NUMBERS I & II 
1811 October 1, 1811. 
NUMBER I. 
Price 16 Subscriber^ 3 Dollars. 
(TO BE COMPLETE!? IN SIX NUMBERS) 
^on-Subscribe^ 3f Dolles. 
S K E T Cm E S 
TOWARDS A 
HORT VS BOTA NIC U S 
AMERICAN USf 
OR, , ' • 
COLOURED PILATES 
• OF 
MANY NEW AND VALUABLE PLANTS 
OF THE 
West Indies and North and South America, 
TO WHICH IS ANNEXED, 
A CATALOGUE OF THE PLANTS, 
(And of many others, Natives of A1R1CA and the EAST INDIES, 
Which have been, or might be introduced with Advantage into the WEST IND'ES,) 
WITH CONCISE AND FAMILIAR DESCRIPTIONS OF MANY SPECIES, 
Shewing their various, common and botanical Names, Places of Growth, Medical Virtues or General Uses, 
their Classes and Orders. 
Arranged offer th - Jinneenn System. 
-■ 
A CONCISE YET COMPREHENSIVE GLOSSARY OF TERMS, PREFIXED, 
AND A GENERAL INDEX. . 
(g 
By W. J. TITFORD, M.D 
(/V CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARTS, fcc. 
Arrow P.oot 
Indian Shot 
Ginger 
Turmeric * 
Hogmeat . 
Galangai 
Alpinia 
Costus 
Jasmine • ' 
Olive Tree 
The following Plants of the West Indie*, ^c. (inter alia) will be noticed. 
Fringe Tree 
Catalpa 
Garden Balsam 
Vervain 
Wild Clary • 
Pepper 
Maiden Plum 
Fl< ver d»Luce 
Morata 
Adruc 
Cenchrus 
Comocladia 
Tamarind 
Sugar Cane 
Guinea Grass 
Corn Grass 
Scotch Grass 
Bahama Grass 
Sundry Grasses 
Bamboo Cane 
button Wood 
Button Weed 
Iron Tree 
Callicarpa 
Plantain , 
Broom Weed 
Cissus 
Dogwood 
Contrayerva 
Ammania 
Wild Olive 
Sandal Wood 
Dodder 
Turnsole 
Tournefortia 
Worm Grass 
Bind Weed 
Spanish Woodbine 
Lobelia 
Jamaica Bark 
Ipecacuanha 
Coffee Tree 
Snow Berry 
Button 'Free 
Four o Clock , 
Tobacco 
Winter Ch ~ry 
Nightshades 
Sweet Potatoes • 
Love Apple 
LONDON: 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY C. STOWER, HACKNEY. 
Published by Sherwood, Neely and Jones, Paternoster Row; and sold by all respectable Booksellers in • 
. the United Kingdom. 
1811.. District of New York, ss. 
BE it remembered, that on the 21st day of September, in the Thirty-fifth Year of the 
independence of the United States of America, William J. Titford, of the said 
District, hath deposited in this Office the Title of a Book, the Right whereof he claims 
as Author, in the words following, to Wit: 
a Hortus Botanicus Americanos, or Coloured Figures, with concise Descriptions of 
" several Plants of the East and West Indies and the Continents of North and South 
'4 America, shewing their Medical Virtues and general Uses: to which are annexed, a 
il Glossary of Botanical Terms, and a Nosological Table of Diseases, &c. by W. J. 
" Titford." 
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for 
the 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 an 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 the 
Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned, and 
extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving and Etching Histori- 
cal and other Prints." 
CHARLES CLINTON, 
Clerk of the District of JYew York 4 > .nyf'^4AnS«2X<V 
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Doth 1810 SHEPPARD LIEROT 
Massachusetts 
College of Pharmacy 
PREFACE. 
The term Botany is derived from Bo7a^, (BotaneJ a herb, and signifies, 
generally, a knowledge of the great vegetable kingdom of nature, the pro- 
perties of plants, as food and medicine, and the various uses to which they 
may be applied in agriculture, medicine, domestic oeconomy and the arts. 
In a more confined sense, it may be defined the knowledge of a scientific mode 
of arrangement, for the numerous plants which are to be found scattered 
over the surface of the globe, and diversified by the hand of Infinite Wisdom 
and Goodness, according to the respective climates, and the wants of the 
inhabitants of the various regions of the earth. In Tropical climates, the 
vegetable productions of nature are in the highest degree beautiful and 
magnificent. She is there clothed in perpetual verdure, and seems to be 
endowed with superior powers of fertility, presenting to the wondering eye, 
her ripest fruits, and on the same tree, the budding leaf, the verdant foliage, 
the bursting blossom, and the future fruit in different stages of maturity. 
Not only do these beautiful objects arrest our attention and command our 
admiration, but the more humble shrub and lowly herb are fraught with 
wondrous medical virtues, many of which are known only, perhaps, to the IV 
natives (otherwise illiterate) by experience and observation. To gentlemen 
studying medicine, a scientific knowledge of Botany is indispensably necessary 
-to the man of leisure and taste what study can be more interesting, or cal- 
culated to fill his mind with more pleasing ideas of the Creator, than the 
great book of vegetable nature, which lies open before his eyes, and invites 
him, by all the allurements of beauty, and wonderful and minute contrivance, 
to a nearer acquaintance ; by which the hours devoted to exercise and health 
may at the same time be both agreeably and profitably employed. But for 
the fair sex, who to the advantage of leisure unite the still greater advantage 
of a natural taste and discriminating judgment, for pleasures as pure and 
innocent as they are noble and sublime, the study of Botany is peculiarly 
adapted, and has become particularly pleasing, as we may judge from the 
taste which has of late years prevailed in its favour in the United Kingdom, 
is also prevalent in other parts of the globe, and it is to be hoped will 
continue to increase. Its usefulness cannot be doubted, when we consider that 
the principal articles of our food, and many which furnish materials for our 
clothing, are plants, and that the most valuable and powerful, as well as the 
most safe of the remedies to be found in the Materia Medica, are drawn f rom 
the vegetable kingdom ; and it is a generally received opinion that most 
countries possess within themselves simples adapted to the cure of their most 
prevalent diseases , and particularly so in Tropical climates. A skilful 
botanist can, in many instances, from the examination of an unknown plant, 
by considering its scientific and natural class, determine if it be wholesome 
food for man or beast, or whether on the contrary its properties be poisonous 
and deadly. By attending to the habit and characteristic appearance of the 
several plants in the natural orders, a wonderful analogy and correspondence 
may be found in their properties and use as food, and particularly as to their 
medical properties. A comparative view of the plants growing in each coun- 
try on the globe under the same climate, and between the same parrellels of 
latitude, is a most interesting, and might be made a most useful and profit- 
able study, by leading to the introduction and cultivation of new and valuable 
plants: Botany then may be safely pronounced to be a study, noble and 
useful, interesting and pleasing. 
The motive which induced me to the undertaking of the present work, 
was the scarcity of books treating of the plants of the West Indies; and 
such as were in existence, being of old date, out of print, and unaccompanied V 
with figures. My leisure time has been employed in the collection of plants, 
and their names, in making drawings of them, and in giving some accounts 
of their virtues. An opportunity likewise offered to procure from Negro 
doctors in Jamaica, and, subsequently, from the Indians in North America, 
information which may prove new, curious and valuable. It was also hinted 
to me by the worthy- Secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Arts, &c. 
at the time that Society honoured me by electing me a Corresponding Member, 
that my attention might be usefully turned to the subject of Jamaica Botany ; 
and when afterwards I spent a considerable time in America, a great part of 
which was devoted to the study of medicine, and a part to travelling in the 
interior of the country, I increased my collection of drawings of American 
plants, gained additional information, and met with encouragement from the 
medical and other gentlemen there, to prosecute botanical researches, and 
publish the result of them, as being a work very much wanted. Thus (though 
I felt myself inadequate to the task,) I endeavoured to put together such 
information as could be collected, and arrange the plants indigenous or freely 
growing in North America, according to the Linnaean classes and orders, as 
I had previously, the Jamaica plants. I was also favoured with several dried 
plants by a friend from Yucatan in South America. From the mode in 
which my information was collected, from Negroes and Indians, it must 
necessarily have been very liable to error ; and, no doubt, many other uncer- 
tainties and mistakes may be found, for which I trust to the liberality of the 
public for indulgence. The following sheets were compiled abroad, partly 
while travelling, and totally debarred from the use of books, which might have 
greatly assisted to render the work more complete; but it was inconsistent 
with my plan to make it voluminous and expensive, and since my return to 
England, my time being fully taken up with other avocations, which leave 
no leisure to consult all the very useful and valuable publications which have 
of late appeared in this science, I am compelled to submit my collections to 
the public as they were brought over. 
The mode of arrangement adopted is-A Glossary of the Terms used in the 
work, compiled for my own use from books in my possession when learning the 
science, as short and simple as possible, referring to the plates for an idea of 
the several parts of fructification and shapes of leaves, &c. instead of long 
definitions. But I have carried this part of the work to a greater length than 
originally intended, and in the compilation of it have endeavoured to make 
it as comprehensive and useful, yet concise as possible, on the consideration 
that in the West Indies there is a great want of an elementary work on the sub* VI 
ject, in a small compass, for general use. It may also be found useful for per- 
sons learning Botany, and the use of Schools. The work proceeds with a few 
Observations on the Character and Habit of Trees, of the various classes, 
illustrated by plates-A Description of various Seeds and Pincarps, with a 
plate West Indian Plants, arranged after the Linnaean System, under their 
classes and orders-American Plants arranged in the same manner-A gene- 
ral Index referring to the pages, and a list Qf Subscribers will close the 
whole. W. J. T. A GLOSSARY; 
OR, 
EXPLANATION OF THE OUTLINES OF BOTANY, AND THE 
TERMS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION OF PLANTS. 
^ie ^ower lW ke considered the termination or end of the old plant, and a pre- 
paration for the seed or rudiment of the new plant, it will be proper to begin with 
The Parts of Fructification, which are eight. 1. The Calyx, (Calyx.) 2. The Corol, 
(Corolla.) 3. The Stamen, (Stamen.) 4. The Pistil, (Pistillum.) 5. The Pericarp, 
(Pericarpium.) 6. The Seed, (Semen.) 7. The Receptacle, (Receptaculum.) 8. The 
Nectary, (Nectarium.) 
I. CALYX, a general name, expressing the cup of a flower ; it is the termination of 
the outward bark, and surrounds, encloses, or supports the other parts of the flower, is 
usually of a green colour, but in some few flowers entirely wanting. It is various in its 
structure, and is distinguished by the several names of, 
1. Perianth, (Periantilium) from nep,peri, around, and ay3o;, anthos, the flower, 
called Empalement, consists of several leaves, or of one leaf divided into several segments, 
it is then called Monophyllous, Diphyllous, Triphyllous, &c. or Polyphyllous, as it 
may consist of one, two, three, &c. or many segments. See plate 4, fig. 2. of the Perianths 
in Arrow Root and Indian Shot. It is called Common, when it supports and connects 
together a great number of florets-and Imbricated, when composed of a number of 
leaves lying one over the other, like scales or tiles on the top of a house. 
2. Involucre (Inoolucrum) is, when the Calyx, usually consisting of several leaves, 
is situated at the foot of a number of flowers growing together, each of which h^s, be- 5 
sides this general cup, its own particular perianth. Its leaves are generally disposed in 
a radiated manner, as in Dogwood. The involucre belonging to each umbel, or bunch 
of flowers, is called Partial; that which grows at the base of the whole collection of 
umbels, is called General. In Fool's-parsley it is half-leaved, (dimidiatum.) 
3. Glume, (Gluma) or Chaffy Husk, is a species of cup which chiefly belongs to 
grasses, and consists of one two, three or more valves folding over each other, like scales, 
and frequently terminated by a long stiff-pointed prickle, called the Awn, or Beard-for 
example, Rice, Mays, or Indian Corn. 
4. Ament, f Amentum) or Julus, is commonly called a Catkin, and consists of a great 
number of chaffy scales, disposed along a slender thread, or receptacle, as in Hickory, 
Chinquepin, &c. Those flowers, supported by an ament, are generally destitute of petals. 
5. Spathe, (Spatha) consists of a simple membrane, growing from the stalk in a 
sheath-like form, and wraps round the flower or flowers contained in it, till they are 
strong enough no longer tq,require its protectionr It is sometimes simple, as in Narcis- 
sus, sometimes divided in two, as in Water Soldier, or imbricated, as in Plantain 
and is common to flowers having bulbous or tuberous roots. 
6. Calyptre, (Calyptra) from calupto, I cover, is peculiar to mosses. 
7. Volve, (Volva) is membranaceous, and peculiar to mushrooms and funguses in 
general; it is also called Ruffle or Curtain. 
II. The COROL (literally, a Garland) is that delicate part of the flower which most 
attracts our notice, being generally beautifully coloured ; it is enclosed by, and situated 
next to, the calyx, and surrounds and protects the organs of generation. Linneeus says 
it is formed from the inner rind of the plant, as the calyx is from the outer. Its coloured 
leaves are called Petals. When the Corol is composed of one petal, it is called Mono- 
petalous, sa in Arrow Root, plate 4, fig. 1. Dipetalous, as Enchanter's Nightshade, Tripe- 
talous, as in Water Plantain, Pentapetalous, as in Marsh-mallow, &c. or Polypetalous, 
as Water Lily, according to the number of pieces of which it is composed, two, three, 
five, &c. or many. The lower narrow part of a Monopetalous Corol is called the Tube, 
(tubus):, the upper spreading part, the Limb, (limbus), as in Four o'Clock, plate 6, fig. 
1. The lower narrow part of a Polypetalous Corol is called the Claw, (unguis), the upper 
spreading part, Lamina, as in Barbadoes Pride, plate?, fig- 7. The Corol also assumes dif- 
ferent names according to the diversity of its form. Bell shaped, (campanulata), as the 
Red Lily, plate?, fig. 2. Funnel-shaped, (infundibiliformis), as in Tobacco; Salver-shaped, 
(hypocrateriformis), as in Four o'Clock, plate 6, fig. 1. Wheel-shaped, (rotata), as in Sa- 
vanna Flower, plate 6, fig. 3. Rose-like, (rosacea), as in Mammee Apple, plate 8, fig. 3. 
Gaping, (ringens), as in Sesame, plate 9, fig- 7- the opening of the latter is called the 
Mouth, (faux) ; when that is closed with an intervening substance, it is called Grinning, 
(personata), Twisted, (torta), as in South Sea Rose, plate 5, fig. 5. Undulated, (undulata) 
as in Calabash, plate 8, fig. 4. Butterfly-shaped, (papilionacea), as in Sweet Pea. This 
latter consists of four petals, the uppermost of which is called the Standard, (vexillum)^ 6 
the two side ones, the Wings, (alee), and the lowermost, the Keel, (carina). The Corol 
is also called Compound, (composita), when it consists of a number of florets, placed in 
a common receptacle, and contained within a common calyx, as in Dandelion, Blue 
Bottle, &c. Of Compound Flowers there are three kinds-Ligulated, (ligulata), when 
all the florets are flat; Tubulated, (tubulosa), when all the florets are tubular and nearly 
equal; and Radiated, (radiata), when those in the centre are tubular, and those in the 
circumference flat and spreading. Double or Full flowers, ( mulplicatus seuplenusflos) last 
longer than simple ones, but are incapable of producing perfect seed. 
III. The STAMEN is the male organ of generation, and is composed of three parts, 
the Filament, (jilamenium), the Anther, (anthera), from av6os, anthos, a flower; and the 
Dust, (pollen), which parts are all visible in Barbadoes Pride, plate 7* fig* 7• The fila- 
ment is the slender thread-like substance (sometimes called chives) which supports the 
anther, and connects it to some part of the fructification, most commonly to the corol, 
frequently to the calyx and receptacle, and sometimes to the pistil. It is in some taper- 
ing, in others of the same thickness throughout, smooth or hairy. The filaments in some 
flowers are very long, in others, entirely wanting. The anther is that part which contains 
the pollen, or impregnating dust, and when ripe, bursts and scatters it abroad for the use 
to which nature has destined it. In general it is composed of two oblong or roundish 
cavities, which burst longitudinally, in some plants gradually, in others, all at once, with 
considerable violence; for this purpose the filament is curled up like the spring of a 
watch, and is suddenly set at liberty. In some flowers, which generally hang down, 
this dust is discharged through a hole in the top of the anther. It varies much in its 
shape, and takes the several ones, of round, flat, oblong, kidney-shaped, twisted, horned, 
or terminated by a membrane. When the filament is inserted near the end of the anther, 
it is called erect; or, oblique, when it is connected with the middle ; when the anther lies 
across, it is incumbent; if it turns as on a pivot, versatile, and where the filament is 
wanting, adnate. The dust is a fine powder, contained in the anther, for the purpose of 
impregnation, of a yellow colour; but from this it sometimes varies, as also in the form 
of the corpuscles, of which it is composed. 
IV. The PISTIL, also called Pointal, is the female organ of generation, and contains 
the seed which is to be fertilized by the dust; it is placed in the very centre of the 
flower, and is composed of three parts, the Germ, (germen), the Style, (stylus), and the 
Stigma, (stigma), which parts may be distinctly seen in the blossom of Calabash, plate 8, 
fig- 4. 
The Germ, considered by Linnaeus as the ovarium or uterus of plants, is of various 
shapes, but is always situated at the bottom of the pistil. It contains the embryo seeds, 
and when mature, takes the name of Pericarp. It gives origin to the style, as in the 
Guaiacum Tree, plate 7, fig. 9. 
The Style is that small pillar which grows from the germ, on the top of which is 
usually placed the stigma. In some plants the style is extremely short-in others 
entirely wanting. It corresponds to the vagina in animals. 7 
The Stigma is usually placed on the top of the style, or if that part be wanting', 
immediately on the germ. It is a part of great importance, as it receives the dust of the 
anthers, and conveys it, or its effluvia, through the fine vessels of the style to the seed 
contained in the germ. Indeed, the anther and stigma are by Linnaeus considered as 
the essential parts of a flower, and, in the language of Botany, they constitute one. 
These parts being present, are sufficient to the production of fruit--without them, there 
can be none: the presence of the stigma implies that of the germ, as the anther does of 
the dust. It is exceedingly various in its form, generally downy or velvety, sometimes 
ramified finely, or filiform or thread-like; single, bifid, trifid, quadrifid, quinquifid or 
globular; perforated, hooked, simple, flat and orbicular, spreading or rolled back. The 
stigma is also frequently bedewed with a clammy moisture, which is admirably adapted 
to catch the dust from the anther. In monsecious plants the female flowers are placed 
below the male, as is admirably exemplified in Sand Box-tree and Oil-nut. 
V. The PERICARP, or Seed Vessel, Ttspi,periz round, and carpos, fruit, is a 
case or covering for the seed, which is present in most plants, though in some the seed 
is naked, and fixed on the end of the receptacle, and in others, contained in the bottom . 
of the calyx. According to the diversity of its structure it takes the different apellations 
of Capsule, (capsula,) Silique, (siliqua )Legume, (legumen), Follicle, (folliculusj. 
Drupe, (drupa), Pome,(pmnum), Berry, (bacca^ Cone, (strobilusJ, Nut, (nux). 
A Capsule, or Casket, is composed of several dry elastic valves which, usually burst 
open at the points, sometimes at the bottom or in the middle. If it consists of two 
valves it is called Bivalve, if of three Trivalve, and so on. The cavity of the capsule is 
called a Cell, (loculamentuni^ and, according to the number of cells, is denominated Unilo- 
cular, Bilocular, Trilocular, &c. The divisions of the cells are called Dissepimenta, and 
the substances connecting the partitions to the seeds Columellae. If it consists of three 
cells, with each a single seed in it, it is called Tricoccous. Capsules differ much with 
respect to the manner in which they open, as also in their form and suface; thus we find 
them, round, oval, long, angular, jointed, &c. some smooth, others prickly, as Indian 
Shot, plate 3, fig. 1. and Amotto, plate 3, fig. 24. 
Silique, or Pod, has two valves, in which the seeds are fixed to both sutures alter- 
nately, as in Mustard, Radish,' and Nephritic Tree, plate 9, fig. 6. When the seed 
vessel is small, short, or round, it is called a Silicle. 
Legume, or Cod, has two valves, and the seeds affixed to one suture only, as in Beans, 
Peas, and Gum Arabic, plate 3, fig. 22. 
Follicle, or Bag, sometimes called Conceptaculum, is a seed vessel of one valve, 
opening from top to bottom on one side, the seeds being attached to a receptacle within 
it, not to any suture, as in Bastard Ipecacuanha, plate 7, fig- 1- 
Drupe, or Stone Fruit, is secculent or pulpy, having no external opening or valve, 
containing within its substance a stone, or nut, as the Plum, Sassafras, Sour Olive. 8 
Pome, or Apple, a fleshy seed vessel, without any external opening, containing within 
its substance a capsule, as the Apple, Cucumber, Melon and Mammee Apple, plate 3, 
fig. 10. 
Berry, a pulpy seed vessel, containing within its substance a number of naked 
seeds, as Raspberry, Currant, and Coffee, plate 3, fig. i. 
Cone, or Strobile, a species of seed vessel, composed of woody scales, within which 
lie the seeds; it is defined to be formed of an ament, with hardened scales; examples 
of this are found in the Fir, the Pine, &c. 
Nut, expresses a pericarpium of extraordinary hardness, containing a kernel, and 
has no external opening, as the Filbert, Butternut, Antidote Coccoon, plate 3, 
fig. 21. 
Propago. The seed of the mosses, which has no covering. 
VL The SEED is analogous to the egg in animals, and is defined by Linnaeus to be 
the rudiment of a new plant, similar to the parent stock. It consists of the part which 
is to be the new plant and of nourishment for it, till it has attained sufficient strength to 
provide for itself: the young plant consists of the Plumule and the Radicle; the 
plumule rises into the air and constitutes the trunk and branches, the radicle pene- 
trates into the earth, and forms the roots. The plumule and radicle together are called 
the Embryo (corculum). The part which is to provide nourishment for the young 
plant forms the bulk of the seed, and consists generally of a farinaceous matter, fit for 
food, as in Corn, Rice, &c. or mixed with essential oil, as in Oil-nuts, Almond, &c. 
In most plants it is divided into two parts, called Cotyledons or Seed Lobes, which are 
sometimes converted into leaves, (though some have only one cotyledon). From the 
extremity of these arise a number of very minute vessels which unite as they proceed 
towards the embryo into which they enter in two distinct bodies. Many seeds have also a 
White (albumen), and some a Yolk (vitellus), but not commonly. The husk (cutis) 
sometimes called shell, (testa) incloses and preserves the cotyledons and embryo, and is 
composed of two coats, of various consistence, having a duplicature which incloses 
the end of the radicle. The eye (hilum) is a mark in the end or middle of the outer 
husk, being the cicatrix, formed by the breaking off of those vessels which supplied the 
seed with nourishment. Seeds also generally have a small hole (foramen) between the 
eye and the radicle, and some are furnished with an additional covering termed an aril, 
(arillus) which is a substance very like parchment, exemplified in the Coffee. Seeds 
vary much in colour, see plate 3, also in number, from one, two, three, or four, to fifteen 
thousand, likewise in their form, and surface; some are crowned with a pappus, aigrette, 
or down. When placed immediately on the seed it is called Sessile, when on a footstalk 
Stipitated, as in Dandelion ; when the pappus consists of simple rays it is called Simple, 
when branched or feathered, Plumose; some are furnished with hooks. The surface of 
some is-rough as Four o'Clock, plate 3, fig. 6, or reticulated like a honey comb, as in 
Pindars, plate 3, fig. 41.; some glossy, as Akee, plate 3, fig. 14.; others grooved, a& 9 
Musk-ochro, plate 3, fig. 26.; some round, as Soapberries, plate 3, fig. 11.; flat, as Sand 
Box, kidney shaped, as Capsicums, plate 3, fig. 7, and Cashew, plate 3, fig. 15.; or three 
cornered, as Buck-wheat; oval, as Sweet Sop, plate 3, fig. 25.; twisted, as in Skrew Tree, 
plate 3, fig. 46.; acuminated, as Star Apple, plate 3, fig. 8.; pointed, as in Naseberry, 
and Sour Sop, plate 3, figs. 9, and 27. Nature has provided for their dispersion in 
several ways; some are furnished with a wing, as Mahogany, plate 3, fig. 60.; three 
wings, as Horse Radish Tree, plate 3, fig. 16.; or an inflated seed vessel, as Bladder 
Senna; others are thrown out of the seed vessels by the elasticity of the valves, as Bal- 
samine, or an elastic spring surrounding the capsule, and others have long threads, which 
wrap round the arms of trees. Many are swallowed by birds, rats and squirrels, and after- 
wards voided entire; the Indians indeed think all their timber planted by squirrels. 
Seeds also migrate by Rivers, the Ocean, Winds, &c. They retain their vegetative 
power a long time, which in old seeds may be increased by moistening the earth with 
water, to which is added oxygenated Muriatic Acid. 
VII. The RECEPTACLE is the end of the stalk, which supports all the other 
parts of fructification, and by which they are connected. It is called Proper, when 
it supports the parts of only one flower, and Common, when it supports several florets; 
this last belongs to the compound flowers. Umbel, when it supports from a common 
center, several small footstalks of proportionable lengths ; Spadix is the receptacle of a 
palm, always branched, and produced within a Spathe or Sheath ; in the Indian turnip, 
and Skunk cabbage it is simple. 
VIII. NECTARY is a part found in many flowers, and is extremely various in its forms 
and uses, sometimes united to the Petals, and sometimes separate from them; appearing 
in some flowers as a gland secreting honey, in others, as a kind of vessel to receive it. It 
assumes the different forms of, threads, a cup, or a number of little cups, a beard, a gland, 
sometimes of a horn or horns, at others of a cockspur, which in some plants is extended to 
along point, as in Balsamine, and Chain Cotton, plate 8,fig. 1. The honey contained in 
it appears to be for the nourishment of the anthers and stigmas. In general when any part 
occurs in a flower whatever may be its form, if it does not appear to answer the pur- 
pose of any of the other parts of fructification, it may safely be considered a nectary. 
Having described the parts of fructification, we now proceed to the other parts of the 
plant, beginning at 
The ROOT (Radix) is generally understood to be that part of the plant which is 
under ground, and which draws forth nourishment from the earth necessary for the 
existence of the plant. The body of the root, or that which lies below the surface of 
the earth, is termed by Linnaeus the Descending Caudex, the fibrous part is termed 
(Radicula), which imbibes nourishment from the earth for the support of the whole plant. 
The root, like'the stalk, consists of the Outer Bark, ('cortex) the Inner Bark, (liber) 
the Wood, (lignum) and the Pith, (medulla). In duration it is-Annual, (annua) living 
but one year,-Biennial, (biennis) a root which continues to vegetate two years, and Pe- 
rennial, perennis continuing several years. Climates and cultivation have a great effect 10 
on the term of duration of roots of vegetables, as exemplified in the Oil Nut. Plants 
attaching themselves to the branches of trees are called Parasitic, parasiticce as Vanilla 
Old Man's Beard and Dodder. 
From their various shapes Roots assume the different appellations of 
Fibrous, (fibrosa) having no solid body, but entirely made up of thread-like fibres, as 
the Grasses in general: if the fibres are very slender it is called Hairy Root, (capillacea). 
Praemorse, (pramorsa) a root which does not run tapering to its extremity, but seems 
bitten off, as the Scabious. 
Granulated, (granulata) consisting of small knobs attached to the root by slender fibres, 
as in Vfhite Saxifrage. 
Tunicated, (tunicata) consisting of many coats, each forming concentric layers, as 
Onion. 
Fusiform, (fusiformis) Spindle-shaped, or Tap-root, a root which tapers downwards to 
a point, as in Carrot, and in Arrow-root, plate 1, fig. 2. 
Subrotund, (subrotundus) a root which is nearly round, as in Turnip. 
Solid, (solidus) of one substance, and not disposed in coats or scales, as in Crocus. 
Squammose, (squamosaJa root composed of scales lying over each other, as in the Lilies. 
Creeping, (repens) running underground, and sending forth shoots at the joints, as the 
May Apple. 
Dentated, (dentata) a root having many tooth-like knobs, not attached by fibres, as in 
Toothwort. 
Reptant, (reptans) running on the surface of the ground and taking root at the joints, 
as Mint. 
Tuberous, (tuberosa) consisting of subrotund bodies, collected into a bundle, as in 
Sweet Potatoe, plate 1, fig. 11. and Yams, plate 2, fig. 45. It is called Palmated, when 
it spreads so as to resemble a hand. Fasciculated, when collected into a close bundle, 
Pendulous, when the knobs hang down, as in Sun Flower, Duplicate, composed of two 
joined together as the Ophrys, vulgarly called in America, Adam and Eve. 
Truffle, (Ip coper don) is all root, without stalk or leaves. 
The STALK is that part of the plant which rises immediately from the root, and sup- 
ports the leaves, flowers and fruit; it is termed by Linnaeus the ascending Caudex, and is 
very similar in its structure to the root, consisting of the outer and inner bark, and the sap 
(alburnum), a soft white substance between the inner bark and the wood, which, in pro- 
cess of time acquiring solidity, becomes the wood, in the centre of which is the pith, which 
disappears as the trees grow old. The inner structure of plants is found to be chiefly 
composed of tubes and cells for conveying air and circulating the sap and proper juices 
of the plant. Some stalks, on being cut, emit a milky juice, and are thence called lac- 
tescent, as the Physic Nut. Linnaeus enumerates four kinds of stalks, Stalk or 
Stem, (caulis) from KauAo;, (kaulos} that stalk which supports both the fructification 
and leaves, and is common to plants in general. Straw, (culmus) peculiar to the 11 
grasses, proceeding immediately from the root, generally cylindrical and jointed, plate 
1, fig. 8-9, but sometimes triangular, as in Adrue, plate 1, fig. 10. Scape, (scapus) 
which supports the fructification, but not the leaves, as in Lily of the Valley. Stipes, 
a kind of stalk peculiar to the fungi and ferns. When the stalk dies down to the root 
yearly, it is called herbaceous, (herbaceus.) If it continues and produces buds it is 
called Shrubby, (fruticosus) or Woody, (arboreus). In trees it is generally called the 
Stem. Stalks vary also very much in their form and appearance, the following most 
frequently occur: Aculeated, (aculeatus) beset with sharp prickles, as in Melon 
Thistle and Dildoe, plate 1, fig. 23 and 24. Two edged, (anceps) forming two 
angles opposite to each other, as in Sisyrinchium. Angulated, (angulatus) 
having many angles. Three-Sided (Trigonus.) Compressed, (compressus) compressed 
on opposite sides, so that the transverse section forms an Ellipsis, as Poa Compressa. 
Tubular, (fistulosus) a hollow stem as in Elder. Foliose, (foliosus), covered with 
leaves, as Tuberose. Hispid, (hispidus) covered with prickles, superficially rooted, 
as in the Mad Apple. Pithy, (inanis) neither solid nor tubular, as in Papaw, plate 
2. fig. 50. Naked, (nudus) without leaves or branches. Procumbent, (procumbens) 
lying horizontally along the ground, as Convolvulus. Ramose, (ramosus) having 
many branches. The branches of the stalk are called (rami.) Very ramose, (ramosis- 
simus) abounding with branches irregularly disposed, as Naseberry, Star Apple, plate 1. 
fig. 12. Creeping, (repens,) running horizontally along the ground, and sending forth 
radiculae at the joints. Sarmentose, (sarmentosus) a creeping or climbing stalk, al- 
most naked, producing leaves at the joints, as the Vine. Climbing, (scandens), as the 
Coccoon Antidote. Simple, (simplex) a single stem up to its top, not dividing, as the 
Cocoa nut, plate 2. fig. 42. Solid, (solidus) a stem having substance, opposed to tu- 
bular and pithy. Thorny, (spinosus) having strong woody prickles, as Cashaw, Fin- 
grigo and Nephritic Tree, plate 9, fig- 6. Striated, (striatus) grooved or superficially 
channelled. Hanging down, (dependens) as in Weeping Willow and Mangrove, plate 
1. fig. 22. Sulcated, (sulcatus) deeply grooved or channelled. Stinging, (urens) 
as Thistle. Volute, (volubilis) twining up a pole or stem of another plant in a spiral 
form, as the Yam, plate 2, fig. 45. 
LEAVES, (folia) are defined to be fibrous and cellular processes of plants, which are 
of various figures, but generally extended, with a flat membranous or skinny substance; 
they appear to be the organs of perspiration and inspiration, and are composed of the woody 
substance, similar to the bones in the human body, distributed in ramifications through 
the middle of the leaf, which gives it firmness and durability. The Fleshy or Pulpy 
substance, (parenchyma) forming its principal substance, and giving the leaf its green 
colour. These two parts are covered on each side by a membrane or skin, which is con- 
siderably tougher than the fleshy part; on the under side this appears to be furnished 
with a number of absorbent vessels to imbibe the humidity of the air. Leaves are prima- 
rily divided into Simple and Compound. A Simple Leaf is such whose footstalk is ter- 12 
minated by a single expansion, and assumes many different names, of which the following 
are some of the principal and most common. First as to their duration. 
Caducous, (caducum) falling off at the first opening of the flower. 
Deciduous, (deciduum) falling off with the flower. 
Permanent, (persistens) remaining till the fruit is ripe. 
The above terms are also made use of to express the duration of the Perianth. 
Ever-green, (sempervirens) the longest degree of duration. 
Second, as to their disposition, insertion and direction, they are termed, 
Floral, (jlorale) immediately attending the flower, as in Chain Cotton, plate 8, fig. 1. 
Rameous, (rameum) seated or inserted on the branch, as in Calabash, plate 2, fig. 30. 
Cauline, (Caulinum) growing immediately on the stem, without the intervention of 
branches, as in Plantain, plate 2, fig. 49, and the Palms. 
Axillary, (axillareJ proceeding from the angle which the branches form with the 
stem. 
Radical, (radicale) proceeding immediately from the root, as Thatch, plate 2, fig. 51. 
Seminal, (seminale) or seed leaf, into which the cotyledons of the seed expand. 
Adnate, (adnatum) growing close to the stem, sometimes called Sessile. 
Connate, (connata) when two leaves opposite are joined at their base, so as to have 
the appearance of one, as in Honey-suckle. 
Drowned, (demersum) sunk under water, as Valisneria Americana. 
Decussated, (decussata) growing opposite in pairs and each pair being alternately on 
opposite sides of the stem. 
Distichous, Cdisticha) growing in two rows on two sides of the branch only. 
Fasciculated, (fasciculata) growing in bundles or bunches, as in Hemlock, Pine, Pitch- 
pine, &c. 
Imbricated, (imbricata) lying over one another like the tiles of a house. 
Peltated, (peltatum) the footstalk being inserted into the disk of the leaf, not the base, 
as in May Apple. 
Perfoliated, ('perfoliatum) when the base of the leaf surrounds the stalk, it appearing 
to pierce or go through it, as in Thorough Wort. 
Pixidated, (pixidatum) one leaf let into another as in Horsetail. 
Reclinate, (reclinatum) bending downward, the top lower than the base, as in Choco- 
late Nut, plate 2, fig. 34. 
Recurvated, (recurvatum) bending in a greater degree than reclinate. 
Revolute, (revolutum) rolled backwards, as Wild Rosemary. Involute, (involutum) 
rolled inwards. 
Vaginant, (vaginans) the lower part of the leaf, forming a sheath to the stem. 
Whirled, (verticillatum) surrounding the stem like the radii of a wheel. 
Inflexed, (inflexum) bending upwards towards the stem. 13 
From the variety of their forms and surface they take the following names. 
Scymeter-shaped (acinaciformej one edge convex and sharp, the other straiter and 
thicker. 
Acerose, (acerosum} surrounded at the base by chaffy squammae, as in Cedar. 
Pointed, (acuminatum} terminating in a long tapering point, as in Spanish Dagger, 
plate 2. fig. 53. 
Acute, (acutum} terminating in an acute angle, as in Indian Arrow Root, and Indian 
Shot, plate 4, figs. 1 and 2, 
Aggregate, ( aggregates} so regularly composed that a leaf cannot be taken away with- 
out destroying the uniformity of the whole, as Houseleek. 
Blistered, (bultatum) when the parenchymatous substance rises higher than the veins, 
as in Clary, plate 4. fig. 4. 
Ciliated, (ciliatum} whose margin is finally edged with hairs, as in American Live 
for ever. 
Notched, (crenatum} bluntly notched with angles inclining towards neither extremity, 
sometimes with segments of small circles, as Wild Sage, plate 9, f g. 4. 
Undulated, (crispum} from the margin of the leaf being too long for the disk. 
Toothed, (dentatum) diverging remote points on the margin, as Vervain, plate 4, 
fig. 3. 
Eroded, (erosum} when the margin appears gnawed or bitten. 
Gibbous, (gibbum} when the intermediate pulp renders both sides convex. 
Lineare (lineare} straight, narrow and the sides nearly parallel, as in Wild Worm- 
wood. 
Nervous, (nervosum} having nerves or vessels, extending themselves from the base to 
the apex without branching out, as in Cinnamon, plate 7, fig. 5. 
Palmated, (palmatum} divided in several parts beyond the middle, as the Bread Fruit, 
plate 2, fig. 38. 
Serrated, (serratum} notched with teeth like a saw, inclining to the apex, or top of the 
leaf, as in Jack in a Box, plate 9, fig. 3. 
Spatulated, (spatulatum} roundish at the top, but lengthened by a narrower base in a 
form of a Spatula, as in Calabash, plate 8, fig. 4. 
Spinose, (spinosum} having strong sharp prickles, as Mexican Poppy, plate 9, fig- 1. 
Tomentose, (tomentosum} covered with numerous white hairs, closely matted. 
Venous, (venosum} whose veins branch and spread over the whole surface of the leaf. 
Stinging, (urens} burning, as Nettle. Wrinkled or plaited, Plicated, (plicatum} as Sea 
Eryngo. 
Woolly, (villosum} downy, covered with distinct soft hairs. 
Lanceolated, (lanceolatum} oblong, gradually tapering towards each point, as Bastard 
I pecacuanha, plate 7, fig 1. 
Rooting, (radicans} as the Aloe, Squill, &c. which will vegetate. 14 
Compound leaves are such whose footstalks are terminated by more than one expan- 
sion. The principal distinctions are, 
Articulated, (articulatum) when one leaf grows from the extremity of another, as in 
Prickly Pear, plate 1, fig. §5. 
Digitated, (digitatum) a number of small leaves connected to the extremity of a foot- 
stalk, like Radii, as in Horse Chesnut. 
Pedated, (pedatum) when the footstalk divides into two and connects the leaflets on 
the interior sides only as in Passion flower. 
Pinnated, (pinnatum) when many leaflets are connected or grow on each side of a com- 
mon footstalk, as in Barbadoes Pride, plate 7, fig* 7. 
Binate, (binatum) having two leaflets on one stalk, as in Jeffersonia Binata. 
Abrupt, (abruptum) when the same terminates abrupt or without a leaflet, as in 
Tamarind, plate 5, fig, 1. 
Ternate, (ternatum) having three leaflets, as in Strawberry. 
Interrupt, (interruptum) when the leaflets are alternately less. 
Doubly Pinnated, (bipinnatum decompositum). 
Trebly Pinnated, (tripinnatum supra decompositum). 
Fronds (frondes) expresses leaves consisting of several other leaves and forming the 
whole of the plant; as is the casein the fern kind, in which the fructification being on the 
back of the leaves, the single leaf makes the whole plant. In this case it is not called 
Folium but Frons. 
The other parts usually attendant on the stalk, are called by Linnaeus 
SUPPORTS, (Fulcra, from Fulcrum, a prop) and are calculated either to assist the 
plant in its growth, or to defend it from injuries. Of these he enumerates seven different 
kinds. 
Bracts, (bractea) leaves growing with the flower, and usually differing greatly in shape 
and colour, as in Chain Cotton, plate 8, fig. 1. 
Hairiness, (pubes) all kinds of hairiness, whether fine or coarse, whether terminating in 
a sharp point or viscid globule, as in Egg Fruit. 
Petiole, (petiolus) the footstalk of a leaf, which it supports without any flower. 
Peduncle, (pedunculus) the footstalk of a flower. 
Stipules, (stipulce) from stupe, two small leaves usually placed in pairs at the joints, 
mostly of leguminous plants, also in the Tulip Tree, the Peach, &c. 
Tendril, (cirrus) a clasper, by which the plant fastens itself to any other body, as in 
Winged Pea, Granadilla, Grape, Ivy, and many Cucubitaceous plants. 
The following are termed ARMS, (arma) 
Prickles, (aculea) which are superficially fixed only in the rind. 
Forks, (furcce) when several grow together; they are called bifid, as in Horned Acacia, 
trifid, as in Honey Locust, &c. 15 
Thorns, (spince) rigid prickles growing from the woody part, as in Nephritic Trec? 
plate 9, fig- 6- Orange Tree, Aloe, Thistle, plate 9, fig- 1. and Thorn Apple. 
Stings, (stimuli) are the pipes of a small bag furnished with a venomous fluid. 
Glands, (glndula) in different forms, are found in many plants, as Cassada, Oil-nut, 
Gum Arabic and Mountain Ebony. 
INFLORESCENCE, is the mode in which plants flower; the principal of which are, 
Whirl, (verticillus) the flowers disposed circularly at each joint of the stem, having 
very short peduncles or footstalks, as in Mint or Horehound. 
Spike, (spica) ranged alternately, or all round a simple stalk, as in Wheat or Mullein. 
Bunch, (racemus) each flower furnished with a short proper footstalk proceeding as 
lateral branches from the common one, as in Grapes or Pokeweed. 
Panicle, (panicula) disposed on footstalks, variously subdivided, as in Guinea Grass. 
Thyrse, (thyrsus) a panicle, contracted into an oval or egg-shaped form, as in Lilac 
or Horse Chesnut. 
Umbel, (umbcllaj footstalks proceeding from a common centre and rising to an equal 
length, so as to form an even or round surface at top, as in Wild Sage, plate 9, fig. 4, 
in Parsley, Ginseng. 
Cyme, (cyma) the footstalks proceeding from a common centre, and rising to the same 
heighth, but the secondary footstalks irregularly disposed, as in Elder and Dogwood. 
Corymbe, (corymbus) the partial flower stalks produced along the common stalk on 
both sides, and though of unequal length, rising to the same heighth. 
Head, (capitulum) a mode of inflorescence in which many flowers are collected at 
the summit of the footstalk, as in Bachelor's Button. 
Bunch, (fasiculus) the peduncles erect, parallel, placed close, and equal in height, 
as in Sweet William, Globe Amaranthus. 
ON THE CLASSES AND ORDERS OF PLANTS 
A CLASS is the first and highest division of every system. The classic character is 
constituted from a single circumstance, as the words in a dictionary are arranged by a 
single initial letter ; this one circumstance must be possessed equally by every plant ad- 
mitted into the class, how different soever they may be in other respects. Linnaeus has 
made choice of the Stamens, and has founded his classes on their number and situation, 
and his System, or mode of arrangement, (though not entirely exempt from imper- 
fections) has now been so generally received and adopted, that, it has nearly su- 
perseded all the rest, and his language become the universal language of Botany. He 
has divided the vegetable kingdom into twenty-four classes. The first ten, 1 -10, 
include plants in whose flowers both Stamens and Pistils, are found, (thence called Her- 
maphrodite) i4n which the stamens are neither united nor unequal in height when at 
maturity. These are therefore simply distinguished from each other by the number of 
stamens in each flower, and are compounded of the Greek numerals ^y^, monos^ 16 
one, Sis, dis, two, treis, three, tea-rapes, tessares, four, n&te, pente, five, eg, ex, six, eirra, 
epta, seven, o^a, okta, eight, ^a, ennea, nine, deka, ten, and the Greek word a^, 
aner, a Male, joined to them, to signify one Male, or Stamen, two Stamens, three Sta- 
mens, &c. as far as ten Stamens. I. Monandria, 2. Diandria, 3. Triandria, 4. Tetran- 
dria, 5. Pentandria, 6. Hexandria, 7. Heptandria, 8. Octandria, 9. Enneandria, 10. 
Decandria. 
11. Dodecandria, from SoSexa, dodeca, twelve, and ^p, aner, a Male, Hermaphrodite 
flowers having from twelve to nineteen Stamens, fixed to the receptacle. 
12. Icosandria, from eima-i, eikosi, twenty, and a^> aner, a male, hermaphrodite flowers, 
having twenty Stamens and upwards, inserted into the calyx. 
13. Polyandria, from iroxvs, polus, many, and are?, aner, a male, hermaphrodite flowers 
having from twenty to a thousand Stamens, inserted into the receptacle, 
14. Didynamia, from dis, double, and dunamis, power, hermaphrodite 
flowers having four Stamens, two long and two short. 
15. Tetradynamia, from Tea-trapes, tessares, four and Swaps, dunamis, power, herma- 
phrodite flowers having six Stamens, four long and two short. 
16. Monadelphia, from pvos, monos, one, and aSexpos, adelphos, a brother, hermaphrodite 
flowers having the Stamens united by their filaments into one body or brotherhood. 
17. Diadelphia, from Sis, dis, two, and aSexps, adelphos, a brother, hermaphrodite 
flowers having the Stamens united by their filaments into two bodies. 
18. Polyadelphia, from tows, polus, many, and aSeKpas, adelphos, a brother, hermaphrodite 
flowers having the Stamens united by their filaments into three or more bodies. 
19. Syngenesia, from a-w, sun, together, and yE^;, genesis, generation, hermaphrodite 
flowers having their Stamens united by their anthers (seldom by their filaments), into a 
cylinder. 
20. Gynandria, from ywe, gune, a female, and avep, aner, a male, hermaphrodite flowers 
having the Stamens sitting on the pistillum, or on an elongated receptacle. 
2L Monaecia, from pvos, monos, one, and ouaa, oikia, a house. Male and female 
flowers on the same plant. 
22. Diaecia, from Sis, dis, two, and uxia, oikia, a house. The male flowers produced 
on a separate plant from the female, or the Stamens growing on one plant, and the Pistil 
on another. 
23. Polygamia, from toXvs, polus, many, and yaws, gamos, marriage, hermaphrodite 
and also male or female flowers on the same plant. 
24. Cryptogamia, from upv-ttos, cryptos, hidden, and yaps, gamos, marriage, the fructi- 
fication hidden within the fruit, produced in some unusual manner, or no visible 
Stamens. 
The first 20 Classes, are hermaphrodite flowers, or having Stamens and Pistil in one 
flower. The first 11, depend on number; only the 12th and 13th Classes, depend on 
number and insertion; the 14th and 15th on number and equality; the 16th, i7th, 18th 17 
and 19th on connection ; the 20th on insertion only ; the 21st, 22nd and 23rd on situa- 
tion ; and the 24th on absence. . . / » 
An ORDER is the second division in the system, and in the first thirteen Classes 
from Monandria to Polyandria, is denominated from the number of Pistils; the greek 
numerals (mvo;, monos, Si;, dis, treis, &c. are compounded with the word gune, 
a female, forming the terms Monogynia, Digynia, Trigynia and so on to Polyginia, one, 
two, three, and so on to many Pistils. In numbering the Pistils, count from the bottom 
of the styles ; but if the styles are wanting, the calculation is made from the numbers of 
stigmas. ... , \ , r 
The 14th Class Didynamia, has the following orders, 
Gymnospermia, from gumnos, naked, and spermos, a seed, having the 
seeds naked, and contained in the bottom of the Calyx. 
Angiospermia, from avyio;, angios, a covering, and <ritsppo;, spermos, a seed, having the 
seeds covered or contained in a pericarp. 
The 15th Class Tetradynamia, contains two orders, 
Siliculosa, seeds in a small, short, or round pod. 
Siliquosa, seeds in a long slender pod. 
The 16th, 17th and 18th Classes, Monadelphia, Diadelphia and Polyadelphia, take 
the names of their orders from the number of stamens, as, Pentandria, Decandria, Poly- 
andria, &c. according to their number. 
The 19th Class, Syngenesia, contains six orders, viz. 
1. Polygamia equalis, consists of many florets or little flowers, all of which have both 
Stamens and a Pistil. It is called aequalis or equal because the Polygamy is equal over 
the whole flower. 
2. Polygamia Superflua; the hermaphrodite flowers in the centre producing perfect 
seed, the female flowers likewise in the circumference producing perfect seed. It is 
called Superflua, or Superfluous, as perfect seed is capable of being produced by the 
hermaphrodite flowers in the centre without the concurrence of the female flowers in the 
circumference. . r. ,. 
3. Polygamia Frustranea, when the hermaphrodite flowers in the centre produce perfect 
seed, but the flowers which form' the circumference produce no perfect seed. It is there-, 
fore called frustranea, as the flowers in the circumference appear to answer no purpose in 
the production of the seed. ; 
4. Polygamia Necessaria, when the hermaphrodite flowers in the centre produce no 
seed ; but the female flowers in the circumference produce perfect seed. It obtains the 
name of necessaria, from the flowers in the circumference being Necessary to the produc- 
tion of perfect seed. , K > 
5. Polygamia Segregata, when the florets are furnished with partial calices or cups, 
inclosed within one common calyx. It is called Segregata, the florets being separated 
from one another by the partial calices. , 18 
6. Polygamia Monogamia contains flowers which are simple and no way compounded; 
which is implied by the term Monogamia. 
The 20th Class, Gynandria, takes the names of its orders from the number of the Sta- 
. mens, as Diandria, Triandria, Pentandria, &c. 
The 91st Class, Monzecia, takes its first eight orders from the numbers of the Sta- 
mens, and has also three other orders, Monadelphia, Filaments united,. Syngenesia, An- 
thers united, and Gynandria Stamens, growing out of the Pistil. 
The 22nd Class, Dizecia, takes the names of ten orders from the number of Stamens, 
has also four other orders, Monadelphia, Polyadelphia, Syngenesia, and Gynandria; which 
terms have already been explained. 
The 23rd Class, Polygamia, contains three orders, Monaecia and Diaecia already ex- 
plained, and Trizecia, which signifies Hermaphrodite, male and female flowers growing 
separately on three distinct plants of the same species, as in Fig-tree, (Ficus). 
The 24th Class, Cryptogamia, contains four orders,--'the Ferns, (Filices)^ the Mos- 
ses, (Musci), the Sea Weeds, (Algos) and the Mushrooms or Funguses, (Fungi). 
The further divisions of Plants are into genera and species, which gives them 
their generic and specific names. And also a further division, called a variety, which, 
however, is generally more regarded by Florists than Botanists, as it is frequently the 
effect of accident or culture, but may be produced by the application of ripe Pollen of 
different flowers to the stigma of others. EXPLANATION OF PLATE I 
HABIT AND CHARACTERISTIC APPEARANCE OF PLANTS. 
CLASS I. MONANDRIA. 
Fig. 1. Indian Shot, (canna indica), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Scitamineae. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies. Called also Arundo Indica, Cannacorus, &c. Span. Cana de Indias, 
Itai. Canna d' India. 
2. Indian Arrow Root, (maranta arundinacea), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Scitamineae. 
Herbaceous; nat. South America and West Indies: called also by the Indians, Toulola 
and Agutiguepa, sometimes Sagittaria Alexipharmica; Span. Saeta-Raiz ; French, Racine 
a fleche, from curing wounds made by poisoned arrows. 
CLASS II. DIANDRIA. 
3. Wild Clary, (salvia sclareaJ, ord. Monogynia, n. o. Asperifoliae. Herbaceous; nat. 
Jamaica; Fr. Sauge sauvage; Itai. Clarea; Span. Salvia sivestre. 
4. Jamaica Vervain, (verbena Jamaicensis), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Asperifoliae. Her- 
baceous; nat. both Indies; Fr. Vervainede Jamaique; Itai. Verbena; Span. Verbena. 
CLASS III. TRIANDRIA. 
5. Sugar Cane, (saccharum officinarum), ord. Digynia, n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies; Fr. Canne; Itai. Canna de zucchero; Span. Cana de azucar. 
6. Bahama Grass, (panicumbahamensis), ord. Digynia, n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous; 
nat. Bahama Islands, (a thick matted short grass, fit for lawns, and grass plots), Itai. 
Yerba; Span. Erba; Fr. Herbe. 
7. Tamarind Tree, (tamarindusindicus), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Multisiliquosae. Arbo- 
reous; classed by some Monodelphia, Triandria; nat. both Indies; Fr. Tamarin; Itai. Ta- 
marindo; Span. Tamarindo. 
8. Guinea Grass, (panicum guineensis), ord. Digynia, n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous; 
nat. Guinea; grows freely and plentifully in the West Indies, and is the principal food for 
horses and cattle. 
9. Scotch Grass, (panicum latifolium), n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous ; nat. Barbadoes ; 
grows in swampy places, and is a good substitute for Guinea Grass in dry weather. 
10. Adrue, (cyperus articulatus), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Calamariee. Herbaceous ; nat. 
Jamaica ; is aromatic and valuable for its property of repressing vomitings. 
CLASS V. PENTANDRIAi 
11. Sweet Potatoes, (solanum batatas), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Luridae. Herbaceous; 
nat. Peru; Fr. Pommede terre; Itai. Porno di terra; Span.Patata; a sweet esculent 
root, forming a principal article of food among the negroes. 
12. Star Apple, (chrysophyHum cainito), ord. Monogynia, n.o. Dumosae. Arboreous; 
nat. West Indies, Span. Estrella ; bears a purple fruit, containing a sweet luscious pulp. 
13. Coffee Tree, (coffea arabica), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Stellatae. Shrubby; nat. Ara- 
bia and West Indies; Fr. Cafier; Itai. Caffe; Span. Cafe. The species containing one 
seed, and two seeds in a berry, grow freely in the West indies ; the former is the most 
rare. 
CLASS VI. HEXANDRIA. 
14. Pine Apple, (bromelia ananas), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Coronariae. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies; Fr. Ananas ; Itai. Pina; Span. Ananas. ii 
15. American Aloe, (agave vivipara), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Coronariae. Herbaceous; 
nat. South America; Fr. Aloes; Itai. Aloe; Span. Aloe. 
16. Red Lily, (amaryllis coccineaJ, ord. Monogynia, n. o. Spathaceae. Herbaceous ; nat. 
West Indies; Fr. Lis Rouge; Itai. Giglio Rosso; Span. Lirio Loxo. 
17- Oyster Plant, (tradescantia), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Spathaceae. Herbaceous; nat. 
West Indies and Mexico. 
CLASS IX. ENNEANDRIA. 
18. Cinnamon Tree, (laurus cinnamomum), ord. Monogynia. Arboreous; nat. Ceylon ; 
Fr. Cannelier; Itai. Cinnamomo; Span. Arbol de la Canela. 
19- Yellow Hogplum, (spondias myrobalanus), ord. Trigynia, n. o. Pomaceae. Arbo- 
reous; nat. West Indies; Fr. Prune; Itai. Prugnola; Span. Ciruelo. 
CLASS X. DECANDRIA. 
20. Occidental Cassia, (cassia Occidentalis), ord. Monogynia. Herbaceous; nat. West 
Indies; Fr. De la Casse; Itai. Cassia. 
21. Common Cashew Nut, (anacardium occidentale), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Holeraceae. 
Arboreous; nat. both Indies; Fr. Cachou ; Itai. Casciu; Span. Bellota de acajou. 
CLASS XL DODECANDRIA. 
22. Mangrove, (rhizophora mangles), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Holeraceae. Arboreous; 
nat. West Indies ; the plate represents the manner in which the Oysters attach them- 
selves to the branches which hang down in the salt water. It is called by the Indians 
Kandel. 
CLASS XII. ICOSANDRIA. 
23. Melon Thistle, (cactus melocactus), ord. Monogynia, n.o. Succulents. Herbaceous ; 
nat. West Indies ; Fr. Melon-chardon ; Itai. Mellon-cardone ; Span. Cardon cabezado o 
melon de monte. 
24. Four-sided Torch Thistle, (cactus tetragonus), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Succulentae. 
Herbaceous; nat. West Indies and South America; Span. Cirio. 
25. Cochineal Indian Fig, (cactus cochinillijer), ord. Monogynia, n.o. Succulentae, 
Herbaceous; nat. South America and West Indies; Span. Heguera de Indias; fruit, 
tuna. 
CLASS XIII. POLYANDRIA. 
26. Mammee Apple, (mammea Americana), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Dumosae. Arbore- 
ous; nat. Jamaica; Fr. Mamme ; Itai. Mela Mamea. 
27- Cashaw, (acacia), ord. Monogynia, n. o. Lomentaceas, Arboreous; nat. West 
Indies; Fr. Acacia; Itai. Acazia arborello espenoso poblado de ramos ; Span. Acacia. 
The Gum Arabic, (mimosa nilotica), is very similar in its manner of growth, and thrives 
very well in Jamaica ; Span. Arbol y goma de Egypto. 
28. Sweet Sop, (annonasquammosa), ord. Poligynia, n.o. Coadunatx. Arboreous; nat. 
South America and West Indies; Fr. Cheremoye. 
29- Sour Sop, (annona muricata), ord. Poligynia, n. o. Coadunatae, Arboreous; nat. 
West Indies. ^/ale 7 
TuHisArd as the-det di^rts. <'v Attard, dondon.Jitfy ffyf# EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. 
HABIT AND CHARACTERISTIC APPEARANCE OF PLANTS. 
CLASS XIV. DIDYNAMIA. 
Fig. 30. Narrow-leaved Calabash, (crescendo cujete}, ord. Angiospermia, n. o. Puta- 
mineae. Arboreous; nat. Jamaica; Span. Calabaza, arbol de America con cuyas cascaras 
hacen los Negros tazas para beber, y instrumentos de Musica. 
31. Spear-leaved Oily Pulse, (sesamum indicum}, ord. Angiospermia, n. o. Luridae. 
Herbaceous ; nat. East Indies ; thrives well in Jamaica. Itai. Sesamo o giuggelono. 
CLASS XVI. MONADELPHIA. 
32. Five-leaved Silk Cotton Tree, (bombax ceiba}, ord. Polyandria, n. o. Columni- 
ferae. Arboreous; nat. both Indies; Fr. Coton a soie; Itai. Coton di seta. 
33. Red Sorrell, (hibiscus sabdariffa), ord. Polyandria, n. o. Columniferae. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies ; Fr. Oseille Rouge ; Itai. Acetosa, Span. Acedera. 
CLASS XVIII. POLYADELPHIA. 
34-. Chocolate Nut Tree, (theobroma cacao}, ord. Decandria, n. o. Columniferae. 
Shrubby; nat. South America; Fr. Cacao; Itai Caccao. 
33. Forbidden Fruit, (citrus decumana}, ord. Icosandria, n. o. Bicornes. Arboreous; 
nat. both Indies ; Itai. Spezie de metanancia; Span. Espezie de naranjas. 
CLASS XX. GYNANDRIA. 
36. Esculent Coco, (arum esculentum}, ord. Polyandria, n. o. Piperitae. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies. This root is a valuable article of food for the negroes. 
CLASS XXL MONtECIA. 
37• Common Indian Corn, (zea mays}, ord. Triandria, n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous; 
nat. America; Fr Mais; Itai. Miglio; Span. Trigo de India. 
38. Bread Fruit Tree, (artocarpus incisa}, ord. Monandria, n. o. Paniferae. Arboreous; 
nat. Otaheite, and thrives well in the West Indies. The fruit baked is very similar to 
new bread. 
39- Red Colilu, ( amaranthus sanguineus }, ord. Pentandria, n.o. Holoraceae. Herbace- 
ous; nat. both Indies; Fr. Epinards; Itai. Spinace; Span. Espinaca. 
40. Bitter Cassada, (jatropha manihot}, ord. Monadelphia, n.o. Tricoccae. Herbaceous; 
nat. South America. The fresh root of this species is poisonous, but when the juice is 
expressed, makes most excellent bread. The roots of the Sweet Cassada may be eaten 
boiled or roasted. 
42. Cocoa Nut Tree, (cocos nucifera}, of the order Palmae ; nat. both Indies; Fr. 
Noix de Cocoa; Span. Coco. The plate represents the manner in which a negro will 
ascend a tree a hundred feet high to gather the nuts. 
43. Pumpkin Gourd, (cucurbita pepo}, ord. Syngenesia, n. o. Cucurbitaceae. Herba- 
ceous; nat. both Indies; Fr. Citrouille; Itai. Zucca; Span. Calabaza. 
44. Oil Nut Tree, (ricinus communis}, ord. Monadelphia, n. o. Tricoccae. Shrubby and 
Arboreous ; nat. both indies; Itai. Palma christi; Span. Palma christi. 
CLASS XXII. DLECIA. 
45. Esculent Yam, (dioscorea sativa}, ord. Hexandria, n. o. Sarmentaceas. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies. This root is one of the best of the bread kind or substitutes for bread. II 
46. Jamaica Pepper, (myrtus pimento), class Icosandria; ord. Monogynia, n. o. Hespe- 
rideae. Arboreous; nat. Jamaica; Fr. Pimente; Itai. Pepe di Jamaica; Span. Pimenta 
de la Jamaica. 
CLASS XXIII. POLYGAMIA. 
47. Guinea Corn, (holcus sorghum), ord. Monoecia, n. o. Gramina. Herbaceous ; nat. 
both Indies. Called also Indian Millett ; Fr. Bled des Indes ; Span. Mijo d' India. 
48.-Indian Jack Fruit Tree, (artocarpns integrifolia), ord. Monandria. Arboreous; 
nat. East Indies; thrives well in Jamaica; the fruit which grows to an immense size is 
born on the trunk and branches, and the seeds when roasted, taste like chesnuts. 
49. Plantain Tree, (musa paradisaica), ord. Monsepia, n.o. Scitaminese. Herbaceous; 
nat. both Indies; Fr. Plantain; Span. Platano, arbol que se cria in las Indias occiden- 
tales de mediana corpulenzia y cuya fruta se come. This is one of the best and most 
generally used of the bread kind, the fruit being boiled, baked, or roasted. 
50. Common Papaw Apple, (carica papaya), class Dioecia, ord. Decandria. Herba- 
ceous, the stalk not being solid ; it grows to the height of thirty feet; nat. both Indies ; 
Span. Papayo. 
51. Palmetto Thatch, (chamarops palmetto), class Palmas; so called from from its 
general use for thatching negro houses ; Fr. Palmette ; Itai. Palmetto. 
52. Mango Tree, (mangifera), classed by some Pentandria Monogynia, n. o. Poma- 
ceae. Arboreous; Fr. Mangoustan; Itai. Mango spezzia de frutta chi viene dall Indie 
orientali. 
53. Spanish Dagger, (zamia aculeata), Palmas, has stiff sharp pointed leaves. 
54. Anchovy Pear, (grias cauliflora), class Polyandria; ord. Monogynia. Arboreous. 
In this genus the flower and fruit are born on the stem. 
55. Abbay Tree or Oily Palm, (elais guineensis), class Palmse ; bears an oily drupe 
which is eaten boiled. 
56. Shews the manner in which the wood ants destroy a tree by making their nests 
round the trunk, from which they have covered ways leading to other trees or fences, 
which they destroy by eating the wood, and leaving the bark. P/a& 2 
Jud as di' det dirr-ts iy W.d.7lt;ard Zondm.July 6 A/87J EXPLANATION OF PLATE HL 
SEEDS AND PERICARPS, OF THEIR NATURAL SIZE AND COLOUR. 
Fig. 1. The capsule of the Indian Shot (canna Indica), is prickly on its surface. 
2. The seeds of ditto, are black and oval, and sometimes strung by the Negroes for 
necklaces ; they will also kill small birds. 
3. The seeds of a species of Tobacco, (nicoliana jamaicensis), 
4. The seed-vessel and seed of the Wild Tamarind. 
5. The bean or cherry of the Coffee, containing two seeds, surrounded by an aril 
or parchment. 
6. The seeds of the Four o'Clock, (jalappa mirabilis). These are also strung for 
necklaces, having a curious black furrowed surface. 
7. The seeds of the Goat Pepper (capsicum), are kidney-shaped, and when ripe of a 
yellowish brown. 
8. The seeds of the Star Apple, (chrysophyllum cainito), are black, with a white mark 
and pointed at the top. 
9. The seeds of the Naseberry, (sider oxy Ion), are black and acuminated. 
10. The seed of the Mammee Sapota, (achras sapota), has the appearance of a beauti- 
ful shell of such hardness and polish, that it is frequently made into a snuff-box after 
picking out the kernel. 
11. The seeds of the Soap Berry, (sapindus saponaria), are quite round and of a pol- 
ished black-they are also frequently strung for necklaces. 
12. The seed of the Yellow Nicker, (guilandina bonduc). 
13. The seed of the Grey Nicker, (guilandina bonducella). 
14. The seed of the Akee, (nov gen), of a polished black. 
15. The nut of the Cashew Apple, (anacardium acajou), which is fixed on the end of 
the apple, and has a very acrid oil in the shell, but the kernel, when fresh is as sweet as 
a walnut, and is also very good, roasted. 
The seed of the Horseradish Tree, (moringa), which is born in a long pod and fur- 
nished with three wings, sheep and goats are very fond of them as food. t 
17. The seed-vessel of the Lignum Vitae, (guaicum officinale), containing two seeds 
enclosed in a pulp, which, made into a preserve, has the same virtues as the gum, and in 
a superior degree. 
18. The seed of the Rose Apple, (eugenia fragrans), has a strong smell like roses. 
19. The seeds of the Barbadoes Pride, (poinciana pulcherrima). 
20. The seeds of the Mexican Poppy, (argemone mexicana),-a few of them smoked 
in a pipe of tobacco have a powerful narcotic effect. 
21. The seed of the Coccoon Antidote Nut, (fevillea scandens),-the kernel of this 
infused in rum is a powerful antidote to poison, and is generally kept ready for use in 
families. 
22 The seed-vessel, and, 23, Seeds of the Gum Arabic, from which the gum exudes, 
as well as from the trunk and branches. 
24. The seed-vessel and seeds of the Arnotto, (bixa orellana). The red substance 
round the seeds forms a pigment or dye of a deep aurora or orange colour, called by the 
Indians mucu, roucou. 
25. The seeds of the Sweet Sop, (annona sqummosa). 
26. The seeds of the Musk Ochro, (hibiscus abelmoschus), have a powerful musky 
scent. 
27. The seeds of the Sour Sop, (annona muricata). 
28. The seed-vessel of the Bastard Cedar, (theobroma guazuma), is a capsule, contain- II 
ing many small seeds in different cells ; they are frequently given as food to horses, but 
should be well salted, like Indian corn, or it is said to give them botts. 
The seed of Nephritic Tree, (mimosa unguiscati), is kidney-shaped, and has a white 
substance round the lower part, resembling the fat round a kidney. The bark of this tree 
is reputed by the Spaniards a sovereign remedy in all diseases of the kidneys, ureters and 
bladder. 
30. The seeds of the Chain Cotton, (gossypium), are linked together in the form of a 
chain. 
31. The seeds, and, 32, Seed-vessel of the Oily Pulse, or Sesame, (sesamum Indicum). 
They are mucilaginous, and sometimes used in Soup. 
33. The seed of the Wild Liquorice, (abrus precatorius), frequently used for necklaces 
by the Negroes. 
34. The Pigeon Pea, (cytisus cajan), a perennial and shrubby plant. The others are, 
35, the Black, 39, the White, 37 and 40, the Speckled, and, 38, the Lady Pea. 
36. The seed of the Sand Box, (hura crepitans), is of a sweet taste, but poisonous. 
41. Pindars, (arachis hypogai), earth nuts, the kernels of which are eaten roasted. 
42. The Chocolate Nut, (theohroma cacao). The pericarp is a follicle, and the seeds, 
tn thp number of twenty or thirty, are fixed along a receptacle in the centre. 
43 he seeds of the Orange, (citrus aurantium). 
4 Ye • eds of the Shaddock, (citrus decumana). 
>ke seed-vessel of a sort of short-podded Wild Vanilla, (epidendrum vanilla). 
e-s are small and shining, and to the number of many thousand in one seed-vessel. 
46. t he seed vessel of the Screw Tree, (helicteres), twisted in a spiral form. 
47. The seeds of the Forbidden Fruit, (citrus medica). 
48. I he seed-vessel of the Oil Nut, (ricinus palma christi), tricoccous, or containing 3 
seeds, 49? from which is boiled or expressed an essential oil, which is a most valuable 
cathartic, commonly called Castor Oil. Fig. 50, are larger seeds of the same, but it is 
not ascertained that they yield more oil in proportion to their size. 
51. The seeds of the Tomatos, (solanum lycopersicum), are grooved and. rough round 
the edge. 
52. The seeds of a species of Water Melon, (cucurbita citrullus). 
53. The Lima Bean, (phaseolus limensis), the most delicious bean to be found in Ja- 
maica, but will not thrive without much care. 
55. The Sugar Bean, (phaseolus), a very good sort, which is common, as is the Scar- 
let Bean, fig. 55. 
57. The Pimento, (myrtus pimenta), after it is gathered and dried on barbecues. 
58. A few grains of the Guinea. Corn, or Indian Millett, (holcus sorghum), which 
grow in a panicle similar to the Guinea Grass, plate 5, fig. 2, and many ears on a stalk. 
59. Seeds of the Cerasee, (momordica balsamina), the seed-vessel of which being 
pricked with a pin bursts open with violence, scattering the seeds, which are at first sur- 
rounded with a slimy mucus, of a scarlet colour, 
60. The seed of the Mahogany, furnished with a thin broad wing; the seed is contain- 
ed in the lower end. 
61. i he seed vessel of the Mahogany, (swietiana mahogoni), reduced to about half its 
natural size. The seeds are so imbricated, that when once displaced they cannot be put 
together again. 
62. fhe Cunep, a fruit of a subacid taste, the pulp of which surrounds the stone, and 
is enclosed in a thin green shell. 
63* The seed-vessel of the Contraryerba, of Yucatan, the seeds being imbedded or in* 
Gid like ivory spots or points, in a thick substance. SPlait ■ 
AHufad as At Act sdrtctr ly'HAATtltirdAnndcn .^ne 7. J<U7. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. 
THE FIGURES IN THIS PLATE ARE OF THE NATURAL SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF THE 
PLANTS. 
CLASS I. MONANDRIA,. ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
Fig. 1. Indian Arrow Root, (maranta arundinaceaJ., n. o. Scitamineae; Fr. Racine a 
fleche; Span. Saeta-Raiz; nat. South America; called by the Indians, Toulola, Agueti- 
guepa, and sometimes Sagittaria Alexipharmica. This valuable plant is herbaceous, 
having tapering white roots covered with a thin brown skin, nearly the shape and size of 
carrots, marked with annular protuberances. The stalks are reed-like, about four feethigh 
bearing at their summits small white flowers; the leaves are oval, acute angled, alternate 
and when gathered roll up lengthways. Seed vessel roundish, obscurely three-sided. 
The roots being scraped, washed and pounded, in wooden mortars, and macerated in 
water, yield a flour of a snowy whiteness, which no worms will touch. Made into a 
jelly with boiling water, it is a most cordial and nourishing food, that will remain on the 
stomach when nothing else will; and a pudding made of it, is most excellent for con- 
valescents. It is also used for starch, which is far superior to that made of wheat flour 
in quality, and one pound is equal to two pounds and a half, of that prepared from 
wheat; and by its use, immense quantities of wheat might be saved annually. The 
root may be candied as Eryngo, possessing nearly the same virtues. The fresh expressed 
juice of the root with water, is a powerful antidote to vegetable poisons (as the Savanna 
flower), taken inwardly ; the bruised root outwardly applied, is a cure for the wounds of 
poisoned arrows, scorpions, or black spiders, and arrests the progress of Gangrene. It is 
propagated by cuttings of the roots, and made for sale in considerable quantities in the 
West Indies, for about a dollar per pound. It has thriven in America, in the states of 
South Carolina and Georgia, and produced 1840 pounds to the acre ; and perhaps would 
be well worthy attention in the East Indies. That which is sold in the shops, is not 
always unadulterated, but the genuine affords a larger proportion of mucilage than any ve- 
getable yet discovered. The medical virtues are astringent, cordial, diaphoretic and said 
by Dr. Barham to be in some degree emenagogue; a decoction of the fresh roots, makes 
an excellent ptisan in acute diseases. When prepared with milk for children if it ferment 
on the stomach, the addition of a little animal jelly will prevent it. The following spe- 
cies are natives of or will grow in the West Indies. Wood Arrow Root, (maranta syl- 
vaticaJ, Dichotomous, ('maranta dichotoma). 
2. Indian Shot, (canna imdica), n. o. Scitamineae; Itai. Canna d'India; Span. Cana 
de Indias ; called also Cannacerus and Arundo Indica Latifolia. This beautiful plant 
is herbaceous, having large succulent creeping roots of an acrid taste when fresh, the 
stalks are round and reed-like, about five feet high, but more succulent than arrow root, 
having oval pointed leaves with marked ribs, running from the foot to the point, sessile 
and alternate. The stalks are terminated by beautiful large scarlet flowers, succeeded 
by a prickly pericarp with several black seeds, which will kill small birds. The juice of 
the root is said by Dr. Barham to be a counter poison, he also attributes virtues to it, 
mixed with the bruised leaves and water lily, applied as a cataplasm to hard tumours and 
indurations of the spleen. The following species are natives of or will grow in the West 
Indies. Scarlet-flowered Indian Shot, (canna coccinea}, both Indies. Broad-leaved 
Indian Shot, (canna patens), both Indies. Glaucous Indian Shot, (canna glauca), South 
America. Yellow-flowered Indian Shot, (canna lutea}^ East Indies. 
CLASS II. DIANDR1A, ORD.4. MONOGYNIA. 
Jamaica Vervain, (verbena jamaicensis}, n. o. Asperifoliae ; Fr. Vervaine; Itai. Ver- II 
bena ; Span. Verbena. This valuable though common plant is herbaceous, and seldom 
rises more than two feet high ; the root is oblong and bitter, the stalk angular, a little 
hairy and branched, the leaves stand in pairs, oval, veined and notched at the edges. The 
flower stalk is imbricated, from the squammae of which arise the flowers, small, blue and 
scattered at irregular distances. When it is once established it spreads fast/ Dr. Barham 
says, the juice alone, or with Contrayerva infused in wine, is an excellent remedy against 
dropsies. The expressed juice is given to children as an anthelmintic ; and the bruised 
leaves, with wheat-flour applied as a cataplasm, are useful in swellings of the spleen, (a 
common disease in the West Indies) and to discuss hard tumours at their commencement. 
It is given as a cooling cathartic to children in doses of one or two table spoonfuls 
of the expressed juice. A decoction of the plant with spikenard is given in dropsies, 
and a table spoonful of the juice, four successive mornings, is considered by the Negroes, 
(with whom Vervain is a favourite remedy,) as an effectual deobstruent and emenagogue, 
The expressed juice with water is also very good for sore watery inflamed eyes. Ver- 
vain tea is likewise frequently drunk as a febrifuge and corroborant. 
The following species are natives of warm climates. 
Indian Vervain, 
Changeable, 
Buenos Ayres, 
Panicled, 
Betony-leaved, 
Mexican, 
Trailing, 
Upright, 
Three-leaved, 
(verbena indicaJ, nat. 
( v. mutabilis ), 
(v. bonareensis J, 
( v, paniculata J, 
( v. orubica J, 
( v. mexicana J, 
( v. prostrata 
( v. strict a ), 
(v. triphyIla chili 
East Indies. 
South America. 
Buenos Ayres. 
Ditto. 
South America. 
Mexican. 
South America. 
Ditto. 
Ditto. 
Jamaica Wild Clary, (salvia sclarea^ n.o. Asperifoliae; Fr. Sauge sauvage ; Span. 
Salvia silvestre ; nat. West Indies. This plant is common in Jamaica, and grows nearly 
in the same manner and about the same height as vervain, having ovated rough leaves, 
and the extremity of the stalk revolute or turned back like the sting of a Scorpion. The 
flowers are small, numerous and situated near the top of the stalk, of a light blue colour. 
It is a remedy much in use among the Negroes, who consider it as cleansing, cooling 
and consolidating to ulcers and sore legs, to which they are very subject. It is also used 
in inflammations of the eyes, and the leaves boiled with Cocoa Nut Oil, are said by Dr. 
Barham to cure the stings of scorpions. This with the vervain are two of the ingredients 
to make the aromatic warm bath, a remedy which deserves to be in more general use. 
The garden sage, a species of this genus, made into a decoction, sweetened and acidulated 
with lime juice, is used as a cooling drink in fevers. The virtues of the sage are stimu- 
lant, carminative, tonic and aromatic. 
Indian Sage, 
Dominican, 
Various-leaved, 
Mexican Sage, 
Hairy-stalked, 
Bitter, 
V iolet-flowered, 
Germander-leaved, 
Linear-leaved, 
Broad-leaved, 
(salvia indicaJ, nat. 
(s. dominica J, 
Cs. heterophylla ', * 
(s. formosa), 
(s. pseudo coccineaJ 
(s. amara J, 
(s. . amtvnaJ, 
C s. chamcedrys), 
( s. linearis J, 
(s. latifoliie 
India. 
West Indies. 
Ditto. 
Peru. 
, South America. 
Mexico. 
West Indies. 
Mexico. 
Mexico. 
Y ucatan. JiMuted as WrjZMrd.Zendon.Juru 7.JW. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THIS WORK 
received in Kingston, at the Office of the Royal Gazette, in Spanish Town, at the Office of the 
St. Jago Gazette, and at the Printing-Office, Montego Bay, and in London by Messrs. Sher- 
wood, Neely and Jones, Paternoster Row; at No. 1, Union-street, Bishopsgate; and by 
all respectable Booksellers.-The remaining Numbers will appear respectively on March 1st? 
June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st, 1812. 
The foilowing Plants of the West Indies, S^c. (inter alia) will be noticed. 
China Root 
Rajania 
Yam 
Velvet Leaf 
Papaw Tree 
Juniper Cedar 
Red Cedar 
Adelia 
Plantain Tree 
Banana 
Guinea Corn 
Balsam Tree 
Nettle Tree 
Nephritic Tree 
Sensitive Plant 
Cashaw 
Gum Arabic 
Ginseng 
Carob Tree 
Fig Tree 
Adder's Tongue 
Brake 
Polypody 
Shield Fem 
Maidenhair 
Thrinax 
Thatch 
Fan Palm 
Cycas 
Cocoa Nut 
Prickly Palm. 
Date Palm 
Caryota 
Borasus 
Cabbage Tree 
Elate 
Abbay 
Zamia 
Hypnum 
Byrum 
Mnium 
Marchanta 
Byssus 
Mosses 
Alligator, or Musk 
Wood 
Anchovy Pear 
Angelyn Tree 
Arraganas 
Attoo 
Avens 
Briar Rose 
Cardamum 
Centaury 
Coopers' Withe 
Gland Flax 
Green With 
Ground Ivy 
Holly Rose 
Lance W ood 
Liut6 
Lignum Aloes 
Candle Wood 
Prickly Yellow 
Lemon Grass 
Manchineel 
Miik Wood 
Milk Wort 
Mug Wort 
Nhambi 
Nhandiroba 
Ortigia 
Paica Julia 
Palghi 
Palqui 
Panke 
Paraguay Tea 
Sosumber 
Payco Herba * 
Peuma 
Poquctt 
Sargassa * 
Scammony 
Velvet Leaf 
Parrot Wood 
Five-finger 
Wild Fig 
Pepper-bush Elder 
Otaheitan Plum 
Cunep 
Turkey Weed 
East-India Ebony 
French Cotton 
Spanish Needle 
Milk Grass 
Brambas 
Betel 
Bunbunny 
Cabuia 
Mexican forage 
Culantrillo 
Sorrel of Yucatan 
Chamomile of ditto 
Albahacca 
Peruvian Balsam 
Guayava 
Ortigia 
Sisin 
Chaia 
Chinchivel 
Mexican Mallow 
Kavllyasnic 
Doradilla 
Oak of Yucatan 
Makulam 
Chiopley 
Orosus 
Sorillt^ 
Sage of Yucatan 
Tamarind^of ditto 
Contrayerva 
Tabasco Tea 
&c. &c. &c. 
Egg Plant 
Coral Pepper 
Bird Pepper 
Bell Pepper, &c. 
Spanish Elm 
Currant Tree 
Star Apple 
Teak Wood 
Iron Wood 
Gronovia 
Balsamine 
Mango Tree 
Coxcomb 
Chaff Flower 
Grape Vine 
Wild Wine 
Savanna Flower 
Red Jasmine 
Tabernsmonuna 
Barbadoes Cedar 
Winter Cherry 
Gentian 
Bastard Ipeca- 
cuanha 
Globe Amaranth 
Dichondra 
Eryngo 
Hare's Ear 
Samphire 
Navel Wort 
Spathelia 
Tamarisk 
Chick weed 
Hog Gum 
Holly Rose 
Aralia 
Wild Cinnamon, or 
Winter's Bark 
Pine Apple 
Penguin 
Silk Grass 
Water Pine 
Old Man's Beard 
Chlorophytum 
Pitcairnia 
Oyster Piant 
Solomon's Seal 
Blood Flower 
Lily Ro"L 
Clammy Cherry 
Amaryllis 
Garlic 
Superb Lily 
Hypoxis 
Asparagus 
-Sempervive 
Aloe 
Adam's Needle 
Agave 
Naseberry 
Birch Tree 
Hillia 
Tuberose 
Mammee Sapota 
Bully Tree 
Rice 
Water Plantain 
Guinea-hen Weed 
Horse Chesnut 
Akee 
Honey Berry 
Lawsonia 
Whortleberry 
Clove Strife 
Lagetto Tree 
Buck Wheat 
Supple Jack 
Arsmart 
Sea-side Grape 
Soap Berry 
Heart Seed 
Cinnamon 
Camphire 
Avocado Pear 
Cog wood 
Cas'ia 
Sweet Wood 
Rhubarb 
Hog Plum 
Mountain Ebony 
Saphora 
Barbadoes Pride 
Locust Tree 
Parkinsonia 
Nicker Tree 
Brasiletto 
Logwood 
Lignum Vine 
Bead Tree 
Mahogany 
Button Flower 
Bitterwood 
Caltroppes 
Melastoma 
J ussieua , 
Horseradish Tree 
Nicaragua Wood 
Stinking Weed 
Winter Green 
Wild Indigo 
Balsam of Capivi 
' -Clive Bark Tice 
Samyda 
Ringworm Bush 
Cane-piece Sensi- 
tive Plant 
Barbadoes Cherry 
Trianthema 
Chaw-stick 
Mandarin Orange 
Wood Sorrel 
Poke Weed 
Mangrove 
Tree Celandine 
Blakea 
Canella Alba 
Garlick Pear 
Purslane 
Triumfetta 
Spurges 
Pope's Head 
Torch Thistle 
Prickly Pear 
Green Withe 
Gooseberry 
Cochineal Plant 
Rose Apple 
Maiden Plum 
Guava 
Myrtle 
Pimento 
Pomegranate 
Peach 
Almond 
Cherry Tree 
Sesuvium 
Rose 
Strawberry 
Marcgravia * 
Caper Tree 
Mexican Poppy 
Mammee Apple 
Arnotto 
Santa Maria 
Clove Tree 
Gairboge 
Parrot Weed 
Prickly Cct*on 
Pimpernell 
Water Lily 
Custard Apple 
Sweet Sop 
Sour Sop 
Traveller's Joy 
Savory 
Scordium 
Mint 
Horehound, or 
Spignel 
Lemon Balm 
Wild Basil 
Self-heal 
Iron-wort 
Wild Hops 
Calabash 
Wild Sage 
Trumpet Flower 
Sweet Wood 
White Cedar 
Oily Pulse 
Spirit Leaf 
Wild Olive 
Fiddle Wood 
Cyrilla 
Biunsfelsia 
Jamaica Tea 
Volkameria 
Chaste Tree 
Columnea 
Wild Mustard 
Kale 
Water Cresses 
Radish 
Cabbage 
Cotton 
Ochroma 
Screw Tree 
Silk Cotton 
Sour Gourd 
Ochro 
Mallow 
Muskochro 
Cotton 
Achania 
Red Sorrel 
Milk Wort 
Wild Liquorice 
Coral Tree 
Pigeon Pea 
Bladder Sena 
Rest Harrow 
Ebony 
Cowhage 
Dogwood 
Indigo 
Pindars 
Crotolaria 
Kidney Bean 
Sweet Pea 
Bastard Cabbage 
Tree 
False Acacia 
Hedysarum 
Cn^roiate Nut 
Bastard ^edar 
Abroma 
Lemon 
Lime 
Orange 
Shaddock 
Forbidden Fruit 
Mandarin Orange 
Lettuce 
Artichoke 
Saffron 
Mikania 
Agrimony 
Eupatorium 
Halbert Weed 
Golden Rod 
Colt's Foot 
Sun Flower 
Rudbeckia 
Parthenium 
Elephant's Foot 
Orchis 
Limodorum 
Neottia 
Vanilla 
Granadilla 
Passion Flower 
Birth Wort 
Wake Robi* 
Dragon 
Pothos 
W ithe? 
Eddos 
Cocoas 
Bread Fruit 
Jack Fruit 
Tripsacum 
Jack in a Box 
Nettle 
Fustie 
Mulberry 
Indian Corn 
Amaranthus 
Colilu 
Wild Tansey 
Canada Rice 
Guettarda 
, Begonia 
Walnut 
Dalechampia 
Acalypha 
Tree of Life 
Liquid Ambar 
Cob Nuts 
Wild Rosemary 
Cascarilla 
Yellow Tree 
Cassada 
Physic Nut 
Wild Cassada, or 
Belly-ach Weed 
French Physic Nut 
Oil Nut 
Omphalea 
Manchineel 
Saud Box Tree 
Snake Gourd 
Balsam Apple 
Bottle Gourd 
Orange Gourd 
Pumpkin 
Squash 
Water Melon 
Musk Melon 
Cucumber 
Prickly Cucumber 
Chocho 
Cerasee 
Wild Cucumber 
Bread Nut Tree 
Cecropia 
Candleberry Myrtle 
Hemp 
Tooth-ach Tree 
Fingrigo 
Majoe 
Gronovia 
Balsamine 
The Cover of the next Number will contain a similar List of the Plants of North America. 
JT. B. This first Number is of itself, a concise, yet clear and comprehensive Compen- 
dium of the Elements of Botany, calculated for the use of Students or as a Class 
Booh for the use of Schools, fyc. October 1, 1S10. 
NUMBER II. 
Price to Subscribers i 2 Dollars 
Non-Subscribers Dollars. 
(TO BE COMPLETED IN SIX LUMBERS) 
HORTUS BOTANICUS 
AMERICANUS; 
uR, 
COLOURED PILATES 
OF . 
MANY N^W AND VALUABLE PLANTS 
OF THE 
West Indies and North and South America. 
TO WHICH.IS ANNEXED, 
* A CATA LOGUE uF THE PLANTS, . 
. • (And of'many others, Natives of AFRICA and the EAST INDIES, '• 
, , Which have been, or might be introduced with Advantage into the WEST INDIES,) • 
WITH CONCISE AND FAMILIAR DF^CRIPTlb'NS.OF MANY SPECIES, 
Shewing thei' 'various, common and botanical Names, Places of Growth, Medical Virtues or General Uses, 
their Classes and Orders. 
Arranged after the Linncean System. 
ft ALSO 
A'CONCISE YET COxMPk ■ 11ENSIVE GLOSSARY OF TERMS, PREFIXED 
... . AND A GENERAL INDEX. 
• -- -* ■ - - ...... 
By W J. TITFORD, M D 
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF ARTS, 5c. 
7.4e following Plants of North America, fyc* (inter alia) will be noticed. 
'Indian Reed 
Arrow Rout 
- 
Th aka 
Glass-woxi 
Cinna 
2 Jasmine 
QJjve Tree 
. Snow Flower 
Catalpa 
Speedwell 
Vervain . 
Water Horehound 
Cunila 
Oswego Tea 
Sage 
Pepper 
3 Me'oth'ria • ; 
bis 
(cmmelina 
Crocus 
Cyperns 
Club Rush 
Cotton Grass 
Leersia 
Pan'c Gr'ss 
Fox-tail Grass 
Sundry Grasses 
Rye 
Barley 
Wheat 
Mollugo 
Anychia 
Leche* 
4 Button Wood 
Scabious 
Houstonia 
Ladies B|ds^raw 
Mitchella 
CaB'-arpa 
Great Burnet 
Dogwood 
Witch Hazel 
Holly 
Pondweed 
Gromwell 
, FL>un^s Tongue. 
*<Mpgwort 
Comfrey 
Borage. 
American Cow-lip 
Water Leaf 
Loose Strife 
Lychnideg 
Bind Weed 
W«;... Grass 
Cantu i 
Ipomata 
NEW 
ub'isied by Samvel Campbell, and sold by all respectable Bookseller^ in the United States. 
• 1810. • . • 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR; Sheppard Libkari 
Massachusetts 
College of Pharmacy 
THE LINNJEAN 
NATURAL METHOD OF CLASSIFICATION 
(So called in Contradistinction to the Artificial or Sexual Method), arranges 
Plants according to their Appearance, Virtues and Uses, conform- 
ably to the affinities established by Nature, and is highly 
valuable, useful and interesting. 
Order 1. Palma, Palms, are perennial, of the Shrub or tree kind with simple stems, 
bearing fronds, or fan leaved; and varying in height from two to two hundred feet. They 
generally have a branched spathe or sheath called a Spadix, as in Abbay, plate 2, fig. 55, 
and bear a fruit of the berry or nut kind, fit for food. The lofty are properly palms, as 
Cocoa Nut, plate 2, fig. 42, and the low, Palmetos, as Thatch, plate 2, fig. 51. 
2. Piperita, (from Piper, Pepper), are perennial and mostly herbaceous, the roots when 
fresh, acrid, and the general character of the plants, astringent, as Dumb Cane, Arum, 
and Indian Betel. 
3. Calamaria, (Reed like), the bottom of the leaf where it embraces the stalk undi- 
vided, example Adrue, (Cyperus), plate 1, fig. 10, and the mode of flowering generally a 
spike, their virtues and uses nearly the same as the following, 
4. Gramma, (Grasses), herbaceous plants, sometimes creeping, at others upright, 
with fibrous roots mostly contained in Class Triandria Ord Digynia. All these plants are 
wholesome and valuable food, as Guinea Grass, plate 1, fig. 8. Bahama Grass, fig. 6. 
Scotch Grass, fig. 9, and Suga? Cane, fig. 5, also Indian Corn, plate 2, fig. 37, and 
Guinea Corn, fig. 47. 
5. Tripetaloida, (Three Petalled), nearly allied to the Grasses, as Arrowhead and 
Water Plantain. 20 
6. Ensats, (Sword Shaped), a beautiful family of herbs, allied to the Liliaceous 
plants with fleshy roots and simple stalks, as Saffron and Flower de Luce. 
7. Orchides, (from Orchis), plants with fleshy knobbed roots, leaves spathaceous, 
flowers produced in a spike or panicle; plants of this order, are generally considered 
Strong Aphrodisiacs, Example Vanilla, plate 3, fig. 45, and Bee Orchis, Ophrys. 
8. Scitamines, (from Scitamentum agreeable food), beautiful plants, natives of Tropi- 
cal Climates, and furnishing exquisite fruits, some have a hot pungent taste, and the 
roots of many are resinous, example Indian Shot, plate 1, fig 1. Arrow root, plate 2 
fig 1. Plantain Tree, plate 2, fig. 49. 
9. Spathaces, (Sheath like). The flowers protruded from a sheath, as in Red Lily, 
plate 1, fig. 16, and Oyster Plant, fig. 17. 
10. Coronaris, (Crowned). Herbaceous plants with fleshy roots, (without a stem in 
some) the flowers seated on the top of the flower stalk; the roots generally innocent 
except such as have a heavy nauseous smell. Example of this order, American Aloe, 
plate 1, fig. 15, Pine Apple, fig. 14. 
11. Sarmentoss, (Shooting stemmed). Plants with climbing stems and branches, sup- 
porting themselves on neighbouring bodies, as Velvet Leaf and Yams, plate 2, fig. 45. 
12. Holeraces, (Pot Herbs). Plants used for the table, and in domestic ceconomy, 
and the fruit esculent, as Cashew Nut, plate 1, fig. 21. Beet, Cinnamon, plate 1, fig. 
18. Colilu, plate 2. fig. 39. Those used for seasoning, may be called Condiments, 
Condimenta. 
13. Succulents, (Succulent), flat, fleshy and juicy plants, of which the greater part, are 
evergreen. In their qualities astringent and refreshing, as Melon Thistle, plate 1, fig. 
23. Torch Thistle, fig. 24. Cochineal plant, fig. 25. Hydrangea. 
14. Gruinales, (from Grus, a Crane). Geraniums Cranes Bill, and other plants 
nearly similar, as Flax and Wood Sorrell. 
15. Inundats, (growing in the water), aquatic and herbaceous plants, as Pondweed, 
Lily of Lake Champlain. 
16. Calicijlors, plants having the stamens inserted into the Calyx, of the Shrub and 
Tree kind, and generally astringent, as in Wild Olive, Eleagnus. 
17. Calycanthems, (from Calyx and anthos, a flower), having the Corolla and 
Stamina inserted in the Calyx ; these plants also are frequently of an astringent quality, 
as American Wild Gooseberry, and Tree Primrose. 
18. Bicornes, (Two Horned). Plants in which the anthers have the appearance of 
two horns, of the shrub and tree kind, and possessing astringent qualities, example 
American Honey-suckle, Bilberries, Mangostan, Forbidden Fruit, plate 2, fig. 35. and 
Indian Date Plum. 
19. Hesperides, (Golden Fruited). Plants of the shrub and tree kind mostly ever- 
green, and bearing esculent berries, as Guava, Rose Apple, and Pimento, plate 2, fig. 46. 
20. Rotaces, (Wheel-shaped), the petal in the shape of a wheel and no tube, as Pim- 
pernell and Gentian. 21 
21. Precite, (Early), plants that flower early, as Primrose and Sow Bread. 
22. Carophyllatce, (from the Genus Carophyllus). The plants of this order are 
innocent, have bitter seeds, attenuating and detersive, Examples Carnation, Pink, and 
Soap Wort. 
23. Trihilata, (Three-eyed), plants with three seeds marked distinctly with a hilum 
or eye, as Barbadoes cherry, Chaw Stick, and Maple. 
24. Cory dales, (Helmeted), from corus, a helmet. Plants with irregular Corols, 
somewhat resembling a helmet, as Balsamine, Fumatory. 
25. Putaminere, (Hard Shelled), plants having a fleshy seed vessel covered with a 
woody shell, as Calabash Tree, plate 2, fig. 30. Garlick Pear. 
26. Multisiliquce, (Many Podded), or rather having many seed vessels of the Capsular 
kind, and numerous seeds. The qualities of some, are Acrid and Purgative, example 
Pheasants Eye, and Virgins Bower. 
27. Rhcedete, (from Rhaeas Red Poppy), plants emitting a milky juice, and of a nar- 
cotic quality, but externally applied, corrosive, as Mexican Poppy, plate 9, fig. 1. also 
May Apple and Puccoon. 
28. Lurid ce, (Lurid), plants whose appearance is ominous and indicating something 
noxious in their quality, generally of the fifth Class, as Night shade, or of the masqued 
tribe. The plants have an insipid taste, a nauseous smell, and are frequently poisonous, 
example Thorn Apple, Mullein and Deadly Night shade. 
29. Campanacete, (Bell-shaped), plants with bell-shaped flowers-many plants of this 
order abound with a milky juice, and it furnishes valuable medicines and articles of 
food, Ex. Quamoclit, American Lobelia, Jalap, Sweet Potatoe, plate 1, fig. 11. 
30. Contorts, (Twisted), plants having petals bent to one side-generally abound in 
milky juice, and are of a poisonous quality, as South Sea Rose, plate 5, fig. 5. Bastard 
Ipecacuanha, plate 7, fig. 1. Periwinkle and Red Jasmine. 
31. Vepreculce (Briar-like), plants resembling a Bramble, as Leatherwood and Meze- 
reon. 
32. Papilionacece, (Butterfly-shaped), plants with papilionaceous flowers, of which 
numerous family, are all leguminous plants. Many of these plants are fit for food ; some 
emollient, vulnerary and astringent, examples Wild Liquorice, Dogwood Tree, Indigo, 
Pea, Bean, &c. 
33. Lomentacete, (Colouring), plants furnishing useful and beautiful tinctures used in 
dying, as Brazil Wood, Logwood, Locust Tree, plate 7, fig. 8, Barbadoes Flower Fence, 
fig. 7, Nickertree, &c. 
34. Cucurbitacece, (Gourd-like), these plants generally have Tendrils and climb, as in 
Granadilla, Antidote Coccoon, Tomatos, or run along the ground as Melons, plate 2, 
fig. 43. 
35. Senticosee, (Bramble-like), resembling a bramble in their port and appearance, as 
the Rose, Raspberry, and Strawberry, their fruits are cooling, leaves vulnerary, and 
roots diuretic. 22 
36. Pomacea, (from Pomum an Apple), plants having a pulpy eatable fruit, of the 
Apple, Berry, or Cherry kind, frequently subacid, mostly shrubs and trees, as Medlar, 
Apple, Currant, Hog Plum, plate 1, fig. 19, Pomegranate, Cherry, and Mango, plate 2, 
fig. 52. 
37. Columnifera, (Column bearing), plants whose Stamens and Pistil, have the 
appearance of a column or pillar in the middle of the flower, as plants of the Monadelphia 
Class, and Mallow Tribe; the Silk Cotton, plate 2, fig. 32, and Musk-ochro furnish 
beautiful specimens of this Order, the plants are mucilaginous and many excellent food, 
as Common-ochro, other examples are Arnotto, Tea Tree, and Skrew Tree, Jews Mal- 
low and Chocolate Nut, plate 2, fig. 34. 
38. Tricocca, (Three Berried), having a three cornered capsule with three berries and 
three seeds, as Papaw, Carica, plate 2, fig. 50, Cassava, fig. 40, Oil Nut, fig. 44. 
39- Siliquosa, (Podded), plants having a pod for their seed vessels, as Cabbage, Mus- 
tard, Shepherds Purse. 
40. Personates, (Masqued), having a gaping petal, as Sesame, or Oily Pulse, plate 9, 
fig. 75 Trumpet Flower, Fiddle Wood, and Garden Balsam. 
41. Asperifolia, (Rough Leaved), principally herbaceous plants, their virtues cordial, 
vulnerary, and astringent, as Wild Clary, plate 4, fig. 4. Borrage, Cornfrey, &c. 
42. Verticillatee, (Whorled), synonymous with Lip Flowers, herbaceous vegetables 
with four seeds, and the flowers placed in Whorls along the branches. Their virtues 
are fragrant, penetrating and cordial, as Jamaica Spikenard, Lavender, Orange Balm, 
Mint, &c. 
43. Dumosa, (Bushy), plants thickly and irregularly set with branches, as New Jer- 
sey Tea, Naseberry and Star Apple, plate 1, fig. 12, and Mammee Apple, fig. 26. The 
berries of some, are esculent, and the flowers of many, cathartic. This order contains 
also Stafftree, Poison Sumach, Spindle Tree, Elder, &c. 
44. Septaria, (Hedge plants), a beautiful tribe of woody plants proper for hedges, of 
the shrub and tree kind, as Lilac, Horse Radish Tree, Logwood, Arabian Jasmine 
Privet and Olive. 
45. Umbellata, (Umbelled), the plants of this order that grow in dry places are sudo- 
rific and cordial, as Parsley, Coriander, Cummin and many plants of Class Pentandria, 
Ord. Digynia, but growing in wet places they are poisonous, as Hemlock, Fools Pars- 
ley, &c. 
46. Hederacea, (Ivy-like), creeping plants similar to ivy, parisitic or attaching them- 
selvesto others, as Dodder, Wild Grape, Ginseng and Tooth Ache Tree. 
47. Slellata, (Starred), plants with two naked seeds, the leaves and flowers disposed 
round the stem in form of a star, as in Coffee, plate 1, fig. 13, Wormgrass and Dog- 
wood. 
48. Aggregata, (Aggregate), a number of small flowers growing together in a bunch, 
as Honeysuckle, Button Tree and Misletoe. 23 
49. Composita, (Compound), as Dandelion, Scabious, &c. 
50. Amentacea, (Amentaceous), catkin bearing plants, as Willow, Walnut, Juniper, 
Arbor Vitae, Sand Box Tree, &c. 
51. Conifer a, (Cone bearing), bearing the seeds in a cone or strobile, as Pitch-pine, 
Cedar, and Yew: they generally produce a resinous or gummy substance, with an 
agreeable smell, as Gum Sandarach ; and the Larches, Pines and Firs, also yield Tur- 
pentine, &c. 
52. Coadunata, (Joined together), the seed vessels numerous and slightly attached 
together. This order furnishes a beautiful collection of exotics with an aromatic smell 
and bitter bark, as the Custard Apple, Tulip Tree and Magnolia. 
53. Scabrida, (Rugged), plants whose leaves are much rougher than asperifoliae. These 
plants are generally astringent, bitter and styptic,- example, Hemp, Contrayerva, plate 4, 
fig. 3, Fig, Hop, Mulberry and Elm. 
54. Miscellanea, (Miscellaneous), not connected by numerous relations, as Duck-meat, 
Globe Amaranth, Pokeweed, Side Saddle Flower, and Mahogany. 
55. Filices, (Ferns), plants bearing flower and fruits on the back of their leaves or 
stalk ; their virtues are opening and attenuating. 
56. Musci, (Mosses), are in general cathartic, and sometimes emetic. 
57. Alga, (Flags), plants whose root, leaf and stem are all one, as the Sea Weeds. 
58. Fungi, (Mushrooms), either creeping or erect, and seldom branched ; externally used, 
they are astringent and styptic ; as a food they should be used very cautiously, many being 
poisonous. 
59. Dubii Ordinis, (Doubtful), those plants which cannot be arranged under any of 
the above orders. 
Many plants of the order of Grasses produce sugar, and might thence be called Sac- 
charifera, as the Sugar Cane, Indian Corn, Guinea Corn ; the Acer Saccharum of 
North America, also yields Sugar in considerable quantities. 
Some plants also from the peculiarity of their fruit, which serves as a good substitute 
for Bread, might with propriety be called Panifera, as the Bread Fruit, plate 2, fig. 3S, 
the Plantain, fig. 49- 24 
CLASSIFICATION 
OF THE 
MEDICAL VIRTUES OF PLANTS. 
I. GENERAL STIMULANTS. 
Diffusible Stimulants. Narcotics, (narcotica), from vapxao, narkao^ to render 
torpid, diminish the action of the system, relieve pain, and procure sleep, as poppy, 
thorn apple, tobacco, spotted hemlock, wild carrot, mountain laurel, broad-leaved 
laurel, azalea, mountain tea, black henbane, wolf's bane, deadly nightshade, hemlock, 
foxglove, Indian berries, camphor, prickly yellow wood, hops, ginseng, lettuce. 
Antispasmodics, (antispasmodica}, from anti, against, and a-Ttao-^o;, spasmos, a 
spasm, allay pains and spasm, as Mexican tea, clary, asafaetida, skunk cabbage, Indian 
turnip, camphor, cajeput, valerian, saffron, garlick. 
Permanent Stimulants. Tonics, (tonicaj,fcc>va to strengthen, primarily give 
strength to the system, as Peruvian bark, Jamaica bark, English oak bark, white oak, 
bitter wood, centaury, boneset, yellow root, columbo, gentian, parsley-leaved yellow 
root, centry, frasera-caroliniensis, wild cherry tree, sassafras, persimmon, dogwood, 
rose willow, horse chesnut, beaver tree, tulip tree, aspen, snake root, alder, halbert 
weed, chamomile, wild horehound, buckthorn, poplar, macary bitter, bully tree, hops, 
quassia, contrayerva, locust tree, shrub yellow root, yarrow. 
Cordials, restore and invigorate, as tacamahaca, sweet gum, abanga, arnotto, caranna, 
coffee, mint, adrue, saffron, avens, gout root. 
Astringents, (astringentia), from astringo, to bind up, obviate or remove increased 
evacuations, as tormentil, simarouba, purslane, banana, kino, rose, oaks, spotted gera- 
nium, alum root, pomegranate, cashew, arrow root, pleurisy root, sea-side grape, guava, 25 
logwood, black snake root, uva ursi, sweet fern, pippiseva, candleberry myrtle, black 
alder, cancer root, agrimony, white ash, avens, water avens or canker root, choke cher- 
ries, privet, rose, nickers, catechu, nutmeg, galls, rhubarb, red mangrove, narrow-leaved 
sumach, Pensylvanian sumach, Virginian sumach, white willow, broad-leaved willow, 
sept foil, blackberry root, red elm, cranes bill, Indian nut, mouse ear, copaiba, vanilla, 
wild basil, shepherd's purse, horse tail, quince, strawberry, wild olive, plantain, popo- 
nax, cashaw, self heal, woad, medlar, yarrow, myrtle, rice, loose strife, quinchamali, 
sloes, spelt, five fingers, golden thread, wild gooseberry, briar rose, Jamaica dogwood, 
flower gentle, wild and sea side grape, amaranth,' marsh rosemary, snake weed, puffballs, 
button wood, blood flower (asclepias currasavica), brasiletto, canker root. 
Aromatics, (aromatica), stimulate the stomach, accelerate circulation and increase 
heat; so also do carminatives, as cassia, lavender, turmeric, capsicum, caraguay, w'ild car- 
rot, saffron, clove, cascarilla, orris, cow parsnep, cinnamon, white wood, dill, peppermint, 
wormwood; lavender, anise, balm, ginger, cardamoms, kennebeck snake root, wild 
allspice bush, camphor, sassafras, pimento, angelica, bayberry, chamomile, wild 
cinnamon, citron, clove, collinsonia, coriander, penny royal, mace, nutmeg, balsam tree, 
myrrh, pimento, black pepper, long pepper, rosemary, sage, cubebs, cummin, galangal, 
clary, sweet marjoram, sweet flag, ginger, rosemary, alligator wood, cedar, peach. 
Alexipharmics, (alexipharmicaJ, from nai tpappaKov, alexeo and pharmacoti, are 
antidotes to poison, as arrow root, caaco, blue scullcap, (hydrophobia), mangrove, plan- 
tain and horehound, (for bite of rattle-snake), contrayerva, nhandiroba, nhambi, ginseng, 
coccoon antidote, cedar, chickweed, sensitive plant, yellow prickle wood, velvet leaf, 
olive, rattle-snake root, swallow-wort, borrage, marigold, rice, ghandiroba, halbert weed, 
Spanish carnation, sassafras, sarsaparilla, China root, lignum vitae, burdock, indigo weed, 
eryngo, navel wort, hares' ears, orange, vipers' grass, rattle-snake plantain, gub a gubs, 
black snake root. 
Alteratives, from altero, to alter, have a favourable effect on the constitution, without 
sensible operation; for examples see the above class and Tonics. 
II. LOCAL STIMULANTS. 
Emetics, (emetica^ from e^ew, emeo, to vomit, excite vomiting by their action on the 
stomach, independent of the quantity taken, as ipecacuanha, mustard, Indian physic, wal- 
nut, lobelia, emetic weed, blessed thistle, cassio berry tea, yellow Mexican thistle, lig- 
num vitae, euphorbia, wild ginger, staff tree, thorough wort, puccoon, violet, bayberry, 
poke weed. 
Cathartics, fcatharticafrom xaSa^w, kathairo^ to purge, quicken or increase the eva- 
cuation from the intestines, as jalap, aloes, oil nut, colocynth, common physic nut, French 
physic nut, butter nut, black alder, sempervive, belly-ach weed, may apple, gamboge, 
cassia marilandica, leather wood, seneca snake root, yaw weed, pleurisy root, nicker, 
buckthorn, guaicum, scammony, black hellebore, dwarf elder, yellow water flag, attoo, 
wild turnip, white hellebore, bind weed, wild cucumber, purging flax, white mechoacan. 26 
Laxatives, (laxantia), from laxo, to relax, open and relax the bowels, without much 
stimulation, as tamarind, Barbadoes' flower fence, oil nut, cassia fistularis, cranberries, 
daisy, bastard ipecacuanha, pleurisy root, wild rhubarb, wild senna, vervain, seneca rat- 
tle snake root, guaicum, rhubarb, cassia marilandica, manna ash, plum tree, common 
elder, violet, avens, Jamaica wild gooseberry, French sorrel. 
Emenagogues, (emenagogaJ, from s^svia, emmenia, the menses, and ayw, ago, to move 
and promote the menstrua, as madder, erigeron Philadelphicum, wild carrot, cohush, Mex- 
ican tea, nanny bark, green wheat, savine, ergot of rye, sow bread, mugwort, orach, mo- 
ther-wort, camels hay, sweet marjoram, penny royal, ground pine, dandelion. 
Diuretics, (diuretica), from deireo, increase the urinary discharge, as 
hemlock pine, flaxweed, milk wort, nephritic tree, penguins, blackberry, may weed' 
ginten root, pepper grass, rest harrow, fumatory, madder, onion, elder, arnotto, cashew, 
dwarf elder, samphire, turmeric, fennell, glass wort, toad flax, dragon root, wild lettuce, 
larch, squill, winter cherries, wild sea asparagus, chervil, ox eye, dandelion, bear's whor- 
tleberry, skunk cabbage, scurvy grass, copaiba, foxglove, tobacco, lobelia syphylitica, 
spiked saw wort, emetic weed, South Sea tea, Indian cucumber, skevish, locus tree, arti- 
choke, fir, brake, buck bean, burdock, wild carrot, checker berry, nickers, pleurisy root, 
blessed thistle, juniper cedar, parsley, berberries. 
Diaphoretics, (diaphoretica), from diaphoreo, to carry through, increase the 
natural exhalation by the skin, as rattle-snake root, sarsaparilla, sassafras, angelica, catnep, 
centaury, payco herba, lignum vitae, water eryngo, seneca snake root, boneset, pleurisy 
root, contrayerva, wild sage, silk cotton, devil's bit, tooth-ach tree, millet. 
Sialagogues, (sialagoga), from sialos, saliva, and a/w, ago, to force, increase the 
quantity of the salivary discharge, as hemlock, camphor, seneca snake root, tooth-ach 
tree, tobacco, prickly yellow wood, payco coatinga, pepper, squills. 
Expectorants ( expectorantiaJ, from expectoro, to discharge from the breast, promote 
rejection of mucus from the lungs, as pine ivory, maidenhair, skunk cabbage, garlic, hys- 
sop, balsam of Peru, balsam of tolu, cross wort, horseradish, elecampane, tobacco, rattle- 
snake root, puccoon, squill, benzoin, coltsfoot, slippery elm, arbor vitae, wake robin, 
daisy, cotton, hemp, ground ivy, orris, jujubes, opoponax, mullein, laurel-leaved tulip 
tree, oily pulse, velvet leaf, horehound, currants. 
Errhines, (errhina), from ey, in, and pw, rin, the nose, promote a discharge of mucous 
or serous fluid from the nostrils, as asarabacca, white hellebore, bear's foot, orris, androme- 
da, kalmia, spurge, asarum canadense, beet', betony, horse chesnut, sow bread, Irly of the 
valley, eyebright, canella, tobacco. 
Epispastics, (epispastica), from uti, epi, and vtaa, spao, to draw, produce when applied 
to the surface of the body, a serous or puriform discharge after inflaming the parts, as but- 
ter nut, moose wood, daphne, crowfoot, poison vine, poison oak, vernice tree, cashew 
nut, spurge laurel. 
Rubefacients, (rubefacientiaJ, from rubefacio, to make red, excite pain and inflamma- 27 
tion, but discharge no fluid, as Indian turnip, pyrola umbellata, butter nut, fig, capsicum, 
spruce fir, mustard, common nettle, currato, dumb cane, wild radish, mezereon. 
CHEMICAL REMEDIES. 
Refrigerants, (refrigerantia), from refrigero, to cool, allay heat of the body. 
Antacids, (antacida), from anti and acida, obviate acidity in the stomach. 
Antiseptics, (antisepticaJ, from am, anti, against, and sepo, to corrupt, prevent 
or stop putrefaction, as purslane, scurvy grass, sorrell, southernwood, aloes, chamomile, 
nettle, canella, water cresses, indigo weed, peppergrass, columbo, myrrh, wood sorrell, 
snake weed, marsh rosemary, berberries, coffee, angustura, wormwood, orange, lemon, 
Spanish oak, red mountain oak, wild cherry tree, sassafras, persimmon, dogwood, rose 
willow, horse chesnut, beaver tree, tulip tree, bitterwood, contrayerva. 
Lithonthriptics, (lithonthriptica), from lithon, a stone, and Qpvirrw, thrupto, 
to break, dissolve urinary culculi, or antilithics, which prevent the formation of 
them, as nephritic tree, onion, horsemint, Jamaica spikenard, spiked saw wort, bears 
whortleberry, uva ursi, wild potatoe, arsmart, hazel nut, Philadelphia flea bane, convol- 
vulus panduratus,-see also Diuretics. 
Escharotics, (corrosivaJ, from s<T%apa, eschara, a scar, dissolve and erode animal matter, 
as cevadilla, vegetable caustic of Yucatan, garden spurge, manchineel, sundew, celandine, 
pa paw. 
Antivenereals, ( antisyphilitica), from ante and syphilis, remove syphilitic affections, 
as lime roots, majoe, nickers, sassafras, wild cherry, rose willow, lobelia syphilitica, sene- 
ca snake root, may apple, crowfoot, poke weed, prickly ash, balsam rakaisiri, ceanothus, 
china r ot, lignum vitae, spurge laurel, sarsaparilla, new Jersey tea. 
MECHANICAL REMEDIES. 
Vulneraries (vainer aria J, from vulnus a wound, cleanse, defend and heal up wounds, 
as ribbed plantain, self heal, periwinkle, golden rod, spirit leaf, tway blade, caranna, cen- 
taury, hemp agrimony, herb robert, hog gum, all-heal, hares' ears, slippery elm, Peruvian 
balsam, wild tansey, velvet leaf, balm of gilead, thorough wax, goose grass, iron wort, 
St. John's wort, Santa Maria, cerasee, Jamaica daisy. 
Anthelmintics (anthelmintica), from am, anti, and elmins, a wrorm, as (anthel- 
mia, worm-grass), destroy worms, and expel them, as aloes, wild ipecacuanha, 
wild fig, devil's bit, poisonberry or bead tree, male fern, stinking weed, angelyn tree, 
brakes, Carolina pink root, worm seed, or Jerusalem oak, (chenopodium anthelminticum), 
may apple, stinking hellebore, cardinal flower, ground pink, tobacco (as a cataplasm), 
Virginian goats' rue, speckled alder, cabbage bark, penguins, cowhage, persimmon, ben- 
zoin, mulberry, Virginian plum. 
Demulcents (demulcentia), from demulcens, softening, obviate the action of acrid and 
stimulant matters, as Iceland moss, cocoa nuts, ochro, pindars, chocolate, oily grain or 28 
benne, gum arabic, slippery elm, pistachio, salep, turnip, olive, maidenhair, almonds, 
coltsfoot, tragacanth, oats, fig, liquorice, mallows, wheat, dates, white ash, fever bush, 
white pond lily, sago, sugar cane, sun flower. 
Diluents, (diluentia), from diluo, to dilute, increase the quantity of fluid in the 
blood and system, as balm, barley, white horehound, gland flax or nuil, &c. &c. 
Detergents, ( detergentia), from detergo, to make clean, cleanse wounds and ulcers, as 
cassada, canella, cerasee, cashew, marsh rosemary, red onion, wild parsnip, plantain, red 
mountain oak, buckthorn, wild madder, water dock, rhus glabrum, tooth-ach tree, birch, 
cats tail, clary, coral tree, ringworm bush, vervain, prickly yellow, French physic nut, 
Indian turnip, wild carrot, savine, broad-leaved laurel, balsam pine, hemlock tree, Scotch 
fir, black alder, wild cherry, currato, broomweed, soap berry, house leek, celandine, ar- 
raganas, arrow head, basil. 
Emollients, (emollientia), from emoltio, to soften, render the solids more lax and flexi- 
ble, as barley, beet, cabbage, oil nut, cotton tree, wild liquorice, banana, marsh mallow, 
hyssop, galbanum, flax, mullein, melilot, chickweed, ochro, coltsfoot, sugar cane. 
Discutient, (discutientia), from discutiens, medicineshaving power to repel, as pur- 
slane, cancer root, turnip, palm, hemlock, bittersweet, white hellebore, angelica, bean, 
borrage, burdock, chamomile, chickweed, love apple, sow bread, ben nut, ducks' meat, 
spleenwort, water lily, arsmart, anchoaca, clove strife, cotton tree, garlic pear, sow bane, 
oil nut, yellow pond lily of lake champlain, sumach, clown's heal-all. 
Materials to put in Aromatic Baths,-red cedar, hemlock pine, broomweed, Spanish 
elder, star wort, oak bark, piper amalago, bay, hog plum, wild sage, Jamaica spice wood, 
vervain, clary, spikenard, &c. &c. &c. 29 
CLASS I. MONANDRIA. 
This class is the first in the Linnaean System, and comprises those plants 
having only one stamen or anther. It contains a fine natural order of plants, 
nearly allied to each other; viz. the scitamineae, which comprehend a num- 
ber of valuable aromatic, esculent and medicinal herbaceous vegetables, in 
which both Indies are peculiarly rich. 
ORDER I. MONOGYNIA. 
To avoid prolixity and the taking up too much room by a particular descrip- 
tion of each part of fructification in every plant, the notice of them will be 
confined to the great leading distinctions of the classes and orders, familiar 
descriptions and their virtues, uses and species. For those scientific Bota- 
nists, however, who may have time and inclination for such full descriptions, 
they are highly interesting and useful. The following may serve as an ex- 
ample of a full botanical description of the parts of fructification. 
Indian Arrow Root, Maranta Arundinacea. Calyx-a small erecto- 
patent perianth, fixed upon the germ, divided into three segments of a lan- 
ceolated figure. Corol-monopetalous and gaping, the tube oblong, crooked 
and compressed; the limb six parted, the alternate exterior segments ovated, 
small and equal, one below, two above ; the two alternate lateral segments 
large, roundish, and represent a lower lip, the upper one small. Stamen-a 
single filament, similar to a segment of the corol. Anther-small and linear, 30 
and fixed to the side of the filament. Germ-roundish beneath the recep- 
tacle. Style-simple and as long as the corol, towards the top revolute. 
Stigma-three-sided and hollowed. Pericarp-roundish, obscurely three- 
sided, tivalvular, and contains a seed, single, ovated, hard and rough. Recep- 
tacle-is proper. Named, from Bartolomeo, Maranta: For remainder of 
description, see Explanation of Plate 4. 
Indian Shot, Canna Indica. Greek Kara,-hence our word cane. For 
remainder of description see Explanation of Plate 4. 
Narrow-leaved Ginger, Amomum Zinziber. N. O. Scitamineae ; Fr. 
Gingembre ; Itai. Gingiovo ; Span. Gingibre,-also Zinziber; Gr. 
from the Arabic ; nat. East Indies. 
This valuable plant is herbaceous, having palinated tuberous roots, of a 
yellowish brown outside, extremely white within, and acrid when fresh. It 
creeps and spreads so as not easily to be eradicated, and renders the land 
barren. The stalks are erect, reed-like, two feet high, with alternate lanceo- 
late leaves, embracing the stalk at their base. The flowers are borne on 
scapes, and arise from the sinuses of the squammae (which are reddish at the 
points), small, of short duration and of a blue colour. Seed vessel, smooth, 
with many oblong seeds. 
The root is aromatic and carminativewhen preserved is an excellent sto- 
machic, expels wind, and is very good in sea sickness. The expressed 
juice with cocoa nut oil is good for an embrocation in rheumatism. 
It is cultivated for sale in the West Indies. The roots being dug up, care- 
fully scraped and dried, is the White Ginger; when scalded it is termed Black 
Ginger. The shifted syrup made in preserving ginger is made into a liquor 
by fermentation, called cool drink, and commonly sold by the Negroes for five 
pence per bottle. Dr. Barham says the Wild Ginger will cure cancers. 
Ginger is preserved by soaking, boiling and scraping, and putting it in tw o 
syrups. 
Broad-leaved ginger, a, zerumbet, is a native of the East Indies ; great 
wild ginger, a, sylvestre, of Jamaica ; Japan ginger, a, mioza, of Japan ; 
cardamom ginger, a, cardamomum, of the East Indies ; villose ginger, a, 
villosum, of Cochin-China ; globose ginger, a, globosum, of China ; grains of 
paradise, a, granum paradisi, of Guinea and the East Indies; galangale, a, ga- 
langa, of China and Cochin-China ; given frequently for zedoary; tree ginger, 
a, arboreum, Sumatra; hirsute ginger, a, hirsutum, of the East Indies ; 
sw eet scented ginger, a, escapum, of Sierra Leone ; purple bracted ginger, a, 31 
purpureuin, of the East Indies. Of the above specie^ the cardamom, grains 
of paradise, and galangal, being valuable remedies, might bejntroduced into 
the West Indies with advantage. 
Spiked Costus. Costus Spicatus. N. O. Scitamineae; Er. Canne de Ri- 
viere ; Itai. Costo ; Gr. k«^j from the Arabic ; nat. West Indies. 
This plant is herbaceous with an irregular knotty root, simple stems, al- 
ternate lanceolate leaves, and flesh coloured flowers in a handsome spike ; 
Seeds black. It is an aromatic pungent root, used in making cool drink, 
and a decoction is used in the first stages of Syphilis by the Negroes. The 
following are natives of the Indies. 
Smooth-leaved, costus arabicus, both Indies ; hairy-leaved, c. speciosus. 
East Indies ; glabrous, c. glabratus, West Indies ; Malacca, c. Malaccensis, 
Malacca; 
Ginger-leaved Hellenia, Hellenia Allughas. 
Sweet-scented Garland Flower, Hedychium Coronariuni. These are 
natives of the East Indies, but have not yet been introduced into the West. 
Spreading Hogweed, Boerhaavia Diffusa. N. O. Aggregate ; called 
also Hogmeat; nat. Jamaica; named after Dr. Boerhaave, of Leyden. 
This useful plant is herbaceous and parasitic, many round and glossy 
stalks rise from an oblong hard root, and branch out in every direction, rising 
sometimes ten feet. The leaves are ovated, of a bright green, and reddish at 
the edges, in pairs ; the flowers stand in the alae of the leaves, of a pale red 
outside, and a deep purple within ; the stamen and style purple, anther yel- 
low ; seed single, oblong, obtuse, and angular. It grows plentifully in Ja- 
maica, especially about Spanish town, where it is made use of to feed hogs 
who eat it greedily, whence it is called Hogweed. Dr. Barham calls it a 
wild sort of Valerian, and says it is very cooling and emollient. 
Upright hogweed, b. erecta, nat. both Indies ; clammy, b. viscosa, Peru ; 
hirsute or scarlet, b. hirsuta, West Indies ; climbing, b. scandens, Jamaica; 
tetrandrous, b. tetrandra, Society Isles. 
Jamaica Alpinia, Alpinia Occidentalis. N. O. Scitamineae ; nat. Ja- 
maica. Named after Prosper Alpinus, a physician and botanist. 
This plant is herbaceous, with fleshy branched roots, nearly similar to gin- 
ger ; stem round and smooth with alternate lanceolate leaves, sheathing the 
stalk at the base. Bracts of a blood red colour, as is the calyx ; the flower 
white ; capsule roundish, obscurely trigonous ; seeds shining. 
Alpinia Racemosa, is also a native of the West Indies.. 32 
Long-rooted Turmeric, Curcuma Longa. N. O. Scitamineae; Itai. 
Turtumaglio ; Span. Curcuma; nat. Cochin-China; named from the Ara- 
bic Curcum ; also called Mangel Kaa. 
This plant is herbaceous, has a large oval bulbous root, with annu- 
lar protuberances; within solid, of a fine yellow colour, fragrant smell, 
and rather acrid taste; it creeps, and is increased by smaller bulbs. The leaves 
are large, firm, oval, vaginant and pointed; the flower stalks rise separate, round 
and succulent, naked below, and the flowers formed into a thick spike above, 
protruded from the squammm of the calyx; of a yellowish colour, which soon 
fall off; seed vessel a roundish trivalvular capsule, each cell containing 
many seeds. 
It grows freely in the West Indies, the root is taken up as soon as the 
flowering stalks fade, cut in pieces and dried in the sun. Its medical virtues 
are attenuant and deobstruent, of use in obstructions in the viscera and jaun- 
dice. It dies a fine yellow colour, and is a principal and wholesome ingredi- 
ent in the curry powder made in the West Indies. It is applied as a cata- 
plasm with wild rosemary leaves for those swellings of the abdomen so 
common among the Negroes, arising from Amenorrhagia. The following 
species are natives of the East Indies. 
Round-rooted, c. rotunda. East Indies and China ; aromatic, c. aromatica, 
ditto ; pale, c. pallida, ditto. 
Tall Renealmia, Renealmia Exaltata. N. O. Scitamineae; named from 
Paul Reneaume, a physicianj native of Surinam. 
This plant grows to twenty feet in height, with an erect trunk which bears 
a bunch of flowers ; the leaves are six feet long and lanceolated ; the fruit 
is a fleshy esculent berry, and the seeds numerous. The following are na- 
tives of the East Indies. 
Drooping flowered, r. nutans ; upright flowered, r. calcarata. 
Kempferia Galanga, Officinal Galangale. N. O. Scitamineae; Itai. 
Gipero ; Span. Galanga ; nat. East Indies ; named from E. Kaempfer. 
This plant is herbaceous, with bulbous palmate roots, leaves egg-shaped, 
flower white with a violet spot in the middle, seeds many. The medical vir- 
tues are aromatic, diaphoretic and alexipharmic. Broad-leaved, k. latifolia; 
narrow-leaved, k. angustifolia; round galangal, k. rotunda, are also natives 
of the East Indies, and would thrive well in the West Indies. 
Round-headed Globba, Globba Marantina. N. O. Scitamineae; ma- 
Jay an name ; nat. East Indies. 33 
This plant is somewhat similar to maranta. The species uviformis, bears 
a fruit similar to grapes, which is sometimes eaten. There are also g. nutans, 
g. japonica, g. purpurea, all natives of the East Indies. 
Opera Girls Mantisia, Mantisia Saltatoria. 
Woolly Phylidrum, Phy lidrum Lanuginosum. 
Are natives of the East Indies and China, but not yet introduced into the 
West. 
Herbaceous Marsh Samphire, Salicornia Herbacea. From Sal, Salt 
and Cornu a horn. 
This valuable plant grows in great plenty in Jamaica, on the Salinas and 
Marshes near the sea coast; particularly about Port Henderson, Salt Island, 
and Old Harbour; and yields an alkali in great abundance, fit for making 
soap ; there are many species natives of other climates ; of which most are 
natives of Europe. 
CLASS II. DIANDRIA. 
This is the second class, comprising plants with two fruitful anthers, of 
equal lengths and contains many fragrant plants of the natural order Sepiarise ; 
and many others of the order Verticillatae ; which are very valuable aroma- 
tic medicines, as sage rosemary, &c. 
ORDER I. MONOGYNIA. 
Red Jasmine, Jasminum Officinale. N. O. Sepiariae; Fr. Jasmin; 
Itai. Gelsomino; Span. Jasmin; from iw nai violet odour; nat. East 
Indies. 
This beautiful and well known plant is common in the West Indies and 
principally used for hedges in gardens and arbours ; a delightful perfume is 
extracted from the flowers by the Spanish ladies, made into a consistence 
with other balsams and worn about their persons. The following species also 
grow freely in the West Indies ; Arabian jasmine, nyctanthes sambac; yel- 
low Indian jasmine, j. odoratissimum; and many varieties with double flowers. 
Common Privet, Ligustrum Vulgare. N. O. Sepiarise; Fr. Troene; 
Itai. Ligustro ; Span. Altrena; nat. West Indies; the Ligustrum of Pliny, 34 
This handsome shrub grows freely in the West Indies, and is a very ele- 
gant specimen of hedge plants ; 1. Japonicum, and 1. sinense, are natives of 
Japan and China; and the wax tree privet, 1. lucidum, of China. 
European Olive, Olea Europea. N. O. Sepiariae; Fr. Olivier; Itai. 
Ulivo ; Span. Olivo ; nat. South of Europe. 
This valuable tree might be cultivated with advantage in the West Indies, 
the fruit, and oil expressed from it is too well known to require a description. 
There are many wild sorts in Jamaica, as the black olive or olive bark called in 
Antigua, French oak, Bucida Buceras, a genus of the tenth class, first order, 
called by the French Grignon, is a valuable timber tree and the bark is very 
restringent and styptic. 
There are seven species of the Olive and many varieties. 
Fringe Tree, or Snow Flower, Chionanthus Compacta. N. O. Sepiariae; 
nat. West Indies ; from chion3 snow, and a.v^$, anthos, a flower. 
This handsome tree grows about twelve feet in height, the leaves are en- 
tire and shining, about six inches long. The flowers are of a snowy white- 
ness, divided into several long and narrow segments. The fruit is a one 
celled drupe. C. axillaris is a native of the East Indies. 
Wave-leaved Trumpet Flower, Bignonia Longissima. N. O. Persona- 
fas ; Fr. Chene noir ; nat. West Indies ; named after Abbe Bignon. 
This is a beautiful tree thirty feet high and more, having entire waved 
leaves. The Inflorescence is a panicled Raceme with numerous sweet whi- 
tish flowers ; Siliques slender, roundish and two feet long. Thrives in the 
Savannahs in Jamaica and is considered an excellent timber tree. B. unguis 
is also a native of the West Indies and supports itself by tendrils, having 
axillary personated flowers. 
Hairy-leaved Trumpet Flower, B. Pentaphylla, has an upright stem, and 
pale blue flowers, the Siliques crooked. 
White Wood, B. Lencoxylon, grows to a large tree, the wood of which is 
excellent hard timber called White Fiddle Wood, the flowers are white and 
soon fall off, the pod is six inches long, the juice and tender buds are said to be 
an antidote to Manchineel poison. There are in all twenty-seven species of 
this tree most of which are natives of warm climates. 
Balsam Herb, Justicia Comata vel Dianthera Comata, N. O. Persona- 
tae ; nat. Jamaica ; named from James Justice, Esq. 
This plant is very common in Jamaica, tand rises about 11 feethigh, erect, 
branched angularly, with lanceolate leaves and small pale blue flowers, ovate EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. 
THESE FIGURES ARE THE NATURAL SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF THE PLANTS. 
CLASS III. TRIANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
Fig. L Tamarind Tree, (tamar Indus Indic a), n. o. Lomentaceae ; Fr. Tamarin ; 
Itai. Tamarindo; Span. Tamarindo; nat. East and West Indies; quasi Indian Date, 
Tamar being the Arabic for Date ; called also Tamarindus Occidentalis, and Balam 
Pulli. 
This is a large well-known tree, bearing pods from two to five inches in length, those 
of Yucatan in South America, and of the East Indies are larger both in the fruit and 
leaves. This plant is now placed in class Monadelphia, ord. Triandria, the filaments 
being united at the base. The timber is hard and used for many purposes in building, 
frequently for floors, as is the Wild Tamarind. The fruit is preserved by being shelled 
and pouring hot liquor out of the coppers upon it in a jar and then tying it close up. 
It is very cooling and antiseptic, used as a drink with water and gently relaxes the 
body. A decoction of the leaves is said to kill worms, and the fruit mixed with a decoc- 
tion of Borage is said to allay heat of urine. 
ORD. II. DIGYNIA. 
2. Guinea Grass, or, Large Panic Grass, (panicum Maximum vel Guineensis)^ n. o. 
Graminae. 
The seed of this beautiful and valuable grass, is said to have been sent over from the 
Coast of Guinea to feed some birds, and to have been accidentally thrown out in a fence 
(the birds having died) where it grew; it is now the principal pasturage, for 
Cattle, Horses, &c. and cut and brought into the towns in bundles for sale, there being 
many thousands of acres of it in cultivation. It grows from five to six feet high and 
will continue several years without replanting. The seed is food for Ortolans or Butter Birds 
and Grass Birds. There are upwards of seventy species of panicum, of which about 
twenty are natives of the West Indies. 
3. Bahama Grass. 
This is a valuable running grass, not growing more than six inches high, but very 
closely matted at the roots, and difficult to eradicate when once established, creeping on 
every side even under fences and stone walls. Sheep are very fond of it, as also Horses 
and Cattle for a change. It makes a beautiful Lawn being kept short and free from 
weeds, and is very common for pasture about Content and the Red Hills of St. John's in Ja- 
maica, and other dry situations, where the Scotch Grass will not thrive, nor indeed the Gui- 
nea Grass without much rain, and in such situations, when there is much rain, Cattle are 
apt to tread Guinea Grass out of the ground if turned in to feed. 
4. Scotch Grass, or Rough-haired Panic Grass, (panicum hirtellum). 
This very useful grass, grows four feet high in low swampy places, is green all the 
year, and is a juicy and nourishing food for stabled horses, when the dry weather pre- 
vents the growth of the Guinea Grass., It is said to have been introduced from Scotland II 
Estate in Barbadoes, and is become very common and a most valuable property on the 
Pens near the towns in dry weather, whence it is sent into town in carts daily for sale. 
CLASS V. PENTANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
5. Red Plumeria, or Red Jasmine, (plumeria rubra), n. o. Contortae ; Fr. Frangi- 
panier Rouge; Span. Donzelle; nat. West Indies and South America ; named from 
Father Plumier. 
This beautiful tree rises about twenty feet high, the stalks are succulent and milky. 
The flowers come out at the end of the branches, of a fragrant odour and red colour. 
This specimen was taken from a tree on Mount Moreland, St. Catharine, Jamaica, the 
flowers of which are of a deep red, but. they are generally paler somewhat inclining to a 
flesh colour. 
White Plumeria, (plumeria alba), Fr. Frangipanier Blanc; grows similar to the for- 
mer, but the flowers are white with a yellow spot. P. Obtusa and p. Pudica, are also 
natives of the West Indies, and have fragrant flowers. ,Z7ate o 
/ItfZisTiedas InsJisrcfs. jfeCZlZ!M>rif.£onc&n,Jult.8^7^77. 
mr.Sc EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI. 
THE FIGURES ARE THE NATURAL SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF THE PLANTS. 
CLASS V. PENTANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
Fig. 1. Marvel of Peru, or, Four o'Clock, (mirabilis dichotoma), n. o. Dubiae; 
named Mirabilis from the wonderful diversity of its colours; nat. East and West Indies. 
This beautiful plant has a tuberous root, and herbaceous stems, which are covered 
with red, white, yellow and variegated flowers, three or more of these colours frequently 
existing on the same plant. It is called Four o'Clock by the Negroes from the flowers 
opening at that hour. The seeds are rough and strung for necklaces. Mirabilis jalappa 
is a native of Mexico, and is common in the West India Islands. It was supposed to 
be the Jalap of the shops, but Dr. Houston found that to be a convolvolus. 
The root is cathartic in a dose of double the quantity of Jalap. The M. Longiflora is a 
native of Mexico, and the M. Viscosa of Peru. 
2. Savanna Flower, (echites sub erecta Jn, o. Contort®; from a viper, for its 
poisonous qualities. 
This is a small plant creeping among the grass in Savannahs, and only distinguishable 
by its small pale blue flowers. It is a slow or quick poison according to the dose, and acci- 
dents have happened from stopping breakers of Rum with grass in which this noxious 
weed has been concealed: the antidote is the coccoon antidote nut, and expressed arrow 
root juice. 
3. Sour Grass. 
This species is scarcely to be distinguished from the Guinea Grass, Plate 5, fig. 2. 
when they are both young and without seed, but by they that are sufficiently distinguish- 
able. It is a troublesome weed, and supposed to be injurious to the cattle that eat it. 
CLASS IV. TETRANDRIA, ORD. 1. MONOGYNIA. 
4. Jamaica Contrayerva, (Dorstenia contrayerva). n. o. Scabrid®; named after 
Dorstenius a German physician ; native of Jamaica and St. Domingo. 
This valuable herb has heart-shaped rough leaves on footstalks, and grows common in 
Jamaica. The roots and seeds are excellent Aromatics and Alexipharmics, or counter- 
poisons, and cure the bites of serpents and stings of scorpions or black spiders. A de- 
coction of the root in water is also good in dropsies and debilitations, or taken as a bit- 
ter in wine with the addition of steel. D. Houstoni, is a native of Campeachy ; d. Con- 
trayerva, of New Spain and Tobago; d. Drakena, of Tobago; d. Chinensis, of China. 
CLASS V. PENTANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
Rough-leaved Cordia, (cordia sebestena), n. o. Asperifoli® ; named from Cordus 
a German Botanist; nat. both Indies. 
This beautiful tree grows about fifteen feet high, ornamented with bunches of scarlef 
flowers on branching peduncles. A small piece ofits wood put on lighted coalswill per- 
fume a house. 
Spanish Elm, or. Prince Wood, (cordia gerascanthus^ nat. Jamaica. The small 
branches are used by the coopers to make hoops, and the heart is a fine brown veiny 
wood easily worked. It is called by the French Bois de Chypre. Dr. Barham says the 
oil is equal to Rhodium. 
Broad-leaved Cherry Tree, c Macrophylla, is a native of Jamaica ; Clammy Cherry, 
or Turkey Berry, c. Collococca, has red succulent berries which are good for turkeys and 
poultry to feed on, native of Jamaica ; as are c. Micranthrus, and c. Elliptica. P/aSe. 6. 
PuMffad M d/rwA tyWJ.Tiirfrrd Lendm Jtdy si^/3//. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII. 
THE FIGURES IN THIS PLATE ARE ALL OF THE NATURAL SIZE AND APPEARANCE 
OF THE PLANTS. 
CLASS V. PENTANDRIA, ORD. IL DIGYNIA. 
Fig. 1. Bastard Ipecacuanha, (asclepias curasavica^, n.o. Contortae, a species 
of Swallow-wort: Fr. Dompte venin ; Itai. Vintossico; Span. Vencetosico; named from 
Esculapius. 
This herb grows very common in Jamaica, about two feet high, acrid and milky, with 
handsome flowers in umbels; the nectaries of an orange, and the corol revolute and of a 
red colour; succeeded by a follicle with imbricated seeds surrounded by a very fine silky 
down in considerable quantities. 
The juice with syrup is given for worms, and the root dried is used by the Negroes 
as an emetic. It is called blood flower, being an excellent styptic for fresh wounds and 
the haemorrhoids, the' whole plant being pounded. Dr. Barham says a decoction will 
stop gleets and the fluor albus. 
Auricula, or, French Jasmin, (a. gigantea), is common in the Savannas of Jamaica, 
and grows seven feet high. 
The species of this genus are very numerous, about thirty-four, of which twenty are 
natives of warm climates. 
CLASS VI. HEXANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
2. Red Lily, (amaryllis coccineaj, n. o. Spathaceae ; Fr. Lis Rouge; Span. Lirio 
Roxo. 
This beautiful plant rises only about a foot in height, and the flower is protruded on a 
footstalk from a spathe and hangs down, of a rich crimson colour, and is a great orna- 
ment to a garden, as are all the species of this genus in number twenty-eight. 
3. Oyster Plant, (tradescantia), n. o. Ensatae. 
This curious plant is commonly so called, from the upper part opening and shutting 
like the shell of an oyster, receiving in and protecting the small white flowers at night. 
It is of a purple colour, and seldom exceeds three inches in height, and is a curious plant 
in a garden. It is a species of spider-wort, of which there are nineteen, fifteen of which 
are natives of the East and West Indies. 
4. American Aloe, (agave vivipara^ n. o. Coronariae ; Fr. Aloe; Span. Aioi; 
nat. West Indies and South America ; from Ayaw;, agaves, admirable. 
This beautiful plant is very common in Jamaica upon the honeycomb rocks; the leaves are 
about four feet long, and beset with spines at the edges. About the latter end of April the 
flower stalk shoots up very rapidly, so that it is commonly said to grow in one night, and they 
are made use of as May poles on the 1 st of May. Their fine crowned stalks, thirty feet high, 
covered with yellow flowers, (of which the figure is one) have a very handsome appearance, 
relieving the dark green scenery at intervals. The inspissated juice of the leaves is used 
by the Negroes for soap, and the fibres make strong thread. Other species area. Vivipara, 
a. Virginica, a. Lurida, a. Tuberosa, and a. Fcetida. 
It is also called Currato, and a plaster of the Extract cures the gout and rheumatism, 
and pains in the joints, giving uneasiness for some time, it then drops off and leaves the 
part free from the disorder. ii 
CLASS IX. ENNEANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
5. Cinnamon, (laurus cinnamomum), n. o. Holoraceae ; Fr. Cannelier; Span. Ca- 
nela; Itai. Cinnamomo. 
This valuable tree grows freely in Jamaica ; the leaves are trinervous and reticulated, and 
the young leaves of a bright crimson ; the tree from which this figure is taken, was the 
present of Dr. Dancer, bur late respected Island botanist, and produced seed in my garden 
at Content something similar in shape to an acorn, the bark had the flavour of the true 
Ceylon cinnamon, but its cultivation is not now attended to as it deserves in the West 
Indies, nor are the other valuable species of this genus, though they would doubtless 
amply repay the trouble of cultivation. This valuable aromatic is a native of the Island 
of Ceylon, but thrives in the West Indies, and the leaves and young buds are put into 
their pots by the Negroes as a Condiment, to season their vegetable food. 
Wild Cinnamon, ( cassia J, is rather inferior, and a native of Malabar, Java and Sumatra. 
Camphor Tree, /7. camphora), is nearly like the Cinnamon, but grows to a larger 
size and the wood is useful for Carpenters' work. The Camphor is procured by subli- 
mation or distilling the wood with water, and the Camphor as it rises adheres to hay or 
straw placed in the hollow of a wooden head. It is a most valuable antiseptic, antispas- 
modic and diaphoretic in small quantities, and from its penetrating subtle qualities very 
useful in embrocations and liniments for strains, swellings and inflammations. Native of 
China, Japan, Borneo and Sumatra. 
Mountain Laurel, (I. montanaJ, is a native of Jamaica, and a handsome tree. 
Jamaica Laurel, Greenheart, or Cogwood Tree, Cl. chloroxy Ionis esteemed the best 
timber wood in Jamaica, and used always for the cogs of rollers in sugar mills. 
Sweet Bay, Cl- nobilis), grows in Jamaica, the leaves, berries and branches are used in 
baths and fomentations, and the berries are accounted carminative, infused as tea, or the 
essential oil is used. It is the Daphne, of the Greeks; Fr. Laurier; Itai. Aloro ; 
Span. Laurel Regio ; Indian Bay, 1. Indica, is a native of Madeira, as also is 1. Faeteus. 
Alligator Pear, or Avocado, (I. persea}, grows to about thirty feet high, and bears a 
valuable rich mild firm pulped fruit which is called vegetable marrow, and when eaten 
with salt and pepper is highly nourishing. Its size is that of the largest pear, and gene- 
rally contains two seeds with a rugged hard brown shell contained in a membranous cover. 
The Negroes are very fond of it and consume great quantities and when in season it 
is a delicious vegetable for the table. All animals and even birds are remarkably fond of it. 
White Svveetwood, C^ lencoxylon), has large black berries, and the leaves and shoots 
make excellent fodder for cattle; 1. Exaltata, 1. Triandra, 1. Coriacea, 1. Membranacea, 
1. Patens, 1. Pendula, 1. Floribunda, are all natives of Jamaica. 
CLASS X. DECANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
6. Horse Radish Tree, or Moringa, (guilandina nioringaj, n. o. Lomentaceae; 
named from Guilandinus a Prussian traveller. 
This useful tree grows about twenty feet high, with a smooth bark and pinnated 
leaves. It is chiefly used for fences, and the young shoots and seed pods are cut as 
food for goats and sheep. The seed vessel is a legume two feet long, trivalvular and one- 
celled, seeds numerous and furnished with three wings. The roots when scraped are used 
as horseradish to which they are very similar: nat. of East Indies; cultivated in Ja- 
maica and Egypt. 
Nicker Tree, Cgu^andina bonduc), has pinnated leaves and is armed with spines; 
legume broad and opening with two valves, inclosing two hard bony seeds used by the 
Negro children for marbles, of a yellow colour, variegated with spots, see Plate 3, fig. 12, 
sometimes called Bezoar nuts. iii 
Grey Nicker Tree, (guilandina bonducella), has smaller leaves and ash coloured 
seeds, plate 3, fig. 13, these seeds powdered are said to be useful in intermittents, and 
the Negroes take both these and the yellow nickers in venereal cases. In Egypt the nuts of 
both sorts are worn as necklaces or amulets; g. Gemina, is a native of Cochin-China, and 
g. Nugo, of Amboyna. 
7. Barbadoes Pride, (poinciana or casalpinia pulcherrima), n. o. Lomentaceae; 
Fr. Poinciade ou Fleurs de Paradis; nat. both Indies; named after Caesalpinus a phy- 
sician. 
This beautiful plant rises about ten feet high, leaves doubly pinnate and armed with 
spines;- the flowers are variegated with deep red and orange, and have a very agreeable 
odour, the legume and seeds flattish. Also called Spanish Carnation and Wild Senna. 
Some varieties have flowers all yellow. 
The plant is considered by the Negroes a powerful emenagogue, the flowers make a 
purging syrup and the root dies a scarlet colour. Nat. Jamaica and the West Indies. 
C. Elata has yellow flowers with purple filaments and is a native of India. C. Sappan, 
or prickly Brasiletto has a red, heavy and hard wood, durable in sea water and dies a 
beautiful red; nat. East Indies. C. Crista is also a native of Jamaica. 
Brasiletto, (c. Brasiliensis), has slender branches armed with thorns, and white flow- 
ers. This is very abundant in Jamaica, so much that 1 have known many hundred tons 
cut on and near one plantation, (Salt Island) and shipped to England for Dyers' use; the 
trees sometimes exceeding fourteen inches in diameter. It is alsosplit up and used in great 
quantities in the Island for spokes of wheels. It is of a beautiful orange red and is a 
wood which is hard, heavy and takes a good polish. C. Bijuga, (perhaps the par- 
rot wood), nat. Jamaica C. Coriaria, nat. Curagoa. The ripe pods are used for tanning 
leather, and called Libidibi. 
8, Locust Tree, (hymintjea courbaril), n. o. Lomentaceae; nat. West Indian Islands; 
named from Hymen. 
This is a large spreading tree, having spikes of yellow flowers succeeded by thick 
brown pods containing four roundish seeds, inclosed in a whitish sweet filamentous sub- 
stance of which the Negroes are very fond ; the tree is very common in Jamaica. From 
its roots exudes the Gum Anime, making the finest varnish known ; when burnt it emits 
a fragrant smell, and a tincture or oil is useful in embrocationsand liniments; inwardly 
a solution of the gum is useful in venereal cases, a decoction of the leaves is carmina- 
tive, and the inward bark anthelmintic. It is a heavy hard tough wood, used for cogs in wheels, 
and takes a fine polish. Dr. Barham says the bark cures intermittent fevers in the same 
quantity and as well as Jesuits bark. 
9. Lignum Vitae, ('guaicum officinale), n. o. Gruinalis ; Fr. Gaiac ; Itai. Legno santo; 
Span. Guayacan. 
This valuable evergreen tree, growTs to a pretty large size, the foliage of a dark green 
and flowers of a bluish violet colour, succeeded by compressed berries with two seeds, 
plate 3, fig. 17. The wood is heavy firm and of a dark olive colour and takes a fine polish. 
It is principallyusedforships blocks, and I havecutor rathersawndown trees near theseaside 
from eighteen to twenty inches diameter. The gum is collected in considerable quantities 
by the Negroes exuding from wounds made by their cutlasses. The fruit is purgative and pre- 
pared with sugar excels the bark in venereal cases, and yaws; the flowers make a purging 
syrup like that of violets; an infusion of the bark or sawdust is valuable in chronic 
rheumatic and venereal cases and attenuates the blood; the foliage of the tree is of a deter- 
sive nature. Bastard Lignum Vitas, (guayacum sanctum), is also a native of West Indies, Piute J 
Fi&luhetL as the Act directs. by W.J.Tit/crd,J.ondon,.Jwie J. Jdll. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VIII. 
THE FIGURES IN THIS PLATE ARE OF THE NATURAL SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF 
THE PLANTS. 
CLASS XVI. MONADELPHIA, ORD. POLYANDRIA. 
Fig. 1. Chain Cotton, Cgossypium), n. o. Columniferae; Fr. Coton; Span. Algo- 
don ; Itai. Cotone; Gr. guAoy. 
This is a species of that valuable shrub, which was once cultivated to a great extent in 
Jamaica, (and is now in the Southern States of America) but was very liable to a blast 
which destroyed whole fields at once. It grows about ten feet high, with large yellow 
flowers having horned nectaries situated near the edge of the petals, and the seeds grow 
together in double rows like the links of a chain surrounded by the cotton, whence the 
trivial name. There are six species but the most common and the most productive in Ja- 
maica is the Barbadoes Cotton, g. Barbadense the seeds of which are separated in a mill 
having a number of gins, through which the Cotton passes leaving the seeds behind. An acre 
will generally produce about 2501. weight. With pruning it will bear for seven years. 
An emulsion of the seeds is said to be pectoral, and good against the bloody flux, and 
an oil expressed from them is detersive and used to burn in lamps. 
CLASS XL DODECANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
2. Red Mangrove Tree, (rhizopora mangles), n. o. Holeraceae ; Fr. Paletuvier^ 
Span. Mangle; from Gr. ^pw, riza and phero, root bearing. 
This tree grows on the borders of the creeks and salinas, and the branches hang down 
in the water to which the round and flat oysters attach themselves. The seed vessel is long 
and curiously shaped, and the seed has a vitellus and albumen. The timber is hard and 
used for firewood and crooked knees for boats, and the bark is most powerfully astrin- 
gent, and excellent for tanning leather which it will do more perfectly in six weeks than 
oak bark in twelve. Piso says a piece of the root toasted and applied warm, relieves the 
pains of the sting of the fish Negur and Stingaree. There is also the white and black 
Mangrove, the latter grows about twenty feet high, and is serviceable timber and very 
heavy. There are six species, natives of the East Indies. 
CLASS XI1L POLYANDRIA, ORD. I. MONOGYNIA. 
3. Mammee Apple, (achrds mamosa), n. o. Guttiferae of Jussieu; Fr. Abricot sau- 
vage; Span. Mamei; now arranged in Class 23, Ord. 1, Polygamia, Monaecia. 
This beautiful tree grows as in Plate 1, fig. 26, the leaves are firm and shining, and the 
flowers stand on short peduncles on the larger branches, they are sweet scented and of 
the size represented in this Plate fig. 3, having a fine appearance among the dark green fo- 
liage and succeeded by a roundish fruit about five inches in diameter covered with a 
rough brown rind, thick and leathery, the inner thin rind of a yellow colour is excessively 
bitter.. The pulp is yellow of an aromatic smell and uncommon luscious and pleasant. II 
flavour, and by some reckoned the most delicious of the Tropical fruits; there are one, 
two, or more large angular rugged brown nuts in each fruit. The French distil the flow- 
ers with spirit to make Eau de Creole. The gum is like Tacamahacca, and will draw 
Chigoes out whole, and might be used to advantage in the early stages of Cancer, to ex- 
tract it whole, as is done in some parts of America. 
CLASS XIV. DIDYANMIA, ORD. IL ANGIOSPERMIA. 
4. Narrow-leaved Calabash, (crescentia cujete}, n. o. Putamineae; Fr. Calaba- 
sier couis; Span. Calabaza ; named from Crescentius a writer on agriculture. 
This tree does not grow very high and the branches stretch out horizontally, the leaves 
are placed at distances on very short petioles on the branches, the flower is single, seated 
on a peduncle arising from the larger branches and sometimes from the trunk, of a large 
size variegated with red and yellow, and of a beautiful appearance, but nauseous smell, the 
fruit is round, oval or bottle-shaped, containing a tart yellowish pulp with several flat 
seeds, inclosedin a hard thin woody shell, covered with a thin green skin which the Ne- 
groes cut out in various figures. The shells which contain from an ounce to a gal- 
lon, are used for spoons, ladles, cups and water bottles, and will bear the fire so as to 
boil water in. The pulp is very powerful to force the menstrua and bring away the lochia, 
and is used sometimes by the Negroes to procure abortion. Dr. Barham says it should 
be given as an emenagogue with caution. The thicker parts of the shell are used to form 
button molds. The pulp is much used by way of a poultice, and a syrup made from it is 
considered pectoral, and useful in inward bruises. The wood is tough and flexile and 
used for saddle trees and by the chaise and kittareen makers. The leaves and pulp are some- 
times eaten by cattle. It grows principally in or near the Lowlands of Jamaica and the 
other West Indian Islands. 
Broad-leaved Calabash Tree, (c. cucurhitina^ has more upright branches, the leaves 
flat, oblong and shining, the border of the corol entire, and ovate acuminate fruit, the shells 
too thin to be useful, but the wood is hard and white, nat. Jamaica. /Yate S 
bitched as the Act directs. Av WJ\ T&ford. Etmdon.July ERRATA ET CORRIGENDA. 
NUMBER I. 
Preface,- p. 4, line 29, for parellels read parallels. 
p. 6, line 4, for Pincarps read Pericarps. 
line 5, after Plate, dele of, and insert -w 
Glossary,-p. 5, line 25, for sa read as. 
7, last line, for secculent read succulent. 
1 3, line 22, for Lineare read Linear. 
14, line 35, for Cucubitaceous read Cucurbitaceous. 
15, line 19, for heighth read height. 
Expl. Plate 3, Fig. 25, for sqummosa read squammosg. 
41, for hypoga; read hypogaea. 
line 34, 55, the Sugar Bean should be 54. 
63, for Contraryuba read Contrayerba. 
Expl. plate 4, p. 1, line 34, for imdica read indica. 
p. 2, line 25, dele chili. 
NUMBER IL 
Page 22, line 18, for Cornfrey read Comfrey. 
Expl. plate 7, p. 1. line 5, for Curasavica read Curassavica. 
p. 3, line 26, for hyminaea read hymenaea. • 
In Plate 1, fig. 13.-Though the young Coffee tree, when about three years old, has its top pruned and the ends of the bran- 
ches stretching out to nearly an equal length on all sides quite horizontally, the figure here given is too stiff and unnatural, and 
in fig. 22, the Ostyers attached to the extremity of the branches of the Mangrove are too large and out of proportion. 
In Plate 2, Fig. 41, and in Plate 3, Fig. 56, (to which there are no corresponding explanations,) should not have been insert- 
ed in engraving the Plate, SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THIS WORK 
Are received by Samuel Campbell, and Messrs. Collins and Perkins, New York, Messrs. Inskeep 
and Bradford, Philadelphia, and all respectable Booksellers in the United States; and in 
London by Messrs. Sherwood, IN eely and Jones, Paternoster Row; J. Hatchard. Picca- 
dilly, and J. M. Richardson, CornhUl, and at No. 1, Urion-street, Bishops^ate.-The re- 
maining Numbers will npnear respectively on March 1st, June 'st, September 1st, and Decem- 
ber 1st. 1819. r 
The following Plants of North America, ^c. (inter alia) will be noticed. 
Greek Valerian 
Bell Flower 
Lobelia 
Fever-wort 
Mullein 
Thorn Apple 
Tobacco 
Deadly Nightshade 
Winter Cherry 
Solant.mr 
Sabbatia 
IronWood 
Buckthorn 
Ziziphus 
New Jersey Tea 
Staff Tree 
Spindle Tree 
Lea 
Galax 
Currant Tree 
(Gooseberry 
Violet 
Balsam 
Vine 
Ampelopsis 
Claytonia 
Echit e» 
Tabernte . oct m.t 
Gontdobu i 
Cynanchum 
Dogs Bane 
Swallow-wort 
Wormseed 
Beet 
Glass-wort 
Elm 
Heuchera 
Gentian 
Ery tgo 
Penny-wort 
Saricle 
Thorough Wax 
Cow Parsnep 
Angelica 
Ho ne-w ort 
Cicuta 
Fools Pa ' y 
Coriander 
Deadly Carrot 
Parsnep 
Alexander7 
Dill 
Carawa y 
Parsley 
Sumach 
Viburnum 
Elder 
Bladder Nut 
Sarothr i 
Aralia 
Statice 
Flax 
Sun Dew 
Yellow Root 
6 Spider-wort 
Pontederia 
Snow Drop 
Pancratium 
Lily . 
! Amaryflis 
Garlic 
Tulip 
Hypoxis 
Star of Bethlehem 
Squill 
Meadow Rice 
Asparagus 
Lily of the Valley 
Streptopus 
'1 uberosc 
Aletris 
Yucca 
Agave 
Orontium 
Winter Berry 
Berberry 
Dock 
Melanthium 
Medeola 
• 'Jnjium 
Helonias 
Water Plantain 
7 Horse Chesnut 
Lizards Tail • 
8 Rhexia 
Tree Primrose 
Gaura 
Whortle Berry 
Menziesia 
Heath 
Leather Wood 
Persicaria 
Soap Berry 
9 Benzoin 
Sassafras 
Rhubarb 
10 Podalyria '• . 
Judas Tree 
Cassia 
Bead Tree 
Eriogonum 
Venus's Fly Trap 
Jussieua 
Kalmia 
Ledum 
I hodora 
Rose Bay 
Andromeda 
Epigxa 
Gaultheria 
Strawberry Tree 
Clethra 
Winter Green 
Storax 
Hydrangea 
Saxifrage 
Tiarella 
Mitella 
Pink 
Sweet Willitm 
Campion 
Catch':y 
Stone Crop 
Penthor n 
Wood Sc .ell 
Poke Wee.' 
11 Asarabacca 
Befaria 
Snow Drop Tree 
Decumaria 
Hudsor.ia 
Purslane 
Lythrum 
Cuphea 
Spurge 
House Leek 
12 Cactus 
Mock Orange 
Myrtle 
Almond 
:.-rr, T,._ 
Apricot 
Peach 
Plum 
Hawthorn 
Service Tree 
Medlar 
Pear 
Spiraa 
Rose 
Raspberry 
Dewberry 
Blackberry 
Dalibarda 
Strawberry 
Cinquefoil 
Tormentil 
Avens 
Allspice 
13 Herb Christo- 
pher 
Puccoon 
May Apple 
Poppy 
Side Saddle Flower 
Water Lily 
HydreWtis 
Eime Tr^. 
I rblolly^Sy 
Rock Rose 
Preony 
Fothergilla 
larkspur 
Wolfs Bane 
Columbine 
Aniseed Tree 
Tulip Tree 
Magnolia 
Nelumbium 
Wind Flower 
Custard Apple 
Atragene 
Virgin's Bower 
Pheasant's Lye 
Crowfoot 
Globe Flower • 
Yellow Root 
Hellebore 
14 Germander 
Hyssop 
Catmint 
Catnep 
Mint 
Hyptis 
Hedge Nettle 
Horehound 
Mother-wort 
Wild Basil 
Thyme 
Balm 
Dragon's Head 
Basil 
Frichostema 
Scull Cap 
Self Heal 
/Phryma 
Eartha 
Louse-Aivort 
Chelone 
Pentstemon 
Toad Flax 
Martynia 
Fig-wort 
Fox Glove 
Trumpet Flower 
Monkey Flower 
Rueilia 
15 Woad 
Pepper-wort 
Wall Cress 
Cabbage 
Radish 
16 Geranium 
Sida m 
Mallow f 
Hibiscus 
Stuartia 
17 Fumitory 
Milk-wort 
Coral Tree 
Rafnia 
Bastard Indigo 
Lupine 
Dolichos 
Glycine 
Robinia 
Hedysarum 
Indigo 
Goats Rice 
Milk Vetch 
Trefoil 
18 St. John's wort 
Ascyrum 
Goat's Beard 
19 Sow Thistle 
Lettuce 
Prenanthes 
Dandelion 
Hawkweed 
Vernonia 
Liatria 
Canada Thistle 
blessed Thistle 
Cnicus 
Carthamus 
Bur Marygold 
Cacalia 
Mikania 
Eupatorium 
Ageratum 
Tansey 
Wormwood 
Cudweed 
Baccharis 
Flea Bau. 
Erigeron 
Colt's Foot 
Groundsel 
Star-wort 
Golden Rod 
Elecampane 
Tetregonotheca 
Helenium 
Zinnia 
Chrysanthemum 
Feverfew 
Chamomile 
Milfoil 
Ox Eye 
Sun Flower 
Rudbeckia 
Tick Seed Sun 
Flower 
Centaury 
P^'timora 
Silphium 
Polymnia 
Marygol ' 
20 Orcins 
Satyrion 
Ophrys 
Limodorum 
Ladies Slipper 
Sisynnchium 
Passion Flower 
Birth-wort 
Dragon 
^Arum 
T^ink Weed 
21 Duck's Meat 
Indian Corn 
Tripsacum 
Sedge 
Comptonia 
Aider 
Box 
Pachysondu 
Mulberry 
Ambrosia 
Amaranth 
Canada Rice 
Oaks 
Hickory 
Walnuts 
Beech 
Birch 
Hornbeam 
Hazel Nut 
Pine Tree 
Liquid Ambar 
Pitch Pine 
White Pine 
Cedar 
Balm of Gilead 
Arbor Vite 
Cypress 
Acalypi.i 
Oil Nut 
Phyllanthus 
Gourd 
Cucumber 
Chocho 
22 Willows 
Sea Buckthorn 
Candle Berry Myr- 
tle 
Pyrularia 
Tooth-ach Tree 
Iresine 
Hemp 
Hop 
Smilax 
Dioscorxa 
Poplar 
Aspen 
Moon Seed 
Juniper 
Yew 
Ciwampelos 
Napata 
Adelia 
23 Plantain 
Veratrum 
Indian Millett 
May'-s 
Nettle Tree 
Mi^.usa 
Gleditschia 
Ash Tree 
Dat*e Plum 
Tupelo 
Ginseng 
Fig 
Ferns 
Mosse* 
Fungi 
Algae 
Palmas 
&C. &: 
N. B. Number I, is of itself a concise, yet clear and comprehensive Compendium of 
the Elements of Botany, calculated for the use of Students or as a 
the use of Schools, ^c, and this Number contains a further continuation of the Na- 
tural Orders, frc. 
i