. Corolla nearly five parted, segments acute, ovate, lanceolate, each with two whitish dots or glands at the base, often reflexed. Filaments very short, anthers erect, forming a yellow conical tube. Pistil oval, style filiform, exert, stigma obtuse, simple. Berries oval, of a bright scarlet. HISTORY. The genus Solanum includes a multi- tude of species of opposite characters and properties, very wrongly blended by Linnaeus, who abolished the genera Lycopersicon, Melongena, &c. of Tournefort. They must be re-established, and the whole genus re- vised ; the following genera must be separated at least: 1. Lycopersicon. Calyx and corolla, 6 to 12 parted, and stamens from six to twelve. Berry multilocular. The tomato belongs here and S.ficgax, Sic. 2. Melongena. Calyx unequal, three to six cleft. Corolla campanulate, four to six cleft. Stamens four to six, equal. Berry spongy. S. melongena, S. stelia- tum, &c. No. 86. SOIiATVUm DIJJLCAMARA. BITTERSWEET NiaHTSHAM. No. 86. SOLANUM. 87" 3. Otilix. Raf. Calyx appendiculated. Stamens five, not connivent. Seeds osseous. S. licioides, &lc. 4. A7idrocera. N. Caljx swelled, caducous. Corolla subringent. Stamens unequal, anthers free, hornlike. Style declinated. Berry dry. A. lobata or S. heteranthum of Pursh. The S. dulcamara is a true Solanum. It is a native of Europe, Asia, and North America, where it grows in the Eastern and Northern States, from New England to Ohio, &c. in shady fertile grounds, blossoming from June to August. The berries stand on the vine till very late. There are many varieties of this plant, such as, l.Heterophylla, common kind. 2. Isophylla, \esi\es consi- milar not auriculated. S.Maritima, with pubescent leaves. A.Repens, stem procumbent and creeping. 5. Pandurata, leaves lyrate, pandurate. These two last most frequent m the wild state in America. It is a handsome vine, often cultivated in gardens. PROPERTIES. The whole plant is used as a depu- rative, deobstruent, antiherpetic, narcotic, diuretic, ano- dyne, repellent, &c. The taste is sweetish and bitter, whence the name j the smell is somewhat nauseous, but much less so than in S. nigrum and other species. Its active prmcipks are the solanic acid, a peculiar sub- stance, called Solania, a mucous extractive, &c.: they are more soluble in water than in alcohol. A very be- neficial article in many diseases, now neglected by the chemical school, but adequate to produce nearly all the good effects of sulphur, antimony, and mercury, in chronic rheumatism, gout, secondary syphilis, incipient phthisis, asthma, jaundice, herpes, lepra, and all cutaneous attections. It has also been used in pleurisy, peripneu- monia, dyslochia, amenorrhea, and scrofula. While ex- ternally, It is very useful in contusion, the itch, herpetic sores, sore nipples, schirrous swellings, nay, even the cancer, and ttie worst kinds of ulcerl The common way to use it is m decoction ; but the American varie- ties are very powerful ; Bigelow states that a few grains of the fresh leaves, or a small cup of the decoction have been known to vomit. A great difference in strength IS observed in the various parcels kept in the shops : the plants growing m a dry soil and warm climates are SOLANUM. No. 86. strongest ; by drying, much of their strength is lost. A slight nausea, vertigo, and palpitation, are evidences of its operation. A palatable syrup may be made with it and some aromatic substances. In general, it increases all the secretions and excretions, excite the heart and arteries, and in large doses, produces emesis, spasms, delirium, giddiness, palpitations, convulsions, and in- sensibitity. The first doses ought to be always moderate and gra- dually increased, beginning with one ounce of the de- coction, or five grains of the extract, three times daily. Dr. Haller and others have cured the cancer, by topical application of the juice and green leaves. It is perliaps the best cure for the loathsome lepra, by using it inter- nally, and externally as a wash, also for all kinds of herpetic eruptions, ulcerous sores, &c. in the same way. It is deemed a valuable auxiliary to mercury in syphilitic eruptions. Thus it avails in all cutaneous diseases of the skin j twenty-one cases of lepra were cured out of twenty -three, by Dr. Chricton. It increases the power of sarsaparilla in all cases, and is an ingredient in all depurative medicines and panaceas. It is a palliative in pituitous and tubercular phthisis. It always acts as a diuretic and aperient. It has been found useful in chro- nic venereal pains, osteocopic pains, inflammatory fe- vers, violent asthma, chronic rheumatism, and stiffness in the muscles and joints. The Solanmn virginianum, which some deem a va- riety of S. nigrum, and grows all over the United States in fields, road sides, &c. is easily known by its herba- ceous winged erect stem, small white flowers, berries black, and ovate repand leaves. It possesses nearly all the properties of S. dulcamara, nay, is more narcotic and virulent, also hypnotic, sedative, &c. One to three grains of the leaves infused in water, produce a copious perspiration, profuse diuresis, and often purge next dayj a larger dose affects the nervous system. Therefore, this plant is very active, and if substituted, must be given carefully and gradually. The berries are poison- ous, causing coma, torpor, burning in the stomach, fever, nausea, stupor, insensibility. The extract is less vio- lent, but highly sedative. The leaves poison hogs and Wo. 87. ^PIC^EIilA ]»ARILA]VBI€A. COMMON PINK ROOT. No. sr. SPIGELIA. 89 fowls. They have been used internally for inflammation of the stomach and bowels, ardor of urine, dropsical complaints, internal and syphilitic pains, obstinate her- petic and scorbutic eruptions, ulcers of a cancerous na- ture, &c. The dose, one or two grains. Externally, they are still more useful in poultice, for headache, phlegmon, schirrous, erysipelas, painful inflamed sores, even scrofulous and cancerous, foul chronic ulcers, and every other disease of the skin. - No. 87. SPIGELIA MARILANDICA. /fames. Common Pinkroot. Fr. Spigelie oflicinale. I^ulgar. Carolina Pink, Starbloom, Indian Pink, Worm Root, Unstitla. Classif. Nat. Order of Gentianea. Pentandria mo- nogynia L. Genus Spigelia. Calyx five parted persistent. Co- rolla funnel shape, five cleft. Stamens five, inserted near u-f ^^6^*' stigma fusiform. Capsule bilobed bdocular, many seeded. Sp. Spigelia marilandica. L. Perennial, stem simple, quadrangular, leaves opposite sessile, ovate lanceolate termmal raceme of unilateral fusiform flowers h ^^^^A?'^^^^- perennial, yellow, with many branched fibres in a bunch. Several stems, with four sides, erect, simple, smooth. Leaves all opposite and sessile, oval elongate, very sharp or acumimte, entire and smooth. A raceme, seldom two, with few flowers five to twelve, one sided, on short pedunales, without calyx, with five subulate serrulate segments. Corolla very handsome, one inch long, of a bright scarlet out- side, but yel ow above or mside, tube fusiform or swell- ed, and angular above, border with five acute spreading segments, r.ke a golden star. Stamens five, short, i^? nh?ln P- Im' ^'^^ Recurrent, anthe'rs cordate, oblong. Pistil ovate, small, style long filiform, jointed below, with a fusiform pubescent acute stigma. Capsule H 2 90 SPIGELIA. No. 87. HISTORY. A beautiful plant, very ornamental by its bright blossoms, althougb scentless. Found in the Southern and Western States, from Maryland to Ken- tucky and Florida; very abundant in some peculiar places, such as the glades of Carolina and west Ken- tucky, where it is collected as an article of trade. It blossoms in June and July. It has the following varie- ties : 1 . Distachya. 2. Pubera,^ stem, nerves, and margin of leaves pubescent. 3. Pallida, with pale red flowers. 4. Mbiflora, very rare. 5. dngustifolia, leaves nearly lanceolate. 6. Parviflora. The genus is dedicated to Spigeli, an Italian botanist. The Cherokees call it Un- stitla, the Osages Mekaa or Starflower. It has been ex- tirpated in many places by collectors, and is now very rare in Maryland and Virginia. PROPERTIES. The root is the officinal part, and is an article of trade. It is narcotic, vermifuge, seda- tive, cathartic, and febrifuge ; but the stem and leaves have the same properties. When fresh, they are always narcotic, like Digitalis and Datura ; but when dry they lose their strength, the roots even quicker than the leaves, and when the article has long been exposed to the air, it becomes nearly inert, whence the various opinions on its effects. As a narcotic, it is preferable to Digitalis, and milder, never causing sudden prostra- tion, yet it lessens and soothes the morbid irritability of the heart, arteries, and nerves. In large doses, it causes vertigo, dilatation of the pupil, headache, stupor, flushed face, intoxication, and delirium. The chemical analysis gives as constituent, mucus, extractive, gallic acid, and a peculiar volatile substance called Spigeline. Water is the best menstruum. The smell is not nauseous, the taste is mucilaginous and sweetish, and thus it is not disliked by childx-en like many vermifuges. The Cherokees made known the properties of this plant, and they have been confirmed by many physicians. It has chiefly attracted notice as a vermifuge and for diseases of children, con- vulsions, worm fever, &c. It is generally united to a cathartic, to insure or aid its effects, as its own purga- tive effect is very mild, and by no means certain senna and rhubarb are the best adjuncts ; the warm infusion is most efficient ; dose about a gill, but frequently repeat- ]Vo. 88. SPIREA TOUIEIVTOSA. I RED MEaDOW SWEET. a r No. 88. SPIREA. ed ; dose of the powder 10 to 20 grains, in honej ; a good worm syrup is made also with it, united to mild purgatives. Much used in Louisiana, where it is called Serpentine. The Osages use it as a sudorific and seda- tive in acute diseases. Ives recommends it in the fever of children, called worm fever, (although not always at- tended with worms) seated in the bowels, and known by flushed cheeks and lips ; he also deems it useful in dysentery. A vinous infusion has been found useful in intermittents, the protracted remittent fever of infants, convulsions of children, &c. It appears peculiarly suita- ble for their diseases. The S. anthelmica of the West Indies, is also vermifuge, as the name implies. No. 88. SPIREA TOMENTOSA. Names. Red Meadow-sweet. Fr. Ulmaire discolore. Vulgar. Hardhack, Steeple Bush, Rosy Bush, White- leaf. Classif. Nat. Order of Spiracea. Icosandria penta- gynia L. Genus Spirea. Calyx 5 cleft. Five petals, equal rounded. Many stamens on the calyx, exserted. Pis- tils S to 12. Capsules 3 to 12, one celled, bivalve, each 1 or two seeded. Sp. Spirea tomentosa. L. Stem simple, shrubby, erect; leaves ovate lanceolate, unequally serrate, tomentose beneath : spikes terminal compound, flowers crowded, pentagynous. DESCRIPTION. Small shrub, with many stems, 2 or 4 feet high, simple, upright, purplish, downy, terete. Leaves alternate, crowded, on very short petioles, ob- long or oval lanceolate, subacute at both ends, with un- equal acute serratures, dark green or brownish above, and rugose, white and tomentose beneath. Flowers ter- minal, in a kind of terminal panide, of a handsome red color, tormed by compound spikes of small subsessile nowers. Calyx campanulate, with 5 acute segments. *ive round petals. Five pistils and capsules. 92 SPIREA. No. 88. HISTORY. A fine genua, containing several pretty shrubs ; this is one of the prettiest, and is ver^ orna- mental, by its leaves of two colors, and large panicles of red blossoms. It blossoms in July and August, and is common from New England to Carolina and Kentucky, in moist grounds, meadows, &c. The varieties are, \. Pumila. 2. Paniculata. 3. ^Ibi/lora. 4, Ferruginea. 5. Virgata. PROPERTIES. The whole plant is inodorous, but the taste is pleasantly bitter and powerfully astringent. It contains tannin, gallic acid, bitter extractive, &c. all soluble in water. Formerly used by the Mohegan tribe of Indians and the herbalists ; brought to notice only towards 1810, by Dr. Cogswell, of Hartford. Schoepf and Cutler have omitted it. Drs. Mead, Ives, and Tully have since recommended it as a very good astringent and tonic. The whole plant may be used, but the root is the least valuable part. The extract of it, prepared by the Shakers and others, is the best form ; dose 4 to 6 grains, every two or three hours, in dysentery and chronic diar- rhoea, cholera infantum, debility of the bowels and the system, hemorrhage of the bowels, and other diseases where astringents are required. It appears to be equal if not superior to Kino and Catechu, because it never disagrees with the stomach, all its virtues are soluble in water, is a bitter tonic, and can be had pure and genuine. It is peculiarly useful in the secondary stages of bowel complaints, when the inflammation has been partly sub- dued, either alone or combined with ipecac, opium, &c. It has been used abroad by seamen, with great benefit, in the cholera morbus and chronic diarrhoea of the tro- pical climates, even in the first stage. United to milk and sugar, it forms a very pleasant drink for the pro- tracted stage of cholera. It is said fo be equivalent to Geranium maculatum and Comus circinata in most cases, but the first is less tonic, and the last a better tonic. The Honskokaogacha of the Osage Indians is probably this shrub ; they use the dry root and stems as powerful styptic and astringents, to stop blood and he- moptisis, by chewing them, or drinking the cold infusion; the women use it in tea and as a wash for female com- plaints, as a restringent, &c. \ ( A No. 89. STATICE CAROI.IOTA1VA. AMERICAN THRIFT, No. 89. STATICE, 93 The Spirea opulifolia, a larger shrub, growing on the banks of streams, with trifid leaves and white corymbose trigjnous blossoms, and commonly called Ninebark, has nearly the same properties, and is an equivalent. I have used the extract with equal success. It is chiefly used by the herbalists in external applications for fomen- tations, poultices, burns, mortification, swellings. If it is the Sindesneni of the Osages (or is it Prinos? or Hydrangea ?) it is also cathartic, febrifuge, sudorific, and anthelmintic ; the roots, bark, and twigs are used in asthma, colds, fevers, bowel complaints, &c. chiefly in warm infusions. But many shrubs bear the name of Nineback in the United States. No. 89. STATICE CAROLINIANA. Names. American Thrift. Fr. Statice d'Amerique. Vulgar. Marsh Rosemary, Marsh Root, Seaside Thrifty Inkroot, Sea Lavender. Classif. Nat Order of Staticea. Pentandria mono- gynia L. Genus Statice. Calyx monophyllous, scarious, and plaited. Petals 5. Stamens 5, inserted on their claws. One pistil, 5 styles. One seed, invested by the calyx. Sp. Statice caroHniana. Walter. Radical leaves pe- tiolate cuneate obtuse, acutely mucronate, smooth and flat : stem round panicled, flowers geminate, in unilate- ral spikes. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, large, fleshy, fu- siform or branched, premose or obtuse, purplish brown. Radical leaves, erect on long petioles, cuneiform, very smooth, with only one nerve, end broader obtuse, but with an acute point, quite entire and ^at on the margin. Scapes round, smooth, one or two feet high, loosely pa- nicled above, branches alternate, ramules unilateral, pointing upwards, flowers the same at the ends of the ramules, small, subsessile, each axillary to an ovate mu- cronate scaly bract, commonly geminate, upon a short scaly and forked peduncle. Calyx funnel shaped, 5 angled, 5 teethed, angles ciliate. Petals blue, spatulate 94 STATICE. No. 89 obtuse. Pistil small obovate, 5 styles shorter than the stamens. Seed oblong. HISTORY. This plant is deemed by many a variety of St. linunium of Europe, which, however, differs by the leaves oblong undulate and larger flowers, while the St. gmeiini or Asiatic, akin species, has obovate leaves and angular scapes. It was first distinguished by Wal- ter, and grows on our sea shores, near salt marshes, from New England to Florida. It blossoms in summer. The varieties are : 1. Alhiflora. 2. Cespitosa. S.Pumila. 4. Ramosissima. 3. Longifolia. It is strange that the name of Rosemary, belonging to a very different shrub, the Rosmarinus officinalis^ should be given to this plant in America : the true English name is Thrift. Neither the root nor plant has any smell. PROPERTIES. The root is the officinal part ; it is one of the most powerful vegetable astringent and styp- tic, even stronger than St. limonium, Geranium macula- turn, and Kino, and equal to Galls, since an equal quan- tity of both makes ink equally black. It contains tan- nin, gallic acid, extractive, muriate of soda, &c. Water and alcohol are both solvents of it, but the last is even stronger, and the cold infusion more powerful than the hot. The roots are kept in shops : they are chiefly used in aphtha, ulcers of the mouth and throat, debility, he- morrhage, cynanche maligna, relaxed bowels, cholera infantum, chronic dysentery, &c. in which they are emi- nently beneficial, being also antiseptic. It often avails when other astringents and tonics have failed. It is a kind of specific, as a gargle, in ulcerous sorethroat or scarlatina anginosa. In dysentery, it must be given after purgatives. It has been employed also in a wash or in- jections, in gonorrhea, gleets, and immoderate flow of menses. For internal use, the decoction or infusion sweetened (or a syrup) may be employed in small re- peated doses. The taste is very styptic and somewhat bitter ; it may be made more palatable by some aroma- tics. These useful properties are well attested and ad- mitted by all physicians. Zollickoffer alone states that it is also sudorific and emetic, but probably by mistake. So. 90. JsiYMPHYTCML OFFICII^ ALE. COMMON COMrBBY. No. 90. SYMPHYTUM. 95 No. 90. SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE. Names. Common Comfrey. Fr. Consoude usuelle. Classif.^ Nat. Order of Borragines or Asperifolia. Pentandria monogynia L. Genus Symphytum. Calyx five parted, persistent. Corolla funnel shaped, limbus tubulate ventricose, orifice closed by 5 subulate appendages. Five stamina in the tube. Pistil 4 lobed, one style and stigma. Four seeds. Sp. Symphytum officinale. L. Stem erect and winged: leaves oval lanceolate, all sessile, decurrent, acute, ru- gose : racemes nodding, glomerated, and secund. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial, whitish, thick, cy- Imdncal, tapermg or branched. Stem 3 or 4 feet high, upright, branched, angular and winged, rough ; branches erect. Leaves alternate, sessile decurrent, , oblong, at- tenuated, and rugose. Flowers in terminal racemes, glonerated, nodding, recurved. Corolla yellowish white, base tubular, end ventricose, 5 toothed. HISTORY. This plant is a native of Europe, but has been naturalized from New England to Ohio and Vir- ginia, growing spontaneously in thickets, meadows, &c. It blossoms in June and July. The varieties are, 1. Pur- pureum, with purple flowers and spreading calvx. ^ Ni- grim, root black. S.Elatior. ^.Pumilum. 5. Jlbiflorum. We have a native American species of this genus, found west of the Mississippi, in the prairies and lades' and cultivated at Bartram's garden. I call it and distin- guish as follows : Symphytum hirsutum. Whole plant hirsute. Stem erect, somewhat winged, lower leaves petiolate, oblong- lanceolate, upper leaves sessile decurrent, oval acumi"^ nate ; racemes germinate, erect, convolute at the end. ^^^^es a foot long, flowers white PROPERTIES. The whole pfant, but TSy the roots are in use j the S.hirsutum is probably equivalent, rheyhaye no smell ; the taste is mucilaginous, gluti- nous, a little sweetish, and austere, but grateful. The principles are mucilage, fecula, gallic acid, &c. Thev are inspissant, demulcent, vulnerary, astringent, and be- neficial in dysentery, nephritis, hacmatuna, hemoptysis, 96 TRILLIUM. No. 91. strangury, and many other diseases internally, while ex- ternally they are useful bruised and applied to ruptures and sprains. The mucilage of these roots is equal to that of Althea or Marshmallows, but much more useful, being united to astringency. The Comfrey may be used with great advantage in hemorrhage of the bowels, stomach, and lungs, erosions of the intestines, salt rheum, gonor- rhea, and fluor albus, ardor of urine, &c. It is much va- lued in Europe and China, also by our herbalists, but wrongly omitted by all our medical writers, except Schoepf and Cutler. In China it is called Tihoang, and considered equal to Ginseng in many cases, particularly in preserving health ; pills, lozenges, and bolus are made of it, and taken daily in the morning, by people of weak and debilitated habits. In Europe, a conserve and syrup is used. The infusion, decoction, &c. are equally good; the doses need not be very nice, as the effects are mild. Our herbalists unite it to Burdock and Yarrow, to cure the clap, using at the same time injections of Statice or Tormentil. Boiled in milk, it becomes the best prepara- tion for diseases of the bowels and urinary organs. It may be safely employed in all diseases of debility, re- laxation, and overflowing. It is said to act as a pallia- tive at least in nephitic pains and gravel, to prevent the recurrence of bleeding from the lungs and stomach, and to strengthen while it lubricates all the solids. No. 91. TRILLIUM LATIFOLIUM. Names. Broadleaf Bethroot. Fr. Triole dilatee. Vul- var. Bethroot, Rattlesnake Root, Wakerobm, Cough- root, Indian Balm, Ground Lily, Jews Harp, Indian Shamrock, Pariswort, Truelove. , . ^ • Classif. Nat. Ord. of Asparagoides. Hexandna tri- ^^Genus Trillium. Perigone double marcescent, each 3 parted, exterior caliciform, interior corolliforra. Six stamina inserted at the base of the segments, nearly equal, anthers linear. Pistil oval, 3 linear stigmas, (sel- dom a style.) Berry 3 celled polysperm. Constant habit No. 91. TRlXMrM JLAXIFOOUM. BBOaDLEAr BZSTHROOT. No. 91. TRILLIUM. 97 of the whole genus. Root perennial. Stem terete., smooth, erect, with 3 verticillate leaves and one terminal flower. Sp. Trillium latifolium. See sp. 25. HISTORY. This beautiful natural genus is peculiar to North America 5 the nearest genera are the European Paris, differing merely by perigone 8 parted, 8 stamens, 4 stigmas, and 4 leaves. 2. The American Medeola, which has a simple caducous 6 parted perigone, whorl of several leaves, flowers umbellate. Linnseus had on- ly 3 species of Trillium. Tr. sessile, Tr. erecium, and Tr. cernuum. Michaux, Pursh, Nuttal, Elliot, Beck, &c. have increased them to about 15; but havino- paid particular attention to this interesting genus, I have as- certained as many as 33 species, with a multitude of varieties ; all bear the above vulgar names, and are ornamental, but scentless. Many are scarce species, chiefly found in the Alleghany, Cumberland, Cherokee or Apalachian mountains, the western glades, &c. They are all vernal, blooming in the spring. I propose to give here the Prodromus of their monography. 1 divide the genus into 3 subgenera. 1. Sessilium. Petals erect, anthers adnate, filaments flat, stigmas sessile. Flowers sessile, erect, (the Tr sessde of L. 2. Anthopium Petals spreading, anthers terminal, filaments not flat, stigmas sessile. Flowers pedunculate, erect or drooping. ' cJatf'^'''^^^''''^' ^ ^ 1' S. G. Sessilium. ^ l.Sp. Triliumlongiflorum.RsS. Leaves sessile, spread- ing, ovate acute, 5 nerved : petals lanceolate, twice as ong as the calyx, sessile,acute and purple. The Tr.sessile of modern authors, which name is wrong and illusive. Found froni Lake Ontario to Carolina. Koot thick pre- mose, and berry purple, as in most all the species ; many yaneties: l.MacwZate. SI. Alropurpureum. S.Parvifl Imrri. A.Pumxlum. S.Ruhricaule. 6. Undulatum. 7.La- tijolium. 2. TV. rotundifolium. Raf. Leaves spreading, sessile rounded ovate, obtusely acuminate, 5 nervel . cTl k I 98 TRILLIUM. No. 91. erect lanceolate, petals rather longer lanceolate, obtuse, undulate, dark purple, sessile ; stamens short. From Lake Erie to Tennessee. Var. \. Flexicaule. 2. Jlubri- caule. 3. Maculatum. 4. Orbiculatum. 5. Pallidum. 6. Undulatum. 3. TV. isanthum., Raf. Leaves drooping sessile, oval elliptic, with an obtuse point, 5 nerved. Calyx and pe- tals equal, erect, oblong acute ; stamens nearly as long. In Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas. Petals pale purple. Var. 1. Albijflorum. 2. Parviflorum. 4. Tr.iinctorium.'KiS. Root concatenate, red inside: leaves drooping sessile, oval lanceolate, acute trinerve : calyx and petals equal erect, oval lanceolate acute. In the islands of the Missouri river. Is it a variety of TV. isanthum? 5. ' Tr. viride. Beck. Leaves ovate acute, maculate ; Calyx ovate lanceolate erect obtuse, petals green, ra- ther longer, spatulate and thick : stamens short. In Missouri. 6. TV. recurvaium. Beck. Leaves subpetiolate, ovate lanceolate acute trinerve. Calyx recurved lanceolate acute, petals equal to it, ovate lanceolate, purple : sta- mens short. From Kentucky to Missouri. Variety 1. Sessihfolium. 2. Obovatum. 3. Maculatum. 4. Un- dulatum. _ ^ , , 1 1 7. Tr. angustifolium. Raf. Stem slender, leaves lan- ceolate acuminate, trinerve, undulate, often erect : ca- lyx erect linear lanceolate acute, petals equal, white, lanceolate obtuse ; stamens short. In Kentucky, &c. Variety I. Gracile. 2. Stenopetalum. 3. Mamlatum. 4. Roseum. ^ , , i 8 TV. membranaceum. Raf. Stem slender, leaves sessile, thin, and membranaceous, ovate elliptic, obtuse trinerve: calyx erect, ovate lanceolate, obtuse, petals pale, subequal. cuneate acuminate. Glades of Ken- tucky, Illinois, and Missouri. Flower small, petals ot a dirty pale purple. Var. 1. Ellipticum. 2. Obovatum. 3. Parvifolium. . , , 9. Tr. unguiculatum. Raf. Leaves petiolate, ova , both ends acute, trinerve : calyx reflexed, lanceo ate obtuse : petals subequal to it, unguiculate, oval, oblong obtuse, and purple. In the glades of Indiana, vvest No. 91. TRILLIUM. 99 Kentucky, &c. Van 1. Crassicaule. 2. Undulatum. 3. Maculatum. 10. Tr. petiolatum. Pursh. Leaves long petiolate, oval lanceolate acute trinerve : calyx erect, petals lanceolate linear acute, longer than the calyx. In the mountains Taconick, Alleghany, &c. 2. S. Q. Anthopium. 11. Tr. acuminatum. Raf. 1807. Leaves sessile, ovate acuminate, undulate, trinerve ; peduncle erect, equal to the leaves, calyx and petals subequal lanceo- late acuminate. In the mountains Alleghany. Petals red, not reflexed. 12. Tr.pictum. Pursh. [Tr. erythrocarpum.Michmx.) Leaves oval acuminate, base rounded, subpetiolate, five nerved, peduncle nearly erect, shorter than the leaves, calyx lanceolate acute, petals recurved, oval lanceolate acute, twice as long as the calyx. From Canada to Carolina, petals white, with purple veins,, berries bright red, Var. 1. Undulatum. 2. Roseum. 13. Tr. amblopsU. Raf. Leaves petiolate, ovate, with a long obtuse acumen, trinerve : peduncle erect, shorter than the leaves : calyx and petals subequal, narrow lan- ceolate, obtuse. In the mountains Alleghany, &c. Pe- tals white. Yav. l.Longifolium. Incarnatim. 3. Un- dulatum. A. Stenopetalum. 5 . Mgustifolium. Q.Pumi- lum. 7. Cuneatum. Petals cuneiform. 14. Tr. Pusillum. Michaux. Leaves sessile, oval ob- long, obtuse, trinerve : peduncle erect and short, calyx oval lanceolate obtuse, petals subequal, undulate, cu- neate obtuse. From Pennsylvania to Arkansas, in glades-, stem flexuose, purple, 3 or 4 inches high, leaves small, petals of a pale flesh colour. 15. Tr. nutans. Raf. (TV. eredum of many botanists.) Leaves subsessile, subrhomboidal, very wide, base acute, end acuminate, trinerve : peduncle nearly as long, in- clined, flower nodding, calyx and petals subequal, oval lanceolate acute. From Canada to Carolina, laro-e plant, leaves and flowers. Petals red or white. Var. 1. Jltropurpureum. 2, Bkolor, flower smaller, white" pistil red. 3. Obovatum. 4. Undulatum. 5. JRhom- boideum. 6. Flexuosum. 7. Album. 100 TRILLIUM. No. 91. 16. Tr.flavum. Raf. Leaves sessile, rhomboidal acu- minate, trinerve : peduncle as long, erect, flower nod- ding : calyx narrow lanceolate, petals longer lanceolate, yellow, acute. In the mountains from New York to Virginia, rare. \7. Tr. pendulum. Wildenow. Leaves sessile, rhom- boidal acuminate, base acute, trinerve : peduncle in- clined, flower drooping; calyx and petals subequal, oval acuminate, petals white, with red veins. In the mountains Catskill, Alleghany, &c. 18. TV. undulatum. Raf. 1807. W. and Elliot. Leaves sessile, ovate acuminate, undulate, trinerve : peduncle erect, calyx lanceolate, petals much longer, undulate, oblong, obtuse, dark purple. Mountains Alleghany in Pennsylvania, &c. 19. Tr, brevipetalum. Raf. Leaves sessile, ovate rhomboidal acuminate, base acute, trinerve : peduncle erect, elongated, calyx lanceolate acute ; petals shorter, ovate, undulate, acute, white. Near the lakes Ontario and Erie. Var. 1. Latifolium. 2. Roseum. 20. Tr. ovatum. Pursh. Leaves sessile, ovate, gra- dually acute, trinerve : peduncle erect, calyx linear, petals longer and larger, oblong lanceolate acute, and purple. Southern States. 21. Tr. obovatum. Pursh. Leaves sessile, ovate rhom- boidal, acuminate : peduncle erect, calyx oval lanceo- late, petals equal obovate obtuse flat, flesh colored. From Canada to Ohio. 22.7"?'. grandiflorum. Salisbury.(7'9\ rhomhoidum Mx.) Leaves sessile, ovate rhomboidal, acuminate, base acute, 5 nerved, reticulate: peduncle inclined, elongated, ca- lyx ovate, lanceolate acute, petals longer, obovate acute, white. From lake Ontario to Virginia and Kentucky. Petals thin, reticulate, forming a campanulate flower, base connivent. Var. 1. Roseum. 2. Elatior. 3. Rhom- boideum. 4. Fumilum. 5. Parviflorum. 6. Macropium. 7. Obovatum. 8. Longifolium. Often called Ground Lily, as well as the following species. 23. Tr. lirioides. Raf. Leaves shortly petiolate, ovate acuminate, base rounded, trinerve and reticulate : pe- duncle short and erect, calyx oval lanceolate obtuse ; petals larger, oblong cuneate obtuse, white. Near lake No. 91. TRILLIUM. 101 Eric, in the glades of Ohio, Illinois, &c. Commonly smaller than the last, flower also nearly campanulate, Var. \. Parviflorum. 2. Pumitum, S.JRoseum. 4. Cras- sicaule. 5. LongifoHum. 6. Maculatnm. 7. Undulatum. 24. Tr. ohcordalum. Raf. Stem short and thick, leaves sessile obcordate, trinerve reticulate ; peduncle as long, inclined, calyx lanceolate obtuse, petals equal in length, obovate obtuse, white. In the mountains Alleghany; is It a variety of Tr. grandiflorum? only 4 inches high. 25. Tr. latifollum. Raf. (figured here.) Leaves sub- sessile, very broad, dilatate, wider than long, subrhom- boidal, undulate, both ends shortly acuminate, many nerved and reticulate; peduncle reflexed and short, calyx and petals subequal, oval acuminate reflexed and revolute; stamens shorter than the pistil. In Kentucky \ stem thick, 18 inches high, petals dark purple. This and all the next species, belong to the Tr. cernuum of Linnaeus, while the foregoing 14 species answer to his J r. erecttim. 26. Tr. spatulaium. Raf. {Tr. purpureum. Kin. and Llliot.) Leaves sessile, spatulate ovate acuminate, trinerve reticulate : peduncle drooping, petals dark pur- ple, longer than the calyx, ovate lanceolate. In the mountains Alleghany. 27. Tr. nervosum. Elliot. Leaves sessile, ovate lan- ceolate, both ends acute, membranaceous, reticulated • peduncle recurved, petals oblong lanceolate, larger than the calyx, rose colored. In Carolina and Georgia. 28. J r Catesbei. EWiot. Leaves sessile, oval and obo- vate, both ends acuminate ; peduncle recurved, petals lanceolate, larger than the calyx, rose colored. In Ca- rolina, figured by Catesby 1. fig. 45, perhaps the type of /r. cernwwm of Lmnseus. Var. 1. Obovatum. Z.7ncar- 29 Tr hamosum. Raf. Leaves sessile, rhomboidal rounded, base acute, end sharply acuminate, membra- naceous, trinerve; peduncle very short, reflexed, crook- ed like a hook, calyx and petals oblong lanceolate ob- tuse, petals larger and white. In the Pocono mountains ot Pennsylvama; root fasciculate, fibrose, stem 6 inches ^!JJ7'^leaves and flowers small, discovered by Mr. Stein- I 2 102 TRILLIUM. No. 91 30. TV. medium. Raf, (TV. cemuum of our modern botanists.) Leaves shortly petiolate, broadly rliomboidal, both ends abruptly acuminate, 5 nerved, reticulate ; pe- duncle recurved short, calyx and petals equal, ovate lanceolate acuminate, flat white. From New England to Virginia. Var. 1. Gracile. 2. Pudicum. 3. Undula- turn. 4. Grandiflorum. 31. TV. glaucum. Raf. Leaves sessile, broad deltoid, both ends acute, glaucous beneath, 5 nerved and reticu- late : peduncle reflexed, calyx and petals subequal, oval obtuse, calyx erect, petals reflexed back, and. white. In Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, Maryland, Virginia, &c. This is the TV. cemuum of W. Barton, Fl. Am. fig. 40. 32. Tr. divaricatum. Raf. Leaves sessde, obovate acuminate: peduncle divergent, horizontal, petals lan- ceolate acute, longer than the calyx, flat and purple. In the Alleghany and Cumberland mountains, six inches high. 3. S. G. Delostylium. S3. Tr. stylosum. Nuttal. Leaves with short petioles, oval lanceolate, acute at both ends ; peduncle recurved, very short, petals oblong obtuse, undulate, larger than the calyx, a style as long as the stigmas. In the South- ern States. Stem a foot high or less, slender, petals rose colored. This is probably the TV. cemuum of Michaux. , , • x j PROPERTIES. I have the pleasure to introduce this fine genus into Materia Medica. It has been ne- glected by all our writers, although well known to our fierbalists. Schoepf merely says that the Indians consi- der the TV. cemuum as poisonous, which is not true j and that the acid berries of Tr. sessile stain of a red color, or dve blue with alum. A popular remedy in the Northern States, and used also by the Shakers. The roots are the officinal parts ; almost all the species maj be used indifferently, although the Indians h^ve a notion that those with red blossoms (which ^^ey ca I ma^e a^^^^ the best, and those with white blossoms (called /emafe) are bes^ for women's complaints. The species most commonly used, because most common, are the 7r. nu- tans, Tr.pictum, Tr. grandiflorum, Tr, mednm, Tu No. 91. TRILLIUM. 103 longiflonm, Tr.rotundifolium, &c. They are all astrin- gent, restringent, pectoral, tonic, antiseptic, alterative, &c. Their roots are commonly oblong or terete, tube- rose, brown outside, white inside, from 1 to 5 inches long, with a few branches or fibres ; they have a faint smell, somewhat like cedar, and a peculiar aromatic taste, somewhat like copaivi. Being chewed, they pro- duce salivation and tears, with heat in the throat, and next a sensation of coolness over the whole system. These are indications of active properties. They have not yet been analyzed. They are en^ployed internally in hematuria or bloody urine, uterine hemorrhage, immo- derate menstrual discharge, blood spitting, hectic fever, asthma, catarrhal cough, profluvia, &c. either in powder, dose a tea spoonful, or in infusion. Externally, they are very beneficial in tumors, indolent and putrid ulcers, carbuncles, and mortification, in a poultice by itself, or still better united with Sanguinaria. As an astringent and restringent, they are milder or weaker than Gera- niiim and Ilrigeron, but not so heating. As a tonic they appear very beneficial, nay, a certain cure, with bloodroot, for inflamed carbuncles and ulcers, after a purge ; it is said that they obviate or prevent gangrene and the need of cutting off mortified limbs. Even the leaves are useful applied to tumors. In female com- plaints, such as leucorrhea, menorrhea, and after partu- rition, they act as good restringents ; the Indians value them much as such, both in Canada and Missouri. They say in Canada that the roots chewed, will cure instantly the bite of rattle-snakes, both in men and cattle. Mr. Hawkins saw an Indian make the experiment for a gill' of rum: how it acts was not stated. The Indians of Missouri call them Mochar Newachar, meaning heat and cold : it is their palliative for consumption. The sessile species are called Jewsharp in Kentucky, and used for sores and ulcers. The Tr. linctorium is one of the red paints of the Western Indians ; the roots stain the hands, and dye red with alum. N. B. Sp. omitted among the Sessilium. 34. Tr. maculatum. Raf. {Tr. sessile, Elliot.) Stem spotted, leaves sessile ovate acute, trinerve, spotted • calyx erect oblong, petals spatulate, twice as long, dark purple. In Carolina, &c. 104 TUSSILAGO. No. 92. No. 92. TUSSILAGO FRIGIDA. Names. Boreal Coltsfoot. Fr. Tussilage glaciale. Classif. Nat. Order of Corymbiferous. Syngenesia superflua L. Genus Tussilago. Perianthe simple, equal, multipar- tite, membranaceous, swelled below. Phoranthe naked. Pappus simple sessile. Many narrow female rays. Sp. Tussilago frigida. L. Radical leaves on long pe- tioles, cordate, unequally toothed, woolly beneath. Scapes multiflore, thyrsus oblong fastigiate bracteate, flowers radiate. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial. Leaves all radi- cal, petioles long, thick, canaliculate ; leaves cordate rounded or subdeltoid, nearly obtuse, many unequal teeth, green and rugose above, woolly and white be- neath. Scape longer than the leaves, terete and thick, 9 to 12 inches high, with some remote lanceolate acute scales ; many flowers, forming a thyrsus or oblong ra- ceme, peduncles shorter than the flowers, axillary to su- bulate bracts, rays white, disk purple. HISTORY. A genus with many anomalies, often po- lygamous or dioical, with evident or obsolete rays, whence the subgenera 1. Farfara, flowers radiate. 2. Pe- tasites, flowers discoidal. 3. ^nandria, dioical. This species is a native of the boreal regions of the three con- tinents, Europe, Asia, and America, in the mountains of Lapland, Norway, Siberia, Canada, Maine, Labrador, Greenland, &c. It blossoms in June. We have also in America the common Coltsfoot or T. farfara of Europe, found in New England, New York, Ohio, &c. It blos- soms in April, before the leaves spring up ; easily known by its yellow radiate flowers, scapes uniflore and scaly, leaves cord ate, angular. Both species will be included here, having similar medical qualities. Tussilago, de- rives from Tussis or Cough, as useful for it. PROPERTIES. The whole plants are used, but chiefly the roots and leaves ; their smell and taste are somewhat pleasant, aromatic, bitterish, austere, and mu- cilaginous. They contain mucilage, extractive, tannin. Hio. 92. TUSSIIiAGO FRIGIDA. BOREAL COLTSFOOT. No. 93. UI¥ISE]?IA BEr,TIFOOA. No. 93. UNISEMA. 105 &c. They are reckoned demulcent, restringent, cepha- lic, errhine, pectoral, diaphoretic, deobstruent, &c. Often used in Europe and America for coughs, com- plaints of the breast and lungs, asthmatic affections, hoopino; cough, and also in scrofula : either in tea or decoction, conserve or powder. A small pinch of the powdered leaves is a very mild errhine, and a good cephalic, removing diseases of the head, giddiness, ob- structions in the nose, headache, &c. It is the base of the herb tobacco, used for that purpose in New England. Our medical writers have neglected the Coltsfoot, or spoken of it as nearly inert, but it is a mistake ; Cutler and Henry alone mention it as useful ; the Shakers and herbalists use it beneficially. Their powers in diseases of the breast are not strong, but available for consump- tive coughs and hooping cough, in warm infusion, sweet- ened with honey, or boiled in milk. A strong decoc- tion has cured scrofula (along with JVymphea, as a poul- tice, over the swellings of the neck) half a pint of the decoction was taken three times a day. No. 93. UNISEMA DELTIFOLIA. Names. Shovel Pickerelweed. Fr. Uniseme deltine. ^^jS/^r. Vond Shovel, Shovel Leaf, Water Plantain. Classtf. Nat. Order of Unisemous. Hexandria mo- nogynia L. Genus Unisema. Perigone simple corolliform, 6 cleft, bilabiate, marcescent, each lip unequally trifid, upper longest. Stamens 6, unequal, inserted on the tube. Pistil oblong, one filiform style and stigma. Fruit a single oblong seed, coated by the marcescent perigone. Hoots creeping, perennial. Stem one leaved, with a ter~ minalvaginate spike. Sp. Unisema deltifolia. Raf. See sp. 1. _ HISTORY. This striking genus is formed with the Fontedoria cordata of L. I observed as early as 1802, the smgular one seeded fruit, and established the genus in 1807 and 1817. Nuttal, in 1818, confirmed my ob- servation J but choose to retain the Linna;an name, and 106 UNISEMA. No. 93. consider this as the type of the genus Pontedoria, al- though L. positively says that the fruit of it is 3 locular and many seeded. All the servile American botanists, and even Torrey, who has verified the fruit, have fol- lowed this absurdity. The Linnaean genus Pontederia, was, and is yet, a cahos ; many genera have been taken from it, Phrynium, Heterandra, Leptanthus, Schollera, &C.5 the first, which is monandrous, belong to the Dry- mirhezous, the others form the natural order of Ponte- derides, along with the true G. Pontederia, of which the type is P. azurea, P. naians, P. dilatata, P. vaginalis, &c. of the tropical climates, with a trilocular polysperm capsule. The whole genus, however, must be carefully examined again, as some species may have a different fruit or flower. I have already ascertained two other new genera, blended with it. 1. Lunania. Raf. Corolla tubular, 6 cleft, unequal, 3 filaments and anthers in the tube, one style, 6 stigmas, capsule 3 locular, 3 valve polysperm. My L.uniflore'\% the P. limosa of L. native of Jamaica, Mexico, and Texas, different from the Leptanthus ovalis of North America ; mistaken for it by some. It has leaves cor- date ovate, scapes lateral uniflore. Dedicated to Lunan, author of the hortus Jamaicensis. 2. Calcarunia. Raf. The P. hastata L. of Asia, which has one of the 6 filaments with a spur, and three stigmas. My genus Unisema is quite peculiar to North Ame- rica, and perfectly natural in habit. It must be the type of a new natural order indicated in 1815 by me, and distinguished from all the monocotyle plants by ;)er/- gone and stamens unequal, a single seed, which has several affinities with the orders of Alismaceous, Dra- contides, Orontides, Piperides, Comelines, and Ponte- derides, but differs from them all. It has many species, ascertained by myself, which our Linnsean botanists, and even Torrey, persist to consider as more varieties, because they have a general natural habit. They all grow in water, ponds, streams, &c. and are perte^ctly smooth ; their perennial roots creep like those of Aym- phea, and throw out tufts of radical leaves on lon^ pe- tioles, with a terete articulated stem, bearing one leal, No. 93. UNISEMA. ■ 107 with a variegated petiole and a terminal dense spike, with a membranaceous oblong obtuse vagina below the base, thus almost resembing a spatha and spadix. These flowers are blue, with a yellowish white spot on the lower lip, and blossom in summer from June to August. They are fine ornamental plants, but scentless the seeds, which resemble those of some grasses, are white, oblong obtuse, farinaceous, with a central cylindrical embryo ; they germinate only under water, and when fresh. I have already noticed as many as 9 species. 1. Sp. Unisema deltifolia. Raf. Radical leaves, per- fectly oblong deltoid or shovelform, base acute, end ob- tuse ; stem leaf oblong deltoid, undulate, base subreni- form, lobes rounded : spike elongated, segments of the flower oval obtuse. In west Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, &c. Stem about three feet high, leaves 5 to 8 inches long, spike 3 inches. 2. Sp. U.purshiana. Raf {P. angustifolia of Pursh.) Leaves elongated triangular, base truncate subcordate. end acute. Segments of the flower linear lanceolate. In the Southern States. 3. Sp. U. media. Raf. Leaves oblong cordate, base cordate, end obtuse stem leaf consimilar, spike cylin- drical, segments of the flower oblong obtuse. From New Carolina. Var. 1. Alhiflora. 2. Angustifolia. 4. bp. U. obhquata. Raf. Leaves more or less oblique with unequal sides ; radical oblong deltoid, base sub- hastate, end obtuse stem leaf cordate oblong : spike short oblong, segments of the flowers linear obtuse. In ew J ersey and Virginia . About 2 feet high. 5. Sp. U. latifolia. Raf. Leaves broad cordate, very obtuse, spike cylindrical, elongated, segments of the flower oval. Very common, chiefly in the Southern States. Stem 3 to 5 feet high. Var. 1. Elatior. 2. Un- dulata. 3. Mbiflora. 4. Pallida. 6. Sp. CT: acutifolia. Raf. (figured in Lamark Illustr. as I- cordata.) Leaves cordate acute, spike cylindrical segments of the flowers oval oblong. Found by Bose in Carolina I have never seen it. 7. Sp. U. mucronata. Raf. 1807. Leaves narrow ob- long, base broader cordate, end with a long obtuse point: 108 VERONICA. No. 94. spike cylindrical, segments oblong. In Virginia, found by Mr. Kingston in 1800, seen in his herbarium in 1804. 8. Sp. U. heterophylla. Raf. Leaves narrow, oblong or lanceolate, base subcordate or nearly rounded, end ob- tuse, spike oblong, segments linear oblong. From New York to Louisiana. Stem only 12 to 18 inches high. Var. 1. Lanceolata. % Stenocardia. Leaves small, of- ten variable on the same plant. 9. Sp. U. rotundifolia. Raf. Leaves rounded obtuse, base hardly cordate ; spike oblong, segments oval, per- haps a variety of the last. In the Western States, rare, stem weak and short. This is not the Pontederia rotun- difolia of L. which has orbicular cordate leaves, and grows in South America, but it may be a tenth specie of this genus : if so, it may be called U. orbiculata. PROPERTIES. I have the pleasure to introduce this singular genus to medical notice. All the species have similar properties ; they reside chiefly in the roots, which are emollient, restringent, and anti-scrofulous. The leaves form an excellent cooling topical application for inflammations on the surface of the body ; they can be eaten boiled as greens, although rather austere when raw ; the Indians use them along with Tradescantia, Commelina, Orontium, Nymphea, &c. The seeds are edible farinaceous, and were used hj them for cakes and other dishes, like the seeds of Orontiurri,. The roots are nearly equivalent to Nymphea, but much milder and mucilaginous. They may be employed in the same dis- eases, gleets, leucorrhea, fluxes, and externally for scro- fulous tumors and sores. No medical writer has noticed these plants ; they are only known to a few herbalists, and have not yet been analyzed. No. 94. VERONICA BECABUNGA. Names. Water Speedwell. Fr. Veronique aqua- tique. Vulgar. Neckweed, Water Purslain. Classif. Nat. Order of Veronicides. Diandria mo- nogynia L. ]Vo. 94. YKR0i\ICA BECABlJNC}A.~Var. WATEB SFEEDWBLL. No. 94. VERONICA. 109 Genus Veronica. Calyx 4 parted, unequal persistent. Corolla rotate, 4 lobed, unequal. Stamens 2, equal ex- ert. One pistil, style and stigma. Capsule bilocular polysperm. Sp. V sronica becabunga. L. Stem erect, creeping ; leaves subsessile, ovate oblong, smooth^ racemes axillary, opposite, multiflore, capsules obcordate, compressed. ' Var. Americana. Raf. (ov Procumbens.) Stem pro- cumbent, rooted at the base; leaves elliptical, acute petiolate, subserrate, capsules swelled, obcordate. DESCRIPTION of the American variety. Root pe- rennial, fibrose, white. Stem creeping at the base, as- surgent afterwards, about a foot high, with few branches, round and smooth. Leaves opposite, on short petioles, very smooth, oblong base rounded, end acute, subser- rate. Racemes on long axillary opposite peduncles, lax, elongate, and multiflore ; flowers on long pedicels, axil- lary to linear bracts, corolla blue. Capsules bilobed, swelled,^ although subcompressed. HIS TORY. The genus Veronica is pery prolific in species, and was fruitful in anomalies. The genera Hebe and Leptandra, have been divided from it I have long ago reformed it still further, by establishing some other genera and subgenera with it. The genera are : 1. Panoxis. Raf. Calyx equal, 4 parted. Corolla tu- bular, quadrilid equal. Capsule oblong acute, type F. salicifolia, V . cataracla, and V. macrocarpa. 2. i'onoria. Raf. Calyx 5 parted, equal. Corolla 4 lobed, equal. Type V. pona, V. latifolia, V. lacinia- ta, &c. 3. Allopleia, Raf. Calyx campanulate, 4-5 cleft. Co- rolla subrotate, unequal, 4-5 parted. Stamens 3 or 4, incurved. Stigma truncate. Capsule obcordate. V. rotundifolia. R. & P. After these needful subtractions, this genus contains yet 100 species or more, which may be divided into two subgenera. 1. S. G. Becabunga. Corolla rotate, 4 lobed. Cap- sule obcordate or notched bivalve. Mostly all the species. K 110 VERONICA. No. 94. 2. -S*. G. Endasia. Raf. Corolla 4 parted, undulate cuneate, tube hairy. Capsule oval, 4 valved. V. crenu- lata^ V. mautima, V. spuria, V. spicata, V. complicata. Is it also a N. G.P The actual species is native of the two continents, but in America it is at least a striking variety, if not spe- cies. It grows from Canada to Virginia and Kentucky, near waters, brooks, &c. blossoming in June. Many other European species, equally medical, are found all over the United States, such as the V. serpyl- lifolia, V. peregrina, V. scuiellata, V. arvsnsis, V. agres- iis, V. officinalis, &c.; they all appear to differ a little from the European types. The V. officinalis or common Speedwell, the most valuable, is distinguished by stem creeping, hairy, with ovate rounded crenate leaves, and llowers spicate lateral. I have discovered a new species in west Kentucky, near to V. scutellata, which I call V. connata, Raf."^it has divaricate branches, leaves con- nate, linear lanceolate and sharp. PROPERTIES. The V. becabunga, V. peregrina, and V. serpyllifolia, are chiefly used with us as weak stimulants, discutient, anti-scrofulous, hepatic, antiscor- butic, and diuretic : while the V. officinalis, which is highly valued in Europe, and the base of the Faltrank or Swiss herb tea, is deemed tonic, vulnerary, astrin- gent, aperient, pectoral, diuretic, &c. All the species appear to me to possess nearly similar properties ; the V. officinalis being, however, a little astringent, as the austere taste shows, while the others are nearly insipid, and may even be eaten in sallad, or boiled as greens. All are scentless. In New Jersey they are called Neck- weed, because usefully applied to the scrofulous tumors of the neck. Eaten in sallad, they are beneficial in scor- butic complaints, obstructions, and jaundice. Their decoction and tea, which are green, are equally availa- ble. The V. officinalis is employed chiefly as a tea or in powder, and in many more complaints, such as disor- ders of the breast, both catarrhal and ulcerous, cachexy, "lavelly complaints, bloody urine, cholics, hypocondria, i^oarseness, &c. But the F. becabunga is often substi- tuted with us, and in Europe the V. chamedrys, I . teuc- rium, &c. They all purify the blood and humors, act Jfo. 95. VI€IA FABA. H0BSB BEiaN. No. 95. VICIA. Ill as mild stimulants, strengthen the stomach, promote diuresis, and are said to correct the secretions of the liver, so as to remove melancholy or hypochondrical affections. No. 95. VICIA FABA. Names. Horse Bean. Fr. Feve commune. Vulgar. Windsor Bean, Big Bean, Sw^eet Bean. Classif. Nat. Order of Leguminose. Diadelphia de- candria L. Genus Vicia. Calyx tubular, bilabiate, upper lip notched, lower trifid. Corolla papilionaceous, vexillum notched, adpressed. Stamina 9, monadelphous, 1 free. Stigma bearded transversely below. Pod oblong poly- sperm, seeds round or compressed. Sp. Vicia faba. L. Leaves without tendrils, with few folioles, ovate, entire, stipules sagittate, base toothed : flowers ternate sessiU : pods erect, turgid, seeds com- pressed. DESCRIPTION. Root* annual. Stem erect, 2 to 5 feet high, flexuose terete, seldom branched. Leaves alternate, with sigittate acute stipules, toothed at the base, from 4 to 6 folioles, alternate sessile, ovate acute, entire, no tendrils. Flowers axillary, sessile, commonly ternate, or from 2 to 10 racemose, large, erect, oblong, white, with two fine black spots on the wings. Pods large, 3 to 8 inches long, oblong turgid, thicker above, membranaceous tomentose, end mucronate, from 3 to 8 large seeds, shaped like a bean, reniform compressed, thicker at both ends, of a bright brown color. HISTORY. The genus Vicia requires revision; the species are more connected by habit than characters. This species hardly belongs to it; Brotero calls it Orobus faba ; some botanists Faba sativa, restoring the genus Faba of the elder botanists. It must, at any rate, form a subgenus thus : 1. S. G. Faba. Pod oblong, swelled and turgid, seeds compressed reniform. The Faba is the true Bean of the ancients, and not the Phaseolus. It is a native of Persia, but has been cultivated in Europe, from the most remote antiquity. It is cultivated also in the United States, the gardens of the North, or fields in the South, and I have seen it become spontaneous there. It is, however, not yet valued as it ought, and not given to horses, maize being used instead. It has many varieties, like all long cultivated plants ; the best are hardly known with us. It blossoms in the spring ; the flowers are very pretty and sweet scented. The varieties are : 1. Megasperma, tall plant, with long pods and seeds an inch long. 2. Equina, folioles ovate oblong, seeds elliptical. 3. Turgida. 4. Obtusifolia. 5. Rubra, with red seeds. 6. Media. 7. Nigra. 8. Ra- cemosa. 9. Odoratissima. It is a valuable plant for farmers ; it grows any where, never fails to give a good crop, an acre may produce 100 bushels of seeds and 10 tons of fodder. It is food for men and cattle, a delicacy when green, ornamental, medical, and improves the land as a manure. PROPERTIES. The whole plant is useful, leaves, flowers, and seeds. As a fodder, it is equal to clover ; horses and cattle eat it agreeably, fresh or dry. Buried by the plough, or burned on the ground, it improves it like manure. The flowers are a good cosmetic ; their distilled water is fragrant and smoothens the skin. The green unripe seeds are a delicacy, similar to green peas, and as highly valued in Europe ; in Italy they are eaten raw, with salt, or boiled and cooked in fifty ways. They are scarce in our markets, although as easily cultivated as peas. When ripe and dry, they become a little flatu- lent, but not more so than other beans j they form then the chief food of the Italian, Spanish and Greek pea- santry, in soups, mush, olios, cakes, and other dishes ; they are also roasted and eaten like chesnuts. The Greeks mis the flour with their black bread. By de- priving the seeds of their thick skin, the inside is a ten- der farinaceous food. Barley and beans are tlie chief food of horses all over Asia, Africa and South Europe ; oats and maize the substitutes with us, are by no means No. 96. , XANTHOXYLON. ' 113 equally nourishing. The flour of beans is one of the four resolvent flours of the Galenic school, employed medi- cally for poultices over tumors, swelled glands, impos- thumes, and even cancer, to promote suppuration. The internal use is said to be useful in gravelly and nephitic complaints. The Vicia saliva or Common Vetch, a native with us, IS cultivated in Europe for fodder, and the small round seeds similar to Peas ; it is also neglected as yet with us, and being inferior to Vicia faba, is not so commenda- ble : it can, however, be cultivated broad cast, while the Bean requires to be drilled, unless it is wanted for mere fodder. We have several other species of native Vicia, V. craccoides, V. americana, V. caroliniana, all much liked by cattle, and whose cultivation might be attempted. My V. craccoides is the V. cracca of our botanists, but is very diiFerent from the European species. No. 96. XANTHOXYLON FRAXINEUM. Na7nes. Shrubby Prickly Ash. /V. Xanthoxyle frene. Vulgar. Toothache Bush, Pellitory, Yellow Wood, Su- terberry. Classif. Nat. Order of Cnestides. Pentandria tri- gynia L. Genus Xanthoxylox. Calyx 5 parted. No corolla. A central disk bearing 3 or 5 stamens and 2 to 5 pistils, becoming 2 to 5 capsules, bivalve one seeded. Com- monly polygamous. Trees or shrubs with pinnate or ternate leaves. 6)3. Xanlhoxylonfraxineum. Prickly. Leaves pinnate with 9 or 11 folioles opposite, ovate acute, subentire; ■umbels lateral, 3 or 4 stipitate pistils and capsules. DESCRIPTION. Shrub 5 to 10 feet high, branches alternate, with scattered prickles, sharp, strong and straight. Leaves alternate, oddly pinnate, petiole round, often inerme, folioles 9 or 11 opposite, nearly sessile, ovate very sharp, with slight glandular serratures somewhat downy beneath. Flowers in small sessile um- bels, near the origin of young shoots, small and greenish. 114 XANTHOXYLON. No. 96. Diclinous polygamous, some shrubs bearing pistillate flowers, and others two kinds, both staminate and com- plete or perfect. These last have a 5 parted calyx with segments erect, oblong obtuse. Five stamens on the base of the gynoplure, filaments subulate, anthers sagit- tate, 4 celled. Central gynophore divided into the stipes of the pistils, which are 3 or 4, oval, with a converging terete style and obtuse stigma. Staminate flowers with an oval trifid abortive gynoplure. Pistillate flowers with a smaller calyx. Capsules stipitate, elliptical punctate, reddish green, two A^alved, with one seed, oval and blackish. HISTORY. This genus, whose name means yellow wood, and which many botanists write Zanthoxylumhy mistake, has many anomalies, because accuracy appears of very little moment to the Linnsan botanists. It must be divided in at least 4 subgenera or genera, thus : 1. Dimeium. Raf. 1815. No corolla, 3 stamens, S pistils and capsules, type X spinosum, X. emargina- tum, X. acuminatum. 2. Herculium. Raf. No corolla, 5 stamens, 5 pistils and capsules, type X. clava, X.pundatum, &c. 3. Thi/lax.RaL 1815. No corolla, 5 stamens, anthers 4 locula'r, 3 to 4 stipitate pistils and capsules, styles connivent, twisted. Dioical polygamous. Type X fraxineum. 4. Pseudopetalon. Raf. Fl. lud. 1817. Five parapetals opposed to the segments of the calyx, 5 stamens alter- nate with them, anthers bilocular, 2 or 3 pistils and cap- sules sessile divical, type P. glandulosum, Fl. lud. and X tricarpum ot Michaux. They all appear to form a natural family along with the genera Cnestis, Triphaca, Tetradium, Tenorea, Raf. as stated by me in 1815. The X or Thy lax fraxineum is found from New England to Florida and Missouri, in groves. The flowers are vernal, anterior to the leaves, green and inconspicuous. Four species are found in the United States all equally medical, this, the 2 species of Pseudopetalon, and the X clava; but this last, found in Carolina and Florida, appears to me different from the X clava of the West Indies ; it may be called X cates- bianum. No. 96. XANTHOXYLON. 115 PROPERTIES. The whole shrub is possessed of active properties ; the leaves and fruit smell and taste like the rind of lemons, and afford a similar volatile oil. The smell of the leaves is more like orange leaves. The bark is the officinal part, the smell and taste are acrid, pungent, aromatic. It is sialagogue, stimulant, pellent, astringent, sudorific, antisiphjlitic, odontalgic, &c. The chemical analysis by Dr. Staples, has given two oils, one volatile, another fixed and green, resin, gum, fibrme, a colored matter, and a peculiar substance Xan- thoxyhne, which crystallizes, resembles Piperine, and IS soluble in warm alcohol. The leaves contain chiefly mucilage, gallic acid and a volatile oil. This article appears to be equivalent to Mezereon and Guayacum in properties. The acrimony is not felt at first, when the bark or liquid is taken in the mouth, but unfolds itself gradually by a burning sensation on the tongue and palate. It is deemed like them very useful in chronic rheumatism, producing a sense of heat in the stomach, a tendency to perspiration and speedy relief, wlien given in full doses of 10 to 20 grains, 3 times dailv, or the decoction of one ounce in 4 or 5 doses. It seldom pro- duces nausea or effects on the bowels. It however^ias tailed in some obstinate cases. In small doses it becomes diaphoretic, and removes rheumatic pains. This is a g-eat artide in the Materia Medica of our Indians ; it IS c^Wt^ Hantola by the western tribes ; they prefer the bark of the root, and use it in decoction for cholics, o-o- norrhea, syphilis, rheumatism, inward pains, chewed for tooth-ache, and applied externally in poultice, with bear's grease for ulcers and sores. It Is a great topical stimu- lant, changing the nature of malignant ulcers. In tooth- mvSlf r'^'P'"^'*^^.^' ^^'^ ascertained on myself, the burning sensation which it produces on the mouth, merely mitigating the other pain, which retur s afterwards. Some herbalists employ the bark and seeds in powder, to cure intermittent fevers. A tincture of the berries has been used for violent cholics in Virginia It IS very good m diseases connected with a sypte mTrcury ''"^ ^""^^ saUvat^iSn Hke 116 XANTHOXYLON, , No. 96. The X. clava of the South has all the same properties* and even to a higher degree. The chewed bark is said to cure tooth-ache in a few minutes, to be beneficial in sore throat and mouth, also in palsy of the tongue or any muscle of the throat. In the West Indies, where it is called Prickly Yellow Wood, the wood, bark and root? are deemed excellent internally and externally in syphi- litic complaints and ulcers ; wonderful cures have been performed there and with us by the herbalists, of vene- real buboes, venereal sorethroat, crab yaws, malignant and phagedenic ulcers, &c. It appears also a valuable remedy in epilepsy and dry belly-ache, nay, is said to have cured fevers like Peruvian Bark. The juice of the roots or their decoction was chiefly used. The X. fraxi- neum has probably all the same effects. The X. glandulosum {Pseudopetalon) of Louisiana, a tree 40 feet high, has a white bark, of a strong smell and burning taste : it is used for aromatic baths, to cure rheumatism ; delicate persons are apt to feel indisposed bv its use. The roots are employed successfully as a vermifuge for horses. This tree will be known by its terminal digynous flowers. Many ignorant herbalists, and even Zollickofler, call likewise Prickly Ash, the Aralia Spinosa, whose true name is Prickly Elder or Angelica tree, and use them indifferently. But the Jiralia, alt-liough a valuable stimulant, diaphoretic and even emetic, has by no means all the properties of this shrub. N. B. This concludes the first part of this work, or the selected articles; but two articles omitted in the alphabetical series of the first volume, will be added lu a supplement, after which shall follow the monography of the Vitis or American Grape Vines, with 8 figures. I I I I COMMON SNAKXSOXSAJ). C 117 ] SUPPLEMENT TO THE SELECTED ARTICLES. No. 97. CHELONE GLABRA. Names. Common Snakehead. Fr. Chelonide glabre. Vulgar. TnriXe head, Turtle bloom. Shell flower, &c. Classif. Nat Order of Personate. Didjnamia angios- permia L. Genus Chelone. Calyx five parted, caliculate by 3 bracts. Corolla ringent, ventricose, convex above, mouth gaping with 2 small lips and 5 lobes. Stamina didyna- mous, anthers woolly, a sterile filament besides. Cap- sule two celled bivalve. Seeds many, with a membra- naceous margin. Sp. Chelone glabra. L. Smooth ; leaves opposite sub- sessile, lanceolate oblong acuminate serrate, base acute, nowers in dense terminal spikes. DESCRIPTION. This plant has so many striking varieties, that no description can apply to all : theyt however, agree in having a perennial root, stem erect, 2 to 5 feet high with 4 obtuse angles : flowers terminal in a dense sessile short spike, each flower sessile and axil- lary to 3 bracts, commonly ovate acute entire, calvx with 5 unequal embricate segments, oblong obtuse, co- rolla similar to the head of a snake ^r turtll The fol- ten/'spedeT'"' P^'^-F^ be deem- 1. Ch. alba. Stem simple, 2 to 3 feet hiffh • leavM subsessile, the lower al terete : spike oblo|, 'flowers 2. Ch. maculata Stem branched, 2 or 3 feet high, leaves petiolate lanceolate, crowded above ; flowers white, with green mouth spotted of red, calyx margined 3. Ch. lanceolate. Stem simple, 3 to 4 feet high whTe'or'rose! ^"''^^^"^ ^^-e^^ 118 CHELONE. No. 97- 4. Ch. purpurea. Stem simple, leaves petiolate oblong, flowers purplish. 5. Ch. obliquea. Stem simple, leaves subpetiolate oblique at the base. 6. Ch. elatior. Stem simple, 4 or 5 feet high, leaves petiolate broad lanceolate, spike oblong, flowers purplish white. 7. Ch. capitata. Stem branched, 2 feet high, square : leaves petiolate lanceolate, floral leaves ovate lanceolate: spike short capitate, flowers purplish white. HISTORY. All these plants are handsome, with sin- gular ornamental and large blossoms, but scentless. They grow from New England to Louisiana, near brooks and waters, and blossoms from July to November. The variety Capitata is peculiar to the Western States. The ^ Linneean genus Chelone is now very natural, since the G. Pentoslemon was divided from it. It is peculiar to North America. The name means turtle and is not good, Chelonanthus or Ophianthes, would have been better. Some other species equally medical are found in the Southern States ; Ch. lyoni will be known by its cor- date leaves, and Ch. latifolia by ovate leaves, besides ciliated bracts and calyx. . PROPERTIES. I have the pleasure to introduce these active plants into Materia Medica. They have been omitted by all our writers, even Schoepf. I am in- debted to Dr. Lawrence, of New Lebanon, for the first knowledge of their properties, and he to the Indians and Shakers. They are powerful tonic, cathartic, hepatic, and anti-herpetic. The whole plant is used, but strictly the leaves; they are extensively bitter, one of the strong- est of our bitters, without any aromatic smell and very little astringency. I have analysed and made many ex- periments with them. Their tincture becomes black, and the use otit dyes the urine of the same color. It contains gallic acid, a peculiar resinous substance soluble in water tnd alcohol, similar to picrine and aloes ot a black color and very bitter taste, lignine, &c. 1 he pro- perties are equally soluble in water wme and akoho . wine is the best menstruum but becomes ^ntokraWy bitter. It is useful in many diseases, /^vers, jaundice hepatitis, eruptions of the skin, &c. In small doses it ]Vo. 98. OALIVni VERUM. COVfOflOK CLEAVERdl. No. 98. GALIUM. 119 is laxative, but in full doses it purges the bile and cleans the system of the morbid or superjfiuous bile, removing the yellowness of the skin in jaundice and liver diseases. The dose is a drachm of the powdered leaves 3 times daily. The wine of it in small repeated doses, has nearly tlie same effect, although neither so speedily nor vio- lently. The Indians use a strong decoction of the whole plant in eruptive diseases, biles, hemorrhoids, sores, &c. Few plants promise to become more useful in skilful hands ; it ought to be tried in yellow fever and bilious levers, the tropical liver complant, &c. It may be ad- ded to many wine bitters, and antibilious medicines. No. 98. GALIUM VERUM. Names. Common Cleavers. Fr. Caillelait commun. Vulgar. Bedstraw, Cleavewort, Goose grass, Savoyan, Clabbergrass, Milk sweet, Poor Robin, Gravel Grass. Classif. Nat. Ord er of Rubiacea. Tetrandria mono- gynia L. Genus Galium. Calyx superior 4 toothed. Corolla votate 4 cleft. Stamens 4. Stigmas 2. Seeds 2 globose, smooth or hispid, leaves inwhorls. Sp. Guliinn Venim. L. Stem erect ; whorls common- ly of 8 leaves, linear, grooved, scabrous ; flowers in dense terminal panicle and yellow : seeds smooth. DESCRIPTION. Root perennial. Stem upright, slender and weak, 1 or 2 feet high, somewhat branched' angular. Leaves small sessile in whorls of 8, seldom 7 or 9, linear acute, grooved above, rough, often reflexed. Flowers small in large terminal, dense and yellow pani- cles, with small leaves interposed : each flower pedun- culate, small calyx with 4 acute crowning the adherent pistd. Corolla quite flat and rotate, with 4 spreading acute segments. Stamens 4 short. Two short styles stigmas capitate. Fruit bipartible into two globular smooth seeds. ° HISTORY. Tournefort called this genus Sparine a very good name, improperly changed to Galium hy L too similar to Mium.' The species with rough seeds 120 GALIUM. No. 98; form now the subgenus Sparine. We have many species of this genus in North America, 20 or more j several are yet undescribed. I am not yet prepared to give their monography. This species being common to Eu- rope and America, is one oi the best known. It grows from Canada to New York and Ohio, in pastures, mea- dows and river banks, blossoming in June and July. Many other species are probably medical, but we only use the G. verum and G. aparine, common in woods, trailing, rough, with white lateral flowers and rough i seeds. The circezans has sweet leaves, tasting like liquorice. The G. tinctoriitm and G. boreale, called Sa- voyan in Capada, are useful plants, the creeping red roots dye of a beautiful red like madder with acids j the Indians use them for their beautiful red dye. Schoepf says that G. tinctorium coagulates milk like G. verum, and is useful for diseases of the skin. PROPERTIES. The G. verum and also G.aparine are ancient medical plants; the whole plants are used ; as- subastringent, discutient, antiscorbutic, aperient, diu- retic, nervine, &c. Although neglected lately by medi- cal writers, because apparently inert ; they are by no means so. The taste is bitterish and acid. The flowers- have an acid, their property of coagulating milk, to which the name alludes, is now ascertained to be false and it is no longer used for that purpose. In the South of Europe, Artichokes are now used instead of Rennet,, which spoils the taste of milk, and sweet congealed milkk is thus procured, very palatable and healthy. Externally* applied in poultice, "it is a good discutient for indolent', tumors, strumous swellings and tumors of the breast. Internally it is used in decoction sweetened with honey,, for suppression of urine and gravelly complaints, m' scurvy, dropsy, hysterics, epilepsy, gout, &c. There aree instances on record of having cured these diseases. Use- ful also in bleeding of the nose and stomach. Lately- found peculiarly beneficial in scorbutic, scrofulous, andi dropsical complaints, acting mildly, but effectually. Th«f flowers are of a fine yellow or golden color, and have si peculiar smell, somewhat like Melihtus ; they are usedd in some parts of Europe, to give a rich sweet taste and «a fine yellow color to milk, butter, and cheese, by bexngg IVoi 99. VITIS; A.— V. ISaxatilii^. B.— V. LongiTolia. C— V. Acerifolia. D.— V. Aii^ilata. A.^Stony Grape. C. — IHapleleaf do. B.— Ziongleaf Grape. D.— Angular do. I / JVo. 100* VITIS. E.— V. Ciliata. F.— V. Prolifera, C— V. Multiflora. II.— V. Blanda. E.~Elsinburg Grape. F.—Isabella Grape. G.— Dissected do. H.— Bland do. No. 99 & 100. VITIS put in the pails when the cows are milked. The peculiar color and taste of green cheese is produced by the Meli- lotus or Sweet Luzerne, used in the same way. Cows and cattle are very fond of the G. verum and Melilotus. No. 99 & 100. VITIS. Names. Grape Vine. Fr. Vigne. Classif. Nat. Order of Sarmentacea. Polygamia tri- oecia L. Genus Vitis. Perfectly trioical. Calyx cupiike, 5 lobed before the flowers expand, entire afterwards. Co- rolla of five petals oblong obtuse hooded, adherino-at the summit. Five long stamina opposed to the petals.* Pistil on a glandular disk, a stigma subsessile, capitate entire. Berry one celled, 2 to 5 seeds obcordate. Woody vines With alternate petiolate and stipulate leaves ^ tendrils and thyrsoidal racemes of flowers and fruits, opposite to ^i^^.J^^^' ^ P»*opose to give here a monography of the North American Grape Vines. The subject is Lw and obscure. The botanical species are scarcely indi- cated, and their numberless varieties have been over- looked by our best writers. I have ascertained about 40 species and 100 varieties, but I must confess that it 13 not always easy to say whether one or the other I was once inclined to consider all our Grapes (like 'our Strawberries as varieties of a single snecies V^fU » of the old Continent, and It'i^K^o u.£ that kind IS also divided into others, such as V. labZ sea, V laamosa, V. aurea, V. farinosa, V. atra V cormthiaca, kc. to distinguish the wild cut ZJ^' njealy, b-ack, and Currant Vines of Europe all these have been united to F. vinifera. Our native Grapes had been made into 8 or 10 species, which dTf fer less than those, and can hardly be dltin^iS fro^" them, ,n an exclusive point of view, excent bv thT Y^J'^rT ^'''F'^y- attempTto P as Jfy our' Vines IS therefore arduous, many species beino- dpcp^^h ? by authors under the same nafne^but / hoVe wilj'be 122 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. useful in making them known, and may lead to a better one when all may be examined on my plan. Many va- rieties have no doubt escaped my researches, they abound in the woods, since the seeds ao not always re-produce the identic kind, and Major Adlum has stated to me to have seen 200 varieties at least : some, however, differ but slightly ; my enun\eration is ample enough to in- clude all the principal kinds. My distinguishing cha- racters will be taken from all the parts, branches, pe- tioles, leaves, flowers, and fruits. I will thus offer what has hardly been done yet for the Grapes of Europe, Asia, and Africa ; it will be the result of my observa- tions during many years and many thousand miles of travels. Our vines being all wild (except a few trans- planted in gardens) exhibit the spontaneous operation of nature and hybridity in this fine and valuable genus. The following are the genera akin to Vitis, and be- longing to the same natural order of Sarmentacea, distin- o-uished by Stamens equal in number to the petals ; op- posed to tkem and inserted on a hypogynous disk: one pistil and stigma,fruit a berry. 1. G. Cissus. L. Calyx entire. Petals 4, not coherent. Staniens 4, disk cup-like. Berry one seeded. 3fany tropical species. 2. G. Jlmpelopsis. Mx. Calyx 5 toothed. Petals 5, not coherent nar hooded. Stamens 5. Disk cup-like lobed. Short style. Berry 2 Iccular, 2 or 4 seeded. A. bipinnata, (F. arbona^ L.) and A. cordifolia of North America. , , , -r. ^ i ^ 3. G. Quinaria. Raf. Calyx 4 or 5 lobed. Petals 4 or 5 hooded, not coherent. Stamens 4 or 5. Disk as in Vi- tis. A style. Berry 4 locular, 4 seeded. Q. hederacea, (or Ampelopsis quinqutfoiia) and Q. hirsuta of North America. , . , „ , , . i j 4 G Cawsoms. Raf. Calyx 4 toothed. Petals 4, hood- ed, not coherent. Disk 4 lobed, with 4 sterile filaments alternate with the lobes. Stamens 4. Style filiform. Berry one seeded. The F. frj/b/ta and V.japonica be- long heye. J ij^^^ Thunbcrgdoes not even belong to this order, but to the same as Hedera ovlvj. I caU it G Allosampela. Calyx superior persistent, with 5 ot>- No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 123 tuse teeth. Petals 5, oval concave hooded. Disk 5 fur- rowed. Stamens 5, inserted in the furrows. Pistil infe- rior adherent, style filiform. Berry pisiform crowned, 2 locular, 2 or 4 seeds obcordate. Several species of Fiiis are of doubtful genus, the flowers not having been noticed, such as V. pinnata, Vahl. V. pentaphy/la, Th. (perhaps a Quinaria) V. ca- pensis and V. cirrhosa of Thunberg, V. lucida of Aus- tralasia, &c. Of the true species of Vitis, the greatest number are native of North America. The V. indica (under whose name many species or varieties are also blended) and y. heptaphylla are from tropical climates j while the V. yinifera or common Wine Grape, with its numerous varieties, are found in temperate climates, from China to Spain and Barbary. Several other species hardly known are found in Africa and Asia. After enumerating our American vines, I shall briefly notice these other Grapes, since all are interesting as useful, viniferous and economical. • the sake of perspicuity, this subject shall be di- vided into 5 parts or sections. 1. Account of our vines. 2. Account of foreign vines. 3. Properties and use of vines and grapes. 4. Cultivation of vines in America 5. Principles of the art to make good wine. Section 1. North American Grape Vines r,.fif /T?^"" S'"^^ arrangement is needful ; I have long sought for the most constant dis tingu.shing marks and have at last decided to use those afforded by the shape of the fruit and under surface of the leaves as most striking and least variable but I am by no means confident that they are the best. I have thus 3 series of vines with globular berries. l.With leaves tomentose arachnoidal and colored beneath. 2. Leaves pubescent beneath. 3. Leaves perfectly smooth beneath and a 4th series with fruit not globular. All our Ame ncan vines agree in being humble trailing vines in their youth, but susceptible to five from 100 to 300 years and to become very large, as tall as the tallest trees' that S'h'' ^^'^ fi^--^"^' wood hard branches knotty, leaves very variable, but always mir^ 124 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. or less cordate or reniform at the base, and toothed on the margin, with five branched nerves and deciduous stipules. Flowers in bunches, thyrsoidal or paniculate, small, more or less fragrant, greenish yellow, complete or pistiliferous or staminiferous, on 3 different indivi- duals, blossoming in May and June. Fruit from the size of a pea to that of a plumb. I. Series. Frondarania. Raf. Berries globular or de- pressed. Leaves tomentose beneath, tomentum arach- noidal colored, yellow, fulvous, rufous, rusty, white, cinerous or glaucous. 1. Sp. Vitisfulv a, 'Raf. ( F. esfiuaZts of many botanists, not of Mx. nor Elliot.) Yellow Grape. Branches tomen- tose. Petioles shorter. Leaves broad cordate, 3 or 5 lobed, unequally dentate, sinusses rounded, yellow or fulvous beneath. Racemes oblong. Berries round and small. It grows from Canada to Virginia, on rocky river banks. The leaves become smoother when old ; the fruits are commonly of a deep bluish purple, and are ripe in Au- gust. The varieties are : 1. Sinuata, leaves sinuate pal- mate, coarsely toothed. 2. Quinqueloba, all the leaves with 5 lobes. 3. CoraUina, leaves yellow beneath, fruit larger, of a fine red color and .delicious taste. In Vir- ginia, perhaps a peculiar species, called Red Grape and Coral Grape. 2. V. ursina, Raf. Raccoon Grape. Branches striated, fulvous tomentose. Petioles shorter fulvous tomentose. Leaves reniform 5 lobed, base reniform, sinusses round- ed, lobes oval acuminate, with a few lar^e teeth, pubes- cent above, rusty gray beneath, nerves fulvous. From Ohio to Louisiana and Texas, near streams, called Bear and Raccoon Grape, because greedily eaten by these animals. Grapes of middle size, commonly purplish, ripe in September and October. Young leaves rusty be- neath. Var. 1. CerziZea, berries dark blue. 2. P?-o/i/cra. 3. Repens. 4. ^Iba. 5. Heterophylla. 6. Triloba. ' 3. V. saxcitilis, Raf. Stony Grape. See tab. 99, fig. A. for variety longipes. Branches ijexuose nearly smooth. Petioles villose variable. Leaves variable cordate, often trilobed, lobes divaricate ovate acuminate, with distant acute teeth, sinusses rounded, rugose and pilose above, gray beneath. Among stones in Arkansas and Texas.. No. 99 &. 100. VITIS. 125. Many varieties : I. Longipes, branches fulvous hairj. Petioles very long, rusty. Leaves triiobe, base reniform. 2. Media. Petioles shorter. Leaves ovate 3-5 lobed, base acute cordate. S.Blandina. Vetioles long. Leaves cordate trifid, base acute cordate, lobes near or even overlaping, as in V. blanda. Perhaps several species, but leaves of- ten variable on same vine. Grapes good. 4. V. multiloba. Raf. Dissected vine. See tab. 100, fig. G. Branches tomentose rusty. Petioles very short, round, tomentose rusty. Leaves palmate multilobe, base oval acute, sinusses oboval rounded, segments bilobe, the middle ones triiobe, lobes oval lanceolate acute, with but few acute teeth, pubescent above, rusty glaucous beneath, nerves rusty. Found on the Washita And Red River, cultivated at Bartram's garden. Grape large, good and sweet. Var. 1. Rubripes. Petioles red. Leaves smaller, 5 lobed, lobes oval entire acuminate, without lobes, rusty gray beneath, nerves concolor. Is it a peculiar species ? 5. V.digitata. Raf. Hand-chick Grape. Petioles equal rufous. Leaves palmate 5 lobed, base reniform, sinusses very broad, lobes lanceolate unequal toothed, white be- neath, nerves rufous stellate hairy. Berries black and small. In Virginia, Carolina, &c. Grapes similar to the Chicken Grapes. _ 6. V. bradeata, Raf. ( V. labrusca, Walter, F. estiva- lis, Elhot.) Sour Grape. Branches and petioles tomen- tose. Leaves broad cordate, rounded, entire or lobed, toothed, wliite beneath. Panicles of several bracteated fascicles, 3-6 flore. Berries black and pisiform. In the Southern States, from Carolina to Flftinda. A very tall vine, with small fruit like a pea, black, very acid and austere. 7. V. callosa. Raf. Canada vine. Branches and pe- tioles striated pubescent. Petioles subequal. Leaves re- niform subtrilobe acute, with minute callous denticles, lucid above, white beneath, nerves rufous. Raceme com- pound. From Canada to Pennsylvania, in hills. Youn«^ leaves pubescent above, smooth when grown. Blossoms in June. Fruit unknown. 8. V. hyemalis.-RaLf. Winter Grape. Branches groov- ed smooth. Petioles smooth, very short Leaves cordate h 2 126 VITIS. No. 99 & TOO. subtrifid acute, with unequal obtuse teeth, smooth above, pale gray beneath. Racemes small. Berries globular,' purplish black and small. From Canada to Ohio and Virginia, large vine, blossoms in July, fruits only ripe after frost, in small bunches, rather dense, of an acid bad taste. 9. F. serotina. Raf. Late Grape. Branches procum- bent pil-ose, sometimes rooting. Petioles subequal pubes- cent. Leaves cordate palmate, 5 lobed, hardly crenate, sinusses rounded, lobes rounded acuminate, hairy above, gray beneath. Berries small and black. From Ohio to Missouri and Kentucky, in glades, near streams. Grape austere, ripe in October. Var. 1. Repens. 2. Micracina. 3. Sanguinaria. Bloody grape of Missouri. Berries sweet, black outside, red inside. 10. V. glareosa. Raf. Trailing Grape. Branches pro- cumbent, trailing, elongated and smooth. Petioles sub- equal smooth. Leaves remote, cordate sagittate, broad, subtrifid, serrate, smooth above, white beneath. Berries bluish black, large and sweet. This is the summ.er grape of the w estern glades or barrens, found from Illinois to Florida. Never climbing, fruit very sweet and fine, as large as cherries, ripe in August. 11. F. latifolia, Raf. (F. taurina, Walt. F. tabrusca of many botanists, but very different from F. labrusca of Europe.) Fox Grape. Branches slender striated pubes- cent. Petioles short hairy. Leaves ample coriaceous, cor- date oval, lobes approximated at the base, trifid angular, denticulate, wrinkled and smooth above, white beneath, nerves yellow. Racemes small. Berries large, depressed and hard. From Canada to Florida and Louisiana, call- ed by many names. Fox Grape, Bullet Grape, Bull Grape, Frost Grape, Tough Grape. In woods and hedges, blossoms in June and July. Leaves ample, rusty beneath when young. Flowers green, peduncles hairy, a short style. ' Fruit commonly purple, with a hard skin and a tough pulp, taste foxy. Many varieties : 1 . ,^/6(7, ber- ries whitish. 2. Nigra, berries black, austere and harsh. 3. Fruniformis, as'large as a plumb, of a deep purple,^ fleshy when ripe, called Elkton or Plumb Grape. 4. Bk- bray smaller red grapes, called Red Fox Grape. No. 99 & 100. VITIS. t2T 12. V. labruscoides. Mg. and Raf. Sweet Fox Grape. Branches round and smooth. Petioles subequal, hardly pubescent. Leaves reniform at the base, trifid or quin- quefid, acute, with unequal acute callous teeth, sinusses acute, smooth above, glaucous beneath. Racemes small. Berries large, depressed, juicy and sweet. From New York to Virginia, in woods, &c. Large vine, fruit dif- ferent from the last, musky rather than foxy, skin thick and austere, but inside when ripe with a sweet rich juice. Var. 1. Serotina, Frost Grape, purplish black. 2. Rubra, Worthington Grape, smaller berries, juice dark red, sweet and rough. 3. Pulposa, Luff'borough Grape, ber- ries very large, of a deep purple, pulp dissolving in a sweet musky juice. 4. Precox, Early Grape, middle size berries, black, with a white bloom, sweet musky taste ripe in July in Virginia. 5. Major, Big Grape of the Catskili mountains. Berries purplish blue, exceedin<^ly large (one measured by Mr. Eaton was 3 inches around) fine svveet pulpy juice. All highly deserving cultivation- 13. rugosa. Raf. Roughleaf Grape. Branches round and smooth. Petioles similar, subequal, compressed. Leaves cordate 5 lobed, coriaceous with rounded acute teeth, lobes acute, very wrinkled above, beneath elau- cous. Racemes elongate compound. From New York to Ohio, blossoms in June. Fruit unknown. 14. r. canma. Raf. Dogs Grape. Branches round and smooth. Petiole striated pilose short. Leaves oval cor- date, base subreniform acute, end subtrifid, middle lobe much longer deltoid very sharp, teeth small broad acute, smooth aoove, with hairy nerves, glaucous beneath, with rusty nerves. From Pennsylvania to Virginia, &c. Fruit arge, purple, tough, with a bad foxy taste, hardly edi- ble. Leaves quite ovate, much longer than broad, some large 8 inches long, 6 broad, petiole 4 inches 15 r.Zu/eoZ«.Raf. Variable Grape. Branches slen- der flexuose, fulvous tomentose. Petioles short similar Leaves cordate oval acute, base acute, sides hardly an- gular, nearly entire, denticulate by the mere iuttiL of nerves, smooth deep green above, yellow tomentose be- neath Grapes large, depressed, hard. In Pennsylvania &c. Leaves small 4 inches long, 3 broad, petioles 2 128 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. Fruit foxy, tough. Var. 1. Yellow. 2. White. 3. Purple. 4. Red Grapes. 16. V. ferruginea. Rusty Grape. Branches rusty to- mentose, angular, angles obtuse. Petioles shorty rustjr to- mentose. Leaves cordate trifid coriaceous, base sinus acute, lobes remote, teeth unequal mucronate, smooth above, rusty tomentose beneath. Fruit large, depressed, hard, foxy. In Pennsylvania. Leaves as broad as long, petioles half length, called Fox Grape as well as the last. Grapes commonly pale red, or white tinged of purple. 17. V. bifida, Raf. Bifid Grape. Branches smooth purple. Petioles subequal pubescent. Leaves ample co- riaceous, cordate ovate trilobe acute, end mucronate, sinus of the base acute, lobes remote, lateral sinusses obtuse, teeth unequal large acute, smooth above, rusty gray beneath. Racemes bifid, grapes small bluish black, acid. From Pennsylvania to Kentucky, one of the Chick- en Grapes. Leaves 6 inches long and broad. 18. V. obliqua, Raf. Sandhill Grape. Branches slen- der, hairy, angular, angles obtuse. Petioles very short, hairy. Leaves obliqual ovate cordate trifid acuminate, base cordate acute, lobes near, commonly unequal, teeth unequal, vety small, rugose hairy above, glaucous to- mentose beneath. Berries white, sweet and juicy. In the sandhills of Arkansas river and Oregon mountains.' Leaves small, 3 inches long, 2 broad, petiole only one. Grapes said to be very good. Cultivated at Bartram's garden. Very different from Sand Grape, variety of J . blanda, and more like V. longifolia. 19. V. blanda. Raf. See tab. 100, fig. H. Bland Grape. Branches round and smooth. Petioles striated pilose sub- equal. Leaves nearly square, cordate or rather split at the base, sinus narrow acute, with lobes overleaping ; trifid, sinusses small acute, segments acute, the terminal larger: teeth unequal obtusely mucronate; smooth above, glaucous and sparingly arachmoidal beneath, with rusty nerves. Racemes compound. Berries large and sweet. From Pennsylvania to Louisiana. One of the most com- monly cultivated as best for eating and wine : the bunches are large, the berries as large as the common wine grape of Europe, commonly pale purple, with a No. 99 & 108. VITIS. 129 thin skin and white sweet musky juice- Many names given to it, Madeira Grape, although a true native, Maz- zei Grape, Powell Grape, Clifton Grape, &c. Th? rai- sins de Cote, or Sand Grape of Louisiana, appear only a variety. The leaves are arachnoidal at first, but often . become nearly smooth when old. Many var. 1. Flava, grapes of a yellow white. 2. Viridis. Green Bland. Fruit smaller, green when ripe, yet sweet and juicy, ripens early in July near Catskill mountains. 3. Caroliniana. Smaller grapes. 4. Arenaria. Sand Grape of Louisiana and Arkansas. Leaves nearly smooth, except nerves be- .neath, but similar in shape, grapes dark blue, very sweet, skin thicker. 5. Heteroloba. Oddleaf Grape. Leaves with unequal lobes at the base and top, base lobes approximated or overleaping, upper lobes larger unequal sharp, with large teeth. In Ohio. Perhaps some are peculiar species. 20. V. ciliala. Raf. See tab. 100, fig. E. Elsinburg Grape. Petioles striated hairy subequal. Leaves ovate cordate 5 lobed, base with remote lobes, sinusses and lobes narrow acute, teeth large remote ciliolate, hairy above, dirty gray beneath, nerves fulvous gray. Berries blue, large, very sweet and juicy. Found in New Jer- sey. Begnis to be cultivated, fruit as sweet as sugar, somewhat like the Bland Grape, but blue, and leaves totally different. U. Series. Lasipia. Berries globular or depressed. Leaves more or less hairy beneath, or at least on the nerves, but neither arachnoidal nor tomentose. £1. V. longifolia. Raf. See tab. 99, fig. B. Petioles short and hairy. Leaves oblong cordate, sinus of the base rounded, hardly trifid, or with two longer teeth near the middle, end acuminate falcate, unequal sharp teetli, pubescent above, hairy and gray beneath. Berries blue and sweet. In Arkansas and Texas, bearing fine blue grapes, very sweet. Cultivated by Mr. Hulin, in rmiadelphia. Leaves small, about 4 inches long, less than 3 broad, petiole 2 inches : branches slender, round and smooth : old leaves nearly smooth. 22. F. f/miftoa. Raf. Orwisburg Grape. Branches slender striated smooth. Petioles subequal slender, stri- ated and nearly smooth. Leaves thin, oval reniform tri- 130 VITIS. No, 99 & 100. fid, elongate acuminate, teeth large unequal acuminate, smooth above, glaucous beneath, sparingly pilose, chiefly on the nerves. Berries depressed and sweet. Found near Orwisburg, on the Schuylkill, in Pennsylvania, and cul- tivated in gardens. Leaves very thin, pretty large, about 5 inches long and 5 broad. Grapes very good. 3 Varie- ties, white, purple, and black. This species appears to answer completely to the description of the V. riparia of Poiret, (not of the author's^) which was the Vigne des Baitures of Louisiana, and thus this fine grape is from Pennsylvania to Louisiana. 23. V. acerifolia. Raf. See tab. 99, fig. C. Mapleleaf Grape. Trailing. Petiole very short, striated, pilose, redish. Leaves reniform trifid, base dilatate, nerve not marginal : sinusses acute, segments acuminate fal- cate, teeth very large, unequal and sharp, smooth and pale or glaucescent on both sides, nerves pubescent above and beneath, margin also pubescent. Brought from the Oregon mountains by the expedition of Long, cultivated in Bartram's garden. It has not given fruits as yet, but they are said to be very good and juicj^. Leaves very much like those of many Maples, 4 to 6 inches long and broad, a little variable, more or less gashed, sometimes sinusses very narrow, that of the base sometimes round. 24. V. montana, Raf. Mountain Grape. Branches decumbent, round and smooth. Petioles round and smooth, longer than the leaves. Leaves cordate trifid acute, mem- branaceous, unequally serrate, smooth and lucid above, pubescent and pale beneath. Berries small and black. In the Alleghany mountains from New York to Carolina. A small trailing vine, near to V. Odoratisima, but leaves larger, petioles longer, flowers hardly odorous, fruit hardly good. 25. V. concolor, Raf. Dwarf Grape. Branches pro- cumbent green, round and smooth. Petioles round, smooth, exceedingly short, one fourth only. Leaves very thin, ovate acute subangular, base reniform, margm sub- angular, with unequal mucronate teeth, both sides green, lucid sparingly pilose. Small vine trailingon the ground, from New York to Missouri. Petioles only one fourth of the length of the leaves. Grapes small, blackish, called Ground Grape and Chicken Grape : this last name is No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 131, given to all the small black Grapes, as Fox Grape to all the large and tough indifferently. 26. V. columbina, Raf. Pidgeon Grape. Branches round, smooth. Petioles round, subequal nearly smooth. Leaves palmate 5 lobed, base subreniform, lobes bilobe, terminal tailobe, lobules unequally ovate angular acute, sinusses rounded- notched, teeth remote callose : upper surface smooth, beneath nerves pubescent and rusty. Racemes slender. Large vine, growing from New York to Louisiana, in woods, somewhat similar to V. multilo- ba in the shape of the leaves, but berries small, blackish, sweetish, eaten by the wild pidgeons like many others. 27. V. popidifolia, Raf. Poplar Grape. Branches slen- der, green, smooth and striated. Petioles short, half in length, slender striated, pilose above. Leaves ovate del- toid, acuminate, base truncate or reniform, end hardly trifid, acutely serrate, smooth on both sides, nerves pi- lose above and beneath, pale beneath. Fruit small and black. Pennsylvania and Alleghany mountains. Leaves 4 inches long, 3 broad, petioles 2. Fruit very small, bit- terish, bad tasted. 28. V. cordifolia, Mx. P. N. {V.vulpina, Torrey and Laton.) Frost Grape. Branches round and smooth. Pe- tioles slender subequal pilose. Leaves cordate acumi- nate, sometimes angular, unequally serrate, smooth on both sides, nerves pilose. Racemes loose multiilore. Ber- ries small pale, acid. In woods and near streams from u\ 4^.^°. Carolina. Leaves three to four inches broad. This is one of the Fox Grapes of the Northern states, but very different from the V. latifolia, V la- bruscoides, and the Southern Muscadine Fox Grapes It IS the Winter or Frost Grape of the Southern States ': they are small, acid, of a pale or amber color. 29. V. uparia of Pursh, ElUot, Torrey, &c. River ^rape. Branches smooth striated. Petioles striated pi- lose subequal. Leaves small reniform trifid acuminate, with large unequal acute teeth, smooth above, hardly glaucous beneath, with nerves and margin pilose Ra cemes compound. Berries small. On the banlQ. V.prolifera.^ai. (See tab. 100, fig. F.) Prolific Grape. Branches substriated, subpilose. Petiole short, pilose. Leaves cordate acute, of a square form, trifid, trilobe or 5 lobed, base acute with distant rounded lobes, upper lobes and sinusses variable, margin acute serrate above smooth, beneath cinerous tomentose, nerves lu - vous. Racemes compound proliferous. Berries large el- No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 135 liptical. A very interesting and valuable species, with many varieties, and a multitude of vulgar names, such as Jlhxander, Tusker, Schuylkill, Madeira, Muscadel, Clifton, Legoux, Cape, Isabella, Catawba, Tokay ^ Mun- cy Grapes, &c. all belonging to one kind, although form- ing several varieties. They are real native grapes, found from Pennsylvania to Carolina and Ohio, in woods. The grapes are plentiful, large, fine, with a tough skin and a rich sweet juice. Already much cultivated and valued for eating and wine. The chief varieties are : 1. Vulga- ris. Alexander Grape. Petioles longer, leaves larger, va- riable on the same vine, often lobed, with broad ovate acute lobes and narrow obtuse sinusses. Fruit blackish, as large as the end of a linger. 2. Isabella. Isabella Grape, figured here. Leaves commonly trifid, fruit large and purple : found in North Carolina. 3. Media. Clifton Grape. Smaller grape than the first, and not so sweet. 4. Cutabiana. Catawba Grape, from North Carolina. Leaves large, commonly trilobe, grapes purple, lilac or white, according to shade and exposure, flavour musky. .5. Prunoides. Muncy Grape. Similar to the Catawba, but taste different, similar to that of Wild Plumbs, jg. Ohiensis. Ohio Grape. Grape smaller, white. 41. r. obovata, Rai. Oboval Grape. Leaves similar to the V. prolifera, on long petioles, commonly cordate, tri- lobe acute, sinusses acute. Berries large oboval. From Pennsylvania to Virginia, in islands and banks of streams and rivers. Perhaps variation of the last ; but it has it- self many varieties. l.Rupestris. Large vine, with loose branches, grapes purple, very juicy and sweet. 2. Nigra. Grapes loose, few, obovate, nearly black, very sweet. At the head of the Susquehannah.* 3. Pallida. Grapes pale red, Alleghany River. 4. Prunoiden. Bluish large grape, like a Plumb. N. B. By the above enumeration of our Grapes, I have done for this genus what Michaux did for our Oaks. Owing to the great confusion of former authors, and the difticulty of comparing the leaves and fruits of all the species, It IS hardly as perfect as I should wish. Rigid botanists may perhaps wish to reduce these species to a minor number, or consider some as hybrids : if they can fend good permanent collective characters, let them re- 136 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. duce our Grapes and Oaks to a dozen species. But the angular or striated branches, the long or short petioles, the oval, cordate or reniform leaves, &c. must always be deemed essential specific characters, and several of my new species, such as V. bracteata, V. angulata, V. peltata, V. canina, V. blanda, V. longifolia, V. acerifo- lia, V. amara, V. prolifera, &c. must be deemed very distinct. It remains for me to apply the same principle to the Vines of the old continent, which I shall do in a very concise manner, and merely as an illustration of the American kinds. II. Section. Account of Exotic Grape Vines. 42. V. vinifera, L. Common Grape. Branches twining cylindric. Petioles subequal. Leaves cordate sinuate 3 or 5 lobed, acute, base cordate, teeth unequally acute, green on both sides. Racemes thyrsoidal paniculated. Flowers all fertile, pistil turbinate. Berries ellipsoid. Native of central Asia, cultivated all over the world. A multitude of varieties and names, perhaps as many as 500 ; the utmost confusion has been thrown on the sub- ject by writers, and no general classification nor syno- nymy attempted. The same grapes are often found in France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Asia, under very dif- ferent names. In this dilemma, I can only offer a first (and perhaps rude) attempt at distinction and co-ordina- tion, and thus divide the principal varieties into 3 series, the last of which he will include 15 species or subspe- cies, so different from the others in many respects as to be probably peculiar species ; nay, 3 of them, V la- brusca, V.pinnata, F. Zaamos«, have been so considered by many botanists already. I. Series. Berries oblong, elliptic, or suboboval. Var.l.Pj-ecox.Early Grape. Small leaves and branches, grapes small, loose, thick skin, juice insipid, pulp dry. Ripe in June and July. Var. 2. Burgunclica. Burgundy Grape. Leaves semi- 5 lobed, red beneath, teeth subequal. Grapes black and sweet. I.French. 2. Italian, larger and sweeter. S.Ger- man, least sweet, austere. Var. 3. Edulis. Chasselas Grape. Long petioles and lobes, teeth broad. Only good to eat. 3 subvarieties ; No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 1S7 1. Yellow unequal berries. 2. Red. 3. White-green, musky. Var. 4. Moschata. Muscat Grape. Leaves 5 lobed, with unequal segments and teeth, bunches long, grape very sweet and musky. 6 subvarieties. I.White. S.Green. 3. Yellow. 4. Red, rounder grapes. 5. Small black. 6. Black Constantia. 7. Persian. 8. Syracuse red. 9. Gray. 10. Lachryma Christi, black. Var. 5. Zibiba. Muscatel or Raisin Grape. Very large, musky delicious flavor, pulp firm. Sev. var. 1. White. 2. Green. 3. As large as Walnuts, from Mount Atlas. 4. Large white, from Syria. 5.Black, thick skin. 6. Red, from Greece. 7. Malaga white- 8. Sicily white. 9. Dam- son Grape, large purple like a Plumb. Var. 6. Malvesia. Malmsey Grape. Leaves like Mus- cat, grape lar^e, juicy, very sweet, not musky. 1. Ma- deira purple, hard skin. 2. Sicily, purple, smaller. 3. Yellow. Var. 7. Nigraria. Claret Grape, with thick black skin, commonly a bloom on it, juicy pulp, not musky. Sub- variety 1. Spanish. 2. Italian. 3. Calabrian. 4. Tripoli large. 5. Lombard or Canaan, with large bunches of 4 to 10 lb. weight. 6. Claret Grape, small, juice red like blood, taste harsh. Var. 8. Violacea. Purple Grape. Skin commonly thick, austere, purplish, pulp firm not musky. 1. Violet color. 2. Light purple. 3. Spanish, a little juicy. 4. Small and harsh. 5. Smyrna, very large. Var. 9. ^urea. Golden Grape. Leaves velvet-like above, not lobed, glaucous beneath, berries yellow ob- long, perhaps a peculiar species. 1. Burgundy. 2. Spanish large. 3. Straw Grape, thick vinose juice, delicious per- fume, makes the fine golden Straw Wine. Var. 10. Versicolor. Varied Grape. Leaves variegated of red, yellow and green. 1. Grapes mixt of black and white. 2. White and red. 3. Yellow and green. 4. Alep- po black and white. Curious, but indifferent. Perhaps var. of V. bicolor. Var. 11. Greca. Grecian Grape, glaucous or pale co- lor, skin rather thick, very juicy, not musky, hardly sweet. 2. Blanquette of France. 2. Medoc. 3. Malaga. 4. Cyprus. 5. Grecian bluish white. 6. White Hambure M 2 ^" 138 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. 7. Tetierift'e or Vidonia. 8. Madeira Vidonia, producing the strong dry Wine. 9. Bagoal of Madeira, sweeter! 10. Fayal. 11. Sicily Greca. 12.Sicily harsh. IS.Graves. 14. White bitterish. 15. Rhenish or Hock. 16. Lisbon. 17. Alpine acid. Var. 12. Perla. Pearl Grape. Leaves 5 lobed, much cut up. Grapes oblong, hard, greenish. 1. Large Pearl. 2. Small Pearl 3. Sicily Perna. 4. White. 5. Straw color. Var. 13. Felina. Cat's Grape. Small pale green, soft, juicy, disagreeable taste. Var. 14. Acetaria. Verjuice Grape. Leaves ample, nearly round ; grapes ovate oblong, larger green, very acid. Var. 15. Dulcis. Sweet Water Grape. Commonly small, with a very thin skin, juiee very thin and sweet, no pulp. I.White. 2. Black. 3. Tokay, white, delicious flavor. 4. Blue Tokay, small brownish, with a blue bloom. 5. Cotnar of Moldavia, green, makes green wine. 6. Nectar of Greece, white styptic. 7. Persian. Var. 16. Cuprea. Coppery Grape, of a brick or copper color. 1. Small sweet. 2. Large. 3. Hard and harsh. IL Series. Berries nearly round, but yet diameter a little less than the length. Var. 17. Oporto. Portugal Grape. Leaves large, with unequal lobes and deep teeth : grapes large black, with harsh red juice. 1. Common, leaves 4 or 5 lobed. 2. Short bunch, leaves 2 or 3 lobed. 3. Etna or Mascali. 4. Dalmatian. 5. Schiraz in Persia. Var. 18. Tinto. Tinto Grape. Similar to Oporto, but with sweeter and blacker juice. 1. Spanish Tinto. 2. Tintilla. 3. Alicant. 4. Calabria. 5. Grecian. Var. 19. Tinctoria. Coloring Grape. Leaves 5 lobed, deeply toothed, bunches unequal : grapes unequal hard, red, with black and austere juice. Only used to color other wines. Var. 20. Crassifolia. Mansard Grapes. Leaves large and thick, with small teeth ; bunches long pyramidal, grapes large and black. 1. French. 2. Asiatic, bunches From 10 to 40lb. weight. 3. Grandifolia. Var. 21. Velutina. Velvet Grape. Leaves trilobe, teeth very unequal ; grapes of a fine velvet black. l.Ca- hors. 2. Italian. No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 139 Var. 22. Syriaca. Syrian Grape. Large, of a delicious flavor, juicj, red or black. 1. Damascus black. 2, Jeru- salem, red musJcj. 3. Morillon, black early. 4. Morella of Italy. 5. Lisbon juicy, black. 6. Black Frontignac, musky, smaller. 7. Grisly, mixt of red, brown, and yellow. Var. 23. Malvagia. Malvesy Grape. Similar to Malm- sey, but rounder and musky, white or yellow. 1 . Cyprus. 2. Sicily. 3. Yellow. 4. Mingrelia or prolific, bunches 10 to SOlb. Var. 24. Laxa. Loose Grape. Petioles slender and gray, leaves hardly lobed, unequally sinuate : grapes large white, loose. 1. Gouais of France. 2. Persian. Var. 25. Prolijica. Prolific Grape. Leaves thick, hard- ly_ lobed, sinuate : grapes black, not sweet, austere, middle size or small. 1. Common garnet. 2. Leaves tri- lobe smaller. 3. Grecian. Are great bearers, but make bad Wine, and spoil the good. The above include all the chief varieties and subva- rieties of what I consider as the original W^ine Grape. I shall next enumerate 15 other kinds, commonly con- sidered as varieties, but widely different in the leaves, &c. so as to afford permanent specific distinctions. I therefore propose them as species, or at least subspecies. Linnieus deemed also the V. Zacznzosa a peculiar species. in. Series. Vines specifically different from the V. vinifera. 43. K lahrusca, Raf. Wild Grape. Branches trailing striated. Petioles subequal pilose. Leaves ample cor- date, 3 or 5 lobed, whitish beneath, (white when young) smooth above, (hairy when young) lobes acute, coarsely serrated. Racemes compound, short and lax, flowers all fertile, petals pilose at the top. Berries globular, small, black and acid. Native of Italy, Greece, Sicily, Bar- bary, &c. the only wild Grape of Europe, deemed by some the original of all the cultivated Grapes, by others a degenerated kind : both opinions appear false, since it is known by history that the Wine Grape came from Asia, and that it does not change into Labrusca. The blossoms are fragrant as in our V. riparia, and the ber- ries like the American Chicken Grapes, quite spherical, not eatable nor suitable for Wine. 140 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. 44. V. farinosa, Raf. Mealy Grape. Leaves trilobe, lateral lobes bilobate, covered with a hoary powder, downy in youth. Racemes short compact. Berries oval. Var. 1. Black and large. 2. White and large. 3. White and small. Often called Miller's Grape, good to eat, makes bad Wine. 45. V. cana, Raf. Hoary Grape. Petioles thick and red. Leaves hardly 5 lobed, with large teeth, green above, white tomentose beneath. Berries round, yellow- ish, sweet. Var. 1. Common. 2. Rochelle, leaves 5 lobed, grapes round, white, sweet, subacid, thin skin. 3. Leaves trilobe whiter, yellow grapes. 46. V. bicolor, Raf. Black and white Grape. Petioles long. Leaves 5 lobed with double teeth, white tomen- tose beneath. Berries round soft, black and white on the same branch. Is it a variety of V. cana ? and is V. vini- ferd versicolor a variety of it ? 47. V. saccharina, Raf. Sugar Grape. Leaves semi- 5 lobed, villose and pale beneath, small subequal teeth. Racemes small conical subsessile. Berries round or ob- long, very sweet. Var. 1, Pineau Grape. Oblong dense redish. 2. Griset Grape. Bunch deformed, grape round, gray, perfumed. 48. V. rufa, Raf. Mormain Grape. Leaves palmate, pale above, nerves rose color, villose whitish beneath. Berries round loose, rufous, sweet and fleshy. 49. V. apiana, Raf. Muscadel Grape. Petioles long. Leaves lobed laciniate, teeth acute, glaucous beneath. Berries round, white or rose. Var. 1. Alba. 2. Rosea. 3. Parvifolia. 50. V. punctata, Raf. Dotted Grape. Leaves hardly trilobe, deeply toothed, pale and smooth beneath. Ra- cemes short. Berries oval acute, white dotted of yellow, very sweet. 1 . Sauvignon small. 2. Puntillo, larger. 51. V succinea. Ambrette Grape. Leaves with acumi- nate lobes hardly toothed, smooth beneath. Berries obo- val musky, transparent. Var. 1. Yellow. 2. Blackish. 52. V. turhinata. Ciotat Grape. Leaves 5 parted pal- mate laciniate, teeth elongate acute, smooth beneath. Berries oboval musky. Var. l.Ma. 2.Digitata. S. Mpi- folia, leaves cut like parsley, grapes red. 4. Pyriform. Pear Muscat. No. 99 k 100. VITIS. 141 53. V. laciniosa, h. Cutleaf Grape. Leaves digitate, 4 to 6 folioles subpinnatifid, unequal obtuse, pale and smooth beneath. Racemes simple oval pendulous. Ber- ries rounded sweet and acid. Var.l. White oval. S.White round and small. 3. White and red. 4. Grandifolia. 5. Dissecta. 54. V. pinnata, YahL Branches smooth, ' round pur- plish. Leaves with 5 folioles, ovate petiolate serrate smooth, terminal lobe subsessile, lower ones often auricu- late outside, pale and smooth beneath. Racemes twice compound, partial ombellulate. Grape not known. Ge- nus doubtful, folioles 2 inches long. 55. V. corinthiaca, Raf. Currants Grape. Leaves large 5 lobed, lobes laciniate by long acute teeth, downj be- neath. Berries small and round. Var. 1. White. 2. Red. 3. Transparent. 4. Sultana or Apyrena, without seeds. Native of Greece. 56. V. maura, Raf. Morocco Grape. Leaves subpal- mate, teeth long acute, smooth beneath. Berries like a heart, unequal, large. Var. 1. Violaceous. 2. Tawny. 3. Very large purple. Native of North Africa, Morocco and Bombay. 57. V. cylindrica, Raf. Long Grape. Leaves ample, lobes and segments very unequal. Berries cylindrical, straight or curved, commonly acute, with hard pulp and two acute seeds. Var. 1. Olive Grape, oblong cylindrical greenish 2. Long cylindrical, very hard. 3. Oblong, juicy, white. 4. Incurva. Curved yellow. 5 Curved ob- long obtuse, green. 6. Curved, brick-red, kcute. The French call this grape Cornichon, the Italians Dattola and Obva. It is very good to eat, but rather insipid and not good for wme grapes one or two inches lon by filtration over animal charcoal or burnt bones' and It IS then a good vehicle for perfumes, scented wal ters and washes used by ladies. *^The ancient Romrns drank vmegar and water. A kind of lemonrde maTbP made with It and sugar. The syrup of vinegar Ts very efreshmg m summer. Pickles are only goof when the Brandy ,s distilled wine, consisting of alcohol watPr ana whiskey. It speedily produces the worst kind of 156 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. intoxication and the disease of intemperance. It acts on the stomach and brain as a pernicious stimulant and cor- rosive. It is, however, used medically in sudden chills of the stomach by gout or cold water ; but warm wine has exactly the same effect. Externally it is often em- ployed in'^bruises, contusions, wounds, sprains, as a sti- mulant and resolvent. A peculiar kind called aniseed brandy, {Zambu in Sicily) is made in Italy with wine and aniseeds, which makes water milky. Brandy is call- ed oil proof when lighter than olive oil, a drop sinking in it. To know how much oil proof brandy any wine will give, boil slowly a measure of it, as soon as the vapour rises set fire to it, and when the blaze sub- sides, take it from the fire and measure it again ; the de- ficiency will be the brandy contained in the wine. A very pernicious custom consists in adding brandy to weak wines; brandy thus added never amalgamates well, decomposes the wine by a slow process, and changes the wine into bad grog ! Whenever strength is required in wine, the brandy must be put in the Must before ter- mentation, by which, it is incorporated and modified ; the alcohol of wine is always so chemically combined as to be harmless. Fruits preserved in brandy are very unhealthy. , i i i i The only proper use of brandy is to make alcohol by a second distillation : this of course can only be done in wine countries, where wine is worth 5 cents the gallon,, and brandy 20 cents, when alcohol comes to 50 cents- only. Alcohol being the principle of all fermented liquors, and a chemical alteration of their sugar, is pro- duced by cider, beer, rum, arrack, rice, and barley malts,, at a rate nearly as cheap. Alcohol is a violent poison taken in any quantity, it burns and corrodes the stomach like aqua fortis ; but externally it is a good stimulant and strengthen ng tonic. It is, however, much used ma medicine and the arts, being a powerful solvent ot manv substances, resins, oils, &c. With it are made medicab tinctures, elixirs, sweet scented essences, lotmns, Aar nishes, c n-dials, &c. Used also to preserve animals forr Iseu'ms; but it has the defect to destroy theu^ color . It ou-ht to be much diluted when for internal use. it « saturated with sugar to make cordials, and thus rendered* No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 157 milder and luscious ; but yet the alcoholic cordials are, pernicious, even in small doses, and pure good wines are bj far better for all the purposes of cordials. The best use of alcohol is for economical fuel to heat and cook in tin vessels. Wine and water is, after all, the best of all beve- rages, and the most healthy, when mild wines alone are used. Wmes of good body are those that bear a great deal of water without losing their flavor. All white wines bear water sparingly, and some are spoiled by it, such as Madeira, Graves and Hock, while Clarets are improved by it, and bear from 3 to 5 parts of water to one of wine. Some thick and strong wines bear 15 or 20 parts of water. The strongest of all wines, such as Lissa and Cidnar, give 40 per cent of alcohol, or 80 per cent of brandy. The strong wines, such as Port, Ma- deira, Marsala, Sherry, Lisbon, &c. hold from 40 to 60 per cent of brandy. The mild wines from 20 to 40 only the mildest (and thus the best) is Tokay, which has only 2/ brandy, or 10 per cent alcohol, no more than cider ! Ihe quantity of brandy afforded by mild wines is thus the measure of their healthiness and body. Clarets have 30 to 3^. Burgundy 30 to 32. Hock 27" to 30. Cham- paigne 25 to 27. Muscat 22 to 25, &c. The milder they are the less water they bear, and vice versa. Section IV. Principles of the cultivation of Grape Vines, and chiefly in North America. 1. It is not my intention to give an elaborate treatise on the cu tivation of vines all over the world, but rather practical hints on the management in the uJiited Stated ot our own kinds. ^"iics 2. Vines being cultivated in all parts of the world, in different clunates and soils, require different manage ment, are often not kept alike, even in the same coifn- tries, and thrive under several modes of cultivation J. in general, temperate climates (from which the v are mos ly native) are the best for them ) the borea aXo. pical climates are not suitable for them, as the excess of cold or heat either cldlls or burns them. 4. In Europe, vines are cultivated for wine everv where, except in England, Netherlands, Denm^VswZ 158 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. den, Prussia, Poland, and Russia, and even there are found in gardens producing grapes for the table ; but their juice has not su^ar enough to make tolerable wine. 5. In North America, the wild vines grow as far as Canada, in lat. 45, and from thence to the Gulf of Mexico ; how far south they extend in Mexico is not known. Wherever found wild, wine can be made. In Europe, the wine limits extend from lat. 48 to 60 N. and south to Africa. 6. In France alone, the vineyards occupy live mulions of acres, (besides the garden grapes) which produce yearly about 1000 millions of gallons of wine, besides the grapes eaten, thus averaging 200 gallons per acre. The wines sell from 7 cents to S4 the gallon wholesale, according to quality. France having 32 millions of in- habitants, this produce gives 20 gallons for beverage to each, and 360 millions for exportation or making brandy, vinegar, &c. 7. In Italy and the Islands, with a population ot 24 millions, nearly as much wine is made, and as many acres cultivated; thus giving a much larger average to each individual, since less is exported or made into bran- dy. The price varies from 4 cents to S5 the gallon. 8. In Spain and Portugal the amount is less, much brandy and raisins being manufactured and wines ex- ported. In Germany and Greece but little is made in proportion ; and in all Mahometan countries, except Persia, where wine is less proscribed, none but the Greeks, Armenians, and Jews make wine and drink it ; but grapes are much cultivated for the table, preserves, raisins, &c. _ ^ r „ 9 In North America wme was very early made trom our native grapes, by the French in Illinois. Our native tribes drank the juice or must of the grapes, but were unacquainted with the art of making wine Small trials were made in the English colonies and United States at several periods ; but all the trials directed towards the imported vines have failed, owing to our climate being unfavourable to them, while it is very favorable of course to our native grapes. 10 The European and African grapes .succeed pretty well in our sheltered gardens, and thus will give us good No. 99 & too. VITIS. 159 fruit for the table but when planted in exposed vine- yards, the late frosts and heavy showers of the spring in- jure them or render them sterile. 11. A capital mistake was the attempt to make Ma- deira wine in America, instead of American wine. Our climate and soil being neither dry nor volcanic as in Madeira, could never produce similar wine, even if we had the Vidonia or Madeira Grape, and knew how to cultivate it and manage the wine. Besides Madeira, although a fashionable and costly wine, is bad, unhealthy, and not worthy of our attention. The same with Port wine. 12. These and other causes have discouraged the at- tempts of a vine company established on purpose in Pennsylvania. Mr. Legoux, the manager, by his decep- tions in grapes, callin* them by false names, and his bad management, threw discredit on the attempt. However, by calling our Bland and Alexander grapes, Madeira and Cape, he was instrumental in diffusing them among those who would not have noticed nor bought them if known as native vines. 13. Notwithstanding these difficulties, many patriotic individuals have persisted in the endeavor to make the United States a wine country, by establishing nurseries and vineyards. Such were Major Adlum, of George- town, and Mr. Dufour, of Vevay, who have also both published works on the cultivation of vines. Mr. Samuel Maunck, of South Carolina (the first exporter of our cotton in 1784) who established a large vineyard at Pen- dleton. Mr. Thomas Echelberger, of York, Penn. who has been instrumental in establishing 20 vineyards near York. 14. In 1825 1 collected an account of our principal vineyards and nurseries of vines. They were then only 60 of 1 to 20 acres each, altogether 600 acres. While now, in 1830, they amount to 200 of 3 to 40 acres, or nearly 5000 acres of vineyards. Thus having increased tenfold witlun 5 years, at which rate they promise to become a permanent and increasing cultivation. 15. Wishing to preserve the names of the public bene- factors who had in 1825 established our first vineyards 160 VITIS. No. 99 & 100, I herewith insert their names. They are independent of the vineyards of York, Vevay, and Vincennes. In New York, George Gibbs, Swift, Prince, Lan- sing, Loubat, &c. In Pennsylvania, Carr, James, Potter, J. Webb> Le- goux, Echelberger, E. Bonsall, Stoys, Lemoine, Rapp. In Delaware, Broome, J. Gibbs, &c. In Maryland, Adlum, W. Bernie, C. Varle, R. Sin- clair, W. Miles, &c. In Virginia, Lockhart,Zane, R.Weir, Noel, J. Browne. J. Duling, &c. In Carolina, Habersham, Noisette, &c. In Georgia, Maurick, James Gardiner, S. Grimes^ Checteau, M'Call. In New Jersey, Cooper at Camden. Another at Mount Holly. In Ohio, Gen. Harrison, Longworth, Dufour, &c. In Indiana, Rapp of Harmony, the French of Vin- cennes. In Alabama, Dr. S. Brown, and at Ea^leville. 16. The average crop of wine with us is 300 gallons per acre. At York, where 2700 vines are put on one acre, each vine has often produced a quart of wine, and thus 675 gallons per acre, value §675 in 1823, besides S200 for 5000 cuttings. One acre of vineyard did then let for g200 or 300, thus value of the acre about §50001 This was in poor soil unfit for wheat, and for mere Claret. 17. Now in 1830, that common French Claret often sells only at 50 cents the gallon, the income must be less. I hope our claret may in time be sold for 25 cents the gallon, and table grapes at one cent the lb. and even then an acre of vineyard will give an income of §75, and be worth §1000 the acre. 18. The greatest check fo this cultivation is the time required for grapes to bear well, from 3 to 6 years : our farmers wishing to have quick yearly crops | but then when a vineyard is set and in bearing, it will last tor- ever, the vines themselves lasting from 60 to 100 years, and are easily re-placed as they decay. 19. The next check is the precarious crops it badly managed. Every year is not equally plentiful, and some- No. 99 & 100. VITIS. - 161 times there is a total failure when rains drown the blos- soms ; but an extra good crop of 500 or 600 gallons commonly follows and covers their loss. 20. The cultivation of the'vines includes several con- siderations, a choice of ground, soil, and vines, repair- ing the ground, planting, manuring, dressing, trimming, grafting, harvesting, besides the diseases of the vines and grapes. 21. Vines may grow any where, but do not thrive equally every where. Table grapes thrive best in shel- tered gardens, espaliers, and bowers, producing more and better fruit. Wine grapes thrive best of all on the east- ern slope of hills exposed to the rising sun, and in a vol- canic or gravelly soil, producing stronger and better wine. 22. All our native grapes will grow well near to their native soil, and produce different wines. Some species are peculiar to the Southern States, and will not thrive so well north of the Potomac and Ohio rivers. They grow spontaneously in rich soils, or loam, sand, gravel, rocks, near streams : in fact every where, but seldom in clay and mountains. 23. The best situations for native vineyards are shel- tered valleys, banks of streams, on the eastern and southern sides of hills in the Northern States ^ but fur- ther south plains and open grounds will do as well. If they have a wood to the north west or south west to shel er them from the cold blasts or sudden storms, so much the better. In the north they may also require such shelter from the north east storms. 24 These are the best soils for them in the order of excellence 1 .Volcanic, scarce with us. 2.Pseudovol- canic, ot New York and Connecticut. 3. Granitic, rot- ten rocks. 4. Sandstone gravel. 5. Gravel and sand. 6. Barren and worn out soils. 7. Rich or loamy soils are the worst, except clay and damp and cold soils, which always produce bad wine. Pine barrens will do. 25. 111US It is seen tliat the worst soils for all other agricultural purposes are the best for vines. Many mil- lions of acres of our rocky, gravelly, or barren soils, now hardly worth any thing, may thus, if turned to vine o 2 163 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. yards, give S50 at least neat yearly income, becoming worth S500 or more an acre, at a small expense of a few years. A single million of acres of vines midit produce yearly 200 millions of gallons of wine, worth S50,000,00() at only 25 cents, and affording from 10 to 20 gallons yearly to each individual for beverage. 26. In the choice of vines, select those that grow best near you or bear the best fruit. If you find in the woods any vine bearing plenty of good grapes, mark it, and cut it up into cuttings in the winter for your use. It is essential with our wild grapes to see them in fruit, in order to ascertain if they are worth cultivation, and that the mother vine is a fruitful one, there being many ste- rile with us. 27". If we raise our vines from seeds, we are never sure to have the same kind, a variety will often spring up : besides half of those thus raised are sterile or male vines with us, which does not happen with the exotic grapes. Moreover, a seedling vine (unless grafted) will not bear fruit till 10 or 15 years old, while cuttings bear in 3 to 5 years. Therefore seeds ought never to be sown except for experiments. 28. Whether for gardens or vineyards, let us select none but the best kinds of exotic or American vines. The ample account given of them may serve to guide the choice. The very best of our vines being V. blanda, V. proiifera, V. muscadina, V. ciliata, V. dimidiata, V. labruscoides, V. longifolia, V. acerifoUa, &c. 29. All vines may be cultivated alike, and bear very different treatment. When allowed to grow over trees, or on the sides of a house, or in bowers, without much trimming they last several centuries! and a single stock may produce ISOlbs. of grapes, giving 10 gallons of wine. 1 • . ,1 80. The very best mode would be to cultivate the vines together with mulberry trees, as in Italy, allowing them to mingle and hang in festoons. This saves the great expenses of poles for support, and afford silk and wine on the same spot. One acre produces as much in this way as if it was a solitary vineyard. 31. Our American grapes are impatient of control, and thrive best when left to climb aloft without much No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 163 trimming. When kept under as usual in vineyards by annual cutting, they only last from 40 to 60 years, and thus less than the European vines. 32. The best foreign grapes ought to be raised in shel- tered gardens for table fruit. Even the most delicate may be naturalized gradually, by sowing the seeds, and sowing a second or third time the best seeds produced m the country. This, however effectual, is a very long process, which requires patriotism and patience. 33. To prepare the ground for vines or a vineyard, a crop of potatoes or turnips ought to be raised on it be- lore planting, which improves and opens the ground, or else it ought to be manured and ploughed deep several times in the fall previous. 34. The best manure for vines then, and at any other times, are composts made to suit the soil, or mixtures of good earth, ashes, gravel, sand, iron dregs, rubbish, brick dust, oyster shells, vine leaves, and grape husks, with a little dung. If the ground is rich of itself, it re- quires more ashes, sand, and other loosening manure. It poor, more earth and dung. 35. But the very best manure for vines are volcanic asiies, which might be imported on purpose in ballast, from Naples, Sicily, Portugal, the Canary or Azore Isl- ands. Puzzolana above all, which is a kind of it, useful also tor water cement. These ashes might highlv im- prove our wine. Next to them are crumbling iron stone and granite ; also the gravel dregs oftorges, or the pow- dered dross. The residue of the grapet, after masliing them for wine, the lees of the wine itself, and even the decayed leaves of the vines are also excellent manures. ob. A regular vineyard ought to be in rows, if to be worked with a plough ; but in Europe, where the hoe is mm e commonly used, they often plant the vines checker wise. The hoe is better than the plough, because more vines can be planted on one acre, the whole ground is ?fL 1 iP'"' ^"r^ P^'"^^"^^ g^^^^ter ;%ut with us the plough is preferred as cheaper. 37. The rows from 5 to 10 feet apart, and each vine from 2 to 5 apart: thus allowing from 1200 to 3000 vines on one acre The more on the acre the greater thi ef penses at first, but also the greater the yduce aftel' 164 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. wards. Each good vine ought to bear from 30 to 60 clus- ters of grapes, weighing from 5 to ISlbs. 38. The rows must run north and south, so as to have the full advantage of the rising and setting sun, or else from north east to south west, so as to be better shelter- ed from those winds which with us bring sudden rains and storms, while the first protect the others from the bleak vernal north west wind. 39. When rows and vines are crowded, nothing can grow besides in the vineyards ; but 3000 vines in one acre, if only producing 5lbs. each, may give 1000 gal- lons of wine. While, when kept remote, many crops can be raised in the intervals, such as potatoes, turnips, beans, &c. It is a prejudice to think this injurious to the vines : it is not so, provided the crops are such as require previous ploughing and do not shade the vines. 40. But different grapes must not be planted pro- miscuously, so as to prevent the mixture of blossoms, pollen, and change of fruit. Each kind ought to be kept separate, and even divided by fence, walls, hedges, or meadows, forming a vineyard by itself. 41. Plant the cuttings in pits or a trench one or two feet deep, made with the hoe or plough, and filled with good manured earth or rich made soil with some rubbish, gravel, or ashes at the bottom, below the cuttings. 42. The time of planting is from October to May: the best months are November and March. If you plant m the fall, cover each, plant with a little hillock, and unco- ver it in the spring. If the weather be dry after plant- ing, water them- 43. Choose your cuttings from good vmes, and strong shoots of last years growth, from 1 6 to 24 inches long, with 5 or 6 buds. Let them be cut smooth below at a ioint and slanting one inch above the upper bud ; the slope must be opposite to the bud, that no bleeding ot the sap may follow it. 44 If the cuttings are to be kept over winter, or sent to any distance, keep them in sand or dry earth, or else in moss or straw. They must be kept dry, moisture is pernicious, and frost still worse. , . n . 45 Put the cuttings in the loose ground of the pit oi trench, at the chosen distance, in a slanting way, bend- No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 165 in» the bottom of it and pressing the earth close to it with the foot. Put the whole in except the upper bud, which IS to become the shoot, all the others, 4 or 5, are to become roots. Sometimes 2 buds may be left out. 46. Keep the ground very clean and free of weeds at all times, but above all the first years, by working it often with the plough or hoe, or by pulling the weeds. At the end of the first year, cover each vine with a hil- lock m November, and uncover it the next spring. 47. Second year. Begin to preserve the vine either by rubbing the buds or cutting weak shoots, leaving only 2 or 3 strong buds or shoots. Put in the stakes or poles on which they are to climb. Plough or hoe the ground and clear the weeds. 48. Third year. Rub oflTthe lower buds and prune the side shoots. Put on cross poles if meant to be used. Plough, hoe, and weed. Many vines will begin to bear grapes this year, 49. The fourth year ought to be the first crop, a full bearing beginning at 5 or 6 years old. The annual pruning and trimming must then depend on the mode adopted for cultivation. 50. It is well to rub off in the spring all the buds ex- cept such as are meant to bear, in the summer to cut off all superfluous or weak shoots Ivithout blossoms, and in the tall to make cuttings for planting, selling, or burn- ing ot all shoots grown too long. But it must be re- ^,^1. c J r"'' ""''^^^ P™"S weakens the vine as much as extra foliage and extra bearing. 51. Trim the vines to suit the chosen method, leadina: bending, and fastening them over the poles, cross poles treillisses, trees, bowers, side walls, &c. of the vineyard or garden. The poles or stakes must be of durable wood oak, chesnut, locust, or cedar with us ; but need not be large nor thick Thin split ones will do for cross bars! Even canes and split canes will do, well, and are com rnonly used in south Europe as cheap and light : the large ones being used for standing stakes. 52 Ihe grapes commonly grow on the spring shoots nd these on the last year shoots : it is therefofe need fu 0 spare these in pruning. All dangling branches must be raised ; when trees are the support, they may 166 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. be led from one to the other, still less pruning is requir- ed with trees for support. 53. In warm countries, vines must be left well shaded by the leaves. In a cold climate or a cold season, it is usual to cut many leaves so as to expose the grapes to the sun to ripen well. Leaves, shoots, and grapes must never be pulled, but cut with the sickle, knife, or nail. 54. In a dry climate, a circular hollow ought to be duo- at the foot of the vine, so as to allow rain to collect thel-e, while in a wet climate or season, the reverse is needful, and a small hillock must be raised around it. 55. When the vineyard is in full bearing, a single ploughing or hoeing is required, very early in the spring...^ Manuring is only required once in 3 or 5 years, similai- to what Ims been mentioned already ; the whole ground need not be manured, but merely the foot of each vine in the winter. Dung compost, in small quantity, is very good. , ., 56. Grafting is needful upon bad or sterile vines or seedlings, &c. It must be performed in March, with good scions and cuttings by cleft, grafting and binding with clay : also by approach in a pot. Good grafts ought to bear fruit the sa.me year. In gardens, a variety ot grapes may thus be procured. Our wild vines are ex- cellent hardy supports for all exotic grapes, which thus become less liable to early motions of the sap. 57 The crop or harvest of grapes is called vintage. It is always a season of festivity. Although grapes may be produced for eating from July to November, the vin- tage is always in September, when most are ripe. Ihe clusters are cut with a knife, and carried m baskets to the vat or press. . . „a 58. Many diseases attack the vines m Europe, ana several insects prey on them. Our own vines are sel- dom liable to them, and have fewer insects than an^ other fruit. The worst diseases are the blight and the ^^gg^The blight or mildew may affect the leaves, bios- soms, and fruits. It is always caused by drops ol rain of a shower on which a hot sun shines, which burns them by acting as a lens. The leaves and fruits become co. v'ered with shrivelled brown spots. There is hardly any No. 99&10Q. VITIS. 167- remedy for this, but the diseased leaves and fruit ought to be cut off. * 60. Another kind of blight happens in the critical time of the vines being in blossom, if a heavy shower then falls, the pollen or farina is drowned, and cannot ferti- lize the fruit buds. This sometimes spoils the whole crop. If we could shelter the vines from our south west vernal storms by buildings, walls, woods, or a thick fo- liage, this would seldom happen. Never work the vines when in blossom. V. ' yellows are caused by the root becoming weak by bad food or overbearing. The leaves then become sickly and yellow. This is more easily cured by re- moving the leaves, pruning the shoots, cutting some clus- ters, but above all by manuring, removing the earth trom around the root, and re-placing it with good com- post. ® 62. Some small caterpillars group under the leaves, curl and eat them. They must be destroyed by cutting the leaves attacked, and crushing the insects under foot! Jiugs and other insects feeding on the vines are not dan- gerous. ^0 Aphis is found on our vines, and no insects destroy the roots nor the grapes. 63. ^ Depredations on the grapes when ripe is a great evil, but as this happens only for a short while, it must De guarded against by watching the vineyards nio-ht and day as soon as the grapes begin to get ripe. Rural watch- men are paid on purpose in Europe. Dogs will not do, because they are fond of the grape. Foxes and birds are also depredators. Vineyards ought not to be near roads, or easily accessible, on that account. 64. Let us conclude by giving a pro forma account of the expense of forming and keeping up a vineyard, cal- culating all charges as cash to be paid, although most tarmers may own the land, and give their own 1 Jbor, or procure their own cuttings and props, which will be so One acre of land, from - . . to 10 Preparing the same and manure, - - 5 to 10 1000 to 3000 cuttings, if bought, - - 5 to 30 Planting them, . . . . . 5 ^0 Expenses of first year, - . ^16 to ^ 168 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. Brought forward, - - - - Sl6 to 70 Second year, poles, caues, &c. - - 5 to 10 Cultivation, pruning, &c. - - - 5 to 8 Third year, cultivation, &c. - - 5 to 8 Fourth year, cultivation, manure, &c. 5 to 8 Total, - - gS6tol04 65. This shows the lowest and highest cost, the me- dium may be ^40 or 50 per acre. On the fourth year the income may cover this whole cost, if it is only 150 gallons of wine at 50 cents ; g25 being deducted for casks and making the wine. 66. On the fifth and succeeding years, the annual ex- penses will be only from $10 to 30, or g5 to 10 for cul- tivation, pruning, manure, and the remainder for making and keeping the wine, while the income will be from §100 to 200, for 2 to 400 gallons of wine at 50 cents, or half if only sold at 25 cents. Thus, at the lowest, leav- ing a yearly clear income of g40 to 100, or as much yearly for ever as was spent at first to plant the vme- yard! The land will be worth from §500 to 1000 the acre! and may let at g25 to S50 to tenants. Thus upon an average, each vine is worth half a dollar, and any one who plants 100,000 vines, acquires a fortune of §50,000, or a clear yearly income of gSOOO or more. Section V. General principles of ViniJication, or the art of making Wine. 1 . I do not mean to give the numberless modes of mak- ing all kinds of wines ; but rather the general principles of the art, with their application to American wines. 2. Whatever wines we make here, can never be Bur- gundy, nor Champaigne, nor Hock, nor Port, nor Lis- bon, nor Tinto, nor Madeira, nor Malaga, and so forth j but American Wines. It is idle, it is silly, it is need- less, and it is a deceit to attempt it, or to give them to- reign names. i e«» 3. But we may make, nay, we have already made, se- veral very good American wines, quite peculiar to us J and we may imitate several foreign wines, such as clarei ]69 No. 99 & 100. VITIS. Burgundy, Oporto, Malmsej^, Carcavelos, and many more. Let us be honest and give them as such, with pompous American names if we like. 4. Wines can be made with almost all juicy fruits, al- though the real wines are the produce of the grapes. Thus, currants, gooseberries, elder berries, huckle-ber- nes, persimons, black-berries, oranges, peaches, pears, apples, pme apples, &c. have all been used to make pe- culiar wmes. Those of apples and pears are called Cider and Perry. Each other kind ought to have also a peculiar name, because they all differ somewhat from wine. ^ 5. These fruit or domestic wines will only be men- tioned slightly. The wine of currants or Ribesium, is the most important for us, because it is already often made, is nearest to the best grape wines, and can be made to any amount with profit. Several kinds are made, which are very good when not spoiled by the ad- dition of brandy, which makes them firy and pernicious ' 6. Currant wine or Ribesium, always requires water and sugar, because currants contain malic acid and no ^rtaric acid. But it requires no brandv nor whiskey, lo make It more like wine, some good vv"ine, with a lit- tie quicklime and argol, may be put into it before fer- mentation. Island^''r;f/r' '"'J'''* 7''^ Providence, Rhode tS' T?- '"^"^1"^^^. as an example worthy of imi- tation. Ihis yard contains 40 acres; each acre has 1400 currant bushes, and produces yearly 120 o 150 bushels of fruit, which, with water and 4000lbs. of su gar, make about 1600 gallons of wine from each acre selling at 75 cents and one dollar per gallon. Thus each acre producing ^1200, or 8800, deducting the cost of •sugar casks, cultivation, &c. as I was info'rniel Ions wirl' "^^'^^^ ^^'^ ^^"^^ S^^e 64,000 gal- wTne Ld sold M «f 8^2,000! if all m'adeilito r.nJn. i 1^^: ^^^""^ makes two kinds of wine besium. He uses no brandy nor strong ii(,uors Roth are excellent, and equal to many fine fore Z w ies He inrstr;v^ ^^^^^ p- 170 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. 9. Wine making is a chemical operation, in which a due proportion of needful elements is essentially requi- site. No liquor is a wine unless it has undergone the real vinous fermentation. 10. The needful elements of fermentation are, 1. Su- gar. 2. Water. 3. Tartaric acid. 4. Mucilage. The ad- ventitious elements, which may or may not exist, are tannin, potash, carbonic and malic acids, arome, color- ing principle, &c. 11. The Must is the liquor produced by grapes. A perfect Must ought to have a due proportion of the four elements of wine. When deficient in any, it ought to be supplied, if we want to make good wine. If any ele- ment is in excess, it ought to be corrected. . . 12. The due proportion of sugar or sweet principle, is Sib. in one gallon of Must. When less, the Must makes a very dry or weak wine, when more, a very sweet wine. The sugar is changed by fermentation into alco- hol, chemically combined in the wine, and only evolved as a vapor by fire or the process of distilling. In a I sweet wines, a portion of the sugar is not decomposed, still more involving and weakening the alcohol. 13 The due proportion of tartaric acid and mucilage does not exceed 5 per cent, of each. The excess of tar- taric acid makes the wine sour or acid. When deficient, or supplied by malic acid, the wine is deficient in body and strength. Malic acid changes wine into cider li- quors ; giapes have little malic acid, whence best to make wine. , , , • i o 14 Currants, gooseberries, blackberries, apples &c. containing too much malic acid, and no tartaric acid, can never male but bad and sharp cider wines by them- selves; but by the addition of quicklime, tlie acid is absorbed and corrected, the tartaric acid may be sup- plied ; water dilutes the juice, and sugar strengthens it, whereby imitation wiifes are made. 15. When mucilage is deficient, no due fermen at on can take place. The substitution of yeast spoils the wTie and lives to it the flatness of beer. Mucilage is to be supplied by dissolved gum, in case of need. An Less of m'cilage produces only a greater quantity No. 99 & 100. VITIS. in of lees. Wine hardly retains any mucilage when clear; it ought to be precipitated in the process of fermentation and clarification along with tartar and potash. 16. Tannin, or the astringent principle, is communi- cated to wine by the peduncles, husks, and seeds, -whence rough wines are made, such as Port. Delicate wines ought to have no perceptible astringency or roughness, and the seeds ought not to be bruised in mashing the grapes, nor allowed to fall in the Must, nor the husks neither. 17. The arome, or peculiar taste and smell of wines, also called ftavor and bouquet, is produced by a fixed oil, difterentin almost every kind of grape and wine. A peculiar grateful flavor and scent enhances the value of wine many fold, (witness Tokay) and all excellent wines ought to have this quality. 18. To preserve the arome of wines, it is needful to stop the fermentation before the natural end of it; and to procure it to deficient grapes, some peculiar flavored substance must be immersed in the Must while ferment- ing. In this depends the art or secret of makino- valua- ble wines, worth from gl to 5 a gallon, instead^f 5 to 25 cents. Each celebrated vineyard has a peculiar secret process. Time and experience alone can teach us this secret art to its full extent. 19. Yet we know the substances employed ; thev are oil of best grapes, vine blossoms, Reseda, or Mignonette, cowslip blossoms or Primula, elder blossoms, violets oris root ov Iris florentina, raspberries, strawberries &c. In Cyprus, they are Smilax blossoms. In Xeres Madeira, and Marsala, bitter almonds are employed These substances are suspended in the casks in bao-^* while fermentation is proceeding. ^"'l^^est native grapes give to our wines a peculiar grateful flavor simdar to raspberries. Our fox grapes, with a musky or foxy taste, impart to their wine a Mus^ catel flavor, somewhat similar to Constantia. Our fine scented vine blossoms, even when dried, give a rich grateful flavor and scent to our wines. To currant wine which is made when the vines are in bloom, these fresh b.ossoms may give a flavor near to Tokay wine 172 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. 21. The coloring principle is immaterial to wines. There are wines oif all colors, clear as water, white, yel- low, green, hyacinth, red, brown, black, &c. These colors do not impart any value to wine ; although the finest and dearest wines are commonly pale, yet Con- stantia and Lachryma, &c. are red. 22. Some wines lose their color or change it by age. Any wine can be made colorless, or clear as water by infiltration through animal charcoal or ivory black. It may be colored afterwards to any shade of yellow by burnt sugar, and any shade of red by cochineal or Bra- zil wood. The red Champaigne is colored by elder- berries juice, boiled with tartar, a few drops are suffi- cient to color a bottle of wine. Some kind of grapes are used to color pale wines. 23. Therefore, the essential operations to correct a bad Must, or to make a good Must and wine, are to ob- viate any deficiency in the juice of the grapes or other fruits, by supplying the due proportion of sugar, tartaric acid, mucilage, and water that may be lacking, besides destroying or absorbing the malic acid, avoiding the mixture of tannin, and procuring a grateful aroma. 24. The art of wine making includes, besides this fun- damental knowledge, many practical operations, such as gathering the grapes, carrying them, extracting the juice, mending it, fermenting the liquor, fining and clarifying, preserving the wine, obviating the defects and diseases. It is even a part of this art how to drink the different wines. , , . , r e 25. Carbonic acid is always evolved m the act ot ter- mentation, and escapes with some alcohol by evapora- tion. When restrained and prevented from escaping, it produces the brisk and sparkling wines. When fermen- tation is allowed to take its course, all the carbonic acid 26. ^Grapes ought to be gathered in the day time and a drv fair day. For the best wines, none but the sound clusters are to be used j for the very best, the sound ffrapes ought to be separated from the peduncles, which Ire to be thrown away. Grapes are to be carried to the vats or presses in baskets, without being crowded and bruised. If dirty, they ought to be washed. No. 99 & 100. VITIS. ]73 27. The thin skin grapes require peculiar care in handling. Our native grapes have all a thick skin, and require little care. Tokay and some other delicate wines, are made with grapes so soft as to drop their juice by their mere weight. All wines thus made without mash- ing, were called Protopion by the ancient Greeks they ( are the very best. 28. Must and wine are made not only with ripe grapes, but also with unripe ones, also shrivelled or over ripe ones from the vines, grapes kept on straw, scalded or half dried grapes, nay, even with raisins and vine leaves. Very different wines are thus made. 29. Green and unripe grapes make dry light wines, similar to Champaigne, Hock, Rhenish, Moselle, and Graves. Their elements are similar to currants and gooseberries, composed of pure acid and extract, but de- ficient in sugar, which must be added, else their Must is nothing but verjuice. All our acid wild grapes, sour even when ripe, have a similar juice, "and may make a red dry wine with sugar. ^50. The due proportion is 40lbs. of fruit to 5 galloits ot water, added by degrees while mashing. Then add SOlbs. of sugar, half a pound of crude tartar, the whole should make 10 gallons of Must at least. Keep 12 hours, strain, put in a tub or vat, cover with a blanket and boards, keep two days, put next in casks with a vent hole and peg. Decant in December, fine it several times, and bottle in March. If too sweet, ferment again before fining by exposure to air and heat upon the lees. ol. All grapes shrivelled or over ripe makegood strong wines often sweet. Some grapes thus used, produce very valuable wines, but the quantity is always less They never require addition of sugar. Raisin wine is seldom rnac e, although many good sweet wines can be made with them. Raisins must be scalded, pressed, and the juice treated as common Must. f.l- J}""^ .^^^'^e of vine leaves and tendrils is altoo-ether artificial : it is brisk like Champaigne. The procliss is 0 infuse lOOlbs. of leaves and\eSdrils for 2rhours in 16 gal.ons of water, poured boiling hot over them. Press them twice very hard, add to the juice 50lbs. of suo-ar and water sufbcient to make up 20 gallons of Must p 2 174 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. Then ferment it as above for green grape wine. If a sweet wine is desired, more sugar is required, and the fermentation must be stopped by racking in sulphured casks. 33. There are many ways to procure the juice of ripe grapes. Mashing is the most ancient, and as yet,_ the most usual. This is done for common and cheap wines by trampling the grapes under naked feet over the boards of the vats, where they are heaped, by walkmg and dancing over them. Although this antique process appears not very clean, yet it is not more unclean than kneading the bread dough with the hands, and besides the fermentation purifies the juice completely. 34. But for the best or valuable wines, the grapes are mashed by rollers in a trough, or a peculiar press with a circular trough. Juicy grapes are very easil;f mashed ; the hard or tough grapes even require but little pres- sure, and nothing like apples for cider. Our fox grapes with tough pulp, require rather to be left standing alter bruising or mashing, so as to allow the pulp to dissolve, before the juice is extracted. . j i *u 35. In no case are the seeds to be bruised, else the wine will be rough and harsh : thus any hard pressure that might mash the seeds and husks is to be avoided. When the seeds fall in the vats, and are allowed to re- main there during the fermentation, they impart an aus- tere taste to the wine. It is therefore essential to avoid seeds, husks, and peduncles, in making delicate wines, unless we wish to imitate Port wine. This may be done by straining. „ i . . «• j 36. Commonly fifteen pounds of grapes ought to afford one gallon of Must, and 5 gallons of Must ought to give 4 gallons of wine, after fermenting, settling, and fining. But iuicy grapes give more, and tough grapes less, thus from 12 to I8lbs. of grapes may give a gallon o[Must. 37. A- deficient Must may be mended by the rules already stated. It is then that sugar, water, brandy, lime, scented substances, &c. may be introduced to ad- vantage before fermentation, so as to incorporate well, which can never be done after it. 38. Sugar is not the leaven of wine, as often er one ously supposed, but the parent of strength and alcohol, No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 17-5 into which it is changed by fermentation. Therefore, adding sugar to the Must, if not sweet enough, is equal to giving strength to it, and is by far preferable to add- ing brandy then or afterwards. 39. Sugar is seldom added to weak wines in Europe, because it is too dear : while brandy is added because it is cheap. We may easily avoid this error in America, where the reverse happens. In Spain, they often add the brandy to the Must, this makes Sherry tolerable. In Port, Madeira, &c. the brandy is added after fer- mentation, and thus they become Wine Grogs! 40. Any other spirituous liquors added to the Must or wine besides brandy, spoils the wine completely ; rum and whiskey, above all, give a very bad burning taste. Peach brandy is used for our Scupernong wine, which spoils it also and makes it firy. 41. In many countries, a part of the Must is boiled to condense the sugar of it, and then added to the whole to strengthen the wine. This is a very old and very good practice ; but since sugar is now in general use, and so cheap, it is hardly needful. When the whole Must is *boiled, very sweet wines are produced. 42. To know the strength of the Must, which varies every year, let it be weighed with the hvdrometer or any other means. A good Must ought to weigh at least one tenth more than water, or 1.100 up to 1.140 when water weighs 1.000. Or if a galloa of water weighs 81bs. a gallon of good Must ought to weigh 9lbs. : the more the weight the better, and greater the strength. When- ever an egg floats in the Must, the weight is 1.125. Our wild grapes give a Must of 1.040 to 1.100 weight, the Muscadine or Scupernong is only 1.040. 43. By a simple yearly trial, we may thus know the state of our Must, and how much sugar is required to give it a proper strength. This will vary from 4 to 20 ounces per gallon, in order to produce strong excellent wines. Many of our grapes, however, can produce good thin clarets without sugar, like common French and Ita- lian wines,- but if superior wines are wanted, sugar be- comes needful. Every 4 ounces of sugar per gallon in- creases the weight of Must 11 in 1.000, or above 1 ner cent. ^ 176 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. 44. Water is seldom wanted to dilute the Must, unless to make Piquette, or a very thin poor wine, in quantity rather than quality. Coarse sugar is the best to sweeten the Must, because it contains mucilage. Syrup will do as well 5 but molasses will not do, unless deprived of their bad taste by charcoal. Honey gives a flat taste to wine. Our maple sugar v.'ill do very well, and also the fresh syrup or molasses of maple. 45. Mucilage is the leaven of wine ; it separates by fermentation into lees that sink, and froth or yeast that rises. Whenever mucilage remains in the wine, it is liable to ferment again even in bottles, therefore, the whole must be separated by racking and fining. If a second fermentation is needed, it may be produced by putting any wine over lees, and mixing them by rolling 46. Yeast of beer must never be used for any wine, not even currant wine ; it gives a bitter taste of hops, an ammoniacal flavor and flatness. A wine leaven, use- ful for all artificial wines, may be prepared by drying the lees and froth of wine : it may be kept long for use. 47. So true are these principles, that sugar and vege- table mucilage or extract may form wine alone with wa- ter, but tartar adds to the strength and helps the fer- mentation by promoting the change of sugar into alcohol. But such artificial wine would be tasteless unless flavor- ed by fruits. „ „ . , 48. Sweet wines are the best of all wmes, because the whole sugar has not been converted into alcohol, either bva deficiency of mucilage or by the fermentation being suspended before the end of it : which may be done at - any time by decanting or separating the liquor from the lees and froth, then straining or filtering, clarifying and sulphuring. , j ^ i„, 49 Whenever tartar must be added, crude tartai is the best, because it contains some mucilage of the grapes. Cream of tartar is not so good, although it is said to pro- mote the briskness or sparkling property. 50. Quicklime is the ingredient commonly used to correct the acidity of some grapes : but if not used spa- rino-lv it gives a bad urinous taste to wme. In bpam, they only sprinkle the grapes with it. In France, they Xo. 99 & 100. VITIS. 177 put one gallon of slacked lime for 100 gallons of wine. Pidgeon dung, being almost pure lime, is often used for the same purpose. It is often collected and sold for this purpose in Europe, If not sparingly used, the urin- ous taste is still worse in the wine. Ground plaster is also used. 51. Turpentine, tar, firwood, &c. cover the acidity of wine, but impart to it the tarry taste. This is the great defect of common Grecian wines ; but the Greeks do not dislike that taste. Our spruce twigs would give to our wines the taste of spruce beer. 52. The best heat for fermentation is variable. It merely begins at 54 degrees F. and is very slow till 60 degrees : from this up to 100 degrees it improves ; the greater the heat in the vintage time, the quicker and the more violent is the fermentation, and the wine is commonly the better for it. The froth of fermentation, when allowed to escape, makes the wine sweeter, when kept in the wine, drier. _ 53. Fermentation ought to be carried on under sheds, m the open air, and in close vessels, with bungs, spile holes, pegs, or safety valves. The larger the casks the sooner it is completed, whence the usual use of vats or large tuns and tubs, holding 1000 gallons or more. Light brisk wines, like Burgundy and Champaigne, are allow- ed to remain only for a few hours, (from 6 to 24) in the vats. White wine only 36 hours. Red wine from 2 ft 5 days. _ 54. Wines removed from the vat to casks after strain- ing through the hair sieve, will continue in a slow state ot termentation, depositing lees and throwing froth. If the troth IS removed repeatedly, or the wine often chang- ed trom cask to cask, it will ultimately cease. The casks are kept in cellars, wells, or cool stores. 55. The choice of casks is not useless. Old casks are always preferred New casks, unless burnt, communi- cate a taste and color to wine, therefore, the inside, ought always to be charred ; the best casks are made of oak or chesnut staves ; the larger they are the better, tor the sake of uniformity in the wine. 55. Each change of casks leaving the lees behind, is • called a racking, the best wines require several, and 178 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. thus a set of casks on purpose. Sulphuring is the ope- ration by which a cask or the wine is impregnated with sulphuric acid, whereby the mucilage is precipitated and the fermentation stopped. The black oxide of manga- nese has the same properties. 57. A sulphuring liquor may be made by the action of sulphuric acid on saw dust, the fumes being conveyed to the wine, and some of the dust liquid thrown in it. However, the most usual mode is to fumigate the empty cask, before racking, by burning sulphur matches in them. 58. Another mode has lately been found to destroy fermentation in wine or other liquors, or even to prevent it altogether. It is the use of Sulphite of Potash (not the sulphate) diluted in them. A single ounce weight of it will do for 600 or 800 gallons. 59. Fining or clarifying the wine is the next opera- tion, and always needful before bottling. Many sub- stances are employed, sand, gypsum, fishglue or isinglass, salt, gum, starch, rice, milk, charcoal, albumen or white of eggs, ox blood, &c. They all act in the same Avay, by precipitating the tartar, acid, and every remain of mucilage : whereby the turbid wine becomes perfectly clear and transparent. 60. The use of these substances is optional, the cheap- est being most frequently used. They mifst-be dissolved in wine before mixing, and are all precipitated them- selves. The proportion required depends on the foul- ness of the wine : they may be added by degrees. Eggs and milk are the best. The ox blood and salt give a bad taste to delicate wines. Isinglass may destroy the aro- ma, if not sparingly used. ^ , V .1 61. The acid fermentation of wine, whereby they aie changed into vinegar, takes place when there is too much water in it, when the vmous fermentation has been imperfect in weak wines, or when the leaven predomi- na es over the sugar. Vinegar may even be produced by mixing brandy and milk, or by passing the compound cLbonic acid gas of the vinous fermentation through No TeJi'Trmentation can take place as long as there is a portion of undecomposcd sugar m the wme . No. 99 & 100. VITIS. 179 whence the need of stopping fermentation before it is quite decomposed. Sweet wines never change into vine- gar. Sugar put into light and dry wines prevents the acetic fermentation ; but if put in after it has begun, it inci'eases it. Charcoal, plaster, and lime must then be used to absorb the acid. Brandy is of no use then, 63. The fretting of the wines in the spring after vin- tage, is a second slow fermentation. It is the best time then to bottle brisk wines, to give flavor to insipid wines by immersions of odorous substances, and to clear the whole mucilage by fining, else the wine may fret and become pungent. 64. Sherry wines are made by sprinkling the grapes with brandy and wine, some brandy is put in the Must ; several rackings, at one month's interval, with some bran- dy added each time. This is the least objectionable mode of making strong wines, yet the brandy is not to- tally incorporated. In Vidonia, Sercial, Madeira, Te- nerilFe, Port, Fayal, &c. the same precautions are seldom .used, and the brandy put in is only diluted : whence their unhealthy and pernicious use. Brandy can only be put in strong wines to make them still stronger : be- cause it decomposes and destroys all the delicate fine wines like Claret, Burgundy, Champaigne, Hock, &c. 65. The mixture of wines can be subject to no rules, as it may be varied in numberless ways. Many wines are only used for mixing and improving (or spoiling) others. Some dark wines serve to color the pale clarets. The Catalonia is made into Port, with brandy and log- wood. Nay, it is said that much Port is drank in Eng- land, which has no wine at all in it ! Madeira is made with TenerifFe, brandy, and Prussic acid ! Thus drunk- ards are gratified and poisoned. 66. The only proper mixtures of wine ought to im- prove them. This may be done by adding some good wine, or some essence of wine, or oil of wine, to wines of inferior quality. The essence of pure excellent wines, concentrated by frost, is the most valuable addition to any kind. The art of mixing wines and grapes is the practical secret of vineyards. 67. All poor wines, whether thin or brisk, do not keep long, and ought to be drank new. The best wines are 180 VITIS. No. 99 & 100. those that keep well, and are improved by age and a sea voyage : they are commonly sweet and rich. These best wines must be drank alone, in small glasses, like cor- dials. Good table wines ought to bear from 3 to 6 times their bulk of water, to be improved by it, and always drank with it. 68. Delicate and superior wines ought to be bottled as soon as perfectly clear and 6 to 9 months old, particu- larly if to be transported. Common wines ought to be kept or sent in barrels or quarter casks. Large casks are only useful at the vineyards. Some wines improve by travelling, and are better than on the spot this they owe to the shaking and time elapsed. 69. Mustiness, harshness, acidity, and ropiness are the four principal diseases of wines. When wines ac- quire a musty or bad taste, tliey may be restored by charcoal and toasted bread put in gradually. To mend harsh wines, put in it gradually milk, salt, and sand. If too acid, sugar, lime, or gror.nd gypsum, or add sweet wine to it. Lead formerly used, is a poison, and must never be employed, as it makes the wines deleterious, producing cholics, &c. "When wines get ropy, they must be fined or clarified again. 70. To recapitulate. Wine is as easy to make as cider, notwithstanding such needful cares. Very little additional trouble will produce superior wines, of double value at least. The same grapes may produce several kinds, white or red, sweet or dr;^, rough or sparkling, according to the mode of fermenting. Sugar must be used to strengthen the wines, and never brandy. It is worth while to attend to the quality rather than the quantity. Time and experience will teach us s^U better the practical details. LEXICON OF MEDICAL, EdFIVALEJVTS: OR Alphabetical Enumeration of all the Medical Plants of the United States omitted in the 100 selected Arti- cles^ with additions and corrections, 8fc. 1. This second part of the present work could easily have been enlarged to a size equal to the first. But it must be limited to a mere catalogue of additional medi- cal plants, with a short account of their uses and pro- perties. " mt^Tl W T''*^^''^^ P^^^^' as valuable as many of the selected ones, and of well ascertained nro- perties ; upon these, it will be needful to dwell a little pt^ciolTm^f' r''' ^''''^ '^y^ -^ngelic^^ pis, Croton, Mentha, Quercus, Esculus, Hieracium Ni cotrana nburnum, Laurus, Lactuca, MTrulTPrln^^^ Phytolaca Uatns, Finns, SambucusUnA many mo e'. . o No botanical account can here be given • the hotr Wh n r^n/"''^^ b-^' on"the s bj : Si ElRott tT ""^|,^^r^bed in Michaux, P^rsh, TcS in thl I'f • tl^ey will be de- scribed in the botanical supplement. 4. Ihe medical indications are taken fmm oii „ personal observations and commrnication oJ f thors, chiefly from Schoepf, cX^ xEh.^ iT B'f S">"h> Henry, ^^illiam ' JosJett StiriZ^^ res.H of the who.e aSu^^twl^It 'ot";:;!*! 182 ABALON. 6. Many economical uses will be added, as well as several useful or remarkable facts worthy of notice. Most of the vulgar names will also be given. ABALON (Adamson) ALBIFLORUM, Rif.Blazing Star, DeviVs Bit, DeviVs Root, Rattlesnake Root, Een- horn, ^c. [Verateum luteum, L. Melanthium divicum, T. Helonias dioica of others.) Root large tuberous, nau- seous, pungent bitter. It is tonic, diuretic, sialagogue, and vermifuge. In large doses, emetic. The plant kills cattle feeding on it. The decoction kills insects, bugs, and lice. Corn steeped 24 hours in it before sowing, is not eaten by birds. Used by empirics and Indians for cholics, fevers, worms, &c. As wash in scurvy, which produces diuresis by the mere external application. Carver relates an Indian story about being once a cure for all disorders, the devil bit off part of the root to lessen its value, whence the name. It has been driven from genus to genus, while it was a peculiar one. I have adopted the good name of Adamson. The flowers are white and not yellow, in dioical racemes. Estival, from New England" to Florida and Kentucky, in meadows and savannas. „ ABIES, J. Fir or Spruce Trees. Tall Evergreens, wrongly united to Pines by L. the tallest trees of North America, some reaching 300 feet. A dozen species are spread from Canada to Alaska and Carolina, all equally useful, ornamental, and medical. They are : 1. hal- samea, L. or Balsam Fir. 2. ^. canadensis, L. Hemlock Spruce. 3. ^. nigra. 4. M. alba. 5. A. rubra, or black, white, and red Spruce trees, all united to the second by L. besides 6 species of the Oregon country called by me 6. A. trigona. 7. A. heterophylla. 8. A. aromatica. 9 A. microphylia. 10. A. obliquata. U.A.falcata,n&f. Those which have a balsamic smell, produce in small bladders on the branches, the Canada Balsam, (wrongly called Balm of Gilead) which is healing, useful for m- ternal and external sores. It is injurious in recent wounds, but good after they begin to heal. It may be ABSYNTHIUM, 183 taken internally on loaf sugar. It is equivalent to tur- pentine and storax. Spruce beer is an American beverage, made by the Indians with twigs and cones of spruces, boiled in ma- ple syrup. Now it is chiefly made with molasses and yeast, when no spruce is put in, it is only molasses beer. The proper spruce beer is a palatable and healthy drink, powerfully antiscorbutic. The first discoverers of Ca- nada were cured of the scurvy by it, since which, it has become in common use in Canada, the Northern States, and even in Europe. If the use was still more general, it might destroy the bad effects of the scoi'butic habit or land scurvy, so prevalent among those chiefly feeding on salt meat. The essence or extract of spruce, is an article of exportation, used as naval stores : spruce beer may be made by it in a short time, and any where^ The bark of Spruce trees is sudorific, and in exten- sive use for tanning leather, also to die of a brick red color. The inner bark is used by empirics in powder and tea for bowel and stomach complaints, rheumatism, and gravel. The timber is valuable for masts, spars, rafters, and boards. The resin exuding frona the trees is nearly like frankincense. Josselyn says that it is very good in powder over wounds, to re-produce the flesh ; but as the resin of the European fir is used in plaster to produce itching, rubefaction, and blistering, the resin of all the firs must be heating and irritating. ABRUS PRECATORIUS, L Liquorice bush, Red bean, Love pea. A small ornamental and medical shrub, found from Florida to Brazil, also in Egypt and East Indies. It belongs to monodelphia enneandria, and to the leguminose tribe. . Well known by its beautiful scarlet seeds with a black spot, used as beads by the Hindus and Mahometans. The roots and leaves are equivalents to liquorice, sweet, mucilaginous, demul- cent and expectorant ; a good tea of the leaves used for colds and fevers. The seeds, although farinaceous, are hard and tough, yet they are eaten in Egypt. In Ame- rica, they are considered purgative and deleterious Perhaps our American is different from the Asiatic kind ABSYNTHIUM OFFICINALE, Tourn. J. (^,"1" mma absynihium,h.) Common Wormwood, In our gar- 184 ACER. dens, sometimes spontaneous. Taste intensely bitter, smell strong, contains an essential oil and bitter extrac- tive. Very valuable medical plant. Two scruples of the extract cure intermittents. Useful in cachetic, hy- dropic and hypochondriac affections, in jaundice, against worms, &c. Essential oil dark green, a powerful stimu- lant, antispasmodic, and vermifuge. The wormwood wine is an excellent tonic ; wine, ale and beer are me- dicated by it. Sometimes substituted for hops in brew- ing. Leaves excellent topical resolvent, applied to swell- ed breast and tumors. The ashes produce the salt of Jibsynthium, useful in gravel, and to dissolve the stones as formerly believed. Many other properties, very early known. It is said the continual use of this plant has cured the gout, increased the milk of nurses, removed dropsy and hepatitis. ABUTILONCORDATUM,J. Yellow Mallow. {Sida ahutilon of L.) Common from Canada to Mexico. Equi- valent of Malva or common Mallow, being mucilaginous, emollient, ajid demulcent. A tea is used in Virginia for internal inflammations, stranguary, gonorrhoea, &c. The leaves are edible, the negroes use them in the South in soups, gombos, and calalous. It was one of the plants affording a kind of hemp to the Southern Indians to make nets, fringes, coarse twist cloth, and the frame of the fine feather mantles. AC ALYPHA VIRGINICA, L. Mercury weed. Com- mon from Canada to Florida. Elliot says that Dr. At- kins has found it expectorant and diuretic, useful in hu- mid asthma, ascites, and anasarca. The empirics of the South use it for many other purposes. This plant de- serves investigation ; the other species of the genus have probably similar properties. ACER, L. Maple Trees. Valuable trees found all over the United States : a dozen species at least. Wood handsome and valuable for furniture, tools, guns, &c. Commonly pale yellow, when veined called curled ma- ple. The bark of Ji. rubra, red maple, dies wool and ilax of a brown color j the Cherokees use the inner bark boiled for sore eyes. Maple sugar is made from their sap in the spring. The Birch tree (Betula) and Hickory trees {Hicorya)\\iLve. a sweet sap as well as the Maples. The Indians made syrup and sugar from all, but chiefly ACNIDA. 185 from Ji. saccharinum, S.. nigra, A. rubra, A. dasicar- jDa, ^and A. negundo, (now called Negundium fraxini- folium. ) The two first, Sugar Maple and Black Maple, afford the most. This sugar is equal to the cane sugar of Saccharum officinarum. AVhen badly made, it is dark and has an empyreumatic taste. When properly made, it granulates well, may be easily refined into loaf sugar, and has a pure sweet taste. The syrup made by boiling the sap is very good : when boiled longer, it be- comes sugar with little care. A single tree alfords from 10 to 20 gallons of sap by mere tapping, and 3 or 4 gal- lons give nearly a pound of sugar. We could make maple sugar in sufficient quantity for the whole use of our population, and even for exportation. But instead, the trees are wantonly destroyed or neglected. Hardly 100,000lbs. of sugar are made annually, and chiefly ia remote settlements. We ought to plant and cultivate these trees instead of destroying them, or leave from 10 to 50 on each acre of cleared land. Whole forests of them have lately been planted in Germany, Hungary, and France. The leaves of A. striatum, called Dock- mockie maple, are used in topical application for the in- flamed breast. ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, L. Farrow, MilfoiL Common to Europe and Ameiica, from Canada to Loui- siana, in woods and fields. Whole plant used. Bitter and nidcrose, tonic, restringent, and vulnerary, but sub- narcotic and inebriant. Used for hemorrhoids, dysen- tery, hemoptysis, menstrual affections, wounds, hypo- chondria, and cancer. The infusion and extract are employed. The American plant is stronger than the European, and has lately been exported for use : this often happens with our plants, our'warm summers ren- dermgour medical plants more efficacious. The A.ptar- mica, or Sneezeweed, is said also to grow in New York; few botanists have seen it. Used as an errhine in Europe. ACHRAS SAPOTA, L. Sapodil. Florida and Ba- hama. Fine fruit. Seeds acrid diuretic, useful in emul- sion for nephritis, dysury, and diseases of the urethra ACNIDA CARMABINA, L. mihw Hemp This was the best white hemp of the Northern Indians, who q 2 186 AGARICUS. made nets, ropes, thread, and purses with it The seetls were eaten by them. ACONITUM NAPELLUS, L. Wolfsbane. Schoepf says that it grows in Virginia, no one else has seen it ; he must have mistaken for it the A. uncinalum, our only native species, which grows from Virginia to Missouri, and has probably similar qualities. The Wolfsbane is an acrid nauseous poison, but diuretic, drastic, pellent, sudorific, errhine, vesicatory, &c. Producing vertigo ' and convulsions. It is, however, used in Europe in mi- nute does, as a heroic remedy in schirrus, anchylosis, spina yentosa, amaurosis, gout, rheumatism, and even intermittent fevers. ACTEA ALBA and RUBRA. White and red Co-- hosh, ov Baneberry, Toadroot.' From Canada to Caro- lina, in woods. Root bitter, repellent, nervine, used for debility in Canada. Equivalent of Botrophis. Plant and berries poisonous, said to be liked by toads. Berries white or red in the second species. Wrongly blended by L. with A. spicata or A. nigra of Europe, Avhich has black berries. ACTIMERIS. Many species, all called formerly Coreopsis allernifolia. Dr. Eoff informed me that they cu"?e the ringworm by rubbing with the leaves. ADIANTHUM PEDATUM, Add, Mrs. Gambold says that the Cherokees used a strong decoction of it as an emetic in agues! this would indicate greater activity in this plant. ADICEA GLABERRIMA, Raf. 1815. {Urtica pu- mila, L.) Cool weed. Very common. Very different from nettles, quite smooth and cool. The leaves applied or bruised give immediate relief in inflammations and painful swellings. As a wash, they cure the topical poison of Rhus or Shumac. Called Newasha, meaning as cool as ice, by the Osages. Its peculiar grateful strong smell indicates other properties. AGARICUS. Funk. Many species, growing on de- cayed trees. All more or less styptic and bitter, useful to make the Agaric, a soft powder for stopping arterial hemorrhage, in amputations of limbs, without ligature. A pleasant bitters may be made with an equal quantity of orange peal infused in wine, &c. Punk is the Indian ALLIUM. 187 name for all perennial fungi growing on trees and of a spongj nature : useful to make spunk or touch wood to light easily fire with. Those growing on pines and hickories are commonly deemed best. AGAVE AMERICANA, L. Flowering Aloes. Ma- guey of Mexico. Zabara of Cuba, Spain, and Sicily. From Carolina and Florida to Mexico. Valuable econo- mical plant. Radical leaves evergreen, 2 to 6 feet long, the inside is edible after coction, tasting like lemonade. The juice flowing from the young central leaves cut off is s\yeetish, by fermentation it produces the Pulque or Mexican beer ; by coction, syrup, honey, and sugar can be made of it. The old leaves dressed like flax, pro- duce a strong white silky thread ; the Mexican cloth and paper were made from it, also fine fringe and lace. The central stem grows in a few months 18 to 20 feet high, bearing a beautiful pyramid of yellow blossoms. It is a false notion to suppose that it blossoms only once in 100 years,* this happens once in 15 to 25 years, and afterwards the plant dies, but the root sends off" lateral offsets. The stems are used for light rafts and posts'; cattle and sheep feed on the blossoms. Cultivated for hedges and use in Mexico; Spain, Sicily, and Barbarv Worthy of attention in Florida. AGAVE VIRGINICA, L. Virginia Aloes, Rattle- snake master. Root bitter, tincture used for cholics, chewed in obstinate diarrhoea by the Cherokees, violent, but efficient. ' ALCHEMILLA ALPtNA, I.. Ladies' mantle. On the V\^hite mountams, and in Canada. Astringent, equi- valent of Potentilla. ALETRIS AUREA, Mx. Add, harsh bitter root, used in vinegar for dropsical fevers in Carolina Elliot ALISMA PLANTAGO, L. Wa',er Plantain. Had once much celebrity in Russia, as a cure for hydropho- .'t^^»? ^'"^^ ""^ confirmed this valuable property. ALIM A ODORATA, Raf. Fl. lud. Sweet Fiantain. Ihe whole plant odorous, used for wounds and bruises in Louisiana. _ ALLIUM, L. Wild Garlic, Landlamh. Several spe- cies, A. canadense most common, give a bad taste to the milk and butter of cows feeding on them. The tincture 188 ALNUS. used for gravel. The Cherokees use them in cookerv. Many species cultivated in gardens and fields. A. sati- vum or common Garlick, is a well known condiment, highly medical, externally as a stimulant, rubefacient, and blistering, internally as a diffusible stimulant, diu- retic, expectorant, sudorific, &c. useful in diseases of a languid character and interrupted secretion, catarrhal disorders, and chronic cough, pituitous and spasmodic asthma, flatulent cliolics, hysterical and dropsical com- plaints, intermittent and typhoid fevers, retention of urine, &c. It is also a powerful vermifuge, and has ex- pelled the tenia. It is giVen in substance, conserve, milk, wine, &c. Properties residing in a yellow, thick, acrid oil. Applied to the sole of the feet as an excellent revulsion from disorders of the head. Ointment or poul- tice repellent, discutient, diuretic, and cures deafness produced by atony or rheumatism. The excessive use of garlick in cookery, may produce head-ache, flatulence, fetid breath, thirst, inflammations, fevers, and bloody piles. Parsley and celery correct partly its strong smell and taste, and also that of onions. ALLIUM CEPA, L. or Cepa vulgaris, Tt. Onions. Have the same properties as garlick, but weaker. Very useful as food in dropsies and suppressed urine. Onions correct the taste of fish, and can cure the bad effects pro- duced by bad fish, salt, smoked, or putrid. They pro- mote secretions and excite appetite. Their excess pro- duces flatulence, thirst, head-ache, bad dreams, and may derange the central functions. Externally, they form good cataplasms for suppurating tumors. Raw onions can only suit strong stomachs, they render the breath of- fensive. When boiled or stewed, they are palatable and healthy. The ancients thought that onions and garlic could cure or prevent the plague. The A.porrum or Leeks, have the same qualities and uses, they are still milder than onions : both roots and leaves used. ALNUS SERRULATA, Alton. Black alder. Near streams from Canada to Florida. Leaves vulnerary and astringent, repel the milk when bruised and applied to the breast. liark styptic, dies brown, and with vitriol black. The cones also die black. The inner bark of the root is emetic and dies yellow. The wood produces AMANITA. 189 a light charcoal, the very best for gunpowder. The A. undulata, A. glutinosa, A. glauca, &ic. found in mountains and Canada, are equivalent. The Prinos, also called Alder with us, has different properties, and bears red berries ; both are called Sulling bj the Cana- da tribes, who use the bark in poultice for swellings and strains. ALSINE MEDIA, L. Chickweed. Antiscorbutic and pectoral, may be eaten boiled for greens. Birds are fond of it. ALTHEA OFFICINALIS, L. Marsh Mallow. Eu- ropean plant, becomes spontaneous with us in many places. Plant and root mucilaginous, demulcent, emo- lient ; used in cataplasms, gargles, fomentations, clys- ters, and decoctions, for diseases of the throat and lungs, bowels, bladder, and urethra, also for pains, irritations, and inflammations. Equivalent to mallow and gum Arabic, but better. In France, lozenges of it are used for cough. AMANITA, Lam. Mushrooms, with gills beneath, and a central support : nearly 600 species in North America. Several are excellent for food, the best are, A. muscaria, A. deliciosa, A. ediilis, A. campestris, A. albella, A. aurantiaca, A. procera, A. ovoidea, &c. All the European species are found with us, 50 kinds are eaten in France, 100 kinds in Italy. Here we are afraid of them, and only eat 2 or 3. An easy test can teach us which are harmless : boil or cook a white onion with them, if it retains the color, the mushrooms are good : if the onion becomes bluish they are bad or unhealthy. Many species are poisonous, all the milky ones are such, also the black and thin kinds. The fleshy and firm are commonly good ; those who have a fine smell are the best, some are delicious. They may be dried and used for condiment. Dried mushrooms are an arti- cle of trade in Italy : we could collect them in abun- dance. They are an essential ingredient of good catchup sauce. When poisonous mushrooms are eaten by mis- take, they produce anxiety, spasms, convulsions, and death; the best remedies are emetics, ether, milk, &c. The A, atramentaria can make ink. The best kinds are 190 AMYGDALUS. cultivated in Europe in dung beds and cellars, bv sow- ing t]\e little bulbs or filaments. A^klARANTHUS, L. Amaranth, Princefealher. Ma- ny species cultivated for beauty, and many wild. The leaves of several can be eaten boiled like spinage ; in Louisiana they eat my A. diacanthus, Raf. The A. san- guineus, L. called Lovely bleeding, is a powerful styp- tic, the decoction is in popular use to stop the flow of menses?, )vhen other remedies have failed. The A.pu- milus, Raf. may be pickled like other fleshy sea plants. AMARYLLIS ATAMASCO, L. Ground lily, Stag- ger grass. Said to poison horses and cattle, producing th§ disease called Staggers. Beautiful vernal white blossom. AMBROSIA, L. Fagweed. The A. elatior and other species T^ith jagged leaves bear that name, called also Cqrrot-weed, Conot-weed, Bastard Wormwood. Bad ^,eed§ in gld fields, not eaten by cattle ; if cows eat it by chance, their milk becomes bitter : the plant deemed eipollient and antiseptic in fermentations, the seeds H^i^ced with wheat, give a bad bitter taste to bread. The A, trijida is called Hprseweed and Wild Hemp, was xjsed by the Indians to make a kind of hemp and ropes, may be available, sometimes 10 feet high. AMPHIC ARPA MONOIC A, Elliot. ( Glycine do, L.) P^Q, Vine. Cattle are greedy of this plant, and destroy it almost every where, ouglit to be cultivated for fodder. The seeds are like peas, and as good to eat. In Caroli- ns, they begin to cultivate it for tlie table. AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS, L. Almond tree. Cul- tivated from Virginia to Florida but our late vernal frosts injure it, as it blossoms in February and March. Sweet almonds are a fine fruit; they contain the same elements as human milk. The bitter almonds contain besides Prussia acid ; they are pernicious, and poison birds. The oil of almonds is produced by both, 2lbs. give lib. of oil, very bland, demulcent, useful in tick- ling cough, heat of urine, pains and inflammations. The emulsion or milk of' almonds has equal properties, a tine flavor, and is cooling. Orgeat is made with it, sugar and orange flower water. ANDROMEDA. 191 AMYGDALirS PERSICA. Peach tree. Was culti- vated by the Indian tribes before Columbus, eitlver indi- genous or brought from Asia. Now common/rom Ca- nada to Louisiana, in orchards. Fruit delicious. Wine can be made with it. Peach brandy is a pernicious liquor. Peach kernels are similar to bitter almonds. The peach blossoms are bitter, anodyne, carmihative, diuretic, and vermifuge, much employed in Euro'pe for worms, colic, gravel, &c. in the form of tea. Said also to subdue inebriation and deafness. The peach leaves have the same properties, but are weaker, move bitter, and less agreeable, sometimes purgative in large doses. Deserving attention as an efficient vermifuge. AMYGDALUS GLABRA, Dec. Nectarine. Peculiar species, and not a variety of peach. Properties similar to peach, but much weaker. Rare with us. AMYRIS FLORID ANA, Nuttal. Florida Balsam tree. The berries are black and fragrant, the leaves aromatic. Properties similar to L. maritima and Ji. bal- samifera of the West Indies, called Rosewoods, cepha- lic, diaphoretic, used for weak eyes, &c. The whole genus is balsamic, producing Gum Elemi, Balm of Gi- lead, &c. ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE, L. Cachewnut. In Florida, and spread to Brazil. Very valuable tree, it grows in pure sand and consolidates the same. Wood very fine and hard. The nut good and healthy ; the cover of it produces a black exsudation, dies black, and is used to cure the itch and diseases of the skin. Ouo-ht to be cultivated. ° ANAGALLIS PHENICEA, Lam. Hed Pinepernel. From New York to Carolina. Seemingly inert, yet acrid and active. Believed useful in hydrophobia by Boerhaave, and ever since. Employed in Europe for mania, epilepsy, melancholy, &c. thus useful in all ner- vous diseases ; Clayton recommends it in febrile deli- rium. Also pulmonic and alexiter. It is poisonous to cattle ; yet Colden says the decoction was used in New York in the bloody sweat or murrain of calves ANDROMEDA, L. the Jl. nitida of Carolina, Sour wood or Fipestem, is equivalent of Kalmia for the itch the leaves are acrid, the bark dies purple with copperas' 192 ANGELICA. The A. angustifolia, or Titi of the Florida tribes, is aleo equivalent of Kalmia. The A. mariana or Wicke, like- wise very useful in the ground itch of negro's feet. The A. racemosa or White Pepperbush, White Osier, is used for baskets and fish flakes. The powder on the leaves and buds of Jl. pulvcrulenia or Mealybush, and other kinds is a powerful errhine : even the powdered leaves are such. ANDROPOGON, L. Sedge Grass, Many species, disliked by cattle because coarse and dry ; but the Jt. ciliatus makes good hay in Florida. Some of our spe- cies may be equivalent to schenanthus and A. nardus. ANEMONE VIRGINICA, L. Windbloom. Kalm says the hairy seeds dipped in alcohol, are used in odon- talgy, being put in the hollow teeth. ANETHUM FENICULUM, L. Fennel. Cultivated and often spontaneous. Seeds pungent, aromatic, equi- valent to anniseeds, but a different flavor. The sweet fennel is bleached and eaten like cellery in Italy. ANGELICA AIROPURPUREA, L. Masterwort. From Canada to Carolina. The root has a strong smell, when fresh it is a poison, the juice is acrid and blisters the lips J the Indians of Canada use it for suicide. But when dry, it loses its virulence, and becomes a warm aromatic, similar to lovage. Cutler says the stems are candied in New England. ANGELICA LUCIDA, L. Jlngelic root, Belly-ache root. Nendo of the Virginian Indians. White root of the Southern tribes. Equivalent of Ginseng and officinal Angelica. Root like Ginseng, taste similai*, smell like aniseed. Highly valued by the Southern Indians, and cultivated by them : used as a carminative, and in cook- ery. This root is said to give the excellent flavor to Virginia hams and pork, when hogs feed on it. It is bitterish, subacrid, fragrant and aromatic, stomachic and tonic, useful in cholics, hysterics, menstrual sup- pressions, chlorosis, anorexia, &c. The powdered seeds kill lice. Schoepf and Henry mention the A. sylvestris as American, which is erroneous, they meant this spe- cies. Henry adds that it is sialagogue and repellent, useful to disperse tumors, and the root an antidote against yellow fever, chewed when visiting the sick. APOCYNUM. 193 The Missouri tribes call it Lagonihah, and mix it with tobacco to smoke ; they also eat it, but it often produces indigestion. ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM, L. Sweet grass. Makes fragrant hay ; cows fed on it give a very fine milk : sheep feeding on it produce excellent mutton. APIOS TUBEROSA, P. (Glycine apios,!..) Indian Potato, Potato Pea. Hopniss of the Delaware tribes. Noa of the Missouri tribes. Tucaha of the Southern tribes. Hanke or White apple of the Oregon tribes. Valuable plant, formerly cultivated by the Indians (yet by the Creeks) for the roots, which are like potatoes, or rather like Helianthus tuberosus, and the seeds like peas and as good. Deserving to be cultivated by us. The roots are white, tender, very good boiled or roasted, and m soups, or even raw when dried. AJ^^^fr. G^I^AVEOLENS, L. Cellery. Much culti- vated. When bleached a good pot herb ,• root, petioles, and leaves are excellent in soups, ragouts, fried, &c. Ihey are stomachic, excite appetite, correct the alka- lescence of meat and fish. Very useful in obstructions and liver complaints. When eaten raw less healthy impairing digestion, but correcting fetid breath. APIUM PETROSELINUM, L. Common Parsley, Cu tivated for condiment and very medical. Diuretic and sudorific, the root chiefly so, and with an agreeable sweetish taste. In decoction, it increases urinl, cures the suppression and strangury, gives relief in nephritic IZ": Th' f ^' ""^'"^ water me Ion seeds. The leaves are pungent aromatic, they give a good flavor to soups, and keep the kidneys in good or- cure the rot. They are injurious in nervous disorders IpP/nPl^;, ^^'^ "sed in syphilis T^^l i^^n^ MARITIMA, Raf. {MonZra]\ ) Toothache Grass of Carolina. Root bitter, sialago-^ue used for the tooth-ache : the grass eaten by cows^affeci their milk, giving it a bad taste. ^ "ws, anect APOCYNUM, Add. Verv vnlmhlp off- r u and cloth from the stems,'^rotirtt; pSf sul the blossoms, shoots edible like asparagus, roof veJy powerful, emetic, cathartic, diuretic, su^do^'ific, ver2 Xv 194 ARALIA. « fuge, and pectoral, according to doses and forms. Six grains of the powder is sudorific, SO grains will purge and vomit, useful in asthma united to skunk weed. Also used in dropsies, rheumatism, and whooping cough by empirics. All the species nearly equal, and deserving attention. AQUILEGIA CA-NADENSIS, L. Bed Columbine. A beautiful native flower, adorning our rocks, cultivated for beauty. Equivalent of ^q. vulgaris, which is diu- retic, menagogue, sudorific, antiscorbutic, and aperitive. The roots, flowers, and seeds are used in Europe ; the seeds are acrid oily, taken in vinous infusions for jaun- dice. , ^ . ARABIS RHOMBOIDES, Mx. Meadow Cress. Equi- valent of Water Cresses, the tuberous root edible as well as the leaves, similar to Radishes, taste like Coch- 'aRACHIS HYPOGEA, L. Ground Nut, Pea Nut. Cultivated from Maryland to Florida. Erroneously call- ed Pistachoe Nut in Carolina, the name belongs to the Pistacia of Sicily and Syria. Called Pmrfars in the West Indies. Cultivated by the Indians from Flonda to Brazil before Columbus, by the name of Mani. Yet by the Creek tribes, who raise large crops in pure sand. The seeds or beans are oily, they produce much oil ht for all uses ; commonly eaten roasted m the shell or pod: nutritive, demulcent and pectoral. A kind of. chocolate can be made with them, quite inferior, though ARALIA SPINOSA, L. Prickly Elder, Shot Bush, Pigeon Tree, &c. Valuable medical tree, the bark is emetic, cathartic, sudorific, sialagogue, febrifuge, &c. that of the root is the best, the dry less active than the fresh. It is said to cure the bite of rattle snakes by emesis, &c. the Indians use it for drops:^-, syplnlis, tooth ache, cholic, rheumatism, &c. in decoction ; the extract is also useful, the fresh roots are almost poisonous in the ereen state, they must be roasted and pounded, even then they act as a violent emetic. The berries are said to be a certain cure for spring intermittents, united to the bark they have a good smell, and are eaten by wild Pigeons'' Tlfe bark L an aromatic f^^^^^ m chronic rheumatism? equivalent of Xanthoxylum, ARNICA. 195 but milder. The leaves and seeds are pectoral. Add to A. nuclicaulis, used for bilious complaints as a ptisan in Canada, and racemosa hj the Indians as carmina- tive, pectoral and antiseptic, in coughs, pains in the breast, mortification; the root vi'ith horse radish, made in poultice for the feet in general dropsy. The juice of the berries and oil of the seeds is said to cure ear ache and deafness, poured in the ears. ARCTIUM LAPPA, L. Burdock. Common to both continents. Root valuable, diuretic, diaphoretic and detergent, equivalent to Aralia and Smilax. Useful in rheumatism, scurvy, syphilis, nephritis, phlogosis, oede- ma, gravel and gout. These properties are mild, since the boiled roots, stems and leaves are eaten in Canada ; nay, the root even raw, like radishes, the taste is sweet- ish austere : the use of it makes the urine milky, and produces flatulence. The seeds are bitter snd purgative ARETHUSA BULBOSA, L. The bruised bulbs use- ful for the tooth ache, and in cataplasms for tumors. Schoepf. ARGEMONE, L. Thorn Poppy. The Flava (Jlexi- cam, L.) with yellow blossoms, and the Mbiflora with white ones, have similar properties. From Pennsylvania to Mexico. Equivalent of Chelidonium, having a yellow bitter juice, which dies yellow, and when inspissated, becomes similar to Gamboge, it is anodyne, detersive, resolutive, hypnotic, diuretic, useful in herpetic diseases, psora, sore eyes, dropsy, jaundice, &c. The seeds are drastic and emetic, used in the West Indies for the belly ache and dysentery, their infusion is diaphoretic and ophthalmic, dose only a table spoon : when smoked, they are narcotic. The capsules used like Poppy heads in diarrhoea and dysentery. Deserving attention, ap- pear to unite the properties of Opium, Gamboge and Lelanduie. ° ARNICA, L. Leopard's Bane. We have several species, A.nwrfzcfmZe, doronicum, plantngineum, &c. weak equivalents of A. montana, the roots and flowers of which are stimulant and discutient, very useful in palsv rheumatism, congestions, typhus, &c. It is a narcotiL' F'l"?"- hemorrhage, vertigo and coma in large doses. Vinegar cures these symptoms. 196 ASCLEPIAS. ARONIA OVALIS, P. Juneberry^ Shadlree, Misas- cutu of Algic tribes. Avery fine tree and northern fruit, which ought to be cultivated. It is sweet, black, like a cherry. The t^. alnifolia of the vSouth is similar and as good. My A. cor data also with redish berries. The Chokeberries are produced by 4 or 5 species of shrubby Armia : they are astringent and unpalatable. ARUM ESCULENTUM, L. Eddoes, Tanniers. Cul- tivated in Carolina for the root, which is a common ve- getable of topical climates all over the globe. These roots must be boiled in several waters, or roasted. ARTEMISIA VULGARIS, L. Mugwort. Common to both continents. Equivalent of Msynlhium. Anti- septic, stomachic, detergent, deobstruent, laxative, diu- retic, diaphoretic, menagogue, corroborant, antispasmo- dic and vermifuge. Useful in hysterics, spasms, palpi- tations of the heart, worms, obstructions, &c. in tea, infusion or powder. The leaves, tops and seeds are used, these last and their oil are equal to Santomic seeds as vermifuge. Warm fomentations of the leaves are excellent discutient and antiseptic. Many equiva- lent species grow in the West, the A. columbiensis of Nuttall is very aromatic. The A. santonica is said to grow in the South, the seeds are an article of trade in Europe. The A. dracunculus of gardens is a fine condi- ment. The .4. abrotanum or Southern wood of gardens is equal to Mugwort and Absynth in properties. It is said to prevent baldness and make the hair grow by a spirituous infusion of it. All the species make the milk of cows bitter when bruised upon. Moxa made with them. AS ARUM. Add, Dr. Firth says he has cured the tetanus by the decoction of A. canadense. The Indians make a fine snuff with A. virginicum, the fresh leaves are used for wounds and scrofula. ASCLEPIAS. Add, the Indians of Louisiana use my A. serpentaria, Fl. lud. for the bite of rattle snakes. The A. debilis makes a kind of flax. The A. phytola- coides dies yellow green, the milk appears smidar to opium ; silk gloves have been made with the silk ot the pods. The Oregon and Western tribes call many spe- cies Nepesha, they use the roots in dropsy, asthma, ASPIDIUM. 197 dysentery, and as emetics, chiefly the Ji. syriaca, A. incarnata, and A. obtusifolia. ASIMINA, Dec. Ty. {^nnona sp. L. Forcelia of others.) Papaw, Custard Apple. Asiminier in Louisiana. The A. triloba^ found from Ohio to Mexico. Fruit with a bad smell, but when ripe after frost, the pulp is sweet, luscious, yellow, similar to Custards. It is sedative, laxative and healthy. A wine is made of it, quite clear and good, useful for aphthas of children. The skin of die fruit and the seeds are fetid, smell similar to Datura. The A. grandijlora of Florida, has large fragrant white blossoms, and a fruit like Cucumber, rough outside, but with a fine hard yellow pulp inside, delicious and whole- some. The A. incarnata has also a fine fruit. All these shrubs deserve cultivation. The Indians make strong ropes with their bark. ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS, L. Sparrow Grass. Cultivated, often spontaneous. The shoots a well known vernal luxury, very healthy, diuretic, giving a strong smell to urine, purifying the blood, pectoral, sedativeT and sudorific ; but the excessive use is said to bring on gout, rhe root and seeds are aperient, diuretic, aphro- disiac, &c. useful in gravel, nephritis, &c. A peculiar substance, asparagine, found in them. Valuable diet in many diseases of the breast, heart, kidneys and bladder, It allays the inordinate action of the heart. A syrup maae with the green part of the shoots, is useful when AQm^TT"?;. 0^^^''°^ made with the berries. ASPIDIUM;, Sm. Malefern, Sweetbrake. We have neady 25 species, many are medical : the .B. filixmas, most used as a vermifuge, to expel the tenia, it is united to Skunkweed and given before and after a purge ; use- ful also for rachitis or rickets ; the root h the part used, jt IS ediWe, and eaten by the Indians as well as the leaves. Plmius knew its vermifuge quality. All the sweet scented species are equally medical, vermifuge, pectoral, diaphoretic and demulcent. The Aspidium gives b^ analysis, a peculiar fatty substance, Aspidine which ,s nauseous, heavier than water, has a bad^taste and forms soaps ; it contains also gallic and acetic acids tannm, sugar, starch, gelatine, liinine, &c. The i^oot R 2 198 AZALEA. taste is bitterish, sweetish, subastringent and mucilagi- nous. Used in England to flavor Ale. ASPLENIUM, L. Spleen/em. Many species. Equi- valent of trichomanes and A. ruta, such as ^. ebeneum, trichomanoides, r/iizophyllum, &c. Mild astringent, pec- toral and corroborant, aperient and diuretic, useful for obstructions, gravel, syphilis, to clean the kidneys, hy- pochondria, &c. in decoction. ASTER, L. Starwort. A fine prolific genus, we have nearly 100 species. Never before introduced in Materia Medica. I am indebted to Dr. Lawrence, of New Le- banon, for the following indications. The ^. novanglia is employed in decoction internally, with a strong de- coction externally, in many eruptive diseases of the skin: it removes also the poisonous state of the skin caused by Rltus or Shumac. The A. cordifolius is an excellent aromatic nervine, in many cases preferable to Valerian. Many other species must be equally good, such as £. puniceus and those with a strong scent ; they ought to be tried as equivalents of Valerian in epilepsy, spasms, hysterics, &c. ATRIPLEX, L. Orach. Several species. lacinia- ta is refrigerant, watery, edible, similar and equivalent to Purslain. A. halamoides, Raf. or Sea Orach, is simi- lar, also anodyne, useful in gout as a cataplasm, with starch ; the young shoots are eaten like Asparagus. hortensis or Garden Orach, eaten like Spinage. AVENA SATIVA, L. Common Oats. Seeds nutri- tive, demulcent, refrigerant, equal to Barley in fevers as a gruel. Oat cakes are eaten like Buckwheat cakes in Scotland. Oat meal is eaten in porridge like our mush ; it cannot be made into bread for want of gluten. Porridge may be applied to phlegmons to make them sup- surate. The thin gruel is useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, hoarseness, ulceration of the throat. Sowins is a sour infusion of the husks, boiled to a jelly, rather fit for pigs than men. Oats is the chief food of horses in Northern climates, but Barley is far better. AZALEA, L. Beautiful ornamental genus of shrubs, with fragrant splendid blossoms, often called Swamp Pink, mid Honey-suckle, Springbloom. Cutler says BATSCHIA. 199 that the blossoms are made into fragrant conserves in the North. AZEDARACA AMENA.Tt.l700.{Meliaazedarac, L.) Bead tree, Hoop tree, Pride tree. The old good name of Tournefort, Adanson, Jussien, &c. is much bet- ter than Melia of L. being part of Bromelia and Melian- t/ms Native of Arkansas and Texas. Cultivated from Carolina to Louisiana, often called there Fride of China. Valuable, elegant and medical tree, growing any where rrom America to Japan, improving sandy soils, bearing transplantation and lopping at any age. Good coarse wood, hne fuel ; cattle eat the leaves, hogs and birds the berries. Inner white bark of the roots excellent ver- mituge, dose 20 grains in powder or a decoction but the outer bark is deleterious, purgative, narcotic, and must not be used : in Carolina, they boil the whole root ana it thus becomes a violent remedy, causing vomiting and purging, stupor and spasms, like over doses of Spi- gelia. A cathartic is useful after it to carry off the worms. The berries are also vermifuge, children may be allowed to eat them : they contain a concrete oil, useful for burmng, employed in Japan; if is extracted by coction, candles may be made of it ; useful in tinea capitis, in the form of an ointment. The ample leaves are bitterish, nauseous, stomachic, discutient and emol- lient, used in the East and West Indies in decoction, InakT' ^^ThP 1^"'''' '"^ ^? cataplasms for bites of the leaves ^'^S^'^^^ and medical like P^r,H??^^^I^ HALIMIFOLIA, L. Groundsel tree, Pencil tree Sea shore, from Long Island to Florida Ornamental when in seed. Peculiar seent like Conyza and Jacobea, indicating medical properties. ^ F1?^,^^K^^^,^^^^°^^^CEA, J. BambuCane. In Florida below lat. 28. Very useful for rods, props l /ht carpentry, vessels, and other domestic uses Thf™ shoots are edible, boiled or pickled. ^ ^ BATSCHIA, Mx. Puccoon, Red paint, Alcanet Se- mana ot L. and Schoepf. Red root, used as a diV iTr^A pa.nt by the Indian,, £o as a vermiftge PeTap" 200 BLITUM. valent of Anchusa and Rubia, dyeing deep orange rather than red. BERBERIS. Add, barberies are used in Egypt in the plague and violent fevers. BETA VULGARIS, L. Garden Beet. Root sweet, good food boiled, baked or pickled. Leaves diluent, refrigerant, useful in sore eyes, head ache, tooth ache, coryza, &c. applied on the parts : the best dressing for inflammations, cutcers, suttons. As good as spinage for greens. Blossoms errhine. Beet sugar is made in France on a large scale, is nearly as good as cane sugar, but lighter : the mashed roots after the juice is pressed out, are excellent food for cattle. BETULA, L. Birch Tree. Valuable trees for the timber, sap and bark. The best is B. lenta ; many vul- gar names, Sweet Birch, Black B. Cherry B. Spice B. . Mountain Mahogany. Wood much used by cabinet makers, takes a fine polish : bark with a sw^eet spicy smell and taste, like Gautiera, alterative and antiscro- fulous, pectoral, diaphoretic and depurative. Nelashkih of the Osages, used for colds, coughs, and breast com- plaints, scrofula and sores. A tea of the bark or twigs commonly used by empirics for obstructions, complaints of the bowels ; a syrup of birch bark and peach stones used as stomachic and restorative after dysentery. A beer is made with the decoction, also with the sap, which is sweet like maple sap, and can become syrup and ho- ney by boiling. All the Birches give a similar sweet sap. The twigs, inner bark, leaves and buds have more or less the same smell and taste. The B. rubra or Bed Birch, has a fine timber for cabinet makers. The In- dians use the light bark for canoes, B.papyracea {white or paper birch) chiefly, whose white smooth bark can be written upon. The Birch wood makes fine hoops ; the empyreumatic oil of the distilled wood, gives the peculiar smell to the Russia leather, no insects touch it, uselul also to preserve furs. , • c 1 1 BIDENS, L. Spanish Needles. Bad weeds in fields. Leaves small like carrot, they die wool of a fulvous co- lor. Equivalent of Daucus and Acmella. BLITUM, L. Blite. Several species, taste and smell like Cedar or Juniper. Edible and diaphoretic. BROMELIA. 201 BOLETUS, L. Touchwood. Fungi with pores be- neath ; we have nearly 200 species : those with cells beneath are mj G. Phorima; Polyporus has a central stem, Dedalea a labyrinth beneath, Fistulina hollow tubes beneath. The true Boletus are sessile, equivalent to .Sgariciis to make tinder and styptic lint. A. cinna- barinus dies red . B. suberosus is made into corks in Sweden. B. igniarius and B.fomentarius chiefly used for spunk or tinder. B. marginatus exudes an acid. B. odoratus and B. suaveolens smell like anniseed, their powder preserves clothes from insects, used in Europe with honey in phthisis. The B. lands is tonic and used in fevers. Almost all the fleshy species of Poly- porus are edible, test same as for Amanita, B. edulis, J3. juglandis, &c. are excellent. BOTROPHIS. Add, used for rheumatic pains, dis- eases of languor and squirrous tumors, in tincture or decoction, by the Cherokees and Southern tribes. BOTRYCHIUM, Mx. Rattlesnake Ferns. Several species, mild astringents, equivalent of Osmunda. BRASSIC A OLERACEA, L. Cabbage. Well known vegetable, healthy, antiscorbutic, pectoral when boiled. Raw in coldslaw, or pickled in sourcrout, almost indi- gestible. Cauliflowers still better than cabbage, the best taste like beef marrow. Cabbage is good food for cattle, but spoils the milk of cows. Eaten by horses, the leaves cure the salivation or slabber. It contains sulphur. BRASSICA RAPA, L. Turnips. Nutritive, diluent, flatulent, aphrodisiac, diuretic. Spontaneous with us. The Rutabaga is a variety much liked by cattle. Leaves good boiled for greens. The seeds produce much oil ; this oil, as well as the decoction and soup of the roots, useful in gravel, cholic, asthma, aphtha, strangury, otal- gy, &c. The Br. napus {Kale or Cole) is a native of Arkansas, little known as yet with us: the leaves bleached like Cellery, are sweet and tender j the oil of Coleseed or Br. campestris, almost exclusively used in Holland, Beldc and Flanders, to cook and burn. _ BROMELIA ANANAS, L. Pine ^pple. Cultivated m Florida, Delicious fruit, diuretic, menagogue and aphrodisiac : an excellent wine like Malmsey made with 202 CALTHA. it ; the syrup and preserves exquisite. Ambrosial smell and flavor. BROMUS PURGANS, L. Broom Grass. Medical grass, sudorific, vermifuge, laxative, diuretic, menagogue, &c. Excellent for cattle, purges them. BUNIAS AMERICANA, Raf. Seacole. The B, ca- kih of Schoepf, JS. maritima of others. On the sea shores. Acrid, diuretic, antiscorbutic. Edible, makes a fine pickle for scurvy ; root mixed with bread in Ca- nada. BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS, L. Boxwood. Common in gardens for borders, grows very slow, a tree 8 feet high, must be 100 years old. Wood yellow, very hard, excellent for implements and wood cuts. Leaves and bark bitter, fetid, purgative, pellent, sudorific, alterative, anti syphilitic. Said to be equivalent of Styllingia in syphilis ; also used in epilepsy and hysterics, also for beer. C AC ALIA, L. Caraway. Many species. All more or less emollient like Mallow, the C. reniformis (called Wild Cabbage !) used like beet leaves. C. suaveolem equivalent of Sonchos. CACTUS,. L. Nearly 20 species in the United States. See Opuntia for the Prickly Pears. Almost all have edible fruits, acid and grateful : those of C. bleo are like cherries : those of. C. ferox are purple, size of an egg. Many are very troublesome weeds, with formida- ble thorns. CALLA PALUSTRIS, L. Swamprobin. Canada and New York. Roots acrid and caustic like Arum, yet by drying, grinding, macerating and boiling, a fine meal and bread is made in Sweden, very palatable. GALLIC ARPA AMERICANA, L. Sowerbush.Yh- ginia to Florida. Ornamental shrub, the purple berries die wool purple with alum ; they are edible, acid, sweet- ish and subastringent. Leaves useful for dropsies in decoction, according to Dale, Miller, Schoepf, and Elliott. CALTHA, L. Marsh Mary gold, Meadowbouts, Cow- slip. Several species, all acrid when fresh, not eaten by sheep ; they kill the cattle braising them, inflaming their stomach : yet Cutler says that they are a good pot herb boiled ; see Bamnculus. The flower buds are CAPSICUM. £03 similar to capers when pickled. The juice stains yellow. Said to be equivalent of Chelidonium. CALYCANTHUS FLORIDUS, L. Sweet Shrub, Mlspice. Fine shrub, much esteemed for the blossoms, smelling like Pine-apple. The bark is aromatic, similar to cinnamon, the seeds taste like Pimento : often used in the South for substitutes to spices ; jet said to poi- son dogs and wolves. The root is a very strong emetic. CANNABIS S ATI VA, L. Common Hemp. Well known, often spontaneous. Leaves and seeds virose, narcotic, phantastic, anodyne, repellent. Leaves used as Tobacco in the East Indies, under the name of Bang, smoked and chewed, pernicious, they exhilirate at first, but soon aiFect the head like opium the excessive use brings on stupidity, mania, and many diseases like to- bacco. Boiled in oil they form a good liniment for rheu- matism. Used before surgical operations to produce stupor. The emulsion of the seeds useful for gonorrhea, leucorrhea, jaundice and impotency. Hemp seed oil is bland and good for lamps. Hemp beer intoxicates. CAPRARIA BIFLORA, L. Carib Tea. Florida and Louisiana. Used as tea in the West Indies, taste very different from tea. .f^.^F^IJ^UM, L. Cayenne Pepper. The C.baccatum wild in Florida. C. annuus cultivated every where ^xi of Haytians. Chile of Mexicans. Fruit a well known condiment, very strong stimulant, acrid and burning. Ihe abuse or even use of it, often produce fevers and inllammatory disorders, liver complaints, obstructions, bloody piles, sores, &c. Useful in food only for flatu- lence, it is never of service to the healthy, but is medi- cal to the sick, stimulating the stomach, exciting the nerves m lethargic and paralytic affections. Often used as a gargle in palsy of the tongue, putrid or ulcerated sore throat. Externally a good stimulant and rubefacient in chronic rheumatism, palsy, gout, tooth ache, drop- sies, used in cataplasm or tincture rubbed on. Employed in the West Indies in the cachexy or morbid debility of negroes^ A specific in the relaxed sore eyes, in a weak wash. The powder sprinkled on socks will cure the cold- ness of the feet. It has become a principal article in the practice of the empiric Thompson, to retain, as he 204 CARTHAMUS. says, the vital heat and cause a free perspiration : he boasts of having used it in all diseases, in doses of half to one teaspoon full, with good effect, to have cured agues, fevers, spotted fevers, &c. with it, and to have always found it harmless. This must be false, it cannot be harmless in inflammatory disorders, nay, rather per- nicious. By Dr. ConwelPs analysis, it contains a pecu- liar substance, Capsicine, azote, mucilage, nitrate of potash, a coloring matter, &c. CARDAMINE, L. Ladies^ Smock. Many species. Equivalent Nasturtium, but more diuretic, nervine and diaphoretic. Roots said to be purgative. Leaves edible. Flowers most efficient, used in powder for epi- lepsy, hysterics, chorea and spasmodic asthma, united to Valerian. CAREX, L. Sedge. A tribe of grasses rather than genus : nearly 160 species lately "ascertained with us, by Schweinitz, Torrey, Dewey, and myself. Not much liked by cattle: the large kinds make a rough kind of hay ; those of salt marshes rather better owing to the salt taste ; useful to consolidate marshes and sandp. Those with odorous roots are medical, like C. arenaria of Europe, edible, stomachic, diuretic, equivalent of sar- saparilla, gayac and Dactylon. CARICA PAPAYA, L. Papay. Wild in Florida, fine evergreen tropical tree : fruit like a pear, good to eat : milk of the unripe fruit a fine vermifuge, one dose is said to kill all worms, and even the tapeworm, a dose of castor oil is taken next to expel them. CARLIIS A ACAULIS, L. Ground Thistle. In Rhode Island and Virginia, according to Gronovius, Forster and Schoepf : omitted by all our late botanists, perhaps a Cnicus. Bitter, aromatic, acrid, graveolent, sudorific and stomachic, useful in hysterics and hypochondria. Schoepf. , „ , r, ^ CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS, L. Bastard Saffron. Cultivated, become spontaneous. Flowers and seeds nauseous, bitter and aromatic, laxative, diaphoretic and diuretic, useful iu jaundice, cough, asthma, dropsy, mea- sles, exanthema, &c. in infusion. The seeds produce oil suitable for burning. Flowers chiefly used to die yellow and make the Ladies' rouge. Often imposed CEANOTHUS. 203 upon as the true Saflfron or Crocus^ which has other pro- perties. CASSINE PERAGUA, L. Schoepf. Ilex vomitoria, Ait. This, by some, is said to be the true Cassine of the Florida tribes but C. amulosa, Raf. Ilex cassine and dahon, Viburnum cassinoides, are all equally so named and used. The leaves are bitterish, sudorific and diure- tic, vomitive and purgative in strong decoctions, called black drink by the Indians. Said to be useful in gravel, nephitis, diabete.s, fevei"s, and small pox. CASTANEA,Tt. J. {Fagus, L.) Chesnut. The C. cimericana bears chesnuts one fourth the size of European chesnuts. Valuable tree for timber, posts, staves, hoops, &c. the bark tans and dies leather red, the Indians use it for deer skins. The sap of old trees is blackish, and can make ink. Chesnuts are flatulent eaten raw, better boiled or roasted : flo^r, cakes, bread and soap is made with them in Corsica, Italy, Switzerland, &c. The.C. pumila or Chincapin, has a good fruit, tasting like fil- berts, and affording a good palatable oil : the wood is as durable as Red Cedar; the bark is astringent and tonic, used for agues in the South. C ATALPIA CORD AT A, J. Mx.{Bignonia caialpa,) L. Catalpa or Cataba tree. Near streams. Beautiful tree, with a soft white wood like Poplar. Bark tonic and vermifuge ; wood emetic ; leaves emollient, anodyne, useful in cataplasm in parturition and nervous pains. Blossoms smell like Martynia, give a bad honey to bees. Pods useful for asthma in decoction ^ when young may be pickled. CEANOTHUS OFFICINALIS, Raf. (C.amenc,L.) Jersey tea, lied root. Small shrub, with a red root, im- parting the color to water and alcohol. Excellent anti- syphilitic and antiscrofulous : it is astringent, depurative and laxative. The root is better than the leaves, these were used as a tea, similar to Bohea, in the war of the revolution. The roots die red, and make a red ointment with lard, very good for scrofulous and syphilitic sores. The powder, infusion and tincture are used. It is a spe- cific in the hands of many empirics to cure the gonorrhea in three days, without bad consequences, by the decoc- £06 CHAMEROPS. tion. It is even useful in inveterate syphilis and chronic tumors. Probably equivalent of Stilingia. CRLASTRUS SCANDENS, h.Fevertwig,Stqfvine, Bittersweet. Equivalent of Dulcamara and Mezereon, but weaker. Bark used, emetic, antisyphilitic, discutientj externally it expels indurated tumors, and the swelling of cow bags. CELTIS, L. Nettle tree, Hackberry in the West. Sugar-berry tree in the South. Several species, with yellow, purple and brown berries. Bark anodyne, cool- ing. Berries sweet, subastringent, good to eat, useful for the dysentery. CENTAUREA, L. Several species cultivated, some have become spontaneous. C. benedicta, (Blessed or Lovely Thistle) a good medical plant : leaves, flowers and seeds used, very bitter, somewhat nauseous, tonic and stomachic, sudorific and diuretic, purgative and sub- emetic, repellent and antacid. Employed in decoction, infusion, extract, for agues, pleurisy, gout, cachexy, ano- rexia, vertigo, head ache, whooping cough, and even the plague. It is also hepatic, and useful to correct the bile. 2. C.cyanus, called with us Bluebottles, has long been deemed ophthalmic. 3. C. calcitrapa or Knapweed. Root good for nephitis and gravel, in decoction, the analysis gives gum, resin, a green matter, fungine, silica, many salts. C.jacea, C. nigra, C. solstitialis also spontaneous and more or less equivalents, all cMed Knapweeds. CEPHALANTHUS. Add, inner bark agreeable bit- ter, much used for coughs, and in a wash for palsy in Carolina ; also diuretic, taken in pills for gravel. CERCIS CANADENSIS,!.. i?e(/6«c/. Blossoms edi- ble, eaten by Indians, equal to Tropoleum in sallad, or pickled. CESALPINIA BRASILIENSIS, L. Brazil Wood. Cultivated in Carolina, Florida and Bahama. Equiva- lent of Logwood for dyeing and perhaps for medical use. The blossoms are menagogue. CHAMEROPS, L. Palm trees. Several species, from Carolina to Texas. Afforded food, wine, sugar, fruit, cabbage, fans, darts, ropes and cloth to the Florida tribes. Some afford very good fruits, like plumbs, sweet or austere, others like dates. Bears fond of them. Now CHENOPODIUM. 207 chiefly used to make hats, baskets, fans and mats, with the leaves. The Ch. palmetto or Royal Palmetto, the largest rising 80 feet, wood spongy, valuable because in- corruptible m water, and never eaten by worms, used for wharves and forts, resisting cannon balls. The cen- tral cabbage is delicious, trees often wantonly destroyed for it. Sap now little used, although affording Palm wine. CHaRA, L. Water Feathers. Aquatic plants, with a fetid smell, said to be antispasmodic and vermifuge. They contain a peculiar substance, Charine, similar to animal matter, a fetid green oil, and many salts, chiefly carbonate of lime, produced by crustaceous Polyps co- vering the plants. « CHEIRANTHUS, L. Wall/lower. Several species cultivated, sweet scented nervine. The Ch. aaper, N. of the West, is csiUed Bitter root hj the Indians, intensely bitter, and used by them as a tonic. CHELIDONIUM MAJUS, L. Celandine. Probably native. Whole plant used, the juice or sap is a yellow milk, acrid and bitter, which extirpates warts, cures ringworms, and cleans old ulcers. Diuretic and diapho- retic, aperient and hepatic, stimulant and detergent. Beneficial in dropsy, cachexy, jaundice, oedema, tabes, &c. in decoction. A poultice boiled in milk has cured the herpes n\iliaris : a poultice of the roots mashed in vinegar, disperses scrofulous tumors of the neck : an ointment with lard cures the piles. Juice also ophthal- mic, useful for sore eyes and to take off films in the eyes. The Ch. glaucium, L. {Horn poppy., Bruiseroot) imwd on the sea shore of Virginia by Schoepf, has a similar yellow juice, more fetid, deleterious, narcotic, phantas- tic. Seldom used internally but very useful externally for wounds, contusions, gravelly pains, the ulcers of horses and cattle. In Portugal, leaves infused in wine taken for gravel in small doses. These plants are acrid narcotic, acting sometimes as drastic or diuretic. Their analysis gives a peculiar substance, Chelidine, bitter, nauseous and yellow, citric acid, lime, potash, mucilage, albumen, silica, &c. CHENOPODIUM, L. Lamb's quarter, Pig weed, Sow bank. Several species, native or naturalized, eaten 208 CICHORIUM. boiled as greens, such as Ch. album, Ch. bonus, &c. cooling 5 vulnerary externally, useful in gout, pleuritis, oedema, varix, fistula. Correct in the article of Ch. anthelminthicum, two species equally medical are blend- ed under that name. The southern and western spe- cies, which I now call Ch. rugosum, Raf. is well de- scribed by Elliot, it is really perennial, stem furrowed 4 or 5 feet high, leaves rugose, glandular beneath, &c. The Ch. ambrosioides or Mexican tea, used in Europe for hemoptysis, and to help parturition. CHEROPHYLLUM SATIVUM, Lam. Chervil. Cultivated condiment, stimulant, diuretic : root, leaves, seeds, oil and extract used. . CHIMANTHUS AMYGDALINUS, Raf. Fl. lud. (Prunus Carolin, L. ) fVinter Laurel, Laurier Amande in Louisiana. Evergreen tree, blossoming in winter. Leaves give flavor of almonds to milk, creams, &c. Said to poison cattle. CHIOCOCCA RACEMOSA, L. Snoioberry, David root. From Florida to Brazil. Root bitter, pungent, nauseous, diuretic and menagogue, alterative and stimu- lant. Used in decoction, tincture or powder for dropsy, amenorrhea, rheumatism, syphilis, spina ventosa, osteo- copia, &c. A powerful plant, acting without pains on the stomach, bladder, &c. Specific for dropsy and men- strual suppressions. CHIONANTHUS, L. Fringe tree. Two species. Bark of the root febrifuge in agues and chronic fevers, externally in cataplasms, it cures wounds without sup- puration. CHROSPERMA, Raf. Redseed. United to Melan- thium and Helonias by authors. Equivalent of Malon, a narcotic poison, the roots put in molasses destroy fties. CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUC ANTHEM UM, Lin. White Weed, Daisy, Goldens. Common, leaves odorous, subacid, sometimes eaten in sallad, decoction pungent, diuretic; used for wounds, asthma, phthisis and tinea. CHRYSOSPLENIUM, L. PP'aier Carpet. Succulent, acrid, substyptic, aperient, corroborant: used for coughs, asthma, and abdominal diseases. CICHORIUM INTYBUS, L. 5'i/ccor?/. Naturalized. Tonic, aperient, diuretic, laxative, attenuant, accopro- CITRUS. 209 tic, detergent and corroborant. Useful in obstructions, jaundice, cachexy, hectic fevers, hypochondria, agues and bilious fevers, hemorrhage, gout, cutaneous erup- tions, debility of the bowels, &c. The whole plant used, the juice, extract and syrup. The root roasted and ground makes a substitute for coffee in Europe, tasting bitterish and sweetish. A syrup of it with rhubarb, oats, &c. used for all diseases of the liver, kidneys, skin and blood, fevers, cholics, &c. The C. endivia or Garden Endive, eaten as a sallad, has similar properties, much weaker. The seeds were cold seeds of the Galenic school. Succory is also tinctorial, and dies yellow. CICUTA. Add, the yellow juice of the root dies yellow. CIRCEA, L. Two species, their roots die yellow, leaves useful in decoction and cataplasm, for piles and condyloma. CISSAMPELOS SMILACINA, L. Carolina, equi- lent of C. pareira. Schoepf. CISTUS CANADENSIS, L. Froshvort, Bock rose. Used by empirics for curing scrofula, in decoction and cataplasms. The roots throw oft' small white icicles. CITRUS AURANTIUM, L. Orange tree. Native of South Florida. Cultivated from Florida to Louisiana. Very useful tree. Wood similar to Box, but softer. Leaves bitter, anodyne, diaphoretic, stomachic, forming a fine medical tea in nervous diseases, debility, &c. Flowers delightful fragrant j their essential oil called Nerolium, contains a concrete oil, Neroline ; analeptic, antispasmodic, fine condiment and perfume. Fruit de- licious, sweet and acid, many kinds, yellow or red, large or small, bitter, &c. The young fruits called drancini in Italy, from the si/e of a pea to a walnut, make a fine bitter tincture, aromatic and stomachic, good preserves, &c. used also to keep cauteries open. Their bitter prin- ciple, called Hesperidim, found also with an essential oil in the orange peel, much used in syrup and powder, &c. as a good tonic, corroborant, pellent and vermifuge, useful in convulsions, histerics, hypochondria, jaundice, ischuria, hemorrhage of uterus alone or united to Nero- lium. The Curasso liquor made with it. The unripe juice is acid, equal to lemons. Ripe juice sweet, healthy, 210 CLEMATIS. cooling, useful against scurvy and in fevers : the Orange- ade made with it and sugar, also the Orange wine. Orange juice and sea salt is a popular purgative in Ja- maica. Seeds bitter, forming a bitter emulsion as good as the leaves or buds, and vermifuge. CITRUS MEDICA, L. Zemon tree. With the last and equivalent. Many varieties. Limes, Citron, Berga- mot, &c. The oils of Lemon peel and Bergamot peel well known as perfumes. Thick rind of Citrons fine tonic preserve. Inner bark white, tonic. Leaves, blos- soms and seeds like those of Oranges. Juice very acid, containing much citi-ic acid and mucilage, fine condi- ment, lemonade grateful drink, very useful in all fevers, scurvy, gravel, &c. Antiseptic, refrigerant, diuretic an{i anti-emetic. Punch is a bad drink, it gives head ache and dyspepsia. AVine punch is grateful and healthy. Citric acid is used in the arts. Oil of lemons to take oft" spots of grease. Lime juice purified of the mucilage, employed as mordaunt by the dyers. CLADRASTIS TINCTORIA, Raf. (Virgilia, Mx.) Yellow Ash, Fustic tree. Yellow Locust. From Ken- tucky to Alabama. Fine tree, wood yellow and soft, like Mulberry and Fustic, fine canoes made with it. The bark gives a bright yellow dye, it is laxative, and that of the roots purgative. Flowers fragrant, like Robi- nia. The turners use the wood, it is good for inlaying, it dyes pale yellow like Fustic. CLAVARIA, L. Coral or Club Mushrooms. All the fleshy kinds edible. The C. coralloides and C. cinerea delicious. CLAYTONIA, L. Pigroot. Root tuberous, edible, dug by pigs. Antiscrofulous in cataplasms. CLEMATIS, L. Virgin bower. Almost all the spe- cies medical like Cl.flammula, CI. vitalba, and CI. recta of Europe j the bark, leaves and blossoms acrid, raising blisters on the skin ; a corrosive poison internally, loses the virulence by coction and dessication. The extract used for osteocopic pains, dose 1 or 2 grains frictions of an oily liniment cure the itch. Our CI. virginica and CI. viorna also used as diuretic and sudorific, for chronic rheumatism, palsy, und ulcers in minute doses. All ornamental vines. The flowers hold a peculiar sub- COFFEA. 211 stance, Clefi'udine, similar to gluten. Bruised green leaves used by our empirics as escharotic for foul vene- real ulcers, and detergent of other sores. GLEOME EDULIS, Raf. Fl. hid. Leaves eaten in gombos, smell like Assafoetida. CI. pentaphylla also, it smells of garlic. CLINOPODIUM, L. Dogmint. Equivalent of iVe- peta : much weaker. CLINTONIA, Raf. Five s|5ecies. See Sigillaria. Blueberry^ Cuscum by Algic tribes. Leaves used by them as a plaster for bruises and old sores, applied wet or bruised. Berries sweetish, edible. CNICUS, J. Thistles. Bad weeds, the Canada this- tle or Cr.arrensis above all. Those with bitter roots tonic, used in poultices by Cherokees. My Cn. edidis of Oregon, has edible roots. Leaves of many hepatic, cor- rect the bile in decoction or powder. CNIDIUM CANADENSE, S. T. {Sison do, L.) Wild Chervil. Roots eaten like Chervil in Canada. COCCOLABA UVIFERA, L. Seaside Grape of Flo- rida, tropical plant, fruits too asti'ingent to eat fresh, but make good pies, cause costiveness, good for diar- rhoea. The extract of the wood is a kind of kino. COCHLEARIA, L. Scurvy Grass. All the species antiscorbutic, acrid, pungent, diuretic, stimulant, &c. Whole plants used fresh (losing activity by drying) in scurvy, cachexy, dropsy, hypochondria, pituitous asthma, scorbutic rheumatism, pleurisy, cholics, cramps, tooth ache, &c. in sallad, juice, conserve ; they afford an acrid volatile oil : the fresh root purgative, has been used after poisoning by sublimate : in poultice it blisters. C. officinalis chiefly used. The C. armoracia is the Horse Radish, the root still more powerful, a hot stimulant, has equal properties, useful for condiment in dropsical and phlegmatic complaints : good external stimulant in palsy, rheumatism, head ache, gravel and gout, it raises blisters on the skin ; the infusion is emetic : used in the above diseases, also hoarseness, agues, anorexia, &c. COFFEA, L. The Coffee tree, cultivated in Florida. Dr. Gnndel has cured fevers by one scruple of raw cof- fee in powder, every hour : it contains Coffeine and a concrete oil. Torrified coffee in substance or usual de- 212 CORALLINA. coction, promotes digestion, revives and keeps awake< being antinarcolic and antidote of opium ; useful in asthma, chronic catarrh, gout, head ache, diarriiea, fe- | vers, menstrual suppressions, scrofula, &c. It is astrin- ■ gent, antiseptic, stimulant at first, sedative afterwards. | The abuse produces tremors, nervous diseases and pal- ' sy! Baneful to nervous, hot, choleric and phthisical j persons. I COLUTEA, L. Bladder Senna. Equivalent of Sen- \ na, leaves purgative, dose 1 to 3 ounces in decoction. I COMANDRA, N. or Thesium umbellatum, L. Toad j Flax. Used for fevers by the Algic tribes. ' COMMELINA, L. Dayflower. We have 10 species , blended under C. virginica and C. communis, forming j even peculiar genera, jlnanthopus, Motria, Nephrallus, ■ Raf. All equivalent. Root antifebrile, leaves eaten by ] the Indians as greens, emollient, pectoral and anodyne. The blossoms aiibrd a fine azure blue, by a peculiar pro- cess, called Hoosaki in Japan. COMPTONIA. Add, can make ink. Boiled in milk | o-ood for all fluxes, tooth ache and sore mouth. 1 CONVOLVULUS BATATAS. Sioeet Potato. Culti- | vated from New Jersey to Louisiana. Healthy comes- ; tible, boiled, roasted, cakes, pies, bread : taste like chesnut. Containing water, starch, sugar, and ferment. C. brasiliensis in Florida, leaves antifebrile. C. arvensis is slightly purgative, and dies yellow. C. sepiwn is pur- gative. I CONFERVA, L. Watermoss. Can make paper, used for cooling lozenges in China, mucilaginous. i CONOCARPUS ERECTA, L. Buttonhush. South Florida to Brazil ; root antisyphilitic in decoction. CONVALLARIA MAJALIS, L. Lily of the Valley. , Mountains Alleghany. Flowers very fragrant, sternu- : tatory. , CONYZA, L. Plowmanwort. Several species, Avith ' strong balsamic smell, stimulant, antispasmodic,-nervine. , COPTIS. Add, is the Tissavoyane jaune of the Ca- j nadians, the roots and leaves die skins, wool and flax yellow. Kalm. CORALLINA. Plants, not animals. Equivalent of Fums and Sjmigia. ' Vermifuge and absorbant. Many ; CUCUMIS. 213 species ; the C. officinalis contains carbonate of lime and magnesia, gelatine, albumen, sea salt, &c. COREOPSIS, L. Tickseed. The flowers of nearly all the species afford a red dye to the Indians, similar to Carthamus, C. auriculatus used by the Cherokees. CORNUS. Add, bark of C. sericea, smoked like to- bacco by the Western tribes ; the black fruits of C. po- ly gama, Raf. Fl. lud. very good to eat. G. paniculata has been substituted to C. Jlorida. CORYLUS AMERICANA, L. Hazelnut, Filberts. Good fruit, giving relief in nephritis : affords much oil of a bad smell, anodyne, odontalgic. CRATEGUS, L. Hawthorn, Thorn trees. Many spe- cies. Fruits of several edible, red or yellow, acid or sweetish, making fine stomachic preserves, useful for diarrhoea and antiemetic; such are Cr. coccinea, Cr. to- mentosa, Cr. crusgalli. The leaves and flowers of this last, used as pectoral in coughs and whooping cough, as a tea : the shrub^makes fine hedges. CRINUM AMERICANUM, Lin. Louisiana Squill. Splendid plant, substituted to Squdls like the Cr. lati^ folium of East Indies, but weaker. CROTON, L. Several species produce the Cascarilla bark, Cr. eleutherea, Cr. cascarilla, Cr. odorifera and Cr. balsamifera ; the two first grow in Florida and Ba- hama. Bark aromatic, fragrant, smoke musky, taste pungent, bitter. It contains resin, volatile oil, mucilage and a bitter principle. Tonic, carminative, sdmulant, pectoral, eccoprotic, &c. useful in dyspepsia, asthma, fevers, measles, flatulent colic, diarrhea and dysentery, the thrush of children, putrid and malignant agues, in- ternal hemorrhages. Dose 12 to 30 grains in powder; tincture 20 to 60 drops, it loses the activity by coction. CUCUBALUS BEHEN, L. Campion Pink, Sea Pink. Root anthelmintic, emetic in large doses. CUCUMIS, L. Several species cultivated, chiefly C, saiivus or Cucumber, fruit watery, mucilaginous, un- healthy unripe, raw and pickled : healthy boiled, fried or stewed, sedative, laxative : externally raw, refrige- rant, emollient and cosmetic, useful in prickly heat and ringworms. The C. melo or Muskmelon, delicious fruit, laxative, diminishes transpiration and excite diuresis. 214 CYNARA. The seeds of both cooling in emulsions and used in stran- gury, gravel, fevers, &c. CUCURBITA, L. Many species, often spontaneous, cultivated by the Indian tribes even before Columbus! C. citrulus or Watermelon, highly diuretic and refrige- i-ant, useful in fevers, gravel, &c. too much chills the stomach like Cucumbers. C. verrucosa and C. melopepo are the Squashes, very healthy boiled. C. lagenaria, (Gourd or Calabash) also, rind used for bottles by the Indians. C. pepo or Pumpkin, valuable ; pulp sweet, health;y^, cooked in many ways, excellent with rice {Fur- lata dish of Italy) j the Indians bake a bread of it or rather cakes, heavy, but sweet, yet made in the West, or united to Maize. The seeds of all cooling and much used in fevers, gravel, strangury, cholics, &c. in emul- sions. Very oily, producing a fine sweet oil, pumpkin seeds might be saved for this purpose. Pumpkin pies are a peculiar delicate dish. Indians dry pumpkins in stripes for winter use. The C. aurantia (Orange vine or Squash) found native of Florida by Bartram, climbing on trees, now cultivated for beauty. CUNILA. Add, Indians use it for wounds, to expel a dead child ', it kills rattle snakes by holding it to the ivose with a stick. CUPRESSUS THYOIDES, L. White Cedar. Fruits fragrant, the oil drives off insects and worms. Infusion of the wood stomachic. CURCUMA LONGA, L. Turmeric. Cultivated in Florida and Louisiana. Valuable yellow dye, principal ingredient of Curry powder. Weak aromatic smell and taste, slightly bitter. Gentle stimulant, diuretic, deob- struent and hepatic, useful in jaundice, diseases of the liver, gravel, cachexy, dropsy, agues, obstructions, men- strual suppressions, &c. Externally, it resolves tumors. It dyes saliva and urine yellow. CUSCUTA AMERICANA, L. Dodder, Devil's gut. From Canada to Brazil : bitterish, subastringent, dyes of a pale red, stomachic, febrifuge, antiscrofulous ; use- ful in decoction for agues and scrofula. CYNARA, L. Artichoke. Cultivated. Very healthy vegetable when well cooked, supposed aphrodisiac, un-. DECEMIUM. 215 healthy raw.. The petioles very good bleached like Cellery. CYNODON DACTYLON. Dog's Grass, Bermuda Grass. Root sweet, mucilaginous, aperitive, refrigerant? contains sugar and vanilline. Much used in Europe in decoction, to cool and purify the system. Valuable hay. CYNOGLOSSUM, L. Hound's tongue. Root vulne- rary, styptic, used in wounds and fluxes. The leave* are narcotic, smoked like tobacco. The seeds are mu- cilaginous. CYPERUS, L. Bullrush. Many species, disliked by cattle, used for mats by the Indians. C. esculentus, or Ground Nuts. Roots edible, sudorific, diuretic, useful after fevers. Emulsions, mush, cakes, coffee and cho^ colate made of them by different preparations, besides a fine golden sweet oil. C. hydra (Nut grass, or Horse grass of the South) is a bad weed, roots like horse hair, with round nuts equal to the last in part, it spoils fields, but consolidates sandy soils. The C. ariiculatus of Flo- rida, [Adrue in Jamaica) has roots stimulant, aromatic, equivalent to Aristolochia serpentaria. C. odoratus, C. compressus, and C. strigosus, equivalent of it, roots edible. DAUCUS CAROTTA, L. Carrots. Wild and culti- vated. Roots good food, healthy when well boiled, indi- gest otherwise, deemed aphrodisiac in the East : con- taining much sugar and mucilage, also mannite and the pretic acid, which makes a vegetable jelly. Sugar has been made from carrots, also vinegar by fermentation. Emollient and detergent applied to ulcers, in poultice boiled to a pulp, checking suppuration, fetid smell and callosity of bad ulcers. The wild roots have a stronger smell and taste, very diuretic and useful in strangury arising from blisters. Carrot seeds are still more so ; they contain a peculiar oil, green, pungent, aromatic and bitter, also tannin : deemed stomachic, carminative, menagogue, useful in gravel, urinary and menstrual sup- pressions. ^ DECEMIUM HIRTUM, Raf. 1817. {Hydrophyllunu auct.) !shawnee Sallad. Eaten as greens in the West, in early spring. S16 DIGITARIA. DECODON VERTICILLATUM, Gm. {Lythrurn, L.) Grasspoly. Baneful to farmers, causing abortion in mares and cows browsing it in winter. Equivalent of Lythrum. DELPHIDIUM, Raf. {Delphinium, L. same as Del- pJiinus .') Larkspur. Many genera blended here, Sta- phisagria, Consolida, Ajaxia, Plectrornis, Raf. D. sta- phisagria or Stavesacre in Virginia, Schoepf. Seeds bit- ter, nauseous and burning, owing to acrid oil and del- phine ; powerful drastic and hydragogue, dangerous, ex- cept in minute doses ; powders used externally for cuta- neous eruptions, itch, lice, tooth ache. D. consolida spontaneous in fields, milder equivalent. Flowers bitter, ophthalmic, used for gravel and chronic sore eyes in rose water. Seeds of D. exaltatum and D. consolida, found useful in spasmodic asthma, the tincture is used by drops, and gradually increased. DENDROPOGON USNEOIDES, Raf. {Tillandsia^ L.) Only 3 stamens, Elliott. Spanish Moss. From Ca- rolina to South America, on trees. Very useful winter food of cattle. When rotted in water, only a black elastic fibre like horse hair remains, used to stuft' mat- tiesses, saddles, chairs, to make ropes and cables. Pauska of the Western tribes. Also medical, best grow- ing on Ziquidambar, used in sudorific baths, the infu- sion is pectoral in catarrh, asthma, &c. DIANTHUS, L. Clove Pink, Carnation. Fragrant flowers, cordial, sudorific, alexitere, used in potions, conserves, and to give a pleasant flavor and color to me- dical syrups, vinegars, &c. „ . x x ^ »• DICLYTHRA, M. {Fumaria cucullana, L.) Cohc weed, Dutchman breeches. Several species. Root tube- rose, used for tumours, when eaten gives the cholic, the decoction purifies the blood. Equivalent of Fwnana. DIERVILLA CANADENSIS, Tt. {Lonicera diervilla,. L.) Nauseous, pellent, antisyphilitic ; has been used for disury, gonorrhea and syphilis, but is not efficient. DIGIT \RIA, Ux.{Crop grass, Crab grass.) Several species, D. sanguinalis, D.villosa, D. filiformis, D. di- ver gens; valuable grasses in the South, best todder for cattle from April to June. Mild equivalent of Cynodon EQUISETUM. 217 DIONEA MUSCIPULA, L. form two species, D. corymbosa and D. sessili/iora, Raf. Wonderful plants, irritable, equivalent of Drosera. DIOSCOREA, L. Yam root. Msmy species produce ^atns. D. saliva cultivated in Louisiana, healthy, but insipid roots, very nourishing. D. villosa or Wild Yam, used by the Western tribes, roots and meal. Leaves also edible. DIOSPYROS. Add, Piakmin or Ougoust of Western tribes, a wine made by them. Seeds good for the gra- vel in infusion. DIPS AC US, L. Teasel. Now spontaneous, heads used by fullers, root tonic aperitive, water held by the leaves deemed cosmetic. DOLIGHOS, L. Cowage, Cowitch. B. lacteus, R&f. Fl. lud. has yellow edible seeds, depurative and ano- dyne. D. pruriens, juice of the leaves diuretic, elec- tuary made with the pods excellent vermifuge, acting mechanically. DROSERA, L. Sundew. Many species. All sub- acrid, acidulous, hurtful to sheep, corroding the skin f juice used to destroy warts and corns, with milk for freckles and sunburns : it makes milk solid, but sour like bonyclabber, liked in Sweden. Deemed pectoral in South America, a sirup used for asthma. The dew- like drops of the leaves are acid and viscid, catchino- in- sects like Dionea. ® ECHIUM VULGARE, L. Blue Thistle. Equivalent of Borrago, pectoral, depurative, antiepileptic. Root gives Orcanet a red dye, soluble in alcohol and oils. A light charcoal made of it, useful to painters for sketches as it does not soil paper. ECLIPTA, L. Juice of the leaves of ^. erecta black and dyeing the hair. E. ciliata, Raf. Fl. lud. is poison- ous, smelling like Cicuta, with a very acrid taste S^^r'^^'^^''^^' ^' «^ I" Jia^ fobaccoes. hLYMUS, L. Many species, consolidate sand like E. arenarius, Arundo arenaria, and Cy penis arenaria. The seeds have been used for bread. EQUISETUM, L. E. arum^eand others are astringent and diuretic, used in hematuria, gonorrhea, phthisis, &c H^-hycmale and /JreaZ/wm, polish wood, metals and utensils 218 ERYTHRONIUM. good food for cattle in winter. All the rough species used to scour and clean. Used in Italy for a cattle diu- retic, given to oxen voiding blood. The E. tuberosum, Raf. of Oregon, roots food of Indians. Some tall spe- cies called Nebratahhy the Missouri tribes, are used for brooms, mats, wicks, thatch. Their roots produce great thirst ; they are powerful stimulant and diuretic, used in dropsies, menstrual and syphilitic diseases. ERIGERON. Add, E. canaclense is called Horse weed in Kentucky, and used for the strangury of horses. E. bellidifolium, called Rosebety and Robert's plantain, is bitterish, pungent, used for hard tumors, and for the bite of snakes, in large decoction and cataplasm. ERIOPHORUM, L. Cotton grass. The wool may be spun like cotton. ERYNGIUM, L. Button Snakeroot. Many species very active, diuretic and sudorific. E. aquaticum, E.fe- tidum and E. yucefolium, mostly uses!, this last also called Corn Snakeroot, said to be the best cure for rat- tle snake bites, chewed and laid on the v/om\(\. E.feli- ditm equal to it, to Valerian and Contrayerva, antihisteric. The roots of all are pungent, bitter, aromatic, stimulant, corroborant and expectorant, deemed useful in debility, chronic diseases of the lungs and bladder. They pro- duce salivation, and sometimes emesis in strong doses. The Indians value them much in fevers and dropsies. They unite E. yucefolium to Iris in dropsy. They are a very powerful sudorific, quite equal to Borsteriia con- trayerva in fevers. Requiring investigation. The E. campestre of Europe has a root edible, diuretic and ^^ERYSIMUM OFFICINALE, L. Hedge Mustard. Astrin<^cnt, diuretic, used for asthma, cough, ischuria. The syl up used by singers to clear their voice. The E. alliaria is detersive, aperient, incisive and attenuant, used in dys^entery and hysterics. ERYTHRINA HERBAGE A, L. Coralbloom. Roots sudorific, flowers pectoral. Very ornamental. ERYTHRONIUM. Add, called Tarmia or JJeer's tonsue by the Missouri tribes, used externally by them in a wash and poultice for breast complaints. Internally diuretic vermifuge, used against the tenia in Asia. EUPHORBIA. S19 ESCULUS, L. Buckeye, Horse chesnut. All our sp. belong to the sub G. Favia, and are equivalent. Their roots are saponaceous and narcotic, used boiled instead of soap for woollens : the Indians stupify and catch fish with them. The wood is very soft and wliite, it cannot burn ; it is made in the west into small tough and white chips for hats like Poplar in Europe : paper can be made with the shavings : Indians make bowls and spoons with it. Branches, leaves and nuts narcotic, with a nauseous smell : cattle eating them are poisoned, the symptoms are a wry neck, fixed eyes, swelled body, constipation, palsy, convulsions and death : the remedy is oil poured m the mouth and injected. Dr. Mac Dowell, of Dan-" ville, has tried the powder of the rind and found 10 grains in powder equal to 3 grains of opium. The pound- ed nuts used in poultices, the root in diarrhea by In- dians. Deserving investigation : possessing probably all the uses of the Asiatic horse chesnut, JE. hipocastanea, which has an astringent tonic bark, containing JEsculine, equal to willow bark in agues before the fits, typhus, gangrene. The fruits give mucli starch, and may be eaten after being deprived of the bitter narcotic princi- ple : used also as sternutatory in ophthalmia and head aches. ESOPON GLAUCUM, Raf. FI. lud. Equivalent of Chicorea. EUDISTEMON, Raf. Pepper grass. The Cochlearia coronopus of Schoepf, since united to many genera Bis- cutella, Lepidium, Senebiera, Coronopus. Different from all. Mild tonic, astringent, diuretic, gives bad taste to milk of cows. EUPATORIUM. Add, in small doses alterative, an- tiscorbutic and pectoral. £. perpureum, antisypiiilitic, Schoepf. E. crassifo/ium, Raf. Fl. lud. hcrbea chevreidl of Louisiana, used for wounds. JS. pilosum, E. rotundi- folium and E. scabridum, bitter, stomachic, tonic and febrifuge, used for snake's bites and as equiv. of E. per- foliatum. The Eupatorine, the active principle, is an alkali, in white powder, soluble in alcohol and ether, peculiar taste, it burns in fire, and gives sulphates. EUPHORBIA. Add, the E. lathyrus, Mole plant or Spurge Capers. Milk drastic. Although the unripe 220 FILINGUIS. seeds are eaten like Capers with us, it has lately been found in Europe that the ripe seeds contain 44 per cent, of a purgative oil, similar to that of Croton tiglium, but mild and not drastic : dose from 3 to 8 drops. The E. helioscopia gives a similar oil. The pretty E. leucoloma, Raf. {marginata, N. not Kiinth) of Arkansas is used by Indians as emetic and sudorific in fevers, bowel com- plaints. By handling it, some persons are poisoned as with Rhus, or feel a kind of nervous cramp in the hand. EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, L. Eyebright. Bit- ter, subastringent, ophthalmic, formerly used for many complaints. EVONYMUS, L. Spindlebush, Wahoon. Leaves pectoral. Fruits emetic, decoction or powder equiv. of Sabadilla and Staphisagria, for the itch and destroying vermin. FAGUS, L. Beech trees. Leaves in decoction useful for burns, scalding and frost nipping. Bark also used with oil or butter. Nuts edible, much liked by hogs, contain much sweet oil, proper for all uses. Wood less valuable than chesnut. Shade baneful to grass, beech lands little fruitful. Ashes good for potash. Beech shav- ings give much pyrolignic acid. FEDIA RADIATA, Mx. {Valeriana, L. Sch.) Lamb Lettuce, Corn Sallad. Good sweet sal lad, in winter and spring. Deemed diuretic and useful for hypochon- dria. FICUS CARICA, L. Fig tree. Cult. Spontaneous in Florida. Milk of the tree caustic, takes off spots from the skin, becomes a kind of gum elastic by drying. Wood soft, spongy. Leaves emollient. Figs contain much sugar and mucilage, very nourishing fresh and dried, laxative, pectoral, emollient, hepatic, herpetic, supurative, &c. Useful in cough, cholic, constipation; externally in poultice for buboes, piilegmons, anthrax, &c. to make them supurate. The skin of fresli figs is acrid and must be peeled off. FILICES. Ferns. All the fragrant kinds are pectoral, anthelmintic, often edible, used to make good beer. Un- less collected in summer, they become nearly inert. FILINGUIS, Raf. (Scolopendrmm officinale, Sm. same as Scolopendra 1) Hart's tongue. Astringent, omt. FUCUS. 221 rnent made with oil for burns and piles j in tea for diar- rhea and dysentery. FISTULINA HYPODRIS, Bull. {Boletus hepaticus, Dec.) Liver Mushroom. Eatable when young, topical calmant in gout. FLOERKEA, W. Sweet Sallad. Edible, good and sweet. FRAGARIA. Add, dried for use in Europe, used in coughs, phthisis, mania, melancholy and gout. Roots bitter astringent, contain tannin and gallic acid, the de- coction is red, and dies the alvine excretions, used in blenorrhagy, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and also as a diu- retic. FRASERA. Add, used by empirics in cold infusion or oxymel for griping cholics, nausea and costiveness of pregnancy. FRAXINUS, L. Ash trees. Many sp. Valuable wood, compact, elastic, used for implements, screws, wheels, &c. Bark bitter astringent, used for hemorrhages and agues. Leaves for bites of snakes in poultice. Seeds aromatic, dessicative, said to prevent obesity! Ashes diuretic. FUCUS, L. Wrack, Seaiveeds. A family of marine plants, all more or less equivalent. They contain gela- tine, tibrine, muriate and phosphate of soda, iodine, sul- phate and carbonate of lime, iron, manganese and silica. Some sp. have a sweet principle similar to Mannite and are edible, such are, F. edulis, dulcis, saccarhinus, es- cule7itus, palmatus, belonging to the N. G. Laminaria, and eaten in Greenland, Iceland, &c. Being burnt, they furnish the kelp used for glass : iodine was first discovered in it, and they chiefly owe to it their medical properties, rendered bland by mixture. Burnt in close vessels, they furnish tiie vegetable Ethiops, composed of carbone, carbonate of soda and iodine. So abundant on some shores as to afford much manure, cattle like to feed on them and it keeps them healthy. They are vermi- fuge, diuretic, deobstruent, resolvent, &c. useful in gout, bronchocele, scrofulous swellings, goitres, tumors buboes, swelled testicles, chronic leucorrhea, &c. and in all disorders where iodine avails. The F. helminthocor- ton is much used in France against worms, for children T 2 222 GEASTRUM. an ounce for 3 doses in powder with honey, or decoc^ tion. We used instead the F. nutans, (Sea Oak or Gulf- weed) Kalm says it was given in fevers and to women in childbed : Josselyn in wine for gout. The esculent Swallow nests of India are made with the F. corneus. Vases as hard as leather made with F. polatomm of Australia. The F. nutans is edible also, used for fevers and retention of urine in Germany. F. serratus gives most iodine. The charcoal or ethiops of F. vesiculosus, used for scrofula, contains fucic acid, resin, a little iodine. F. gigantetts of the ocean is a vegetable wonder, the stem being often three miles long! F. tendo used for ropes in China, very tough. FUMARIA OFFICINALIS, L. Fumitory. Tonic bitter, antiscorbutic, depurative : useful for exanthema, prurient itching, scurvy spots, scabs, weak stomach, in syrup, extract or wine. FUNGI. Mushrooms. Extensive class of plants, of Avhich a multitude found with us. Many are edible and yield sugar, 150 are eaten in Italy, nearly all found with us, belonging to the genera Amanita, Boletus, Phallus, Clavaria^ Hydnum, Tuber, Lycoperdon, &c. Helvella amara and Boletus laricis are bitter, tonic and febri- fuge. Tinder, corks, ink, &c. are made with several. Fungine is a peculiar substance found in them. All the tough, lactescent, deliquescent and fetid kinds are poi- sonous if eaten, being acrid, narcotic, causing inflainma- tion of the stomach and bowels, great thirst, gripings, convulsions and death. The remedies are emetics, pur- gative injections, antispasmodics, emollients, acidulous drinks, &c. ^ c GALARDIA AMARA, Raf. Fl.lud. fragrant, eq. of Anthemis, gives intolerable bitter taste to milk of cows. GALAX ROTUND IFOLI A, L. Carpenters' leaf. Vulnerary, used for all kinds of wounds, bruises and sores* GAUTIERA. Add, Moschar of the Missouri tribes, indicates poor soil. Berries used in home beer in the North, gives it a fine flavor, they are good antiscorbutic, invigorate the stomach, &c. GE\STRUM, Pers. Ground Star. The Lycoperdon bovista of L. and Schoepf. Several sp. My G. dctigea GLECHOMA. 22S has the peridium like a star instead of the volva. Dust inside styptic, absorbent, ophthalmic, gastritic, &c. Used in amputations, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, ulcers and in- tertrigo. Schoepf. GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS,J. {Bignonia do, L.) Jessamine, Woodbine. Root and flowers narcotic, their effluvia may cause stupor, tincture of the root used for rheumatism in frictions. GENISTA TINCTORIA. Dyers' broom, Greenwood, Woodwaxen. Often spontaneous. Dyes yellow like Re- seda. Decoction diuretic, leaves and seeds mild purga- tive, the seeds sometimes emetic, used for hydrophobia in Russia. They contain a yellow fat, a straw colored matter, osmazome, albumen, wax, mucilage, tannin, con- crete oil, &c. G. scoparia, branches used for brooms, seeds also purgative. The bark of all the sp. give a kind of flax, G. juncea chiefly. GENTIANA. Add, G. ochrolenca and G. catesbei often called Simpson root or Snake root in the South, nauseous, used for bites of snakes, nervous fevers, pneu- monia, &c. GERANIUM. Add, G. robertiannm or Herbrobert, Bockweed, musky smell, astringent and diuretic, gives relief in gravel and blenorrhagy, good cataplasm for ery- sipelas, gargarisni in sorethroat : used for the disease of cattle called bloody water. GERARDIA QUERCIFOLIA, Mx. Golden Oak. Specific of the Sioux for the bite of rattle snakes, used also for the tooth ache. GEUM. Add, the analysis of the root has given tan- nin, adraganthine, gum, resin, peculiar oil heavier than water. The G. radiatum, Mx. is probably the G. odo- ratissimum of Bartram's travels, or Spiceroot, the roots taste like Cloves and Pimento, and may be used like them. GILLENIA. Add, given to horses in Carolina to mend their appetite. Elliott. GLECHOMA HEDERACEA, L. Ground Ivy, Jlle- hoof, Bobmrunaway. Bitterish, subacid, tonic and vul- nerary, pectoral and opthalmic. Used for coughs, ob- structions, laxity and flebility of viscera, to purify the blood, cleaning ulcers in the lungs and kidneys also in GOOD VERA. jaundice and hypochondriac cholic, asthma, &c. Snuffed up the nose it has cured inveterate head aches. Used in tea, united to cherry bark ; for sore eyes united to Celandine. It makes ale antiscorbutic and tonic. Said to be baneful to horses. GLEDITSIA, L. Honey Locust. Useful tree, good wood, leaves and pods liked by cattle and sheep, the pods have a sweet acid pulp, good to eat, good beer and metheglin made with it. The prickly kind used for hedges. Equivalent in America of the Ceratonia or Ca- rub tree of South Europe. GLYCIRHIZA, L. Liquorice. G. lepidota of Mis- souri has a bitter, nauseous root, yet eaten roasted by Indians, another sp. called Cahohamo by the Oregon tribes, is sweet and good, tasting like sweet potatoes. GNAPHALIUM, L. Cudweed. The Gn. viargari- taceum also called Silver leaf, None so pretty, is ano- dyne and pectoral, used in colds and coughs, pains in the breast, also mild astringent and vermifuge, used in dysentery and hemorrhage in powder or decoction. Ex- ternally used in tumors, contusions, sprains, in a wash. Also in the diseases of sheep. One of the good substi- tutes for tobacco in smoking. Many other sp. of the genus are equivalent. The Gn. plantagineum and dioi- cum, belonging to S. G. Antennaria, have many names, White plantain, Poor robin or Battle snake plantain, Squirrel ear, Scinjachu of some Indians. Both pecto- ral, used in coughs, fevers, bruises, inflammations, debi- lity : also against the negro poison and rattle snake bites: Indians will for a trifle allow themselves to be bitten and cure themselves at once. GONOLOBUS HIRSUTUS, Mx. Negro vine. Root drastic, acting on the bowels like Colocynth. The juice serves to poison arrows in Guyana. Deserving examina- tion. Found in North and South America. GONOTHECA HELIANTHOIDES. Melon apple flower. Root tuberose, fragrant, nervine. Equiv. of Polymnia. . , , GOODYERA PUBESCENS, Br. Tussaca reticulata, Raf. Satyrium and Neottia of others. JRaitle snake leaf, Networt, Netleaf, Scrofula weed. Deemed by some em- pirics a specific for the scrofula, the fresh leaves are ap- GUAYACUM. 225 plied bruised to the sores, renewed every 3 hours, and the warm infusion used as tea freely, also to wash the sores. It is employed by the Indians, and has effected some cures. GORDONIA LASIANTHUS, L. Swamp Laurel. Beautiful tree, re?.ching 100 feet, wood coarse but beau- tiful, cinnamon color, veined of white, yellow and brown, used for inlaying, &c. The inner bark dyes wool, cot- ton, linen and deer skins of a redish or sorrel color ; equal to oak for tanning. Beautiful fragrant blossoms lasting nearly the whole year. Leaves in the fall be- come versicolor, yellow, red and brown. ^ GOSSYPIUM, L. Cotton. Two sp. cult, from Vir- ginia and Kentucky to the Gulf of Mexico, C. herbaceum and G. hirsutum, are become a valuable staple of the Southern States, might be cult, as far N. as Long Isl- and. G. arbor eum, G. indicum, G. religiosum, &c. are cult, in the East and West Indies. The whole plant useful. Leaves emollient, eq. to Mallow. Seeds sweet oily, liked by cattle and poultry, emulsion useful for ne- phritis, giving much sweet oil available for many pur- poses, similar to almond oil : we could make several mil- lions of gallons at 25 cents the gallon! Cotton wool is a peculiar chemical principle, Gossypine : medical use for ear ache and tooth ache, but makes bad lint for wounds, the fibres being with flat sharp edges and irritating. Used for making threads, cloth, quilts, wicks, fringes, muslins, paper, &c. GRATIOLA, L. Many sp. purgative like G. offici- nc/zs of Europe. Gr. awrm the nearest akin. Gr. vir- ginica or Water Jessamine, used as such, said to grow from Canada to Guyana, but many sp. probably blended in that name. GUAYACUM OFFICINALE, L. Guayac. Lignum- vitse. In South Florida. Valuable tree, all the parts avadable. Wood very hard, used for tools by turners like boxwood. An oil smelling like Vanilla is distilled from it. Flowers make a fine pectoral syrup similar to violets. Seeds purgative. The gum or Guayacine, is a peculiar bitter substance, different from gums and re- sins, very actively medical, the bark, wood, oil and ex- tract are much weaker. All aperient, stimulant, ster- 226 HELIANTHUS. nutatory, depurative, alterative, repellent, &c. Very useful for gout, rheumatism, syphilis, diseases of the skin, tooth ache, ozena and scrofulous affections. The tincture, wine and powders are the most powerful pre- parations, in large doses it is purgative, it produces dia- phoresis when the body is kept warm and diuresis when kept cool. GYMNOCLADUS CANADENSIS, Mx. Coffee tree, Mahogany, Nichar tree, Bondue. From Ohio to Loui- siana. Fine wood, hard, often veined. Leaves purga- tive containing Cytisine, a bitter nauseous principle. Seeds one of the best substitutes for Coffee, much used in the West. GYNEMA BALSAMIC A, Raf. Fl. lud. Baume des Sauvages of Louisiana. Strong aromatic sweet smell, a powerful stomachic and sudorific used like tea. HABENARIA, W. equiv. of Orchis. HAMILTONIA OLEIFERA, W. Oil nut. Pro- ducing an oil similar to that of Beech nuts and Filberts. HEDERA HELIX, L. Ivy. Cult. Wood very hard. Leaves bitterish, vulnerary, used for ulcers, issues, ra- chitis, ozena, epiphora, atrophy : macerated in vinegar, it cures the ulcers of the feet. Berries acid. Equiv. of Elder berries. HEDYCHLOE PUMILA, Raf. {Killingia do. L.; Sweet grass. Eaten by sheep, produces the fine mut- ton of the west, also rich milk and butter of cows. HELIANTHUS, L. Sunflower. The seeds of H. giganteus and other sp. eaten by the Indian tribes all over N. America, put in the Sagamite or Maize soup of Canada ; parched, ground and baked into cakes by the Oregon tribes. Roots of H. strumosus eaten roasted, not so good as H. tuberosus ; this last oddly called Je- rusalem Artichoke by us, and cult. Roots very good, tasting like Artichoke when cooked j cattle fond of them ; they contain sugar and the new substance Dah- line, a beer is made with them, they grow m the worst soils. H. annuns or large Sunflower of Mexico, is com- mon in our gardens : leaves astringent, useful for diar- rhea, they afford much potash. Seeds much liked by fowls, give much sweet oil by mere expression, good tor all uses, deserving attention on that score. HERACLEUM. 227 HELICHROA, Raf. Several sp. called RudhecUa purpurea by L. Red Sunflower. Root acrid and burning, used in syphilis by the Mandans Schoepf says to cure the ulcers on the back of horses. HELICTERES, L. A sp. found in Florida and Ba- hama, the root bitterish, usea for ulcers, exanthems and whitlows. HELLEBORUS, L. Schoepf says H. fetidus (Bears- foot, Settiswort) found in Virginia, and H. viridis Ca- nada and Pennsylv. Acrid, nauseous, purgative, eme- tic, vermifuge, used for lumbrics and worms of horses, to kill lice, &c. they dye yellow. Equiv. of H. orientalis and niger, dangerous drastics and hydragogues, pre- scribed in mania, coma, dropsy, psora, amenorrhea, &c.: they must be used with great caution. HELONIAS BULL ATA, L. Decoction of the peel- ed root used in N. Jersey for the belly ache, cholics, &c. HEMATOXYLON, L. Logwood. Florida and Ba- hama. Well known dye wood. Extract sweet and as- tringent, used in dysentery and obstinate diarrheas, re- laxed bowels, &c. HEPATICA. Add, Decandole has made two pecu- liar species of our kinds, H. americana and H. acutilo- ba: Eaton has adopted them. Their true names are Liverleaf . Physicians disagree on the powers of these plants. Dr. TuUy considers them of little use. Dr. Mease informs me that the leaves alone are useful, the roots and flowers useless. Dr. Lawrence has seen some good elFects from them. Considered as mild deobstruent and diuretic by others. They have failed to give even relief in many diseases of the lungs. A syrup made with them has been used with little effect. HEPTALLON GRAVEOLENS, Raf. Hogwort, Bears/right. Has a stinking porcine smell, sudorific, ca- thartic, antispasmodic, &c. used by the Indians. HERACLEUM LANATUM, Mx. Cow parsnep, Masterwort. Root with a rank strong smell, pungent caustic taste, it blisters the skin when fresh, dry it be- comes aromatic, diuretic, carminative, sialagogue, ex- pectorant, laxative, nervine, &c. useful in cardialgy, dyspep sia and epilepsy. Dr. Orne has cured some cases of epilepsy by using the pulverized root in doses of 2 or 228 HIERACIUM. 3 drachms for a long while, with a strong infusion of the leaves and tops at night. Requiring attention, as we have so few remedies for this cruel disease. Leaves used as maturative in cataplasms. Seeds incisive. Roots and leaves used by empirics for many other complaints, cholics, flatulence, asthma, amenorrhea, disorders of the brain, agues, palsy, apoplexy, &c. in doses of one drachm. Probably equiv. of Angelica and Jmperatoria. HIBISCUS, L. Water Mallow, Sweatweed. Many sp. all furnish by maceration of the stems, tow, flax, cloth, silk, and paper: ought to be cultivated for [this. Root of H. moscheutos paregoric. Our H. speciosus, H. coccineits and H. croceus, Raf. cult, for the splendid blossoms. H. abelmoschus cult, for the musky and eme- tic seeds. H. esculenlus or Okra, cult, for the pods, a fine mucilaginous vegetable when unripe, in soups, boiled or stewed, main ingredient of Gombos or Calalous, a famous dish, luscious and aphrodisiac. Seeds pectoral, make a good flour and a substitute for colFee. HICORYA, Raf. 1807. {Carya^. 1818, Juglans sp. L.) Hickory tree. Very useful. Good heavy wood, best for fuel. Leaves sweet scented, nervine. Vernal sap sweetish and acid, producing syrup, sugar and beer like Maples. Tendrils of the young roots edible, eaten by Indians when hungry. They made milk, oil and many dishes with the nuts. As good as walnuts, sweeter; some have hard shells, the best, H. oliva or Pecan, and H. sulcata or Shellbark, have soft shells. The Pignut hickories, such as H. amara, H.porcina and H. aquatica have bitter nuts, their bark is styptic. The inner bark of some sp. chiefly H. oblonga is cathartic. Equiv. of Juglans cinerea. HIERACIUM VENOSUM, L. Hawkweed, Blood- wort, Snake plantain, &c. Antiseptic, vulnerary, as- tringent, sudorific, pectoral, &c. Active plant, root and leaves used, bitterish : long used bruised or chewed and applied for bites of rattle and pilot snakes, knowH to Schoepf, lately confirmed by Dr. Harlan, who made ex- periments on it. Used by empirics in tea or syrup for scrofula, amenorrhea, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, &c. Uni- ted to Sanguinaria in powder, for curing the polypus of the nose. Many other sp. may be equivalents : the H. HYPERICUM. 229 gronovi only used, the roots said to cure toothache, and the fresh leaves to destroy warts. HIPPOMANE MANCINELLA, L. Manchenil tree. In Florida. Poisonous, the shade and effluvia dangerous, affecting chiefly children. Narcotic poison producing sleep, tremors, convulsions, &c. Milky juice acrid cor- rosive, a few drops kill worms, root also vermifuge, but a dangerous one. Gum similar and equal to Guayacine. The milk is burning, blistering, inflames and depilates the skin. HOPEA TINCTORIA, L. Sweet leaf, Horse sugar. Delaware to Florida. Useful tree. Root stomachic, de- purative. Leaves sweet, eaten with avidity by horses and cattle, their decoction dyes wool and silk of a bright yellow. HORDEUM VULGARE, L. Barley. Cult. Seeds contain hordeine 55, starch 32, sweet gum 9, gluton 5, yellow resin 1. They produce 70 per cent, of flour, which contains starch 68, gum, sugar, gluten, &c. Very useful grain, it makes a coarse bread, but cleaned and pearl barley make excellent soups and dishes, eq. of Rice. Decoction cooling, demulcent, useful in inflam- mations. Malt is barley sprouted and dried, from which ales and beers are brewed : the decoction of malt is use- ful for scurvy and scrofula. Barley beer is healthy, but the reverse of wines, making the body and mind heaA-y and dull ; disdained in wine countries and nicknamed horse piss. Barley best food for horses and mules, used from Spain to China instead of Oats. HURA CREPITANS, L. Sandbox tree. Florida. Singular fruit, opening with noise, used for holding sand. Seeds drastic and emetic like Croton tiglium. HYDRANGEA, L. Bissum. Several sp. Dr. Eoff has found the leaves tonic, sialagogue, cathartic and diu- retic. Used in decoction or powder, action mild, eq. to Jrbutus in gravel, &c. Useful in dyspepsia. ^ HYDROPHYLLUM, L. Schoepf says th© H. eana. dense is used against the bite of snakes and the poisonous erysipelas produced by Rhus. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM, L. St. Johmwort Bad weed in fields. Vulnerary, pectoral, pellent, ner- vine, &c. Blossoms chiefly used, although yellow they 230 ICTODES. dye oils red, infused in sweet oil or bears grease, they make a fine red balsamic ointment for wounds, sores, Bwellings, ulcers, tumors, rough skin, &c. The tea of the leaves gives relief in diseases of the breast and lungs. Used for many other disorders by empirics, in diarrhea, menorhea, hysterics, hypochondria, mania and low spi- rits. A syrup made with sage, specific for croup, dose a tablespoon full for a 12 months child, half if 6 months old. Used with Iris and Sanguinaria for sore mouths and throat. An ointment of it with Bittersweet, Elder- bark and Datura, said to be a specific for hard breast and tumors. Other sp. are mostly equal. HYPOGON ANISATUM, Raf. Fl. lud. Aniseroot. Tuteshehah of Missouri tribes. Root aromatic, smell be- tween Anise and Lemon, diuretic, carminative and feb- rifuge, much valued by the Indians, they also make a fine°tea from the tops. Equiv. of CoUinsonia and stili more active., HYPOPYTHIS. Binlsnest. Equiv. of Monotropa, aphrodisiac, used in Sweden for the cough of cattle and HYPOXIS ERECTA, L. Stargrass. Root edible,, vulnerary, febrifuge, used in chronic ulcers and agues. HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS, L. Hyssop. Cultiv. Leaves pungent aromatic, eq. of sage : used in coughs, asthma, and other diseases of the chest as expectorants Gives essential oil. ICTODES FCETIDA, Big. 1818, or rather Spathye' mafcetida, Raf. 1807. Wrongly united to Dracontium, Pothos, Calla, ^rum and Syrnplocos by L. and other authors! Vulgar names Skunkweed, Skunk Cabbage^ Collard, Itch weed, Stink Poke, Skoka of the Indians. Singular plant, blossoming in winter before foliation. Smell nauseous, similar to Mephitis or the Skunk, Pole- cat, and Assafoetida : very volatile, cannot be retained bv any menstruum. The roots contain an acrid princi- ple similar to Mrum, dissipated by heat, also resin ami mucilage. They form a bundle of fleshy fibres and are the most active part. Powerful antispasmodic, expec- torant, incisive, vermifuge, menagogue, s"donhc, &.c. Used in powder, tincture, syrup, extract, &c. Usea with success in spasmodic asthmas and coughs, hysteiics, INULA. 231 pertusis, epilepsy, dropsy, scurvy, chronic rheumatism, erratic and spasmodic pains, parturition, amenorhea, worms, &.C. Doses in asthma 20 to 50 grains of the powder. All preparations with heat are less powerful. The syrup is a mild one, useful in senil catarrh. In de- licate stomachs, this plant produces nausea, emesis, headache, vertigo and dimness, even in small doses. The leaves are less powerful, but the seeds most active, requiring smaller doses, being pungent, containing albu- men and a fixed acrid oil. Leaves externally used for wounds and ulcers, herpes and cutaneous affections, bruised and applied : also used to dress blisters, pro- moting the discharge. It is said that bears are fond of this plant and feed on it. The lotion of the root cures the itch. IMPATIENS, L. Touchmenot, Jewel weed. Slippers, Celandine, Quickinlhehand, Weathercocks. Two sp. /. fulva and pallida, both in common use for jaundice and asthma, as a tea. In large doses emetic, eccoprotic and diuretic. Leaves used for piles and wash for wounds : they dye wool saffron color and yellow. IMPERATORIA, L. Imperial Masterwort. Cult. Root bitter, acrid, aromatic : carminative, sudorific, menagogue, &c. Used for flatulence, cholics, hysterics, agues, palsy and even sterility, said to make women fruitful. INDIGOFERA, L. Indigo plants. The /. caroliniana wild, /. tinctoria and argentea cult. All producing in- digo, whose blue principle is now called Isatine. Leaves hepatic and deobstruent, used in liver complaints, diar- rhea, lochial diseases, and to kill lice. INULA HELENIUM, L. Elecampane. Native. Root very active, bitterish, aromatic, stomachic, attenu- ant, stimulant, pectoral, vermifuge, diuretic, laxative, diaphoretic, &c. Useful in coughs, humid asthma, hy- pochondria, cholic, tremors, viscid phlegm, it excites diuresis and diaphoresis, gently loosens the bowels, strengthen the stomach and the viscera. Taken in tea, electuary, syrup. United to Comfrey and Elm bark, it makes a good electuary for consumptive cough, whoop- ing cough. The extract is of little value. Leaves use- ful in scabies. Root by no means weak as lately sup- 232 ISIPHIA. posed ; it contains several active substances, a peculiar concrete oil, similar to Camphor, a peculiar fecula, called Inuline, a crjstallizable resin, acetic acid, albu- men, &c. IPOMEA QUAMOCLIT, L. Cyprus vine, Red Jes- samine, &c. From Florida to Mexico, beautiful vine. Root said to be purgative in the West Indies, juice ce- phalic and errhine in the East Indies. Ip. avicularis, Raf. Fl. lud. has edible seeds, eaten by the Indians, ducks fatten on it. Jp. macrorhiza has a huge root, amy- laceous, edible, eaten by negroes. IRIS, L. Flower de luce, Flag lily. Many sp. useful and ornamental. Roots of all more or less medical. /. versicolor, or common blue Flag, chiefly used : roots sweetish mucilaginous, taste nauseous subacrid, it con- tains white resin and fecula. Cathartic, diuretic and astringent. Much esteemed by the Southern tribes, and kept in ponds for use, as a purgative ; very active, a few grains of the fresh root operates on the bowels with much nausea, 60 drops of the juice are drastic, milder when dry. In large doses drastic and emetic ; formerly used in syphilis and hydrophobia. Useful in anasarca and hydrothorax, the decoction in sore mouth, ulcers and wounds in a wash. A decoction of I Iris and | Eryn- gium yucefolium has cured the dropsy, without disturb- ing the bowels. The leaves used for many diseases of children, being milder, purgative and vermifuge. The sweet blossoms still better, their syrup similar and equal to that of violets, pectoral, laxative, &c. The seeds may be used like coftee, eq. of Okra seeds. All these proper- ties appear common to /. verna, I virginica, I. gracilis, J. pseudacorus, and perhaps to all our sp. The root of /. cristata are also cathartic, when fresh the taste is sweet at first, but next burning like Capsicum, the leaves used to alleviate thirst. /. florentina cult, produces the per- fumed Oris root. ISANTHUS, Mx. Equiv. of Teucrium. ISIPHIA, Raf. 3 sp. /. glabra, J. tomentosa, I. trip- teris, united to Aristolochia, are equivalents. The first or A. sipho, Mx. {Pipe vine or Sasafaril) has the root very pungent and aromatic, eq. of Seneka root j the bark and twining wood are warm, bitterish, fragrant with a tur» JUGLANS. pentine smell, used as pellent and diuretic in decoction for dropsy, cachexy, gout, &c. The seeds are bitterish and stronger. IVA FRUTESCENS, L. Bastard Jesuit bark. Sea shores, bark smelling like Elder flowers, tonic, eq. of Sambucus. Leaves fragrant, may be pickled. JACOBEA, Tt. All the radiated Senecios of L. /. aurea, [Ragwort, Liferoot, Anumguah of Indians) is an active plant, aromatic and pungent, robts and radical leaves chiefly used ; diuretic, deobstruent, vulnerary, repellent, pectoral, febrifuge and menagogue. Useful in gravel, sugilation, pains in the breast, chronic coughs, debility, amenorhea, &c. in tea or powders. The In- dians call it the female flower, using the blossoms for menstrual suppressions attended with debility. Said to relieve melancholy and cause cheerfulness, to relieve epilepsy, cure the gravel, and to dissolve coagulated blood. It acts as a gentle but efficient stimulant. The activity resides in a grateful essential oil. /. obovata and J. balsamita are nearly equivalents : the first is the old Roberts root of Schoepf, it is an acrid bitterish tonic, said to kill sheep and horses, used for diseases of the «kins, ulcers and the yaws, drank and the powder ap- plied. /. lobata or Butterweed is also active. JANIPHA, Kunth. Jatropha, L. The J. stimulosa (my Bivonea, 1814) Sandnettle, Sea shore, from Virgi- nia to Florida, burns the hands like nettles, juice milky acrid, seeds purgative. J. manihot cult, in Louisiana, is the Maniho or Monica of S. America : roots poisonous, yet producing the edible flour called Cazabi or Cassave, made into cakes, bread, tapioca, gruel, &c. JUGLANS, L. We have 3 sp. 1./. nigra, Black Walnut. 2. J.fraxinea, Ash Walnut. 3. /. cinerea. Butternut or White Walnut. All valuable trees, pro- ducing fine timber, sugar, nuts, oil, medicines, &c. J. nigra has the finest wood, hard and brown, bark and rind of the nuts dye wool brown boiled alone, and black with vitriol. Leaves scented, said to shelter from the thunder. Vernal sap sweet, may give sugar. Young green nuts pickled in vinegar, styptic, unwholesome? Ihe green rmd rubbed on tetters and ringworms dispeU them : their decoction vermifuge and sudorific, also an- w 2 234 LACTUCA. tisy^philitic. Nuts \ery oily, flatulent j the oil fit for painters and lamps, it is said to expel worms and even the tapeworms talien with sugar. /. fraxinea has a better nut, similar to the /. regia or European Walnut. The /. cinerea (fig. 32 of Bigelow) has the most sac- charine sap, equal to Maples, a tree gives 4 to 5 gallons weekly when tapped, and eight gallons afford one pound of sugar. Fresh outer bark rubefacient and blistering, the lint of it used to dress the bites of snakes. Inner bark bitterish, styptic, purgative, that of the root strong- er. The pills and extract in doses of 10 or 30 grains, one of the safest and mildest cathartic, equal to jalap, friendly to the bowels, almost a specific in dysentery ; much used in obstructions, jaundice, agues, worms, cos- tiveness, &c. Also in colds, coughs, hemorrhage in small pills. A cordial made with aromatics. Employed to cure the murrain of cattle and yellow water of horses. The extract ought to be made in the spring, and with care. The nuts are very oily, but pretty good when fresh : the rind and husks dye brown : often pickled when green. JUNCUS, L. Bushes. Many sp. /. acutus and ef- fusus most common, used for ropes, brushes, baskets, mats, carpets, &c. The seeds are cathartic, used for diarrhea and fluxes. KRAMERIA LANCEOLATA, Ty. Perhaps equiv. of the valuable Xr. triandra (or Fatanhia officinalis, Raf.) of Peru, a very valuable astringent tonic. KUHNIA, L. 3 sp. Weak eq. of Eupatorium. LACTUCA, L. Lettuce. Several sp. all equivalents. L. elongata most commonly used. L. gigantea, Raf. 10 feet high. Bitter milk of all affords the Lactucarium or Tridace, or lettuce opium. Useful and powerful ano- dyne, diaphoretic, laxative and diuretic. The extract very efiicient in pills for the dropsy and ascites. The L. sativa or Garden Lettuce is milder. Eaten in sallad, boiled or cooked it acts as a good refrigerant, paregoric, diluent, sedative and anodyne : good topical sedative and a good diet in many diseases, hypochondria, saty- riasis, nymphomania, consumption, nervous complaints, &c. producing a propensity to sleep, and allaying pain. The milk of it easily collected by incisions, cotton or a LAURUS. 235 sponge, is similar to opium when inspissated. The ex- tract of the whole plant, although less pure, is quite equivalent, 24]bs. of Lettuce give lib. of it. The tinc- ture is also equal to that of opium. A better equiv. in all cases for opium, although the doses must be double because inducing sleep without delirium or irritation : it holds no narcotine nor morphine, but some elastine, wa- ter, extractive and salts. The L. fistulosa, Raf. Fl. lud. is not bitter, properties between Lactuca and Chicorea. LAMIUM, L. Deadnettle, Henbit. Two sp. wild. L. purpureum and L. amplexicaule, said to be corroborant and cephalic, sudorific and laxative, used bj empirics for gout and rheumatism with Xanthoxylon, and for a cephalic snuff with Asarum. ■ LANTANA, L Sagctree, Blueberry, Cailleau in Louisiana. Two sp. L.floridana, Raf. and L. undulata. Rat. mistaken for L. camara and L. annua bj authors Leaves form a fine scented tea like L. camara or Baha- ma tea, and L. pseudothea or Brazil tea, said to be bet- ter than the Chinese. Diaphoretic, useful in fevers but nauseous when very strong : the tea of the blossoms is T A bJv' rjj"^'^^ coagulating water like Sassafras. L,AK1X, it. J. Larch, Tamarack^ Hacmatack. We have two sp. Black Larcli, L. pcndula, and Red Larch L. microcarpam the North. Equiv. of Pmw.?, producing a fine balsamic turpentine, good for wounds. LAURUS, L. Baytrees, Laurels. Beautiful genus, all the sp. valuable : L. sassafras above all, found from Canada to Mexico and Brazil. Roots, bark, leaves, flow- ers fra-rant and spicy. Flavor and smell peculiar, simi- lar to fennel, sweetish subacrid, residino- in a volatile oil heavier than water. The Sassafrine, a peculiar mu- cus unalterable by alcohol, found chiefly in the twigs and pith, thickens water, very mild and lubricating, vl- ry useful in opthalmia, dysentery, gravel, catarrhf &c. Wood yellow, hard, durable, soon foses the smell, the r «nV ^ '^P^^^^ ^"'•"'^ ^« stimulant, antispasmo- tuJ^d hi now'oftenW tuted both useful ,n rheumatism, cutaneous diseases, -rons^^VK^P'V''^ fevers,' &c. Once used ?,; dropsy. The Indians use a strong decoction to puree and clean the body in the spring: ^euse instead tfe Itfa 236 lEONURUS. of the blossoms for a vernal purification of the blood. The powder of the leaves used to make glutinous Gom- bos. Leaves and buds used to flavor some Beers and Spirits. Also deemed vulnerary and resolvent chewed and applied, or menagoue and corroborant for women in tea ; useful in scurvy, cachexy, flatulence, &c. Bowls and cups made of the wood, when fresh it drives bugs and moths. The bark dyes wood of a fine orange color with urine, called Shikih by Missouri tribes, and smoked like tobacco. 74/7 L. benzoin has many vulgar names, Spicewood, All- spice, Feverbush, &c. is equiv. to Sassafras, taste and oil d'ifferent, more spicy, all the parts used in tea or powder, chiefly as stimulant and depurative, also as to- nic and vermifuge. Good febrifuge in agues. Red ber- ries once used like Pimento, aflford a fine stimulant oil, used for bruises, cholics, itch and rheumatism, leaves and berries for dysentery. All the other species more or less equivalents, L. carolinensis and L. catesbiana, Mx (L. indica and Borbonia, Schoepf) called Fedbay, Eedlaurel, Sweetbay, Toluchluco of Indians, are fine Evero-reens, wood like Mahogany, dyes beautiful black ; bark^crid aromatic, substituted to Cinnamon: leaves aromatic, bitter-sweet, twigs and leaves give a sweet mucilage. L. ludoviciana, Raf. Fl. lud. is used like L. nobilis of Europe, wood dyeing yellow, leaves used in cookery. L. persea or Avogado pear, Avocat in Louisia- na, large good fruit like a pear, taste like Pis/acm, deemed aphrodisiac : buds and leaves stomachic, carmi- native, menagogue and resolutive, used for cholics, histe- rics, jaundice, dysentery, itch, &c. LEDUM, L. Marsh tea, Labrador tea. Both 1.. pa- lustre and L. latifolium, boreal plants, used as tea, con- tains 20 chemical substances, even wax and osmazome, very near to Chinese tea, but stronger, owing to a Ira- irrant resin. Leaves bitterish nidorose, cephalic, pecto- ral, exanthemic, &c. Useful in coughs, exanthetna, itch, scabies, leprosy, &c. in strong decoction kills lice and insects. Said to be narcotic and phantastic by Schoept. LEONURUS CARDIACA,L. Lionstail, Throwort. Spontaneous, stimulant and pectoral, used for cough* and catarrhs, formerly for cardialgy. LICHEN. 23r LEPARGYREA, Raf. 1816. Silverbush, Hippophae canadensis^ L. Sheperdia, N. Berries purgative. LEPIDIUM VIRGINICUM, L. Peppercress. From Canada to Guyana, probably many sp. blended, forming my G. Dileptium, Fl. lud. with 2 stamens, B. diffusum and precox 2 sp. there ascertained, equiv. Eaten as cresses. All acrid, diuretic, antiscorbutic, antiscrofu- lous : used in scurvy, dropsy, asthma, scrofula, hernia, gravel, &c.as a diet. LEPTAMNIUM VIRGINIANUM, Raf. 1810. Oro- banchedo,h. Epifagus ! N. 1818. Cancer root^ Beech drops. Root and stem astringent, bitterish, nauseous, known to Schoepf as useful in cancers : base of Martin's powders (with white arsenic, sulphur and Ranunculus) a painful remedy for curing cancers by application, but hurtful in scrofula and scrofulous cancers. A sirup of it united to Iris, Sanguinaria and Polygonum used by empirics for sore mouth, cancer in the mouth, dysentery, &c. Plant parasite on Beech roots. LESKEA. Several sp. subastringent Mosses. LIATRIS, Auct. Throatwort, Sawort, Button Snake root. 25 sp. all medical eq. made 2 by L. Serratula spicata and scariosa! Many vulgar names. Backache root, Bevilsbite, Rattlesnake master, Blazing Star, Prai- rie Pines, Gayfeather, Rough root, &c. All have a tu- berous medical root, acrid, bitterish, pungent, spicy, smelling like turpentine or juniper, holding a peculiar balsamic resin, but no oil : properties partly soluble in a watery decoction, wholly in alcohol. Most powerful diu- retics, acting mildly, may be used ad libitum : also dis- cutient, tonic, diaphoretic and deobstruent. Very useful in dropsy, gonorrhea, angina, croup and hives, sore- throat, scrofula, gravel, pains in the breast, after pains of women and bites of snakes, both internally and topically. The L. odoratissima or Vanilla leaf, used like the Pi- queria trincrvia or Trevel of Cuba, to perfume Havana segars. LICHEN, L. Prolific tribe of plants now divided in many genera : Treemoss, Rockmoss, Liverwort, Liver- moss, Iceland moss. Lungwort, Orchil, &c. Many use- ful and medical, the L. islandicus, pulmonarius and cocciferus chiefly used as tonic and pectoral, mucilagi- £38 LINARIA. nous, bitterish, used in coughs, neglected catarrhs, he- moptysis, jaundice, diabetes, emaciation, pituitous phthi- sis, sturvy, &c. They contain bitter extractive, gluten, lichenine^ a peculiar starch not glutinous, &c. edible after long boiling, one lb. swells to 3lbs. : decoction to- nic, dyes brown. L. cocciferus chiefly used for convul- sive coughs. L. caninus or Bo gmossy once used for hy- drophobia, base of Dr. Mead's powders. L, plicatus and other sp. of G. Usnea or Beardmoss, are astringent, once used for hemorrhage, hernia and epilepsy. All the Lichens can be used for dyeing, they afford a multitude of shades of brown, fawn, rufous and yellow colors. The most valuable are those growing on the rocky shores of the sea, and affording the Orchil, which dyes purple and red by maceration in urine : they are now called Rocella tinctoria, fncopsis, Gyrophora pustulata, Lecanora pa- rella and tar tar ea, &c. LIGUSTICUM, L. Lavage, Smellage. L. scoticum U natrs'e, eq. of the warm pungent Ombelliferous. LIGUSTRUM VULGARE, L. Privet, Privy, Reim- veide. Native N. Y. and Pennsylv. Leaves and flow- ers bitterish, subastringent, detersive, vulnerary, used for the diseases of the mouth and ears, sorethroat, angi- na, scurvy in gargarisms. Unripe berries dye silk, and wool green with alum, give a green ink and fecula, make a green pigment with ceruse. When ripe a purple pig- ment can be prepared. LILAC A VULGARIS, Tt. (Syringa, L.) Lilac. Cult. Wood by distillation affords a fat oil smelling like Rosewood oil, the infusion is yellow balsamic. Tincture bitterish, affording by evaporation a resin similar to Dra- gonsblood. Extract uf green buds a pure bitter, used like Cinchona in Italy for fevers. LILIUM, L. Lily. Many sp. all eq. Roots edible roasted, poultices good maturative. A fragrant pectoral conserve made witli the flowers of the white Lily^. LIMNETIS. Marshgrass. Give a strong rancid smell to the milk and butter of cows, even to the breath and meat of cattle j but affords a good hay for horses. LINARIA. Toadflax. Bad smell, bitterish, anodyne, pellent, diuretic, purgative, vermifuge, &c. Used for LIRIODENDRON. 239 sore eyes, jaundice, dropsy, chiefly for piles in oint- ment. LINNEUSIA BOREALIS, L. Twinflower, Ground vine. Bitterish subastringent, diuretic, eq. of Arbutus, used also for rheumatism and disorders of the skin. LINUM VIRGINIANUM, L. Wild Flax, Wech- kenah of the Missouri tribes, Avhole plant laxative, pec- toral and sudorific, used for cough and asthma. Common Flax or L. usitatissimum is become spontaneous, pro- ducing tow, flax and linen. Seeds medical, demulcent, pectoral, emollient, &c. Flaxseed tea used in coughs, hematuria, cholic, gravel, hemoptysis, gout, dysuria, &c. Flaxseed or Linseed oil much used by painters, being dessicative, said to expel the worms of children, given mixt with sugar, LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA, L. Sweet gum, White gum. Beautiful fragrant tea from N. Y. to Mexi- co. Much used by the Indians. Inner bark in tea for nervous diseases, leaves for smoking ; buds sudorific and febrifuge, cure fevers in 2 or 3 days. The gum was the copal or incense of the Mexicans, a fragrant perfume j used as a drawing plaster by the Cherokees, also for diarrhea, dysentery, itch, &c. Wood compact, tough, warps but takes fine polish. The balsam made by coc- tion of the branches similar to Storax, gray, acrid, fra- grant. Leaves smell delightful, cephalic and corrobo- rant, make a fragrant tobacco. LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA, L. Tulip tree. Poplar. Two varieties. \. Alba acutilohaov White wood. 2. Flava obtusiloba or Yellow loood. Valuable, orna- mental and medical. Reaching 120 feet high and 30 round. Durable timber, heavy, hard and tough, bu^ subject to warp, the yellow kind softer and brittle. Espe- tonga of the Osages, use bark of the roots and green seeds as febrifuge and vermifuge for children. Found from Lake Champlain to Texas'^ in rich soils. Medical eq. of Magnolia, less aromatic and more astringent. Bark must be collected in winter. Active tonic, antiseptic, stimulant and sudorific, deemed equal to Cinchona in the same doses for intermittent and low fevers weak stomach, dyspepsia, hysteria, dysentery, chronic' rheu- matism, gout, &c. Used in powders, infusion, tincture 240 MALVA. and extract. Contains gum, resin, mucus, fecula, mu- riatic acid, an oil, &c. A palliative in phthisis. Some- times used in cholera infantum and worms, also in the botts of horses. Often united to Cornus, Quercus and Prinos. Inner bark of the root most powerful : a fine cordial made with it- Leaves used by Cherokees in poultice for sores and headache, ointment for inflamma- tions and mortifications : make the milk of cows bitter. Extract of root equal to Gentian. Remedy for syphilitic ulcers of the nose. Seeds laxative. LITHOSPERMUM, L. GromwelL 8 sp. Equiv. of Cynoglossum. LOLIUM, L. Darnel. Seeds narcotic, pernicious when mixt with wheat, make the bread bad, unhealthy. LONICERA, L. Honeysuckle. All sp. leaves and flowers bitterish, mucilaginous, astringent, detersive, &c. A sirup used for sorethroat, irritation of the lungs. LUDWIGIA, L. Several sp. subastringent. LUPINUS PERENNIS, Linn. Lvpin, Fingerleaf. Grows in poorest sandy soil and improves it, liked by horses and sheep. Seeds bitter and flatulent, edible by lixivation like L. sativus of Europe, flour resolutive. LYCOPERDON, L. Pw/'fiaZZs. Edible when young. LYCOPODIUM, L. Ground pine, Hog bed. Many sp. L. clavatum and selago chiefly used. Diuretic, me- nagogue, drastic, nervine, attenuant, aperient and cor- roborant. Used in dropsy, gout, scurvy, diarrhea, sup- pressions. Externally for ulcers of infants, serpigo, tmea, plica, &c. They kill lice and insects, dye various co- lors, mend bad wines, inflammable, pollen, much used in ''^LYSIMACHIA QUADRIFOLIA, L. Crosswort, Yellow balm. Subastringent, stomachic, expectorant, used in tea for colds, coughs, agues, to mend the appe- tite &c LYTHRUxM SALICARIA, L. TVillowort, Loose- strife. Subastringent, mucilaginous. Decoction very useful in diarrhea and dysentery after a purgative. MALVA, L. Mallow. All the sp. eq. mucilapnous, insipid, emollient, laxative, edible. Ingredient of Com- bos, and the Dolma of Greeks, with Seolymus, Bumex and oil. Very useful in gonorrhea, strangury, &c. topi- MAYZEA. 241 callj in inflamtnations, much used in fomentations, cata- plasms and clysters : also in dysentery, acrid humors. Flowers and seeds pectoral in coughs, soreness of the throat and lungs. MARANTA, L. Arrowroot.. Two sp. from East Indies, M. arundinacea and M. indica, now cult, from Carolina to Brazil. Root yielding a large quantity of peculiar fecula, forming a jelly in hot water. One acre yields HOOlbs. of this fecula. Excellent demulcent and analeptic equal to Salep, good diet for invalids and con- valescents, also for acrid secretions, hectic fever, dis- eases of the kidneys and bladder, bowel complaints, de- bility, &c. Used against poisons in West Indies. Best prepared with milk and sugar. The Malabar Arrow root is made with Cxirciima an gust'} folia. MARCHANTIA, L. formerly used in herpetic dis- eases. MARRUBIUM VULGARE, L. BoreJiound. Rank smell and bitter taste. Mild aperient, deobstruent, me- nagogue, vermifuge, &c. much used in humoral asthma, dysmenorrhea, hysteria, obstructions, jaundice, cachexy, coughs, dropsy, &c. It removes the salivation of mer- cury! In large doses laxative. Base of the Negro Cesar remedy against rattle snakes united to Gnaphalium. The sirup, candy, tea with honey, often employed. MARTYNIA PROBOSCIDEA, L. D'ouhleclaw. On the Mississippi. Fruits make good pickles when young. MATRICARIA, L. Featherfen. Cult. Eq. of ^n- Ihemis. Aperient, menagogue, vermifuge. MAYZEA CEREALIS, Tt. Raf. {Zea Mayz, L.) Maize, Indian Corn. Valuable cereal plant, cult, in Asia 2500 years ago ! in Tartary in 1 240, see Marco Polo! in Java and Africa before Columbus ! In America from Canada to Peru. Producing from 50 to 100 bushels per acre. Several var. with round or flat seeds, white, yellow or colored, a peculiar sp. in South America, M vestita, Raf. \vith a valve to each seed. See my me moir on Maize. A Mexican var. gigantea is 20 feet high. The stems produce sirup and sugar like canes, but much less, very good fodder. Leaves and husks used for mattresses. Very good thatch. Green corn de- 242 MENTHA. licate food, but heavy and breeding worms in children. A black acid oil is distilled by descension from the cobs in Kentucky, used to cure ringworms. The meal eaten in cakes, bread, puddings, mush, this last deemed useful in Italy as a diet in atrophy, dysentery, phthisis, &c. It contains 77 of fecula, besides albumen, gum, sugar, wa- ter, iron, many salts, and 3 per cent, of Zeine, peculiar substance, between gluten and resin, similar to yellow wax, elastic, not combustible. MEDEOLA VIRGINICA, Linn. Cucumber root. Wrongly called Gyromia by N. since M. asparagdides was long ago made a N. G. Root succulent, eaten by the Indians like Cucumbers, good taste, when much is eaten acts as diuretic and hydragogue, but not emetic as sup- posed by Schoepf. MELANTHlUxM VIRGINICUM, L. Quafidil Root used by Cherokees as a poison for crows, and a sure but violent remedy for the itch. MELILOTUS, Tt. Mehlot Clover. Two sp. with yellow and white blossoms,, both native, sweet scented leaves, make fine hay, giving rich milk, butter and cheese. The flowers and leaves pectoral, emollient, re- solvent, lubricant, used for disury, leucorrhea, coughs, &c. also topically. MELISS A, L. Balm. S sp. spontaneous and equiv. M. officinalis., M. nepeta and 31. sylvatica, Raf. Plea- sant smell, make fragrant tea. Stimulant, antispasmo- dic, stomachic, expectorant, menagogue, pellent, resol- vent. Useful in obstructions, suppressions, headache,^ piles, pleurisy, asthma, hysteria, inflammatory fevers, &c. Eq. of Monarda. MELOTHRIA NIGRA, Raf. A. N. 1820. Very dif- ferent from M. pendula of West Indies. Blackberry vine. Charopesha and Shngahinga of Missouri tribes. Root very bitter, vermifuge. Berries black and small, while M. pendula has them as large as nutmegs, pickled unripe, and eaten ripe in West Indies. MENISPERMUM CANADENSE, L. Moonseed. Fisswort, Yellow Sarsaparilla. Root bitter, tonic, mu- cilaginous, used for the strangury of horses. MENTHA, L. Mint. Several sp. native and cult, all eq. the M. piperita strongest. Fragrant, pungent, stirau- MORUS. lant, carminative, stomachic, resolvent, pellent, anti- emetic. Much used in sauces, conserves, paste, candy, distilled water and oil. The oil contains camphor and all the properties, dose a few drops. Useful to allay spasmodic affections of the stomach and bowels, obviate nausea, check emesis, expel flatulence, prevent cramps in the stomach, also in cholics, hysteria, whooping cough, &c. Used by drunkards to flavor and modify their drams or slings. MIEGIA MACROSPERMA, Pers. Cane. Several var. from 6 inches to 15 feet high. Kentucky to Texas. Seeds like oats, larger, give good flour, produced only once in 3 or 4 years. Fine angling rods, walking canes, weaving looms. Winter food of cattle, much destroyed by them. The Natchez made bread and mats with it, MIMOSA, L. or Acacia, W. Several sp. M. ebiirnea first plant growing on the sea sand of Florida. 31. far- nesiana from Florida to Mexico, Popniac, Goldbriar, flowers fragrant but strong, used in perfumery, give head ache to nervous persons : seeds give a fetid breath. The beautiful M. jiilibrisin naturalized as far north as Pennsylvania. MIRABILIS, L. False Jalap, Four o\lock. 3 sp. Cult. Root uncertain cathartic, 2 drachms often produce only one stool, used in bowel complaints. One lb. yields one ounce of resin. MITCHELLA REPENS,L. Partridge hernj. Mild diuretic, tea used in New England to cure dropsy and gout. Red berries mild astringent, a popular remedy for diarrhea in the North, and for disury in Carolina. MONOTROPA UNIFLORA, L. Iceplant, Pipe- plant, Nestroot, Fitroot. Ophthalmic and nervine. Used by Indians and herbalists, juice mixt with water deemed specific lotion for sore eyes. Dried root in powder used in epilepsy and convulsions of children, dose a teaspoon lull, often united to Valerian ; cures also inveterate oph- thalmia. MORUS RUBRA, L. Red Mulberry. Fruits refri- gerant and corroborant, useful in sorethroat, angina, pu- trid fevers ; sirup chiefly used. Bark said to expel the tenia, the Indian tribes make mats, ropes, baskets with It (paper can be made also) and a kind of flax with the 244 MYRICA. young shoots, used for their twisted cloth. All the sp. are eq. fruits containing tartaric acid, white Mulberries sweeter. Leaves of all can feed the silk worm like M. alba, our native kinds give stronger silk. The white Mulberry was found by Soto in 1540, by Laudoniere in 1567, and by Joutel in 1685, from Florida to Texas, it is not the M. alba, but my M. tomentom, Raf. Fl. lud. The Black Mulberry of Louisiana and Texas is my M. scabra. MUSA, L. Banana, Plantain tree. Native of Florida below lat. 28. Several sp. cult, in all tropical climates. The most valuable of all trees. Each tree produces 100 lbs. of delicious food, one acre holds 1600 trees, and gives 1 60,00.01 bs. of food, while wheat only 1200lbs. per acre, and potatoes 4000lbs. Fruits excellent, edible in many ways. Young shoots edible boiletl. Stems give bread and wine from pulp and juice, when old afford ropes, thread and tinder, leaves a thatch, &.c. MYRICA, L. Sweetgule, Bayberry, Waxberry,T^ax- myrtle. All the sp. equiv. Valuable evergreen shrubs. Leaves fragrant, balsamic, containing like the bark tan- - nin, resin, gallic acid and mucilage ; they are emetic, pectoral, astringent, nervine, subnarcotic, cephalic, ver- mifuD-e, menagogue, stomachic, &c. Useful in uterine hemorrhage, hysterical complaints, palsies, chokes and scrofula in powders, decoction and tea. The tea of iVi. (rale milder, formerly drank in Europe as tea, and leaves 5ut in soups, used m Russia for gout, fevers, itch and insects. The bark chewed is a good sialagogue, made into snuff it is a powerful errhine : taste acrid, stimu- lant, in large doses of a drachm it produces a burning sensation and vomiting, sometimes diuresis. Bark ot the root used for the tooth ache. The inner bark pounded soft dispels scrofulous swellings and sores, a strong tea of the leaves being drank also. A tincture of the bernes yyih Heradeum is used for violent flatulent cholics and cramps. The buds dye yellow. The berries are covered wSh ^peculiar wax, 'easily extracted by boiling c^^^^^^^^^^ Tni nnrifvino- thcv sivc 32 per cent, of wax, Iragiant, t^eenish KiS, used forVautiful fnigrant candles, fo prSacking balls' plasters. It contains cerine, M^- ricine insoluble in alcohol, and a peculiar oil. U is ag. NICOTIAN A. 245 lively medical, astringent, vulnerary, anodyne, subnar- cotic. Dr. Fahnestock announced in 1822, that it is a specific for typhoid dysentery : this valuable property has been confirmed, I have verified it on myself in diar- rhea, others in cholera morbus : it was known in Ken- tucky before 1822. It is used in powder, pills or lozenges, made with sugar and mucilage. MYRTUS COMMU$^IS, L. Common myrtle. CnU. fragrant, leaves astringent, corroborant, dye purple : two var. with black or yellow berries, austere, sweetish, eaten in Greece and Sicily, useful for dian-hea, a sirup made with them. NEGUNDIUM FRAXINEA, Raf. Eq. of ^cer. NEPETA CATARIA, L. Catmint, Catnip. Bit- terish, hircose smell, liked by cats. Resolvent, pellent, cephalic, menagogue, carminative, vermifuge, antispas- modic. Useful for hysterics, some fevers, a specific in chlorosis. • NERIUM OLEANDER, L. Rose Laurel. Cultiv. Poisonous for men and cattle : milky juice caustic, takes off spots in the eyes. Leaves acrid errhine, use- ful for itch, ringworms and rheumatism, either boiled, in powder, or infused in oil. NEVROSPERMA BALSAMIN A, Raf. 1820. Dec. Balsam vine. Probably Momordica do. L. but a different enus, nay, our sp. somewhat different from the tropical ind called Cerasee in Jamaica. Found from Florida to Texas. Cult, in gardens for use. Root useful in jaun- dice, liver complaints, mesentery, powder emetic, equiv. 0^ Bryonia, leaves also emetic in decoction. Pulp of the fruit vulnerary, red oil made by infusion like Hype- ricum, much used and excellent for wounds, bruises, cuts, chinks, burns, piles, &c. NICOTIANA, L. Tobacco. Well known, many sp. cult, in Asia lon^ before Culumbus! The very best and mildest is th^ N1 paniculata or Tobacco of Persia Syria, Peru, Varinas and Cuba. N.fruticosa is cult, in China.iV. ruMica or green Tobacco, cult, in Mexico and Africa. N. quadrioalvis by the Mandans, &c. N. tabacum the most common in America, and the strongest or worst. Cohiba was the ancient name of it in Hayti, and 7b*- bacco, the name of the tube, pipe or segar used to smoke 246 NICOTIANA. it, whence the name, see my memoirs on Maiz,e and To- bacco. All equiv. Nauseous narcotics, poisonous weeds, disgusting taste and smell ; first used by the priests of Indian nations to intoxicate and appear inspired, adopt- ed by the idle savages and the vicious civilized men as a stimulant narcotic to tickle the throat and nose. Its baneful effects are well known, but disregarded bv the vicious »nd selfish because used to it. A poison at first, many always loath it. Chewing is the very worst mode for health, smoking the most offensive, unless we use mild kinds or mix it with sweet herbs as the Asiatic and Indian do. The constant use of it spoils the breath, smell, saliva and stomach, dims the sight, hurts the brain, nerves, lungs and liver, causing dyspepsia, tremors, he- patitis, scurvy, consumption, apoplexy, cardialgy, &c. Total abstinence or mild substitutes are the needful re- medies. Medically and topically a powerful anodyne, antispasmodic, emetic, sedative, antiherpetic, errhine, &c. Useful in all diseases of the skin, hysterics, tooth- ache, schirrus, epilepsy, worms, &c. The smoke or infusion injected revives vital action in locked jaw, ob- stinate constipation, ileus, strangulated hernia ; baneful in asphyxia and parturition, nay, always dangerous, a strong injection may kill. In very small doses eq. ot Digitalis as a violent diuretic for dropsy, &c. in tinc- ture. Juice of green leaves instantly cures the stinging of nettles. Poultices of leaves with vinegar applied to stomach cause vomiting, applied to abdomen expel worms ! useful when emetics and vermifuges cannot be taken. Much care is required in using the ointment for psora, tinea, and the wine or tincture for disury. The use often attended with tremors, giddiness, fainting, &c. The seeds equally poisonous, a dangerous vermifuge. Green thick oil of leaves a violent poison, one drop can kill a dog I Two other active substances found in it, Tubacine and Nicotine. The N. qiiadrivalvis is the Noji- ehaw of Missouri tribes, used in decocticm with Watet oak as discutient of abscesses, local tumors; leaves applied ,warm for local inflammations ; poultice with bears grease used for cutaneous eruptions and swellings, also to dis- pel dropsy and expel worms; commonly pnxlucing nau- sea, vomiting, vertigo, prostration, &.c. Tobacco stems, bPUNTA. 247 leaves and snuff destroy all kinds of insects, moths, ca- terpillars, &c. NYSSA, L. Tupelo, Peperidge, Sourgum, Black- gum. Six sp. of trees eq. Wood white, very soft when fresh, very light, tough and compact when dry, much used for bowls, implements, wheels, tubs, troughs, &c. Fruits bitter and acid. iV. coccinea, Bartr. Ogeechre tree, Lime tree has a red acid fruit, size of a plumb, used like limes in the South. OCYMUM B ASILICUM, L. Sweet basil. Aromatic, stimulant, cardiac, used in cookery. Cult. pDOSTEMON, Raf. 1817. Mahonia, N. 1818. Moun- tain holly. Purple acid berries. Eq. to Berberis. OENOTHERA BffiNNIS, L. Sundrop, Primrose tree, Scabish. Young roots edible boiled or pickled. Leaves vulnerary bruised and applied to wounds. Flow- ers fragrant and phosphorescent at night. Schoepf says the O.molissima, L. (leaves linear lane, undul.) omitted by our authors, from N. Y. to Carolina in fields, is also vulnerary. The beautiful O.g-ranrfj/?ora is equally so, and perhaps all the sp. OLEA EUROPE A, L. Olive tree. Cult, in S. Green fruit lixiviated and salted for fjod, ripe fruit dryell. Olives are tonic and stomachic, produce the best sweet oil, so useful for food and light. Deemed a panacea in Africa and Greece for wounds, sores, cholics, tenesmus cough, rheumatism, hydrophobia and poison! Excellent for buins, lately found a prophylactic for the plaoue' ONOPIX SERICEA, Raf. Fl. lud. Eaten l?ke 'Cy. nara. ^ ONOPORDON, L. White Thistle. A sp. in Ohio. Edible like Cynara. OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGARE, L. Snakeleaf. Emo- lient, used for ulcers and sores. OPHIORHIZA MITREOLA, L. Pink Snakerooi Equiv. of Spigeha and JJristolochia for worms and snake bites. OPUNTIA, Tt. Dec. Prickly Pears. Many sp. all eq. blended under Cactus opuntia by our authors' dis tinguished by myself. O. Awmi/wsa, descr. 182o" and smce O. mesacantha, O. cespitosa, O. maritima, (Elliot Bp.) O. coccinea, &c. Fruits edible, small and acid in 248 ORONTIUM. our sp. but in O. coccinea size of a pear, of a livid pur- pie, juice scarlet, acid and cool like Pomegranate, very diuretic, tinges urine of a bloody color, yet very whole- some. Young leaves eaten by negroes like Hibiscus, split leaves good emollient topic for acute rheumatism, baked for chronic ulcers, gout and wounds. The juice and gum used for the gravel. ORCHIS, L. Salep, Twinroot. All the sp. with tu- berous twin roots become Salep by dessication, analep- tic and pectoral. 0. morio and mascula chiefly produce the Oriental Salep. All the fragrant sp. are stimulant and nervine, once deemed aphrodisiac. 0. fragrans, Raf. 1817, of N. Y. is such. O. orbiculata and macro- phylla, vulnerary leaves, called Healall. O. Jimbriata roots vermifuge, powder used, kills vv^orms by touching them, is similar to a fecula; smell like Cypripedium, taste like Ulmus fnlva. Many sp. now removed to Habenaria. ORIGANUM VULGARE, Linn. Wild Marjoram. Fragrant, pungent, acrid bitterish. Stomachic, corro- borant, detergent, stiu\ulant, menagogue, diaphoretic. Useful in tea for cough, asthma, chlorosis, oedema. Lo- tions and fumigations used in chronic rheumatism and palsy. Flowers and tops most grateful and efficient, they also dye purple. Dry leaves form a grateful tea. Fresh used for baths in uterine disorders. The distill- ed oil has all the properties, it is acrid and caustic, burns the skin, relieves toothache. 0. majorana, or Sweet Marjoram, is eq. but milder, very grateful, used in cookery, cult. ORNITHOGALUM L. Bethlehemstar. Root edible emollient. OROBANCHE AMERICANA, Linn. Broomrapc, Earthclub, Clapivort. Astringent, antiseptic and anti- syphilitic, deemed in the West a specific for gonorrhea and syphilis. ' Useful for obstinate ulcers, aphthose and herpetic sores, diarrhea and dysentery. ORONTIUM AQUATICUM, L. Tawkin. Useful plant of the Indians now neglected. Seeds eaten like pease, acrid when fresh, make good bread and soups by coctioii. Fresh roots acrid, but good and edible roasted or dried. Eq. of Arum? OSMUNDA. 249 ORYZA SATIVA, L. Rice. Cult, many Sp. and Var. little known yet : the O. inutica or Mountain Rice is cult, in the West. Excellent food, and even suitable to invalids, convalescent, and the phthisical. Boiled in soups, puddings, &c. Pilau or Serom is the Rice boiled dry, the chief food of Hindus, Chinese, Turks, &c. Made grateful by spices, oil, butter, meat, fowls, and fish, their substitute for bread. The Rice flour has 85 per cent of starch and 5 of water, no gluten nor sugar, thus makes bad heavy bread. In China, Saki or Beer, and Wine of Rice are made, starch being turned into a sugary substance by fermentation, and thus yielding al- cohol. ORYZOPSIS (Mx. bad name! or Dikpxjrum, Raf. 1807) angustifolict. American Rice, Eq. to Rice, seeds large white, eaten by Indians, good flour and cakes. OSMOSHIZA DULCIS, Raf. \m.{Myrrhis claytoni Mx?) Sweet Sisily. Root fusiform, with a sweet smell and taste, near aniseed, edible, carminative, expecto- rant, demulcent, useful for coughs with Malva, for flatu- lent bowels with Heracleiim, Eq. to Angelica. Child- ren are fond of tliis root, may be poisoned by mistaking for it, two sp. of the same Genus or Myrrhis And. called jPoi.9on and Bastard Sisily, distinguished by the root less aromatic, foliage the same, but in O. dulcis base of tlie folioles acute,"in myO. vilosa or M. longistylis obtuse, in O. cordata Raf. cordate. These last produce, when eat- en, effects very similar to those of the virulent Umbellate. The Yarhah of the Shoshonis is my Osm ? edulis (per- haps Oxypolis,) the roots are tuberose fasciculated, fu- siform nodose, white, smell like aniseed. Esculent,^ make fine meal and cakes. OSMUNDA, L. Rattlesnake Fern. Many Sp. nearly Eq. Roots demulcent, sub-astringent, corroborant, dis- cutient, esculent. 0. spectabilis gives a fine mucilage boiled in milk, like arrow root, useful in diarrhea, dysen- tery, cholera infantum, phthisis, &c. a topical discutient. O. cinnamomea Eq. of Tussilago vermifuge besides, used also in rachitis and ruptures. Eaten by Indians, deemed aphrodisiac, O. virginica deemed efficient fyr bites of Rattlesnakes. 250 PASSIFLORA. OXYPOLIS, Raf. G. formed by Sium rigidum, tri- ^uspidatum, denticulatum, teretifoliufn and Angelica tri- quinata, Mx. All poisonous or dangerous plants. Eq. to Sium. PANCRATIUM, L. Squilily. Fresh roots emetic like tulip and narcissus, eq. to squills, much weaker : diuretic given in decoction to horses for diarrhea. PANICUM, L. Panic grass. P. miliaceum or com- mon millet cult, fine fodder, round yellow seeds feed fowls, good flour, cakes, puddings. P. italicum cult, for birds. P. maximum or Guineagrass, perennial good hay of tropics, Florida. P. amarum is the Bitter- grass of Carolina. We have 55 native sp. all coarse grasses, P. glauciim and others called Catgrass, Barn- grass, bad weeds in fields. PAP AVER, L. Poppy. All the sp. produce opium. 'J*, rheas, now spont. mildest, flowers emollient, demul- cent, anodyne, pectoral, used in tea, also a fine red sy- rup : capsules mild eq. of Lactuea. The P. somnife- rum cult, for beauty, seeds, and opium : seeds afford 25 per cent of fine useful sweet oil, and much mucilage, not narcotic, eaten torrified for cakes. Unripe capsules give milk by excision, which is opium when inspissated. See medical books for properties of opium, too much used by physicians, being a dangerous stimulant, nar- <;otic, sedative, &c. in fact a rank poison : best mode to employ it in frictions. Two active elements of it the Morphine or sedative principle, and the Narcotine have lately been separated and the morphine used in minute doses without producing delirium or irritation, PARIETARIA, L. Pellitory, Four eq. sp. P. hetero- pliylla and P. rufa Raf. are new. Juice or decoction used as diuretic, deobstruent, menagogue, in gravel, nephritis, suppressions, obstructions. Contain Nitrate of potash. PARNASSIA, L. once deemed eq. of hepatica. PASSIFLORA, L. Passionflower. Fruits of all edi- ble acid, a syrup made used in fevers cooling. P. in- narnata called May apple, fruit yellow as large as an egg, pulp like jelly. Leaves used topically and juice given to dogs to cure the staggers or Epilepsy. PHYTOLACA 251 PASTINACA SATIVA, L. Parsmp. Root escu- lent, sweet, diuretic, flatulent, seeds aromatic used in agues. Root of wild parsnep acrid, emetic, producing sores bj handling. PEDICULARIS, L. Lousewort. P. Gladiata is one of the vulnerary plants called Healall. P. canaden- sis deemed by Indians to cure Rattlesnake bites. PELTANDRA, Raf. 1817. {Lecontea Ty. 1824) Five sp. blended in Arum sagitfolium. Taroho, Tuckah, iTampee of Indian tribes. Fresh roots and seeds acrid, pungent, stimulant, eq. to Arum ; but mild and edible T^^^r^^xrf^^'^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^s "sed like pepper. 1:'E0NIA, L. Peony. Cult, root and seeds nervine, used in palsy, convulsions, epilepsy. Contains starch, [at, raannite, gum, acids, tannin, salts, &c. PHALARIS, L. Canary seed, seeds food of birds, flour aperient, the best to glue cotton stuffs. PHASEOLUS, L. Beans. All esculent, flatulent, cosmetic, nephritic. Flour makes Purey soup. Some " PHvc?T TO ^^''^''^^ Indians. FHYhALlS, L. Ground cherry. All sp. eq. to ^olanurn vtrgmicum ; but berries acid bitterish, liked by chiJdren, good diuretic and sedative. PHYTOLACA DECANDRA, Poke, Pecan ofYiv- g\niK inhes, Coakum of northern tribes. Garget or AV- eon ber^us in N Engl. Chougras in Louisiana, Jt/calo m Jamaica, Cuec nliz in Mexico. Valuable active plant. Root emetic and cathartic without spasms, dose 10 to 30 grains of dry povvder, safe and powerful. Young shoots and leaves eaten like asparagus and spinage, alsoln cala- lous mei^ ly laxative. Old leaves aclid purgative. Stems and leaves contains more potash than any plant 67 per cent by burning, and 42 per cent of pure caustic potash by lixivation. Has a peculiar acid phytolacic near malic Fresh roots and leaves escharotic, discu- tient, specific in poultice for cancerous or maligkant ul cers, psora, t.nea capitis, &c. or extract as a plaster a wash of Rumex used at same time. Berries jui?e a te;a- tive,specific for chronic and syphilitic rheuinatism, fresh or kept by adding i alcohol, a tablespoon full each 4 hours The extract less certain, one lb. is made by 4lb. doses* 5 grams. Berries sweetish, nauseous, subacrid, eaten 252 PORTULACA. by birds and fowls, give bad taste to their flesh : furnish a purple evanescent stain and ink, and a fixed blue dye with urine for mordaunt. Leaves used by farriers for ulcers of horses, &c. PINUS, L. Pines. Valuable genus, many sp. all me- dical, affording tar, pitch, rosin, turpentine and oil of it, diuretic, depurative, equiv. to Mies, see medical works. Timber, boards, masts, &c. P. teda, pitch pine. P. lutea, yellow pine, P. strobus, white pine, mostly used. The Indian tribes use the bark in poultice for sores and piles, the boiled roots for drawing plaster, the decoction of buds as purgative, the cones in rheuma- tism, and tar dissolved in spirits as a wash to cure itch, tetters and wens. PISUM SATIVUM, Lin. Sweet peas. Equiv. of Phaseohis. PLANTAGO MAJOR, L. Great Plantain. Root good febrifuge, astringent, vulnerary, used for tabes, ulcers, sore eyes, fluxes, bloody urine, diarrhea, &c. lately for fevers. Leaves bruised good for slight wounds, spider bites, sores and tumors. Seeds vermifuge, anti- dysenteric. Cattle like it. Many sp. equiv. P. lanceo- lata a.\\dP.maritima cult, in Europe for cattle, but cows dislike the last, which makes good pickles. POPULUS, L. Poplar. All sp. useful. Wood white, soft, chip hats made with it, cotton of the seeds make paper and cloth. Bark used for tanning in Africa, mixt with bread in Siberia. Buds tonic, stimulant, sudorific, fragrant and balsamic, good ointment in rheumatism, gout, burns, sores, diseases of the skin, internally tor chronic catarrh and diseases of the kidneys. They hold 20 elements, oi\, populine, peculiar fat, albumen, resin, &.C. Inner bark used by Indians and empirics in tea or bitters for faintness, liepatic and nephritic diseases. Bark of P. balsamifera emetic and cathartic, ot P. tre- pida or Aspen, tonic, stomachic, febrifuge. ^ PORTULACA OLERACEA, L. Purslain. Escu- lent in salad or boiled. Diluent, cooling, corroborant, antiscorbutic, diuretic, vermifuge, subastringent, anti- syphilitic, &c. Very mild, used in gravel, strangury, scurvy, gononhea, ulcers of the mouth. Good food for PRUNUS. 253 children with worms. A cool salve made with it for sore lips and nipples. POTENTILLA, L. Cinquefoil. All the sp. mild astringent, tonic and vulnerary. P. reptans, P. cana- densis and P.fruticosa mostly used in weak bowels, he- morrhage, agues, menorhea, &c. P. anserina (Silver- weed) also antiseptic, used in gargles for loose teeth, spongy gums : by coction becomes edible. PRENANTHES, L. Gall of the Earth, Dewitt snake- root, Liangs foot. Many sp. Eq. Root and milk very bitter, used in dysentery and to cure snake bites in men and cattle in poultice. P. alba and serpentaria chiefly. P. opicrina, Raf. 1 0 feet high, eq. of Laetiica. PRINOS, L. Black Aider, Fever bush. Winter berry. 8 sp. Eq. P. verticillatus mostly used. Inner bark eme-- tic, cathartic, tonic, antiseptic. Used in agues, fevers, debility, anasarca, dropsy, incipient sphacelus, herpetic eruptions, gangrene, jaundice, foul ulcers, &c. in pow- der, decoction and tincture, awash or poultice. Berries purgative and vermifuge, mild eq. of bark, bitters made with them. Popular remedies. PRUNUS, L. Cherry trees and Plumb trees. Useful genus, we have nearly 40 wild sp. of which I have pre- pared a monography, only 25 described by authors. All our wild Plumbs esculent, some cult, by Indians, make good pies, preserves, &c. The best are 1. Pr. angustifo- lia, Cherokee Plumb, yellow, fine. 2. Pr. coccinea, Raf. Fl. lud. large, crimson, acid. 3. Pr. stenophylla, Raf. sweet and black. 4. Pr. umbellata, Elliot, acid. 5. Pr. versicolor, Raf. several colors. 6. Pr. aurantiaca, Raf. 7. Pr. chicasa. 8. Pr. hyemalis, &c. Few wild Cherries are esculent, but Pr. rotund folia, Raf. Pr. hirsutus,E. are good. Pr. virginiana, Pr. canadensis and Pr. sero- tina, are active medical, berries in racemes, called Black Cherries. The bark is bitter astringent, contains Prussic acid, tannin, gum and mucus. Tonic, febrifuge, sedative. Very useful in fevers, agues, hectic fever, dyspepsia, lumbar abscess, chronic asthma and hysteria, cardialgy, &c. Taken in powders, dose 10 to 40 grains in infusion, tincture, &c. heat drives off^the Prussic acid. Bark of the root stronger. Reduces pulse from 75 to 50. In large doses narcotic and vermifuge. Leaves 254 PYRUS. poison cattle, berries intoxicate birds, used for cherry bounce, baneful : kernels equal to bitter almonds. Com- mon cherries and plumbs cultiv. Prunes are laxative, cherries refrigerant. Pr. armeniaca or Apricot, fine fruit, the abuse produce fevers. Cerasine gum produced by all. PTELEA, Lin. Wingseed, Boispuant in Louisiana. 3 sp. Leaves vulnerary, vermifuge, in tea or poultice. PTERILIS, Raf. Pteris, L. Brake. Roots of all edi- ble, vermifuge, leaves fragrant, used in beer. PTEROCAULON, Elliot. Blackroot, i/zmVi of West- ern Indians. Root alterative, detergent, drastic, abor- tive. It may cause bloody stools, vertigo and dizziness even in small doses. Said to be used for phthisis by Florida tribes, but must be dangerous internally, also to cl63.n ulcers. PULMONARIA, L. Lungwort. 6 sp. Equiv. Root vulnerary, eq. of Symphytum. Leaves used in diseases of the lungs, influenza and hooping cough, with Marru- bium and Prunus : smoked by some Indians like to- bacco. PUNICA GRANATUM, L. Pomegranate. Cultiv. Fruit acid refrigerant, useful for fevers. Flowers tonic, astringent, anodyne, diuretic^ used in decoction, lotion, injection for chronic diarrhea, prolapsus, cephalgy, &c. Rind of fruit styptic, makes ink, used for tanning and dyeing brown and black. Inner bark of the root yellow, excellent vermifuge, specific for tenia, known to Plmius, since forgotten, lately restored. It is bitter astringent, dyes yellow, contains tannin, gallic acid, wax, mannite, &c. 2 ounces in 3 doses after castor oil and lemon syrup, expel the tenia or tapeworm. ^ PYCNANTHEMUM, Mx. Mountain mint, H ild Basil. Aromatic plants, mild eq. of Monarda. PYRUS MALUS, L. Apple tree. Cult. Aftords fine fruits, cider, apple butter, preserves, brandy, vinegar, hard wood. Apples refrigerant when ripe, very healthy boiled, roasted, then laxative: very baneful when unripe, cause diarrhea and cholera : abuse of apples and cider oives cholic and rheumatism. P. coronana (wild Crab) fragrant blossoms and fruits, austere, good preserves. P. fusea, Raf. (Oregon Crabapple) has brown acid pulpy fruits, wood veiy hard, used for wedges. P. communx» ■ QUERCUS. 255 or common Pear, cult, better and healthier fruit, Perry better than Cider, wood very useful, as hard as ebony. P. cydonia, Quince. Astringent fruit, sirup and pre- serves used for diarrhea, cholera, cholic, nausea. Eaten raw in Italy. Seeds fine mucilage, inviscant, demulcent, coagulate water. QUAMASIA ESCULENTA, Raf. 1817. Quamash, Bear grass, Wild Hyacinth. Wrongly united to Scilla and Phalangium, Kentucky to Oregon. Onion sweet, esculent, makes a fine bread tasting like Pumpkin bread. Used in poultice for inflamed breast. QUERCUS, L. Oak. Nearly 40 sp. All valuable and medical. Useful wood, bark, sap, galls and fruits called acorns. Fine timber used for staves, casks, fences, shin- gles, boards, houses, ships, &c. Acorns often esculent, taste of chesnuts. Q. edulis, Raf. and Q. prims sweet and good even raw, in Q. virons good roasted and alFord sweet oil, the bitter kinds become worse by roasting, but sweet by boiling, Indians make oil and bread of them. Sap of Q.prinos, &c. acid sweet, make a beer like Beech sap. Wood of Q virens and Q. laurifolia (Live Oak, Laurel Oak) as heavy as Guayac, cannot split, nails driven in cannot be taken off, hardens by age, strong, compact, durable, our best timber; the next furnished by Q. alba, obttisiloba, prinos, montana, &c. Bark used for tanning, chiefly Q. rubra, falcata, alba. Bark of Q. tinctoria is the Quercitron bark dying yellow, also Q. castanea and nigra. Q. alba and other sp. dye brown, contain much tannin, and 18 per cent, of a peculiar substance Quercine, insoluble but inflammable, the sul- phate of cjuercine soluble in acidule water. Febrifuge, astringent, antiseptic, weak eq. of Cinchona t'ov fevers, very useful in cynanche, ulcers, dysentery, gangrene, hemorrhage, sorethroat, wounds, prolapsus, tabes me- senterica, hernia, &c. Used in wash, bath, poultice, de- coction, &c. Cups and acorns equiv. used also in spas- modic cough, asthma, chronic hysteria, amenorhea, rheumatism. Dry emanations of oak bark useful in phthisis. Some Indians use Q. lyrata in dropsy and as an emetic. Oak galls still stronger, used to dye black make ink, powerful astringent ana styptic. ' 256 RHUS. QUINA.RIA, Raf. Creeper. 2 sp. Q. hederacea a.nd hirsuta blended with Hedera, Vitis and Ampelopsis. Beautiful vines. Leaves bitter, eq. of Hedera. RAPHANUS SATIVUS,L. Jladish. Cult and wild. Root attenuant, diuretic, stimulant, carminative, eruc- tive. Useful in convulsive asthma, rancedo, ischuria. RHAMNUS CATHARTICUS, L. Buckthorn. Na- tive. Berries used to make sap green. Drastic hydra- gogue, nauseous bitter. Used in dropsy, rheumatism and gout, cause griping nausea and thirst. Dose 20 fresh berries, the sirup is the best preparation. RHEUM, L. Rhubarb. Cult. Root popular stomachic and laxative chewed fresh, purgative when dry. We have not the true Chinese ip. or ^modi of Thibet, R. australe. R. undulatum mostly cult, also tonic astrin- gent. Leaves edible, laxative, tf\. to Rumex. RHIZOPHORA, L. Mangrove. In Florida. Bark astringent styptic, tans like oak bark, a bath of it useful for petechial fevers. Eq. of Quercus. RHODODENDRUM, L. Mountain Laurel, Rosebay. 8 sp. Eq. of Kalmia. Bark and leaves astringent. Bige- low denies their narcotic quality. Contains tannin and resin. Bark used as stimulant, it increases the heat of the body, excites thirst, increases secretions ^ind excre- tions. Used in rheumatism and gout, by our Indians for ulcers and sour stomach ; they mix the ashes with to- bacco. Leaves poison cattle. Blossoms viscose, when dry errhine, yield resin and sugar. RHUS, L. Shimiac. All the sp. medical, two series of them. 1. Harmless. 2. Poisonous. 1 Series, R. gla- brum, typhimim and copallinum eq. Roots antisyphi- litic, used by Indians, dye wool redish. Leaves have much tannin, make the Morocco leather, dye wool and silk black, good astringent for all fluxes. Bark and ber- ries make ink. Fresh roots used for rheumatism, spiri- tuous infusion rubbed with flannel. Gum similar to co- pal, cures tooth ache put in hollow teeth. Indian flutes made of the stems. Berries used in dysentcy, rheu- matism, dysuria, sorethroat, putrid fevers, hemorrhage, eangrene, &c. they have an agreeable acid taste, make a cooling drink infused in water. Efliorescence on them used as salt and vinegar : it is malic acid, feeeds in mciNus. ^57 powder used for piles and wounds. The juice removes warts and tetters, is the fine red mordaunt of Indian djes. Seeds aftbrd oil for lamps. Sucacomi article of trade in Canada, made bj drying the berries in ovens after bread, fine substitute of tobacco, those who use it loath tobacco ! Kinikah of western tribes is root and leaves, half mixt with their tobacco, used also for dropsy. Galls of Shumacs lately found equal to Aleppo galfs. Second series, R. vernix, pumilum, radicans and toxi- cum, called Poison wood or vines, are poisonous even by handling, or exposure to the efiluvia in some persons, causing a distressing cutaneous disease or eresypela : remedy rest, evacuations and parsley poultice, ice and lead._ Acrid milky juice, becomes black in the air, forms indelible ink, inspissated becomes fine black resin and varnish, with cinnabar red varnish of Japan. Root used in chronic asthma, anasarca, phthisis, obstinate herpetic eruptions. Extract of leaves chiefly used, a specific in palsy, doses a grain, also for hemiplegia and rheuma- tism. Contain tannin, gallic acid, green fecula, toxine resin, &c. poisonous gas is carbonated hydrogen. R. colinus is cultiv. Feather tree, wood dyes fine orange, leaves tan well. RIBES, L. Gooseberries and Currants. Nearly 30 8p. wdd. R. nigrum on Kennebec river. Roots in in- fusion, bark in gargles used for eruptive fevers, dysen- tery of cattle, fruits and jelly for sorethroat. Anodyne, diuretic, pellent, depurative, used in angina, exanthems, dysentery, hydrophobia, scabs and ictus. A fine cordial made of black currants. R. rigens smells like Ictodes. R. rubrum, fruit very cooling, useful in bilious and high fevers, jelly very grateful. Wine made with currants and gooseberries. Many edible sp. in Alleghany and Oregon mountains, deserving cultivation. RICINUS COMMVmS,L.Pal7nacristi,Castor, Cult wdd. Leaves revulsive emollient, cure swelled breast, and dispel the milk of nurses at weaning by mere application Seeds drastic, vermifuge. Castor od mild purgative useful in ihac and painters' cholic, nephritis, worms' constipation, &c. It is pale, thick, viscid like hemp oil' sweet when fresh, acrid when old. Seeds give 66 per cent, of oil, an acre produces 100 to 150 gallons, may be T 2 268 RUBUS. used for lamps, quite soluble in alcohol. Dose 1 or 2 ounces in lemon syrup, emulsion, broth, coffee, choco- late, &c. ROBINIA ACACIA, L. Black Locust. Very use- ful tree, fine timber, leaves greedily eaten by cattle. Inner bark sweetish like liquorice, emetic, cathartic and pectoral, according to doses, root best ; much used by Indians and negroes. Blossoms fragrant laxative, liked by bees. Seeds oily. Wood used for posts, rafts, bows, ships^ &c. Ehowah of Western tribes. ROSA, L. Roses. Beautiful G. queen of flowers, we have 30 wild sp. and many cult. Roots, galls, buds and fruits of all astringent, sweetish, corroborant, used in dysentery and diarrhea ; contains tannin, sugar, my- ricine, resin, fat oil, volatile oil, acids, salts. Blossoms of red roses similar, styptic, have gallic acid, fine con- serves ; while pale or white roses, R. damascena chiefly are laxative, a fine syrup used for children. Rose water fine perfume, useful for sore eyes. Oil of Roses or Otto delightful perfume, stimulant, the best made from R. moschata. Fruits edible, but give the cholic, preserves made. R. macrocarpa, Raf. size of pigeon egg, very good. Leaves make a good palatable tea, chiefly the Eglantine Roses with fragrant leaves. Petals of R. gallica, smell increased by dr_^ing. RUBIA, L. Madder, 2 native sp. R. tinctoria cult, all eq. Roots fine red dye, principally Rubine and Ali- zarine. Dyes bones, milk and urine of animals fed on it. Menagogue and deobstruent, used for suppressions, jaundice, diseases of bones, rachitis and atrophy of children, doses 2(Ito 30 grains. RUBUS, L. mamble. Nearly 30 wild sp. R. ideus, cesius, strigosus, Occident alis, deliciosus, odoratus, &c. are our delightful Raspberries. Those with black fruits called Blackberries, such asi?. villosus. The creeping kinds are Dewberries. Tlie Cloudberry is R. chame- morus. Roots of all more or less astringent, subtonic, much used in cholera infantum, hematemesis, chronic dysentery, diarrhea, &c. The Cherokis chew them for cough ; a cold poultice useful in piles : used with Lobelia in gonorhea. Fruits of all cooling, mild as- tringent, antiseptic, analeptic, diluent, cordial, &c. SALICORNIA. 259 Ripe fruits, preserves, jam, jelly or syrup grateful and beneficial in diarhea, gravel, hemoptysis, phthisis, sore- throat, putrid and malignant fevers, scurvy. Black- berries dye purple, are more astringent and acid. Raspberries afford delicious distilled water, beer, mead and wine. Said to dissolve tai'tar of teeth. Twigs dye silk and wool. RUMEX, L. Dock. 25 sp. mostly eq. R. brifanica, sanguineus and aqiiaticus, chiefly used. Roots astrin- gent, deobstruent,^tonic, diaphoretic: useful in scurvy, cutaneous eruptions, syphilis, ulcers of the mouth, foul ulcers, itch, cancerous tumours, &c. in decoction, wine, lotion. They dye yellow. Contain sulphur, starch, oxalate of lime, &c. Syrup with Prwnws or Diospyros used for dysentery. Leaves edible equal to spinage. E. patientia, obiusus, acutics and crispus, similar, but root less astringent, laxative or purgative, diuretic, seeds used in dysentery. E. acelosa or sorrel is cult, fine acid vegetable, laxative, refrigerant and antiscorbutic. E. acetosella or sheep sorrel, similar but subastringent. SABAL, Ad. Sand palm, Latanier, 7 sp. eq.of f/m- merops for mats, hats, baskets, thatch, fans. Fruits bad, in S. adansoni black and sweet. SACCHARUM, L. Sugar Cane. Sugar is made with S. officinarum^ the taller and hardier Tahiti cane gives most, 'S'. sinensis Chinese sugar, S. violaceum Java sugar, the worst kind, but gives most rum. Sugar is edulcorant, relaxant, pectoral, vulnerary. Affording molasses, rum, candy, syrups, cordials, &c. Used as food, condiment, and preservative. SAGITTARIA, L. Arrowleaf, Katnip of Lenaps, Wapatu of Oregon tribes, 12 sp. eq. valuable esculent roots of Indicus, (cult, in China and Japan) trade with it, make bread, soups, dishes, &c. Refrigerant, sub- astringent^ useful applied to feet for yaws and dropsi- cal lees; leaves applied to breast dispel milk of nurses like Jkicinus. SALICORNIA, L. Kelpwort, Samphire. All sp. furnish Kelp by burning. Edible, fine pickle, liked by sheep: med. eq. of Fucus. Antiscorbutic, give appe- tite, used as deobstruent in abscesses, seel otyrbe, hyper- 260 SAMBUCUS. sarcosis, scrofula, goitres, tumors and swellings. Con-^ tains Soda and Iodine. SALIX, L. Willow. Valuable prolific genus, 45 native sp. Twigs used for baskets, wood soft white for chip hats. Bark of all bitter astringent, febrifuge and antiseptic. Eq. of Cinchona in many cases, contains tannin, gluten and salicine similar to Quinine, 3 doses of 6 grains of Salicine have cured agues, S. alba, latifolia, fragillis, helix^ caprea, &c. chiefly used in Europe. Schoepf mentions the yellow and swamp willows used with us, roots and bark in bitters. Dose of powders ^ to 1 ounce. Rose Willow much used by empirics for fluoralbus, menorhea, cutaneous eruptions and agues, in tea. The seed wool of some sp. may be spun. SALSOLA, L. Barilla. All the sp. produce Barilla or crude Soda: cult, in Spain and Sicily for it. Stimu- lant, antacid, diuretic, &c. SALVIA, L. Sage. Several sp. S. lyrata, daytotii, mexicaria, ^c. called Cancerweed, fresh leaves used to dispel warts, tumors, said to have cured Cancers. S. officinalis cult, grateful subtonic, nervine, uterine, sto- machic, useful in languor, convalescence, aphthas, soft gums, to dispel milk, &c. Sagetea chiefly used, leaves also in cookery. SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS, L. Black Elder. Root and inner bark acrid purgative, berries laxative, baneful to birds and fowls : acid, aiFord Wine, Alcohol and Oil. Shade deemed baneful, leaves being subnarcotic, said to cure the rot of sheep, laxative, nauseous, a cooling oint- ment made with them, poison for insects and mice. Bark dyes black, boiled and applied to cheeks cure toothache, in small doses diuretic deobstruent, useful in obstinate glandular obstruction and dropsies. Rob of berries aperient, diuretic and diaphoretic, used for coughs and costiveness. Young leaf buds drastic and unsafe. But Elder flowers anodyne, pectoral, sudorific, pellent, emollient, useful in erysipelas, fevers, rheum- atism, gout, exanthems, &c. in decoction, lotion, cata- plasms. Also, in pleurisy, chronic cough, eruptions and bruises. They give a fine flavor to vinegar and wine. SCHUBERTIA. 261 S. pubens and ebuloides, Raf. or Mountain Red Elder Dwarf Elder, are eq. ' SAMOLUS VALERANDI, L. Bitterish, edible in salad or boiled. Eq. of Veronica becabunga. SANICULA MARILANDICA, L. Scmicle. Sub- tohic, astringent, antisjphilitic. Useful for leucorrhea, gonorrhea and syphilis, hemorhagy, dysentery, &c: whole plant used in decoction, also vulnerary and bal- samic, root for tumors and wounds of horses. SAPINDUS FALCATUS, Raf. Soaptree. S. sapo- naria of Schoepfand Elliott, but different from tropical sp. Nuts saponaceous, viscose, sweetish, bitterish acrid; used as a soap but spoils linen, also in chlorosis and leucorrhea. SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS, L. Soapwort. Spont. active. Contain Saponine 17, Gum '16, Resin 12, extract 12 per cent. Tonic, diaphoretic, hepatic, &c. Useful in jaundice, obstruction, gout, rheumatism, syphilis, her- petic diseases, liver complaints, cachexy, leucorrhea, &c. in decoction. Eq. to Smilax in syphilis. Deemed diuretic^ menagogue, and vermifuge formerly. Taste bitterish, spumescent with water, used like soap in Eu- rope. Lately used in scrofulous and venereal ulcers. Dose 2 ounces, boiled and taken in one day by degrees.. S. villosa, Raf. Fl. lud. and S. visearia are eq. SAROTHRA GENTIANOIDES, L. Groundbroom, groundpine. Vulnerary traumatic : used in contusions, bruises and sprains, united to Cunila and Conium, boil- ed and applied. SAURURUS CERNUUS, L. Lizard tail Roots emollient, discutient, used in poultice roasted and mashed by Cherokis, useful in Lumbago, pains in the breast, sore nips. Leaves and blossoms peculiar grate- ful smell, promise to be useful in other diseases. SAXIFRAGA, L. Several sp. Eq. to S. granulata, bitterish astringent, roots used for gravel in decoction. S, Pensylvanica appears active. SCHUBERTIA DISTICH A, Mirbel, {Cujwessus, L.) Cypress. From Delaware and Kentucky to Mex- ico. Wonderful tree, reaching 150 feet and 40 feet cir- cuit in 100 years. Wood soft but excellent and durable, used for boats, boards, shingles, &c. 2 var. white and 262 SESAMUM. black, known by bark only. Nuts balsamic fragrant, their resin makes a fine orange varnish j diuretic, carminative, pellent in decoction. SCLEROTIUM CLAVUS, Dec. or Sphacelia sege- tum of others. The ergot of rye, parasitic fungus. Poi- sonous, causing dreadful dry gangrene when mixt with rye bi-ead. Contains rocella or violet color, fulvous chrome, sweet oil, ammoniac, ferment and phosphoric acid. Specific as uterine parturient to help parturition, in doses of 5 to 10 grains. Dangerous abortive for wo- men and cows. SCORZONERA HISPANICA, L. Cult, healthy es- culent root, mild sudorific, menagogue, &c. SCROPHULARIA, L. Figwort, Holmesweed, Heal- all. 4 native sp. S. marilandica, lanceolata, S. hastata Raf. Fl. lud. and sylvatica, Raf. All eq. to S. nodosa, aquatica and canina of Europe. Bad rank smell, like Elder, bitter acrid. Vulnerary, resolutive, antiscrofu- lous in decoction, poultice and steam bath. Much used in N. Jersey, N. Y. and New England ; often united to Cistus and tonics. Deemed good for all kind of sores in men and cattle, cures the scab of dogs and swine. SECALE CERE ALE, L. Hye. Cult. Flour resolvent, contains starch 60, gluten 10, mucilage 11, sugar 3, albu- men 3 per cent. Good sweet heavy bread. SELINON CANADENSE, Linn, or Cnidium do. Deemed eq. of S. palustre lately found atonic, useful in epilepsy in doses 10 to 20 grains, in convulsions of chil- dren, dose 2 gr. In larger doses poisonous. SENECIO, Lin. Groundsel, Fireweed. Vulnerary, acrid tonic, astringent, useful in hemorrhage, wounds, headache, inflammations, salt rheum, herpes, diseases of skin, chiefly externally. S. hieracifolius and vulgaris chiefly used. Emetic in large doses. Smell strong, stems of var. gigantea, 8 feet high, thick grooved, juicy, sweet, edible. Birds like the leaves. SESAMUM, L. Benny, Zezehan; Fa^g-Ze in Jamai- ca. Semsem of Arabs. Jugotme of French. Giiigiolena of Italy. Cult, in Asia 2500 years ago for oil, yet from Spain and Guinea to China. Oil of seeds preferred to Olive oil by Arabs, said to make women fat! skin soft, clean hair. Brought by negroes to Southern States, SINAPIS. ^63 Seeds eaten with Maize, make good cakes with honey, put in bread to flavor it. Emulsion pectoral. Horses, cattle and fowls grow fat on them. Leaves fine emol- lient, thicken water like Sassafrine, very good for diar-* rhea and dysentery as common drink. Seeds give 90 per cent, of oil ! mild, sweet, keeps many years, fit for food and lamps, laxative like Castor oil, equivalent and better, not nauseous. SICYOS ANGULATA, L. Bryony, Wild Cucumber. Root and seeds bitter, purgative, diuretic, eq. of Bryony in dropsies, Canada to Mexico. ^ SIDA, L. Softy. Eq. of Malva. S. spinosa and rhom- bifolia, used as tea in the vy^est, leaves roasted first, good, palatable and diuretic. SIDEROXYLON, Lin. Ironwood, Turlbay. Very hard wood, berries sweetish astringent, useful in diar- rhea. SILENE, L. Wild Pink. Several sp. have a vermi- fuge deleterious root, such as S. virginica, pennsylvani- ca, caroliniana. Eq. Spigelia? SILPHIUM, L. Turpentine Sunflower. Several sp. S. gummifer, terebinthaceum, undulatum, Raf. reni- forme, Raf. produce by exudation and incision a fine fragrant and bitterish gum like Frankincense, white or amber color, chewed by Indians to sweeten breath and clean teeth. SINAPIS, L. Mustard. Cult, and wild, 2 sp. S. ni- gra and alba eq. Leaves acrid antiscorbutic. Seeds very active, contain fixed oil, acrid oil, sulphur, &c. Oil by expression similar to rape oil, good for lamps j in India S.ramosa and dichotomo cn\t. for this oil. By dis- tillation the acrid oil is evolved, it is the active principle. Flour of mustard much used as condiment, but the abuse produces dyspepsia, atrophy and palsy ! Itiserrhine, ru- befacient, in topical use ; applied to the feet, forms Sina- msnes very useful revulsions in fevers. Otherwise stimu- lant, diuretic, antiscorbutic, useful in chronic diseases of languor, dropsies, palsies, giddiness, pains in the head, cachexy, lethargy, tinea, scurvy, &c. Externally in chronic rheumatism, palsy, nervous diseases. For- merly and lately again praised as a panacea in asthma, gravel, chlorosis, dropsy, dyspepsia, &c.! the milder S. 264 SMIL AX. alba or white Mustard seeds chiefly used whole in large doses, proved by Gassicourt to be merely laxative, near- ly inert. Nay, larger doses still or infusion are emetic by irritating the stomach : may cause convulsions in children when mixt with bread. Decoction in small doses aperient and diuretic. SISYRINCHIUM, Lin. Lily grass, Scurvy grass. Eaten by horses and cattle. Root yellow acrid, decoc- tion purgative, said by empirics to be antidote of subli- mate! and used as eq. of Cochlearia ! SIUM, L. Water Parsnep. Several wild sp. Equiv. S. nodijlorum, deleterious plant, yet deemed diuretic, menagogue, herpetic, lithontriptic, cures obstinate cuta- neous diseases, 6 spoons full of juice in a day said not to hurt the head, stomach, nor bowels. Doubtful to me. -S*. latifolium certainly poisonous. 'S'. rugosum, Raf. called Muskrat weed, because Muskrats feed on it, and Indians bait the traps with it. Roots tuberose, |)oisonous to men, but boiled useful for tumors and bruises. S. sisarum or Skiret, cult, in Europe, rare with us, roots sweet, esculent, astringent, vulnerary, useful in hemop- tysis and internal hemorrhage. SMILAX, L. Sarsaparilla. Valuable prolific genus, we have 25 sp. divided by me in 3 G. Nemexia, ( S. her- bacea and pedunculata) and Parillax with monosp. ber- ries, {S. pumila laurifolia). All . more or less eq. Sm. sarsaparilla best known; Sm. pseudo china largest roots, extend 100 feet in damp soils formin| clusters. Much used by southern Indians for food in meal, cakes, frit- ters, jelly, mush, &c. The fecula is a red brown flour. Good beer made with Sassafras and molasses, purifies the blood. Shoots eaten like asparagus. S. caduca, laurifolia, tamnoides, &c. equally used. S. ovata and fragrans, Raf. have fragrant blossoms, give aroma to Wine liquors like -S*. aspera of Europe. Berries of many dye blue and black. Roots fine alterative, depu- rative, sudorific and diuretic, in decoction, syrup. Much used in cachexy, syphilis, gout, mercurial dis- ease ! scrofula, rheumatism, cutaneous eruptions, &c. Properties reside in the bark, containing Pan//J"e, tecu- la, mucus, albumen. The centre is pure fecula, inert, esculent. SPONGIA. 265 SOLIDAGO ODORA, Ait. Sweet Goldenrod. Pro- lific genus, we have nearly 70 sp. This easily known by its sweet scent near to aniseed. Essential oil of it has same scent, much used for head ache, in frictions. Whole plant aromatic stimulant, diaphoretic, carmina- tive, useful in flatulence, nausea, spasms of the stomach, chiefly used as a grateful tea. Leaves prepared like tea, have been sent to China, much used in some parts of our country, used in fevers by Cherokis. Some other sp. also medical, but more astringent, aperient, corroborant, useful in gravel, ulceration of the bladder, fevers, dropsy, cachexy, lax bowels, S,virgaurea (wild) and the subodorous sp. chiefly used. A species said by Schoepf to be used for wounds and bites of rattlesnakes in decoction, also in tumors, angina, pains in the breast and viscid tumors. SONCHUS, L. Mild eq. of Lactuca. Many sp. S. oleraceous edible, milk dispels warts. SORBUS, L. Mountain ash, Service tree. 3 sp. eq. Bark smells and tastes like cherry bark, equal to it, more astringent, fine tonic, antiseptic, contains Prussic acid, used m fevers and other diseases, like Cinchona. Fruits very austere, never ripen, become mellow and edible when rotten; yield malic acid, make a very strong cider, and furnish alcohol. S.pumilus, Raf. 6f Oregon mountains, has large edible fruits, eaten and dried by the Shoshonis. SORGHUM, Lin. Broom corn, Indian millet, 2 sp. cultivated. S. sacharatum, yields sugar, much used for brooms. ^S-. vulgare, seeds afford flour, cakes, coffee and chocolate. SPINACIA, L. Spinage. 2 sp. cult. S. oleracea and spmosa, esculent, diluent, laxative, eccoprotic. SPIRE A, L. Add, Sp. salicifolia used as an agreea- ble subtonic and subastringent tea near Albany, &c My. Sp. corymbosa also in Virginia. SPONGIA, L. Spunge. Prolific tribe, 250 sp. Not animals, but sea plants, having no motion whatever ' All eq. o^Fucus. Very useful in surgery, wounds, ul- cers, &c. Best poison for rats, cut small. Burnt sponee specific for bronchocele. Contain iodine and osmazome. Z 266 TAMARINDUS. STEREIMIS, Raf. 3 sp. blended with Illecebrumf Gomphrena and Jichyranlhes by authors. St. repenSj ficoideum and vermicularie. Diuretic, subastringent, useful in ischury and disury. STILLINGIA SYLVATICA, L. Yawroot, Marco- ry, CocJmp hat. Queens delight. Large woody root, pur- Kative, alterative, antisyphilitic. Very active, specific in yaws, sores, ulcers, chiefly syphilitic and all venereal diseases, also lepra and elephantiasis. Ingredient of Swaim's panacea. „ 71^,, STYRANDRA, Raf. Harewost, Adders' tongue, Ma- tasbuck of Algic tribes. Root diuretic, eq. of Sigillana. STY RAX, L. Spring Orange. Blossoms fragrant like orange, balsamic, aphrodisiac. Bark vulnerary, deer cure their wouuds by rubbing against the tree. SURIANA MARITIMA, L. Florida, Bahama. Bark mucilaginous, used for sore lips. SWIETENIA MAHOGANI, L. Mahogany tree. In South Florida. Wood very useful and beautiful. Bark bitter astringent, tonic, febrifuge, used lu levers : shavings of wood in diarrhea. ^ SYMPHORIA, J. Baccoon berry, Blueivood. ^ sp. Eq. S. racemosa, glomerata (Snowberry) ^i^A debihs, Rif. Root tonic astringent, used for agues in \irginia. Bark of it for syphilis by Western tnbes. Active febn- ^"^t'anTcETUm' VULGARE,L. Tansey Cult, now snont. Bitter nidorose, peculiar strong smell, eq. ot .^n- C when fresh, sudorific, ^^^''^l^Tni'c Z mifuge, carminative, deobstruen , a balsamic tonic sto machic. Tansey tea much used in f^^^'^Jg^^^V^^; rhexv hysterics, dropsy, strangury, &c. deemed >ery eS'nt in gout, it strengthens the stomach and kidneys. taSeti^^id p^^^ besides tannin, gallic acid, pecu^ ^^^^^ jS^L^^'XvSy^g^^lK^ '"-rATlRrNDUnNDICA, Lin. Tamarind. Fine shadtfre^ef c^lt^'as far as lat. S8. Pulp of the pods fin. THEAPHYLLA. 267 acid, refrigerant, laxative, quenches thirst, useful in fe- vers, constipation, gout. A kind of beverage made with it, very grateful in summer heat. Contains sugar, citric acid, gum, water, salts, &c. TAXUS, L. Yew^ Chinwood. 2 sp. T. canadensis and baceata. Wood red, hard, useful. Leaves baneful to cattle and sheep. Berries edible, contain sugar, gum, malic and phosphoric acids, a red fat ; but seeds acrid, pernicious, oily, the oil of it used for lamps in Japan. . TECOMA, J. Bignonia sp. Linn. Trumpet flower, Crossvine. 3 sp. of beautiful vines or creepers. Leaves sweetish acrid, depurative, mild eq. of SHUingia, used with it for yaws, and to clean the blood as a tea. TEPHROSIA, Pers. Galega sp . lAn. Turkey pea, Catgut, DeviVs shoestrings, Suckeliihaw of Osages. 4 sp. T. virginica most common, ornamental, bad weed in fields, roots matted very tough, powerful vermifuge in decoction. Seeds food of turkeys. TEUCRIUM, L. Germander. Prolific genus, but few American, T. chamepytis in Virginia, Schoepf. All more or less aromatic bitter, stimulant tonic, pellent, menagogue, useful in agues, chlorosis, gout, rheumatism, hematuria, &c. T. canadense has a suballiacous smell. THALICTRUM, L. Meadowrue. Root of some sp. deemed useful for snake bites in Canada, leaves put sometimes in spruce beer, perhaps Th. purpurascens. THALESIA UNIFLORA, Raf. 1814. Orobanche do. L. Squaw drops, Cancer drops. Eq. of Leptamnium, often used promiscuously, root astringent antiseptic, useful in cancers, gangrene, fluor albus, &c. THASPIUM, N. (Thapsia sp. L.) Roundheart. Vul- nerary, antisyphilitic, sudorific, antidote of rattle snakes. Til. trifoliatum chiefly used. THEAPHYLLA, Raf. {Thea, L.) Tea Shrub. Cult, might be in fields in the South, 40 kinds in China, some delicious fragrant, only the worst imported and lose much by age. Contain Theine, tannin, gum, gluten, volatile oil, &c. Mild sudorific and diuretic, baneful to nervous persons, useful in indigestion and to help di- gestion of the usual bad and gross food of Chinese and ours. The Chinese ascribe to it many uses in diseases 268 TOXYION. of the head, bladder, breast, stomach, &c. they say it removes obstructions, quenches thirst, revives heart, pu- rifies brain ! prevents drowsiness and lethargy, clears the sight, dispels wind. &c. Boiled in vinegar used in diarrhea and tenesmus. The seeds furnish good lamp oil, seeds and oil useful for colds and asthma. The abuse of strong tea may cause tremors, palsy, epilepsy, apoplexy, mama, &c. THUYA OCCIDENTALIS, Jlrbor Vita, White Ce- dar. Fine tree, only 36 feet high and 14 inches diameter when 150 years old. Ointment of fresh leaves with bear's fat, excellent for rheumatism, decoction useful in coughs, fevers, cacoehyma, scurvy, gout, &c. Distilled water for dropsy ; poultice of the cones and Polypodium^ in powder with milk remove the worst rheumatic pains. THYMUS SERPYLLUM, Linn. Ground Thyme. Spontaneous. Pennsylvania. Fine fragrant condiment and stimulant. TLA.RELLA CORDIFOLIA, L. Paassmung of Al- gic tribes, root mucilaginous pectoral. TILIA, L. Linden, JBasswood, Wliitewood, Spoon- wood, Sucumug or Sugumuch of Mohegans, Sucuy or Wuckopy of Algic tribes. Beautiful and useful trees, we have 5 sp. with T. stenopetala, Raf. Fl. lud. All eq. Wood very white and soft, used for canoes, models, spoons, turning, &c. when dry it swims like cork, makes fine light charcoal for gunpowder. Bark used by Indians for ropes, thread, cloth and tinder, also make of it a hard paste to pitch canoes. Blossoms fragrant, cephalic, sudorific, antispasmodic, useful in tea for head ache, epilepsy, spasmodic cough, &c. They contain a peculiar substance Tiline, soluble in water only and yellow brown, gum, tannin, salts, &c. Leaves and bark emollient, flax and paper has been made with bark. Seeds can make a kind of chocolate. TOXYLON AURANTIACUM, Raf. 18ir. {Madu- rea N 1818) Jlyac, Slinking loood. Bow tvood, lellow wood. Lately supposed the Morus tindoria by some, which has fruits yellowish, edible, size and shape ot mulberries! while' Tox^/Zon has fruits of size and shape of oranges, not edible! In Arkansas and Texas, wooU v. TRITICUM. £69 %es yellow, best bows made of it, hard and elastic. '^p A ^'i^^nfxT'^r^^^ cuttings. mlfl^^^^^^Yr^h- ^P^'^'' flower. 12 sp. orna- TR A r n^^^^;^5 t^^^ S'^^'^s Cherokis. TRAGOPOGON, Lin. Oyster root. Fine vegetable '"tr'^m^H^; Root tastin. like oysters. ^ ' on J? f^V^'^'^- ^r^'^'^^y- Many sp. that growing TRIADENUM PURPURASCENS, Raf.lSOr. Hy- pencum vzrgzmcnm, L. Schoepf. Tincture of flowers used in chohcs, against vomiting, &c TRICIiODIUM, Mx. ^ai^^l;.,. Smooth and TRIFOLIUM, L C/ot;er. Valuable fodder, flowers fragrant give much honey to bees. White cWV or TV blossor^ once usi in gout, suKringent We cdtULt or Buffaloe clfve!- wo^h TRIOSTEUM PERFOLTATUMorMATTm T" Fever root Tinker weed, ^o./e I'S Cope, mute Gmseng, Sincky of Indians. ^ Root Tur gative, emetic, diuretic, tonic, &c. taste bitter and n^au seous 5lbs. give 2lb. of extract, yields no les n nor o^" A mild purge eq. of jalap in doses of 20 to 30 Train; imrafr d^bytr^'^se^r ^^-s eSc! LeLs di&^.cr:S",£?- t^^i^ TRITICUM, L. V 1 1 1 manysp. cult. Affordingttraw lap"' Ltf fl , n^^^^' shorts, semola, vermiceffi LZl, ' ' If, ' '^'"a"' ridge, pastry,' cakes ^^7 ?' "''f P^^- toasts, LupsV&Tc 7^, .1/^' ^^■^^^e'-s, biscuit, starch, monoc'oc J affords b^sffu'era"!^^ ^'"1 'j^'''^^- amyleum the best wMfl S™^^^"^ f g»"d beer. TV. in driest or swampV fs wLT^ ^''""l ^"^ ^^ere to 24 per cent, whence makJTS ^ '?"^'i,§'"ten, 12 good /or weak stomach ?he innfl • ^'^ ^^^^^ debility. Burnt bTead be ? rh!" ? . \^ ^'^^''^ Roots of Tr. ^e.e4^'s^;'reTor^ z 2 270 TYPHA. aperient, diuretic, vermifuge, decoction in obslructions. TV. durum or flinty wheat, makes best Semohi or coarse meal, and this the best vermicelli and other Italian figured gruels and nudles, very healthy as diet for inva- lids, convalescents. . TROPEOLUM MAJUS, Lin. Nasturtium, Indian, cress. Leaves and flowers eaten in sallad and soups, Bubacrid, diuretic, antiscorbutic. TUBER, L. Tniffle, Tuckaho. Subterranean Fungus, the most delicious of all food. We have several native &p. not yet distinguished nor described. Bosc mentions one from Carolina, of fine taste, excellent to eat, but in- odorous. European very odorous, contains albumen, ammoniac, phosphate of lime, arome. Very nourishing, aphrodisiac. Many dishes and a syrup made with tliem. Eaten greedily and destroyed by hogs, dogs, foxes and ^'tUCAHUS, Raf. or Gemmularia. Tuckahoe, Tucka- hoo of Indian tribes. Very different genus from ruber and from Uperhiza of Bosc, although same natiye name, nay all esculent roots called Tuckaho, snch as Apzos^nd pitatos. Also subterranean fungus, Tuber has interna veins, Tuckahus a solid white mass, with wrinkles and gemules outside. Several sp. I have seen 3. J . rw %osus, leviusculus and albidus. Parasite on the roots of Oaks and Hickories when young, detached wlien old T. ru!^osus reach 40lb. weight. Fungose when fresh, liard brittle like starch when dry, tasteless, ^nodoious Psculent eaten by Indians in many ways ; asserted by Dr Mac'brrde to be altogether modifled gluten, without ''TUUptt'k/^p. Cult. TsuaveoIensi.fr.^r.uU Fresh roots Lnetic. A native sp. T rrwntano Ra TYPHA, L. Cat tail. Reed mace. 4 sp. T. tatiJoLia^ angl!t^ot,crassa, Raf. and ^/«'f vf-fn^e escuS* All eq. useful. Roots subastrmgent febri ige, escu en^ yield one tenth of a tine fecula similar to sa ep, eate^ ^y Indians of Oregon, useful in f^'^^'IJ' leneqiS coopers and to make ^-f'^f'^''''''l'Zs^^^^^ 5urs ULVA. 271 and lime make a cement as hard as marble. Seeds kill mice. Ought to be cult, in swamps. ULMUS FULVA, Mx. Red, Slippery or Sweet Elm. Ihis sp. is the best officinal Elm. The inner bark is used, ,t ,s fulvous, rather brittle and very raucilapinous. It contains ^xula, u mine and gum. Edible, ver| mild, ye very efficient demulcent, diuretic, pectoral, deob^ struent, emdheiU, &c. U.ed in decoctioR, infusion, poultice, &c. The powder is a flour making a jelly like arrow root with M^arm water. Useful in alUriLry and bowel complaints, strangury, sorethroat, catarrh, pneu- monia, pleurisy, inflammation of the stomach and bowels ft?5'f "''^'.''"'■''V''? ^P"^'' ^^^'^e^' inveterate erup-' tmns and even lepra. It has cured lepra beino- continued several months. When most diuresis is produced" he effect ,s certain. Beneficial in diarrhea, dysente, y cho lera infantum, &c. Very nutritive, but eaten alon^ nro" duces sour stomach and eructations. Medial closes of he flour a small spoon full, with as much sugar d Xd n water. Very useful externally in poultice for u cirs tumors, swellings, shot wounds, (help to extract the ba h chilblains, burns, cutaneous eruptions, eresvpelas felonP wash"7t ar ''T '"''^ mouth^r thl-usH' heal 'sneedi v^' inflammation promotes suppuration anS ca«e^ A snP.ifi T ""'""^ sarsaparilla in almost all ca„es. A specific to procure easy labour to nreo-nan/ women by using the tea for 2 nmnths preLus^ w.l outside bark soaked in water makes rones W. 1' i ^ tough and durable, used for wheels tools ^r ^ V"'^ esculent. Leaves emollient ' ^ Seeds are boiVed?;ickle?:ut^'Ir^ l^r' ^-'l^d' mild eq. if /'.cj., furni^illd'f/a„re' TT' /"'I"^' very good boiled in milk, co"X „r2rni;«? hydriodate of potash, &c. substances, mucus, VACCINIUM. TTRTICA, L. Nettles. 15 native sp. all nearly eq. IL dioica best known as medical. Diuretic, pectoral, sub - astringent. Used in decoction for nephritis, gravel, he- morSe, hemoptysis, jaundice, bloody urine bloody X &c. The property of stinging wkn fresh, called Srtfc'ation, formerly use'd as a powerfu stimulant and Rubefacient, in palsies and to cause revu sions ms ead of sLapisms When dry no longer stmging. Cultiv m sTden for fodder, cows fed on it give much milk and Sinnw butter Make horses smart and frisky. Stimu- yellow ouwer. ^^^^ ^^^j^^ late fowls to lay many eggs »P g ^ ^.^^ '"fforrem^o'r^V fd^thaS^^^^^^^^^^ cult, for ? /rin jZn U canabina fir hemp in Russia. Our hnen in Japan. • . ^ ^ Oblixilis) once begun •ve .0 d fooK fowls and 'turkeys, said to cure the fresh, with a fine -^^f ^ Vhen and r "w" ifcures sor— ^^^^^^^^^^ the sauv . nervosum in bites of rattle snaKes. equal to Hieraaum ripcoction of the plant in Useful in wounds and soies Decoct^^ V ^^.^^^ sore mouth, inflamed Wn^^/dry and cooked. VACCIJNIUM, i-ii reduce fruits, blue or We have 40 .^j'^^^^^,! diuretic, &c. Use- black, acidule, cool ng, s"basUin , ^^^^^^ ful in SCU1.T, syrup, wine, pies, pud- alone or with mi k, suga""- J^^'^ ^ rj,, g^ain and dings. The lndians dry ^^^^^^^^ ^ J,,,r, a tea dye purplish. Reaves astring ^ ^^^^^^^^^ tendkm used for sore .^^^TS of Oregon, produce large fine berr e». F. ^^"^ ..duces the Le flavor, baked mto bread. /-^^X fruit astrin- bilberries. V ^^'''''^J'JZ^^^^^^^ of the root reR^Lti^ngfnt!^!^ dtSii dysentery like the berries. VERBASCUM. 273 VALERIANA PAUCIFLORA, Mx. American Va- lerian. Leaves edible in sallad. Root may be tried in nervous diseases, perhaps eq. of V. officinalis. VANILLA. A sp. grows in S. Florida and Bahama, perhaps V. claviculata. The true Vanilla is V. aroma- tica. Pods of all the sp. delightful smell and taste, am- brosiac, stimulant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, corrobo- rant, cephalic, diuretic. Useful in melancholy, atecnia, diseases of languor, &c. Commonly used to perfume chocolate, ice creams, sweet meats, &c. VERATRUM VIRIDE, P. {.mbum, Sch. Mx.) hh- weed, Hellebore, Indianpoke, Earthgalh Devilbit, Wolf bane, Dackretter, Puppet root, &c. Poisonous active plant. Root employed, acrid nauseous, drastic emetic, errhine, accoprotic, repellent, powerful stimulant, fol- lowed by sedative effects, escharotic and inflamming the skin if applied to it. Useful in epilepsy, gout, mania, cophosis, acute rheumatism j and topically in scabs, tinea capitis, lepra, scorbutic cutaneous affections. But a powerful dangerous article, requiring caution in exhi- bition j doses 3 to 10 grains of powder as emetic, but often fails in some persons, and always acts tardily. Wine of it used for gout, with k opium, doses 15 to 30 drops repeated. Ointment used externally, has happen- ed to cause emesis by application even on the legs! It IS a poison for all insects in decoction, noxious to swine, sheepj geese, fowls ; crows intoxicated by steeping corn in It. In gout it removes paroxysms, allays pains, pro- cures rest and sleep, reduces pulse, and abates fevers. Keeps issues open in ulcers. Used by some empirics as atonic, menagogue, in quinsy, sorethroat, suppressions, but dangerous. Improper doses produce dimness, faint- ness, insensibility, &c. Used once to poison arrows^ irately to tan leather very quick. It contains Veratrine, a narcotic alkali. ' VERBASCUM THAPSUS, L. 3Iuniein. Leaves soft like velvet, equal to flannel in rheumatism for frictions formerly thought to cure agues : emollient in poultice good discutient to reduce swelled and contracted sinews' lea subastringent bitterish, used for diarrhea, stron- de- coction in wash for piles, scalds, and wounds of ciUtle Blossoms better than leaves, anodyne, antispasmodic," jepellent, pectoral, make a perfumed tea useful for 274 VIBRUNUM. coughs, hemoptysis, hemorrhage, proctalgy : they con- tain gum, sacarin, chlorophylle, yellow resin, volatile oil, the oleic, malic and phosphoric acids. Blossoms of V. thapsoides and blaltaria are equivalent, nay, perhaps all the sp. VERBENA, L. Vervain, Purvain. Bitterish, sub- astringent, tonic, deobstruent, sudorific, &c. Our best medical sp. is V. hastata^ (Wild Hysop, Simplersjoy) stronger bitter, emetic, expectorant, tonic, a good sub- stitute to Eupatorium, but much weaker, used in agues and fevers. Said by Thompson to be next to Lobelia for an emetic in tea or powder, to check fevers and inci- pient phthisis. F. urticifolia herb useless, but root bit- ter, used against the eresypeta of Rhus with milk and oak bark. V. spuria and others eq. to V. qfflcinalii, as vulnerary, febrifuge, used in hemicrania, obstructions, agues, coughs, gravel, worms, scrofula, icteris, wounds. Was the holy herb of Greeks and Druids, used as pana- cea, in incantations and to drive evil spirits. VERBESINA VIRGINICA, L. Herbe a S quarts m Louisiana. Valuable sudorific and depurative of Indian tribes : roots used in decoction. VERNONIA, Ait. Ironweed. All the sp. equiv. Roots bitterish, used for fevers in Kentucky, spirituous bitters made. Schoepf says used against poisons ! Stems afford a kind of hemp, V. altissima TO feet high. Leaves astringent, used for sorethroat. VIBURNUM, L. Many sp. medical and useful. ^. acerifolium or Dockmockie, leaves applied to inflamed tumors by Indians. Fruits of many edible, V. oxycocus and edule resemble Cranberries and are equal, those ot V. prunifolium and others, blue sweetish acid edible. Bark of many smoked like tobacco by Western tribes. Leaves of F. cassinoides, levigatum, prunifolium used for tea in the South. Bark of V. lantana and others give glue like Ilex. V. dentatum, (Mealy tree, Arrow wood and Tily of Indians.) Bark used by the Indians and Shakers as a diuretic and detergent, bitterish, con- tains a peculiar fragrant oil ; used in decoction daily and freely to prevent and remove cancerous attections, extract, pills and plaster also used. VINCA MINOR, L. Periwinkle. Pre'Jy evergreen creeper, become spont. Leaves bitte-r acrid astringent, XANTHIUM. 275 useful in hemorrhoids, dysentery, hemoptysis, leucor- rhea, fluxes ; also antilacteal or repelling milk. "VIOLA, L. Violet. Prolific genus, we have nearly 40 native sp. Properties more or less alike in all. Roots commonly mild emetic and cathartic, leaves emollient laxative, blossoms and seeds laxative, pectoral, &c. All the parts contain the Vioiine, a peculiar kind of Emetine. Flowers of the fragrant V. odorata cult, much used for a grateful tea and syrup, used for cough, sorethroat, con- stipation, often given to children. We have only two fragrant wild sp. eq. K canadensis and blanda, smell sweeter but fainter. Roots bitterish acrid, tonic in doses of 10 grains, purgative 25 to 30, emetic 40 to 50, also used as depurative in diseases of the skin. F. tricolor, arvensis and calcarata used in Europe, their leaves also purgative. We use chiefly V. clandestina, rotundifolia, palmata, heterophylla, sometimes called Healall. Leaves emollient, suppurative, used for wounds and sores, bruis- ed or in poultices. Elliott says the negroes eat the leaves of the two last in soups. VISCUM, L. Misseltoe. Sev. sp. eq. My V. seroti- num is monoical triandrous. Leaves contain nitrate of potash, jump in the fire before burning. Fruits viscose, birdlime made with them. Contain wax, glue, gum, vis- cine insoluble, clorophylle, iron, salts, &c. They are lubricant, sweetish, febrifuge, antiepileptic. Leaves and berries given m tea or powder for epileptic fits, convul- sions, vertigo, pleuritis, dysentery. By no means inert, although now neglected. Once the sacred plant of the Druids. Powder must be used fresh, and in lar^e doses VITEX AGNUSCASTUS, L. Chaste tree.^ To^i by Schoepf in Virginia and Carolina. Leaves discutient dispel swe lings of joints and testicles, applied warm? Jseecls acrid, aromatic, nidorose, stimulant, subastringent used in hysteria and gonorrhea; but by no means seda- tive as formerly thought. XANTHIUM, L. Burweed, Burthistle, Clotburr 2 native sp. X crassum md undulatum, Raf. mistakeii for X strumanum and orientale by authors. X spino- ^wm 18 besides become spont. All eq. bitterish subacrid, dy yellow; astringent, pellent, diaphoretic. Useful in scrofula, herpes, eresypelas. Seeds or burs baneful to sheep, spoil their wool by entangling with it. S76 ZIZANIA. XANTHORHIZA APIFOLIA, Marshall. Fellow wort. Southern shrub with yellow roots and stems, dye- ing silk yellow and wool drab color, without mordaunt, but neither cotton nor linen, dyes olive green with Prus- sian blue and alum. Fine and pure tonic bitter, con- taining bitter resin and gum, equiv. of Frasera, dose in fevers 40 grains. Bark stronger than the wood. Infusion yellow, a pleasant mild stomachic bitter. XYRIS, L. Eyegrass, Headgrass. Several sp. eq. Roots and leaves'used against lepra and diseases of the skin by the Hindus. YUCCA, L. the F. gloriosa or Palmetto Royal is a fine ornamental tree, used for hedges and fences when young in the Sea Islands of the South. Young leaves dye green (also those of F. aloifolia.) Roots edible. Fruit like a Cucumber, purple, juicy, aromatic bitterish, eaten although purgative, eccoprotic, or good for the gout. F. filamentosaczW^A Admn's needle. Silk Aloes, Bear grass, useful, roots pounded and boiled used instead of soap for woollens and blankets by Indians. Intoxicate fish when thrown in the water. Leaves eq. of Agave, furnishing a silky thread, fine strong flax, twisted ropes, traces, and even cables. ZAMI A INTEGRIFOLIA, W. Sugarpine. In Flo- rida, coral fruits in conical strobile, covered with a su- trary substance like Manna, edible rich food. ZIZANIA, L. mid Rice, Mooter Oats. Good green fodder for cattle in winter, Z. aguatica much liked by horses and cat- tle in the South, while they refuse Z. miliacea. Seeds like oata and like rice when cleaned, excellent food, saccharine, make Kood flour, cakes, soups. Chief food of Indian tribes between fat 40 and 50. Grows and bears plentituUy m water, ponds and lakes, ought to be spread in all : might become the rice of the North; This volume has been swollen beyond the contemplated size bv the Supplement, article on Vines and long Lexicon, inere- fo^re no other additions can be inserted But thejithor pro- poses to publish very soon a separate Medical ^nd Botanical Lpplement, with 12 additional plates of Medical plants. END or THE SECOND AND LAST VOLUME. 1 rrpr/EssiTf