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   %S '         THE



              CONTAINING
        A DESCRIPTION
                OF THE
           PRINCIPAL ACTIVE

              I'Ol/'KD* 1ST THS
MIDDLE AND  NORTHERN STATES
                  OF
              AMERICA,
                 WITH
           DIRECTIOXS
            RELATIVE TO THEIR
 PREPARATION, ADMINISTRATION & t/*£
                IK THE
        CtfRE OF DISEASES:
           TO WHXCH 13 PREFIXED,
             AN OUTLIKE
                OF THE
   LINN JEAN SYSTEM OF BOTANY,
              ISTESBED AS AS
      INTRODUCTION AND GLOSSARY
             TO THE V.'ORK :
           ALL DESIGNED FOR THE   ,'V<\
         USE  OF   FAMILIE.^^
                AND THE     .f -.J/ \{ <i
         '  YOUNG STUDEN^aX
              IN BOTANi". p£|

         "KS'OWWDGE 13 POW
   KINGSTON, N. Y.
TAINTED El' WILLIAM CDI.LTY.
1331. 
. ... f.;  -  -*h*C~ 
PREFACE.
  There is nothing, perhaps, better calculated  to
elevate  the mind, inform the understanding, and
lead from the paths of vice and folly  to virtue,
wisdom, and usefulness, than  the study  of the
works of God in nature, and what  are now called
the Natural Sciences—especially that  branch  of
those sciences denominated Botany, or  the Study
of the Vegetable Kingdom.  And there is, per-
haps, no branch of natural science, the study  of
which will be found more pleasant, healthy, and
useful, than this ; for who can be insensible to the
pleasure of rambling from  hill to dale, and from
streamlet to  streamlet; over dasied meads and
flowery lawns; beneath the thick foliage of the
forest boughs; up the steep precipices, and through
the  dark  recesses of the distant mountain;-—
"where," in the language of Montgomery,

       " A tyrant never trod,
       " Where a slave was never  known.
       " But  where nature worships God,
       " In the wilderness alone,''

and meeting at every turn he makes some beauti
fid production  of the vegetable  kingdom with
whose sweets, habits,  and virtues  he is well ac-
quainted, or is  endeavoring to become so ?  And 
6
who, again I would ask,  can be insensible and
blind to the propriety and advantage of acquiring
a knowledge of the properties of the various plants
which beautify eur landscapes, and  which a kind
Providence  has  bestowed upon us,  and  decreed.
when properly used, should alleviate the pains and
cure the diseases of the human system, or in some
Other way contribute to the comforts of mortals?
  The student in Botany enters upon a wide and
extended field, and he must view with delight the
beautiful diversity of nature before him.  He be-
holds the earth  covered,  as with a  carpet, with
tender herbs, thickly clad with green leaves, and
crowned with numerous variegated flowers, whose
odour and beauty  charm the eye and regale thf
senses.   He visits the hedge and the copse wood.
which  consist of shrubs  and under-shrubs, and
alive  with innumerable feathered quiresters, all
" prodigal of harmony." He enters the grove, and
surveys the grandeur of the forest trees—the  ro-
bust Oak—the  hardy  Elm—and the towering
Pine—whilst from every bough thousands of fea-
thered songsters  warble their melodious  notes in
sweet confusion.   Oh, how glorious a prospect!
Oh, how magnificent a scene! How  well calcula-
ted to lead the soul to the contemplation of Him.

*' Whose presence fills—whose sun elates—
" Whose hand perfnmes, and whose pencil paints.
" All this innumerous colored scene of things.''

  This work, designed more particularly for the
use of families and the young student in Botany.
contains a description of five exotic and cultiva-
ted plants, and  of seventy-seven indigenous, or
native.
  The botanical terms which arc made use of in
this work will be found explained in the outline 
7
of Botany prefixed to the volume.   The medical
terms used will be found explained on the pages
which immediately follow the outline of Botany.

  All the plants introduced into  this work  are
systematically arranged  in  their proper classes
and orders, according to the Linnasan System cf
Botany,  and the botanical (that is)  generic and
specific names of each is given. 
 
A SHOUT  OUTLINE  OF THE  LINNJ2AN

         SYSTEM OF BOTANY.
   The system of Botany which chiefly prevails af
 1he present day among all  civilized nations is
 that of liinnaeus, a Swede, and called, in honor of
 him,  the Linnasan System; and it is according to
 this system that all  the  plants introduced  into
 this work are arranged.
   Tins system consists of Classes, Orders, Gene
 ras, and Species.

                    Plants.

   All plants arc comprehended  under two grand
 divisions, and are either Fnenogamous or Crvpto-
 ga™ous.
  ^P'i-nogamo«s plants have  their stamens  and
 pistds, sufficiently manifest for examination.
   Ciy pt >gamous  plants have their stamens  and
 pistils, coo minute for inspection.

        On tlie Composition of a Flower.

   Flowers, although so numerous, and apparently
 po diversified, consist of but seven distinot  a»d
 different parts.
   I. The Pistil.   Situated in the centre of thc>
flower.   It is divided into two pa'rfs 
                      10

  1. The Stigma,  the  top of the pistil;  never
absent.
  2. The Style, that part of the pistil which ele-
vates the stigma, not absolutely essential.

  II. The Stamen, or Stamens.   Situated ex'e
liar to the pis'ai.  It consists of,
  1. The Jhither, at top, containing the fertilizing
pollen or du.it, and  always present.
  2. The Filament, elevating  the  anther, not es-
sential,  ai.d is occasionally absent.

  III. The  Carol.   The colored leaves within the
calyx.
  IV. The Calyx.   The green colored leaves ex-
terior to the corol.
  V.  The Pericarp.  The covering  of the seed,
whether pod, shell,  or pulpy substance.  '
  VI.   The  Seed.   The  rudiment  of the  new
plant.
  VII.  The Receptacle.  The end of the  flower
stem, and ths bases upon which all the other parts
of the flower rest.

  It is  on the number, proportion, position, &c.
i;f the preceding seven elementary organs of fruti-
fication  that the Classes, Orders,   and Oenera  of
the Linnoean System of Botany are founded.

  Note 1. Such flowers as want the stamens, and
have the  pistils, are  called pistillate, or  female
flowers.

  Note 2. Such flowers as are possessed of sta-
mens, but are destitute of pifctils, are denominated
staminate, or male  flowers.

  Note 3. Flowers that have  both  stamens and
pistils,  are called bissexual flowers. 
11
Explanation of the Classes and  Orders  of the
         Linnsean System  of Botany.

  (All vegetables  are divided into twenty-two
Classes.  These Classes are divided into Orders;
Orders into Genera; Genera into  Species; and
Species into Varieties.).

  Class  1.  Monandria.  It includes  all plants
that have but one stamen in a flower.
    2. Diandria.   Two stamens in a flower.
    S. Triandria.   Three stamens in a flower.
    4. Tetrandria.  Four stamens.
    5. Pentandria.  Five stamens.
    6. Hexandria.  Six Stamens.
    7. Heptandria.  Seven  stamens.
    8. Octandria.   Eight stamens.
    9. Enneandria.  Nine stamens.
  10. Decandria.   Ten stamens.
  11. Dodecandria. Twelve to nineteen stamens.
  12. Icosandria.   Twenty  or  more stamens,
standing on the calyx.
  13. Polyandria.  Twenty or more stamens,
standing on the receptacle.
  14. Didynamia.  Four stamens, two of them
the longest.
  15. Tetradynamia.   Six  stamens, four of them
the longest.
  16.  Monadelphia.   The stamens  united  by
their filaments in one set,  anthers remaining se-
parate.
  17. Diadelphia.  Stamens united -by their fila-
ments in two sets, flowers papilronaceous, i. e. like
those of the pea.
  18. Syngenesia.  Five stamens united by their
anthers in one set, flowers compound.
  19. Gynandria.   Stamens growing  out  of the
pistil or  an elongated  receptacle. 
12
  20. Monoecia.  Stamens and pistils in separate
flowers on the same plant.
  21. Dioecia.   Stamens  and pistils in separate
flowers on different plants.
  22. Cryptogamia.  Stamens and pistils invisible.

An explanation of the Orders belonging  to  the
              preceding  Classes.

  Class I. Monandria has two orders.
  1. Monogynia.  One pistil in a flower.
  2. Diagynia.  Two pistils.

  Class II. Diandria.
                    Orders.
  1. Monogynia.  One pistil.
  2. Diagynia.  Two pistils.
  3. Trigynja.  Three pistils.

  Class III. Triandria.
                    Orders.
  1. Monogynia.  One pistil.
  2. Digynia.  Two pistils.
  3. Triagynia.  Three pistils.

  Class IV.  Tetrandria.
                    Orders.
  1. Monogynia.  One pistil.
  2. Digynia,  Two pistils.
  3. Tetragynia.  Four pistils.

  Class V. Pentandria.
                    Orders.
  1. Monogynia  One pistil.
  9. Digynia.  Two pistils.
  3. Tngynia.  Three pistils.
  4. Tetragynia.  Four pistils.,
  5. Pentagynia.  Five pistils.'
  6. Polygyria.  Many pistil* 
13
 Class VI. Hexandria.
                   Orders.
 1.  Monogynia.  One pistil.
 2.  Digynia.  Two pistils.
 3.  Tngynia.  Three pistils.
 4.  Tetragynia.  Four pistils.
 6.  Hexagynia.   Six pistils.
 6.  Polygynia.  Many pistils.

 Class VII.  Heptandria.
                   Orders.
 1.  Monogynia.  One pistil.
 0.  Digynia.  Two pistils.
 3.  Tngynia.  Three pistils.
 4.  Tetragynia.  Four pistils.
 5.  Heptagynia.  Seven pistils.

 Class VIII.  Octandria.
                   Orders.
 1.  Monogynia.  One pistil.
 2.  Digynia.  Two pistils.
 3.  Trigynia.   Three pistils.
 4.  Tetragynia.  Four pistils.

 Glass IX.  Enneandria.
                   Orders.
 1.  Monogynia.   One pistil.
 0.  Trigynia.   Three pistils.
Q.  Hexagynia.  Six pistils.

 Class X.  Decandria.
                  Orders.
 1.  Monogynia.  One pistil.
 2.  Digynia.   Two pistils.
 3.  Tngynia.  Three pistils.
4.  Pentagynia*   Five pistils.
                     e 
14
   Class XI. Dodecandria.
                     Orders.
   1. Monogynia.  One pistil.
   2. Digynia.  Two pistjjs.
   3. Trigynia.  Three pjstils.
   4. Tetragynia.  Four pistils.
   5. Pentagynia.  Five pistils.


   Class XII. Icosandria.
                     Orders.
   1. Monogynia.   One pistil.
   2. Pentagynia.   Five pistils.
   3. Polygynia.  Many pistils.


   Class XIII.  Polyandria.
                    Orders,
   1.  Monogynia.   One pistil.
   2.  Digynia.   Two pistils.
   3.  Trigynia.   Three pistils.
   4.  Tetragynia.   Four pistils,
   5.  Pentagynia.   Five pistils.
   6.  Hexagynia.  Six pistils.
   7.  Polygynia.   Many pistils.


   Class XIV.  Didynamia.
                    Orders.
   1.  Gymnospermia.  Seeds naked in the bottom
of the calyx.
   2.  Angiospermia.   Seeds contained in  a peri-
carp, or seed vessel.


  Class XV. Tetradynamia.
                   Orders.
  1. Siliculosa,  Seeds in round or short pod's,
  & Siliquosa.   Seeds ift long slender pods. 
15
   Cla,ss XVI. Monadelphia.
                    Orders.
   1. Triandria.  Having five stamens in a flower.
   2. Pentandria.   Five stamens.-
   S. Decandria.  Ten stamens.
   4. Polyandria.   Many stamens.

   Class XVII. Diadelphia.
                    Orders.
   1. Pentandria.   Five stamens.
   2. Hexandria.  Six stamens.
   3. Octandria.  Eight stamens.
   4. Decandria.  Ten  stamens.

   Class XVIII.  Syngenesia.
                    Orders.
   1.  Polyamia jeqnalis.  When all the florets  of
a compound flower are bissexual.
   2.  Polygamia superflua.  When  the florets  in
the  centre of a compound flower are bissexual,
and  those in the circumference are female.
  3.  Polygamia frustranea.   When the florets  in
the centre are bissexual, and tliose in the circum-
ference barren.
  4.  Polygamia necessaria.   When  the bissexual
florets in the centre of the  flower produce no
seed, but  the  pistil  florets  in the circumference
produce perfect seed.
  5. Polygamia segregata.  Many proper calyxes
within the common  calyx separating the florets,
of which the flower is composed.

  Class XIX.  Gynandria.
                   Orders.
  1.  Monandria.  One stamen.
  2.  Diandria.   Two stamens.
,  3.  Pentandria.  Five stamens-. 
16
  4> Hexandria.   Six stamenst
  5. Octandria.  Eight stamens

  Class XX. Monoecia.
                   Orders.
  I. Monandria.  One stamen.
  2. Diandria.  Two stamens.
  3. Triandria.  Three stamens.
  4. Tetrandria.  Four stamens.
  5. Pentandria.  Five stamens.
  0. Hexandria.   Six stamens.
  7. Heptandria.  Seven  stamens.
  8. Polyandria.  Many stamens.
  9. Monadelphia.   Filaments  united in  one
body.

  Class XXI. Dioecia.
                   Orders,
  1. Diandria.  One stamen.
  2. Triandria.  Three stamens.
  3. Tetrandria,  Four stamens.
  4. Pentandria.  Five stamens.
  5. Hexandria.   Six stamens.
  6. Octandria.  Eight stamens.
  7. Polyandria.  Many stamens,
  8. Monadelphia.  Stamens united by their fila-
ments in one body.

  Class XXII. Cryptogamia.
                   Orders.
  1. Filices.  Bearing fruit on the back of the
leaves.  It comprehends the ferns.
  2. Musci.  Comprehending the mosses.
  3. Hepaticae.   It comprehends the liverworts.
  4. Algae.  Comprehending  the sea weeds.
  5. Lichenes.  Comprehending the lichens.
  6. Fungi.  Comprehending  the whole family
of mushrooms. 
17
  The Botanist will first discover the class and
order to which every uuknown plant belongs  by
an examination of its flower: (the name of no un-
known plant can be ascertained without the flower,
excepting those belonging to the class Cryptoga-
mia.)  Thus, if on the examination of the flower
of any  plant we find that it has six stamens, of
equal length, and one pistil, we say at once, that
it belongs to the sixth class, which is Hexandria^
and first order,  which  is Monogynia.   Now,
"such arrangements of  Botanists are so  many
steps by which  we arrive at a knowledge of plants.
By means of classes, a certain number of plants, of
certain common properties, are brought under re-
view: by orders, a still less number: and by gene-
ra,  the number is still less reduced.''  Plants be-
longing to the same class are generally found  to
possess  properties somewhat  similar: those  be-
longing to  the  same order resemble each  other
still more closely; while those belonging to  the
same genus, or  family, being, as it were, brothers,
are still closer allied in their qualities.   Thus
we  may generally judge, with a  very great pro-
bability of being correct,  of the properties  of an
Unknown plant by knowing those of  some  other
plant belonging to the  same  class,  order, and
genus with it.  Thus the utility of  the Linnaean
system of classification  in the study of Botany
UJjcomes at once apparent.
g* 
18
       OF PLANTS OR VEGETABLES.

  All vegetables are divided into Trees, Shrubs,,.
Undershrubs, and Herbs.
  1« A Tree  is a  woody plant,  in stem  and
branches, rising to a great  height, and of long life.,
producing in cold climates buds on the end of its
branches—as Willow, Oak.
  2. A Shrub is a  tree of a  small  size,  having
several similar trunks arising from the same root;
as Witch-hazel, Prickley  Ash.  Though difficult
to define,  the difference  between a tree and  a
shrub is obvious to the sight.
  3. Undershrub is a woody plant, much smaller
than a shrub, and whose young branches annually
die—as Sage,  White Steeple-bush.
  4. Herb, which is of a soft, tender subtance,,
and dies in  the winter—as  Tulip,  Daisy,  the
Lilly,  &c. Herbs,  although they differ so mate-
rially from trees, have still, however, a number of
line woody fibres, which enable them to resist the
force of the winds,  but are not sufficiently firm tt
bear the power of the frosts of the winter.

      Plants  are Exotic  and Indigenous,

   1. Exotic plants  are such as do not grow natu-
rally in the countries where they are cultivated—
as (in  this country} Cabbage,  Beets, Cucumbers.
   2. Indigenous plants are sach as grow natural-
ly in, and are the proper prodactions of, the coun-
try to  which  we belong—as (in this country) tie
Oak, Maple,  Daisy.
   The right cultivation of plants depends upon a.
knowledge of the  soil, climate^  &c. where they
naturally grow.  For, although plants will often 
19
 bear great diversities of soil, situation, and cli-
 mate, still we generally find them to flourish most
 in  situations  similar to those in which they natu-
 rally grow.   Thus, some plants  are  naturally
 adapted to hilly situations; and  the  height  of
 mountains may be ascertained  by means  of the
 plants they produce.  Thus the plants that are
 found on mountains, and called Alpine plants, are
 the same all over the world,  though their degrees
 of latitude differ so materially.

                Roots  of Plants.

   The Root is that part of a plant found beneath
 the surface of the ground, and upon which the
 whole  plant  mostly depends for  support.   The
 body of the root itself is called Caudex. Roots are,
   1. Annual,  continuing but one year—as the
 Radish.
   2. Biennial,  continuing  two  years—as  the
 Parsnip, Turnip.
   3. Fruticose, continuing three years.
  4. Perennial, continuing  many years—as all
 frees.
   5. Bulbous, having  the  form of  a bulb—as
 Tulip.
   6. Tubrous, having a round,  fleshy, and solid
 body, from which fibrous roots  often shoot out—
 as Potato.
   7. Fibrou9, consisting of fibres,  which  vary
 in  size, being often as fine  as  a  hair—as Gold-
 thread.
   8. Perpendicular, descending perpendicularly
 Into the ground—as Radish.
   9. Horizontal, spreading horizontally—as Main
^Jrake.
   10. Globular, of a round shape—-as Turnip.
   ^t.  Truncated, having several coa&*-as Galcfip 
2D
   12.  Branching,  dividing  into  parts—as the
 roots of the Oak.
   13.  Articulated, jointed—as May Apple.

   Plants  are  supposed by many to derive their
 support wholly from their roots.  This, however,
 U a mistake.  It is true that much of the nourish-
 ment of the plant is supplied by the root, but not
 all; for the bark and leaves, by absorbing the nu-
 tricious gasses from the atmosphere,  contribute
 much to the support of the whole plant.

                Of the Herbage.

   Herbage is all the plant except the fructification,
 and root.   It  includes stem and leaves.
   The stem is the  ascending trunk  of all plants
Usually bearing leaves and flowers.  The different
 kinds are,
   1. Culm, a  straight hollow and jointed stem—
as the Grasses.
   2. Scape, a  flower-bearing stem,  springing di-
rectly from the roots, and destitute of leaves—as
Dandelion.
   3. Peduncle, the flower-bearing stem of ariv
giant.
   4. Petiole, the foot-stalk of the leaf.
   5. Stipe, the stem of ferns and musbrooms>

                  Direction.

   1. Erect, perpendicular.
   2. Oblique,  bending to one side.
   3. Flexuose, taking a zig-zag direction.
   4. Procumbent, falling,  and  running horiztffi,
 tally along on  the ground.
   5. Repent, fixing itself in its -QHUSfc by fibqjUS
j'oots—as the Ivj. 
21
  6. Climbing, ascending and supporting itself
by tendrils—as the Grape Vine.
  7. Twining, climbing up  plants  spirally—as
the Hop Vine.

                    Form.

  1. Round, without angles—as the Angelica.
  2. Angled, having angles—as the Parsnip.
  3. Articulated, jointed—as the Elder.
  4. Furrowed, having hollow lines running  Ian*
gitudinally along the stem—as Fire Weed.

                   Clothing*

  1. Naked, without leaves.
  2. Leafy, having leaves—as most plants.
  3. Sheathed, invested with a sheath belonging
to the leaf—-as Grasses.
  4. Pubescent, covered with soft fine hairs.
  5. Hirsute,  covered  with stiff rough hairs.
  6. Tomentose,  covered with  a  cottony  sub-
stance.
  7. Prickly, armed with prickles—as Prickly
Ash.
  8. Thorny, covered  with thorns.

             Subdivision  of Stems.

  1. Branches, the divisions of the stem-
  2. Branchlets, the  divisions  of the brandies
themselves.

                   Situation.

  1. Alternate, placed around the stem, first dn
one side and then on the other. 
22
   2. Opposite, growing in pairs from  opposite
 sides of the stem.
   3. Decussated, growing in pairs, and alternately
 crossing each other at right angles.
   4. Scattered, placed without order on the stem.

           Of the Leaves of Plants.

   These are evergreen or deciduous; simple or
 compound.  Simple leaves are,
   1. Orbicular, nearly circular—as the leaves of
 red clover.
   2. Ovate, resembling the half of an egg when
 divided longitudinally.   This is one of the most
 common forms of leaves. ,
   3. Oval, broadest in the middle,  and tapering
 equally towards both ends.
   4. ubovate,  this differs  from ovate  only in
 having the narrowest end attached to the stem.
   5. Oblong, twice as  long as  broad, gradually
 tapering towards both ends—as the Daisy.
   6. Cordate, heart-shaped, with the lobes round-
 ed—as Lilac.
   7. Obcordate, cordate, with the narrowest end
 of the leaf towards the stem.
   8. Lanceolate, of  the shape  of the ancient
 lance, tapering from the base to the apex.
   9. Kidney-form, round, and having a hollow at
 the base—as Colts Foot.
   10. Linnear, continuing of the same width near-
 ly through its whole lengtn, and generally pointed
 at both ends.
   11. Awl-form, being  linnear at the base, but
 becoming curved near the apex.
   12. Arrow-shaped, or Sagittate, shaped like an
 arrow-head.
   13. Halbert-form, or Hastate, being shaped like
a halbert—as Field Sorrel. 
23
   14.  Lobed,  deeply parted, with  the  divisions
round and large.
   15.  Guitar-shape,  narrow in the middle, and
broad  at the ends.
   16.  Palmate,  resembling the hand with  the
fingers spread out—as Horse Chestnut.
   17.  Pedate,  resembling a bird's foot.
   18.  Sinuate, having the edges  hollowed out
into sinuses, or bays.
   19.  Pinnatified, divided  transversely  by deep
incisions, which,  however, do not quite extend to
the mid-rib.
   20.  Lyrate, cut into lobes, of which  those at
the apex are the largest
   21.  Runcinate,  pinnatified  with the divisions
pointing towards  the base—as Wild Lettuce.
   22.  Serrate,  having notches along the margin
resembling  the teeth of a  saw, and pointing to-
wards  the apex; in English, sawed.
   2S.  Crenate, having round notches that do not
incline either towards the base or apex.
   24. Emarginate, being  notched at the termina-
tion of the mid-rib.
   25. Obtuse, having the  apex rounded.
   26. Acute, ending in a  point
   27.  Toothed, or Dentate, having projections1
from the margin of the substance of the leaf itself^
being neither 6erratures nor crenatures.
   28. Entire, neither serrate, toothed, or in any
manner indented or lobed.

             Of Compound Leaves.

   A compound leaf consists of several little leaves
or leafets, arranged along  a  common foot-stalk*—*
as the leaves of the rose bush.   They are,
   1. Ternate*  wheja  the  petiole   bears three)
leafets. 
24
   2. Biternate, when the common petiole divides
into three, each of which bears three leafets.
   3. Triternate, thrice ternate.
   4. Pinnate,  having  distinct  leafets  arranged
along opposite sides of the same petiole—as the
Rose, Locust.
   5. Bipinnate,  the common petiolus dividing
into several  petioli, upon which  the  leafets  are
arranged.
   6. Tripinnate, thrice pinnate.
   7. Interruptedly-pinnate, having smaller leafet9
scattered among the larger—as Potato.

          Of the  Surfaces of Leaves.

   They are—
   1. Hairy, having distinct straight hairs.
   2. Downy, covered  with  a fine  cotton-like
down.
   3. Silky, having the appearance of silk.
   4. Bristly, covered with stiff hairs.
   5. Ciliate, having hairs growing from the mar-
gin resembling eye-lashes.
   6. Veined, intersected with tough  fibres vari-
ously branched.
   7. Nerved, having fibres running from the base
to the apex without branching.
   8. Dotted, full of small dots, variously colored.

              Position  of Leaves.

   1. Decurrent, when two edges of a leaf extend
along the foot-stalk beyond the place of insertion.
   2. Sessile, being immediately fixed to the stem.
   3. Clasping, sessile, with the base surrounding
Qie stem.
   4. Perfoliate* the stem passing directly through
Che leaf. 
25
  5. Connate, opposite, with their bases united.
  6. Opposite, standing at the same height on
opposite sides of. the stem.
  7. Peltate, when the foot-stalk is inserted into
the middle of the leaf—as Indian Cress.
  8. Imbricate, lying over each other like shin-
gles on a roof.
  9. Whorled, surrounding the stem in rings—as
Indian Cucumber.
  10. Fascicled, growing  in  branches from one
point of the stem.
  11. Scattered, placed without order.
  12. Radical, arising from the root.
  13. Cauline, attached to the stem.
  14. Rameah placed upon the branches.

  Leaves form principally the decoration of plants,
and are usually flat, and of a green color: this,
however, varies greatly in different species.  The
refreshing  shade which  they give in the sultry
season  of the  year has been tasted  by most per-
sons  with  a peculiar delight, and has been  the
iheme of poetry in every age.  Thus sings the
muse of Thompson:

  *• Welcome, ye shades! ye bowery thickets, hail!
  Ye lofty pines! ye venerable oaks!
  Ye ashes wild, resounding o'er the steep!
  Delicious  is yon shelter to the soul.
  Cold thro' the nerves your pleasing comfort glides;
  The heart beats glad; the fresh expanded eye
  And ear resume their watch; the sinews knit;
  And life shoots swift through every lengthen'd limb."

  Leaves are organs of respiration, and may be
called the lungs of plants.  They absord the nutri-
tious gasses of the atmosphere,  as carburetted
hydrogen, nitrogen and ammoniacal gasses 5 and
thus contribute much to the support of the whole
                       3 
26
plant.  At the same time that they absorb these
gasses, nutritious to all  vegetables, but delete-
rious  to  animals, they give out oxygen or vital
air, and  thus purify the atmosphere.  The re-
spiring powers of  leaves reside  principally  in
their  under  surfaces,  which are  replete with
absorbing and  exhaling  vessels.  This may  be
proved by placing two leaves upon water, upon
different surfaces :  that  placed  with  the under
surface down, will survive many weeks ; whereas
the one  placed with the upper smooth  surface
upon the water, will soon die.  Light acts power-
fully upon leaves, and  it is to this principle they
owe their green color;  for the leaves that are put
forth in a dark room are colorless.   The uppcv
surfaces  of leaves are always turned towards the
Sua, and follow him in his diurnal eourse.  Their
under surfaces,  on the  contrary,  seem to shun
the light.  Hence  we may conclude that light
acts beneficially upon  the former, but hurtfully
upon  the latter.  Leaves are composed  of  the
ramifications of the foot  stalk, infinitely divided,
which is of a ligneous or woody nature, and of a
parenchymatous substance, occupying the inster-
stices of the net-work  formed by the divided
petiole,  which,  when removed by maceration,  or
eat away by worms, leaves those beautiful skele-
tons of leaves which we all so much admire. 
27
               OF FLOWERS.

  Flowers are the most attractive and beautiful
parts in plants.  They serve to ornament our land-
scapes,  charm the eye, and exhilirate the senses,
at the same time that they reproduce their  kind.
  Every flower consists of seven elementary or-
gans, (see pages 9 and  10,) namely, the Calyx, Co-
rol, Stamens, Pistils, Pericarp, Seed, Receptacle.

      Of the Sub-divisions  of the  Calyx.

  1. Perianth,  is  that  kind of calyx  which  is
immediately contiguous to the flower—as that of
the Rose, Apple, &c.
  2. Involucre, a calyx  remote from the flower—
as Caraway and Coriander.
  3. Spathe, is a calyx opening lengthwise—as
Onion, Indian Turnip.
  4. Glume, the outer husks of corn and grasses.
,  5. Ament, a  calyx  consisting of an assemblage
of flower-bearing scales, arranged along a slender
receptacle—as  in  the  Pine,  Willow, Chesnut,
Walnut.
  6. Calyptre,  the cap  of pistillate mosses, re-
sembling the extinguisher of a candle.
  7. Volva, the calyx of mushrooms.

  Note.—Calyxes are,  Monophyllous, consisting
of one leaf; or Polyphyllous, consisting of  many
leaves.

       Of the Sub-divisions of the  Cowl.

  Corols are, monopetalous, consisting of one pe-
tal; or Polypetalous, consisting of more than one, 
28
   Monope'alous Cordis are—
   1.  Bell-form, or Campanulate, having the form
cf a bell—as Canterbury bells.
   2.  Funnel-form,  or  Infundibuli-form,  of  the
shape of a tuunel—as Morning Glory.
   3.  Salver-form, having a flat spreading border
pureed on a tube—as Lilac.
   4.  Wheelrform, having a flat spreading border.
with scarce any tube, as Laurel.
   5.  Labiate, having the border of the corol like
t.vo lips.  Labiate corols are denominated  ringmt
when the throat  is  open—as Snap-Dragon; and
personate when the throat is closed—as Catnip,
Mint.

  Polypctalous Corols are—-
   1.  Cruciform, consisting  of four equal petals,
spreading out in the  form of a cross—as Cabbage,
Mustard, Radish.
  2.  Caryophyllcous, or Pink-like, consisting of
five regular petals, ending at the bottom in a long
narrow  claw,  enclosed m a tubular  calyx—as
Pink.
   3.  Rosacious,  consisting   of  four  roundish
rereading  petals,  with very short  claws—as
Strawberry, Ruse.
  4.  Liliacious, consisting of six petals, gradu-
ally spreading  from the base, so as to exhibit a
L'ell-funn appearance—as Lily.
  5.  Papilionaceous, consisting of four petals, so
arranged as to produce the appearance of a but-
terfly on the wing—as  Pea, Clover.
  A corol not  agreeing with any  of  the above
desertions is called anomalous.

  Sul-dividom of the Pericarp, or Seed-vessel.

   1.  Drupe, a pulpy vessel, surrounding a stone,
or n'a.—as tlie Cherry, Walnut. 
29
  2. Pome, is a pulpy seed-vessel, not enclosing
a stone or nut, but containing cells for the recep-
tion of seeds—as Apples, Pears.
  3. Berry, a pulpy seed-vessel, which has the
seeds  irregularly dispersed  throughout  its sub-
stance—as Grape, Melons.
  4. Silique, is a kind of pod of two valves, and a
longitudinal partition, having the seeds attached
alternately  to its  opposite  sides—as Cabbage,
Radish.
  5.  Legume, is a pod without a longitudinal
partition, having the  seeds attached to one side
only—as Pea, Bean.
  6.  Capsule, is a  kind of seed-vessel opening by
valves, or pores—as Poppy, Mullen.
  7. Strobile, is a seed-vessel composed of woody
scales—as Pine.

            Sub-divisions of the  Seed.

   1.  Tegument, the skin of seed.
  2.  Hilum, or Eye, the part by which it was
attached to the seed-vessel.
  3.  Cotyledon, the thick fleshy lobe or lobes of
seeds, plainly to be seen on beans.
  4.  Corcle, the rudiment  of the future plantj
proceeding from the Cotyledon.

         Sub-divisions of the Receptacle.

   1.  Proper, belonging to one flower only.
   2.  Common, supporting and connecting a num-
 ber of florets—as in the Daisy.
   3. Rachis, a thread-like receptacle, connecting
 the florets  in  a  spike—as in heads of Wheat or
 Rye.
   4. Spadix, an elongated receptacle, surrounded
 With a spatlie—as in Indian Turnip.
                       3?8 
SO
   Note.—The sub-divisions of the stamen  and
 pistil will be found on page 12.

                 Inflorescence.

   Inflorescence, is the manner in which flowers
 are fixed on plants.
   1.  Racemed, florets placed on short pedicils,
 arranged along a general peduncle—-as Currants.
   2.  Panicled, florets on the divided pedicils of
 the general peduncle—as in Oats.
   3.  Thyrse, is a  panicle contracted into a com-
 pact ovate form—as  in Lilac.
   4.  Spike,  has sessile  florets arranged on an
 elongated  general  receptacle—as  in  Mullen,
 Wheat, &c.
   5.  Whorled, flowers growing round the stem
 in rings—as in Motherwort, Catnip.
   6.  Umbelled, the flower  stems diverging from
 the place of origin  like the braces of an umbrella—
 as Fennel, Parsnip.
   7. Cyme,  it differs from an umbel in  having
 the flower stems irregularly divided—as in Elder.
   8. Corymb,  the peduncles  arising from diffe-
 rent heights along  the main stem, but form nearly
 a level top—as Yarrow.
  9. Fascicled, resembling an umbel in  appear-
 ance, but having flower stalks, irregular in their
 origin and sub-division.
   10. Head,  or Capitate, when the flowers  are
 assembled so as to  form a globular head, generally
without peduncles—as Clover.

         General Division of Flowers

  1. Simple,  when there is but  one flower on a
receptacle—as Apple.
  2. Aggregate, when there are  several  flowers 
31
 on the receptacle, the anthers beihg separate—as
 Button Bush.
   3. Compound,  when  several florets are sup-
 ported by the receptacle, the anthers being united,
 as Sunflower.
   4. Staminate, having stamens only—as Indian
 Corn.
   5. Pistillate, having pistils only
   6. Perfect,  and  Bissexual,  possessing  both
 stamens and pistils.

   At every advance we make in the study of
 nature, we  find more and more cause to be grate-
 ful to Providence.   He, in his goodness, has co-
 vered  the  earth with innumerable plants, and
 clothed  them  with leaves and  flowers.  They
 purify the  atmosphere  by absorbing its noxious
 gasses at the same time that they exhale vital air,
 the only respirable part  of the air, and without
 which man would  die.   Their leaves give a re-
 freshing shade to the fainting traveller and his
 weary beast when oppressed  with the heat  of
 meridian day.   The exuberance and  variety  of
 their flowers  embellish  nature; charm the eye
 with the delicacy of their varied hues;  and regale
 the senses with their fragrant odors.  And their
 virtues and  uses, who can tell them all! Man has
 been searching  them out for  nearly six thousand
 years; and  although much has  been  done, and
 many useful discoveries made, still much remains
 to be accomplished  before our knowledge shall
 become perfect in a study so infinite.

   Had not God designed to please and  benefit us,
 would he have created so many delightful objects
for our contemplation and use—and  scattered
them in such profusion over the face of the whole
earth?  Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed) 
32
like one  of those  little flowers that spring up at
our feet.  If, therefore, God so clothes this earth
with beauty, what will be the scenery of Heaven!

    *• What, though I trace each plant and flower,
      That drinks the morning dew,
    Did I not own Jehovah's power,
      How vain were all I knew!" 
53
OX THE COIXECTIO?,- AXD PRESERVATION
  OF VEGETABLES IXTEXDED FOR MEDI-
  CINE.

   As, in general, I have given the necessary di-
rections on this subject  under the bead of each
particular plant, I shall  here only lay down a few
plain rules.

   1. The roots of plants should  be gathered  in
autumn, after the stems  have died;  or in the
spring,  before the plant  shoots.  They should  be
washed clean in cold water, and afterwards well
dried;  after which they should be kept, as  much
as possible, from the contact of the air.

   2. Herbs  and  leaves not aromatic, should, in
general, be collected when the plant is in flower;
while such as are aromatic  should be  gathered
just before the flower buds open.  They may  be
tied up  in bunches and  hung up under  the roof,
or dried before a fire, and should always be kept
as much from the light as possible.

   3. Barks  should,  in  general,  be taken  from
young  trees in the spring and autumn, and  dried
in the shade.

   4. Flowers should be  gathered in dry  weather,
and afj£fTthe dew is  off, and dried before a stove
or common fire.

   5. Seeds and fruits should, in general, be col-
lected  when  ripe, but before they fall of them-
selves.

   When plants loose their color and smell in the
process  of drying, they are unfit for use. 
34
AN EXPLANATION OF THE MEDICAL TERMS
            USED IN THIS WORK.

  Antiseptics.  Medicines used to stop the pro-
gress of mortification.
  Antispasmodics.  Medicines which possess the
power of curing spasms and spasmodic diseases.
  Aromatics.  Medicines that have a  grateful<
spicy scent, and an agreeable,  pungent taste—as
Cinnamon bark, Mint, &c.
  Astringents.  Medicines used to cure relaxes,
bleedings, &c.—as Alum, Oak  bark.
  Carminatives.   Medicines  which operate by
removing wind from the stomach and bowels.  All
aromatics are carminative.
  Cathartics.  Purging medicines.
  Decoction.  A preparation  of medicine, made
by boiling any substance in water for a longer or
.shorter time.
  Diaphoretics.   Sweating medicines.
  Diuretics.   Medicines which operate by  in-
creasing the discharge of wine.       ■ { r~(  j /
  Emetics.  Medicines which vomit.
  Errhines.  Medicines which, when snuffed up
the nose, cause sneezing.
  Expectorants.   Medicines that relieve a coUgh.
  Extract.   A preparation of  medicine, made by
slowly evaporating the decoction, expressed juice,
or tincture of any vegetable substance down to- a
consistence proper for making  into pills.
  Infusion.  A preparation of medicine, made by
pouring boiling water on any vegetable substance.
A tea.
  Narcotics.  Medicines that  induce  sleep—as
Opium.                                   *
  Stimulants.   Medicines which  increase  the 
35
pulse,  and  excite the  energies  of the  whole
system.
  Tonics.  Strengthening medicines.

  Note.—In the following pages the letters CI.
stand for Class, and the letters Ord. for Order;
the letters B. N. for Botanical Name—the name
by which the plant is called in botanieal science;
and  the  letters  C. N.  for Common Name—the
common  English name by  which  the  plant is
known.  The botanical name is always given in
Latin, and has reference, in  general, to some ex-
ternal character or quality of the plant. 
36
  CI. 6.  Hexandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B- N.  Acorus Calamus.
  C. N.  Calamus.  Sweet Flag.

                 Description.

  Calamus, in some of its species or varieties,  is
found in almost all parts of the known world.
The species under consideration, however, is only
indigenous to the United States.  It is  found
growing on  the  banks of rivers and  creeks,  in
swamps, marshes, and stagnant ponds, generally
rising from three to four feet above the surface  of
the water.  The leaves are from one to two feet
long, and sword shape.  The flowers  are small,
numerous,  and arranged  on a spadix, which  is
from one to three inches long.  It flowers in May
and June.
  The root is from one to  three feet long, and
about half an inch thick, rough, horizontal, joint-
ed, and of a white colour, intersected with red
streaks.  It has a strong  aromatic  smell, and an
acrid, bitter  taste,  not, however, unpleasant for
most persons.

                     Use.

  The root of calamus alone  is used in medicine;'
It is a warm and agreeable carminative, and bit-
ter;  and when given in large doses, during the
intermission of the  ague, it will frequently cure
that complaint;  sometimes even  more speedily
than the Peruvian bark.
  In wind colics it is allowed by many to  be a
valuable remedy—giving, generally, when admi-
nistered in the form of hot decoction, or infusion,
more speedy relief than most other medicines.  In
the painful flatulent colics of children and infants, 
57
nothing, perhaps, will give more effectual relief
than the infusion of the root of this plant.
  As a remedy in indigestion,  and weakness of
the stomach and bowels, it will be found  very
beneficial, when given in fine powder, in the dose
of two tea-spoonsfull, every five or six hours.  In
the advanced stage of typhus and other  fevers,
the decoction will  prove a very  pleasant drink,
and will do much towards supporting the strength
of the system.
  CI. 11. Dodecandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Asarum Canadense.
  C. N. Wild Ginger.  White Snake-Root.  False
 Coltsfoot.   Asarabacca.

                  Description.

  This  not inelegant  little plant is found in rich
■woody soils,  and on hilly grounds.   The root is
long, jointed, creeping, and horizontal—of a light
yellowish color.  It has a strong, spicy, and aro-
matic taste, like to that of ginger, and an agreea-
ble smell.
  The stem is short, and divided into two branch-
es,  each terminated by a large and broad kidney-
shaped leaf, which is covered with soft hairs on its
upper surface, and intersected by large veins on
its under.  The flower stalk  arises  from the fork
of the stem, and is about an inch long, and sup-
ports a  dark purple flower.   It blooms in  April
and  May. 
38
                     Use.

  The leaves of the  wild  ginger or asarabacca,
when dried  and pulverised,  make  a powerful
errhine,  producing, when snuffed  up  the nose,
violent sneezing; and in this way may be  ser-
viceable in cases  of cold pain in the head,  apo-
plexy, and polypus of the nose.
  "The root," says Dr. Barton, in his Medical
Botany, "is  a  warm,  grateful,  aromatic stimu-
lant, acting  on the  skin, (that is, producing  per-
spiration,) when taken in sufficiently  large doses,
with tolerable certainty."
  Possessing carminative, sweating,  and stimu-
lant properties, it may  be  used with  benefit in
fevers, sore throat, measles, colic, indigestion, and
some kinds of dropsy.   It may be administered
in powder or decoction. The  latter should al-
ways be used when the wish is to produce perspi-
ration.
  CI. 10. Decandria.  Ord. 10.  Decagynia.
  B. N. Phytolacca Decandria.
  C. N. Poke.   Poke Weed.  Red Night Shade.

                 Description.

  Besides the  names  already  mentioned,  this
plant is  known in some parts by those of Pork
Weed,  Pork Physic,  Red Weed of Virginia, &c.
By  the  French  it is called Rasin  d'dmeriaue. 
39
The usual name, however, by which it is known
in this country, is poke, or poke weed.
  It is abundant in every part of the United
States,  and is found  in  almost all  situations.
When young and tender, it is used for greens by
many families, and is much esteemed.  It ought,
however, when used in this way, to be boiled in
a large quantity of water, otherwise it will some-
times,  and especially  if somewhat old, produce
deleterious effects.  The practice is, however, not
without danger,  and there  are some instances
recorded of its producing death.
  The root is  tubrous, very large, and fleshy;
externally of a yellowish color; internally very
white.   The  stems rise from  three to  five feet
high; are of a bright red color, smooth, and very
much branched.   The leaves are egg-shaped,
large, and supported on foot-stalk3 from one to
three inches long.  They are  of a  bright green
color, and have a disagreeable taste. The flowers
are small, white, and racemed.   The berries are
black, and of the size  of a pea, and contain a
large quantity of red juice.   It blooms in July.

                     Use.

  The root, the leaves, and the berries  of poke,
have all been used in medicine.  The root, in the
dose of two tea-spoonsfull finely powdered,  ope-
rates in the course of two hours as a powerful
vomit,  and sometimes  as  a  purge likewise; but
when thus given, it is sometimes found to pro-
duce convulsions or fit3, and should therefore be
administered with great caution.   When, how-
ever, it is given in the form of tincture, made with
wine, it is found to operate with less violence, and
to answer the purpose of an emetic very well. 
40
  The tincture of the berries is esteemed by many
physicians an excellent remedy in chronic rheu-
matism; and Dr. Barton, former professor in the
medical institution of Philadelphia, believed  it to
be even superior to the tincture of guaiacum.
  The extract of poke (which is made by slowly
evaporating the expressed juice of the leaves to a
proper consistence to make into pills)  has been
used as a remedy in the kings-evil, wens, indolent
tumors, &c., and found useful.
  The leaves made into an ointment with lard, is a
good  application  to  foul ulcers and old  sores.
This ointment may be made by boiling the leaves
in lard, to which a little beeswax is added; or by
mixing the  powdered leaves with lard, or any
common ointment.
  A poultice made  of the  root of this plant, by
boiling it until soft, will be  found  of service when
applied to rheumatic joints and indolent swellings.
  The tincture of the root is made by  infusing one
ounce of it in a pint of wine, of which the dose is
two table-spoonsfull when given to vomit.
  CI. 10.  Decandria.   Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Kalmia Latifolia.
  C N.  Laurel.  Broad-leaved Laurel.

                 Description.

  Laurel is a shrub, generally  growing from four
to eight feet high; but Professor Eaton says, that
on the Catskill mountains it is found more than 
41
twenty feet high.  The stem is very crooked, and
the external bark is of a brown color.  The leaves
have long foot-stalks, and are thick, oval, smooth,
and evergreen.  The flowers are red  and white.
Calix five parted.   Corol monopetalous, with ten.
little horns beneath, and ten cavities within, which
contain the anthers.   It flowers in July.

                     Use.

   It is this plant that kills sheep and other ani-
mals;  and the  Indians  use  a decoction  of the
leaves to destroy  themselves.   It possesses un-
doubtedly very active powers, and should be used
with great care.  As yet, however, it has been but
very little used in  medicine.  The leaves, in fine
powder,  have  been used to cure the  scald head,
and found successful. The powdered leaves, mix-
ed up with lard, form a good ointment for the itch,
and some other diseases of the skin.
  CI. 13. Polyandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Sanguinaria Canadensis.
  C. N. Bloodroot.  Poccoon.  Indian Paint*

                 Description.

  This beautiful little plant is found only in very
rich soils, in woods, and uncultivated and bushy
fields, and is one of the first to put forth its leaves
and flowers in the spring.  The root is about the
size of  the little finger, jointed, and of a deep-
                      4* 
42
blood-red  color.  The stem is a scape, (see out-
line of botany for an explanation of this and other
terms, page 20,) round, smooth,  and about six
inches high, and crowned with a large white flow-
er.   The leaves all arise from the root, are large,
numerous,  and kidney-shaped.   The  flower  is
large and white; petals oval, and from six to nine
in number; stamens numerous and yellow.   The
seed-vessel is  a kind  of pod, and contains nume-
rous small seeds.   It  is perennial, and flowers in
April.

                     Use.

  The root of this plant is emetic, diaphoretic and
strengthening.  When given in the dose of a table-
spoonful, it vomits freely, and effectually empties
the stomach.  When  this dose is given about an
hour before the expected return of a fit of the ague
and  fever, it will sometimes prevent its coming,
and  effectually cure the  disease.  As an emetic,
it may be administered in almost every case in
which tartar emetic, or ipecac, would be proper.
  A  weak decoction, made by  boiling  a small
handfull  of the root  in a quart of water, will, if,
drank warm, generally induce a perspiration.  In
this way it will prove  serviceable in fevers, inflam-
mation of the lungs, dysentery, common colds and
jaundice.
   When  the powdered root is given in the dose
of a tea-spoonfull three or four times a day, it will
be found to strengthen the  system and increase
the  appetite.   When thus  administered, it will
likewise prove beneficial in the disorders peculiar
to women and girls.
   When  a very  strong  decoction of the root is
well sweatened with honey, it makes an excellent
cough medicine, very useful in  colds, whooping 
43
cough, croup, &c.  In the croup it should be given
in such  quantities  as  will  produce  occasional
vomiting.
   The seeds of bloodroot are narcotic and poi-
sonous,  and produce, when taken  into the  sto-
mach in  an over-dose, fever, dizziness, and  deli-
rium.
   A decoction of  the seeds  and leaves is given
in Maryland to horses, to promote the shedding
of their coats.  (Thacher.)
   The decoction of the root makes an excellent
red dye  for flannel, much used in some parts  of
the country.
   It is a plant both ornamental  and useful, and
well deserves a place in the garden of every family.
  CI. 18. Syngenesia.  Ord. 2.  Polygamia Super-
flua.
  B. N.  TaNACETUM VuLGARE.
  C. N.  Tansey.

                 Description.

  Although tansey is not a native production of this
country, it has now become naturalized to our soil.
The leaves and flowers have a strong but not un-
pleasant  smell,  and  an aromatic, bitter  taste.
The whole plant abounds with an  essential  oil,
which  may be obtained from  it by distillation,
and upon which  the virtues of the plant  princi-
pally depend.   It flowers in July. 
44
                     Use.

  Tansey was much used some centuries ago as a
medicine for worms, and many  physicians  have
borne testimony to its good effects.  In Scotland,
according to Dr. Clark,  it has  been much pre-
scribed  a9  a remedy  in gout.   In  the monthly
returns  of women it has long been used, and has
often proved beneficial.  In  lying-in women, ifc
certainly has the power of increasing the strength
and force of the  labor pains, but should be cau-
tiously  given.
  Tansey is likewise a mild, strengthening medi-
cine, and may be given in weakness  of  the sto-
mach, loss of appetite, &C.  The  dose  of-the pow-
dered leaves is a table-spoonful; of the infusion,
made by pouring a pint of  boiling water on  a
handfull of the plant, about half a tea-cupfull;  of
the expressed juice one or two  table-spoonsfull;
and of the essential oil only five  or 6ix drops.
  CI. 16.  Monadelphia.  Ord.  10. Decandria.
  B. N.  Geranium Maculatum.
  C. N.  Spotted Geranium. Crowfoot Geranium*

                 Description.

  This beautiful little plant is found in almost all
situations, on  hills and in vallies, in woods and
Open fields, and is certainly much better entitled
to a place in our gardens than many of the exotic
species cherished  there.  The root is horizontal 
45
and rough, of the size of the little finger, and of
a brown color.  From one to two or three stems
arise from the root to the height of six  or eight
inches, round, and covered with  stiff short hairs,
and generally divided into two  branches.   The
leaves of the stem are sessile, opposite, and from
three to  five lobed:  those that spring directly
from the root are long petioled.   The flowers are
purple, and placed on the end of the branches in
numbers  of  from  six to eight: the calyx is five
leaved: corol five petalled:  petals ovate.  It is
perennial, and flowers in June.

                      Use.

  The virtues of this plant  reside wholly in the
root, and  are such as to entitle it to rank  with al-
most any  of the astringents.  It may be given in
relaxes, dysentery, bleedings from the lungs and
nose, the  summer complaint of children,  &c.  As
a wash in ulcerations of the throat, and in what is
vulgarly called the sprue, it will likewise prove
serviceable.  It  may be given in the form of pow-
der or decoction;  of the former, the dose will be
a large tea-spoonfuLl, frequently  repeated; of the
latter, a tea-cupfull. 
46
  CI. 6.  Hexandria.  Ord. 1.  Monogynia-.
  B. N.  Paixos Verticillatus.
  C. N.  Winter Berry.  Black Aider.

                 Description.

  Winter berry, or black alder, is a shrub grow*
ing from  eight to ten feet  high, and is one of the
most beautiful  ornaments  of the swamps of our
country.   The beautiful red color of the berries
which it produces,  together with their multitude,
afford a pleasing and delightful contrast to the
gloomy appearance of vegetation in winter.
  The stems are very much branched, and the
external bark is of a dark brown color, and  spot-
ted with  numerous small white dots.  The leaves
are oval,  serrate, sharp pointed, and  downy be-
neath.   The  flowers are small and white: calyx
cut into six divisions: corol wheel-form, six part-
ed. The berries are bright red, and are collected
on the branches in  numbers of two or  three to-
gether: they become ripe  in  October.   Both the
bark and the berries have a very bitter taste.   It
flowers in June.

                     Use.

  The bark of this shrub is tonic and astringent,
and has been used  with  much benefit in  incipient
mortification, jaundice,  relaxes, and  dropsy.   A
strong decoction makes a good  wash  for  foul
ulcers, and soft and spungy gums.
  The best way of administering it, is in the form
of decoction, which may  be made by boiling a
handfall  of the bark in one and a half pints of
water down to a pint: of this, a gill may be taken
at a dose. 
47
  The virtues of the berries are similar to those of
the bark, and, when preserved by boiling them up
in molasses, make a fine strengthening medicine,
well adapted to cases of indigestion, loss of appe-
tite, and general weakness.
  CI. 18. Syngenesia.  Ord. 2.  Polygamia Shi-
perflua.
  B. N. Anthemis Cotula.
  C. N. May Weed.   Wild Chamomile.

                 Description.

  Dry,  gravelly and  sandy  hills,  uncultivated
fields, and the road side, are the favorite haunts
of this plant; and its presence is pretty generally
an  indication of a barren  and unfruitful soil.
When at maturity, it is about twelve inches high,
and is  covered with  woolly  hairs  throughout;
The root is  fibrous, and of a yellowish white.
The stem is angled,  and very much branched.
The leaves are alternate, sessile, and doubly pin-
nate.  The  flowers are compound: the florets  of
the circumference of the flower are white:  those
of the centre yellow.   It is an annual plant, and
flowers  from June till late in the fall.

                     Use.

  This plant belongs  to the same genus as the
chamomile of the shops, (anthemis nobilis,) and
differs  but little from it in its medicinal virtues, 
                     48

By some it is supposed to possess anti-spasmodic
powers, and given by such in hysterics, epilepsy,
asthma, &e.  If it really possesses any such vir-
tues, they are certainly  very weak.  It is a mild
tonic, in the form of powder or cold decoction,
and may be  taken  to strengthen  the stomach.
When taken  freely in the form of warm decoc-
tion, it vomits and sweats freely;  and hence will
be found serviceable in fevers and chronic rheu-
matism.   The  dose, when  the intention  is  to
vomit, is a tea-cupfull of the warm decoction of
the leaves and flowers  every ten  minutes, until
the desired effect is  produced.  This decoction I
have used to assist the operation of other emetics,
as well as to produce perspiration, and have found
it to answer both intentions well.
  CI. 10. Decandria.  Ord. 1.  Monogynia.
  B. N.  Cassia Marilandica.
  C N.  Wild Senna.   American Senna.

                 Description.

  This species of senna is a large,  elegant, and
beautiful plant,  growing on the banks  of  brooks
and rivers, in light, sandy, and loamy soil. Seve-
ral  stems proceed  from one root, which are from
two to four feet high when fully grown,  and round
and smooth.  The leaves are in pairs of eight:
the  leafets are lance-oblong in shape, and sharp at
the  end. 
49
  The flowers  are  racemed, small, and of a yel-
low  color: the general flower-stalks  arise  from
the stem at the place where the leaves and branch-
es are connected with it.  The seeds are  con-
tained in pods, which are from three to four inches
long, and  covered  with a few red hairs.  It is
perennial, and flowers in August.

                      Use.

  The leaves of the wild senna operate as a mild
cathartic, and  are  allowed by  those  who have
jnade trial of them to  be equal, or very nearly so,
to the Alexandrian  species.   It  is best adminis-
tered in infusion, which may be made by pourins
upon a large handfull  of the leaves about a pint ot
boiling water;  and this  will be  a dose for an
adult. It should  be gathered for use when the
gods are nearly ripe.
  CI. 10.  Decandria.  Qrd. l. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Chimaphila Umbellata.
  C. N.  Pipsissewa.   Princes  Pine.   Ground
Holly.
                 Description.

  Pipsissewa grows on hilly ground in woods, and
generally may be found wherever  the  common
winter-green is observed to grow. The stem rises
from three to five inches in height, and is branch-
ed at the top.   The leaves are  evergreen, scat-
tered,  notched on  their  edges,  lanceolate,  and
                      5 
50
 sharp  pointed at  the  base.   The flowers are
 corymbed, and of a white and red color:  calyx
 five parted: corol five  petalled:  stamens  ten:
 pistil one.  The  root is fibrous, long, and creep-
 ing, and of a yellow color, and has a bitter, aro-
 matic, but not disagreeable, taste.   It is a beauti-
 ful perennial plant, flowering in July.

                      Use,

   This  plant is tonic and diuretic,  and  strength-
 ens the system: at the same time it produces a»
 increased discharge of urine.  It has been  much
 tised  in dropsies, particularly of the belly and
 chest; and as it possesses considerable tonic pow-
 ers, it  is supposed to be best adapted to such
 cases as are attended with a great degree of weak-
 ness and relaxation of, muscular power. Dr. Sum-
 merville, of Canada, has highly recommended it
 in those diseases.   He used it  in the case  of the
 Governor of that country, with manifest advan-
 tage, after various other remedies had failed.  His
 case was dropsy of the belly.—(See Barton's Med.
 Bot.)   I have frequently given it in dropsical
 cases;  and although it has  sometimes  proved
 beneficial, it has often disappointed  my expecta-
 tions.
   With some physicians it is highly esteemed,.
 when given  in the form of strong  decoction, in
 suppression  and difficulty of urine, produced by
the drawing of a blister.  Being a gentle  and
agreeable tonic, it may be given in many cases of
weakness, indigestion,  &c. with advantage.  The
dose of the leaves  in powder is a large teaspoon-
 full.  The  decoction, made by boiling the leaves
and roots in water, may at all times be  drank
freely. 
51
  CI. 10. Decandria.   Ord.  1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Gaultheria Procumbens.
  C. N. Wintergreen, Mountain Tea, fyc.

                 Description.

  This species of the gaultheria delights in a rich
upland  soil, in woods,  where it is found in abun-
dance throughout the United States.  Dr. Barton
says,  that "during the  American  Revolution,
when China tea was scarce,  or not procurable, it
was a common practice to make a tea of the re-
cent or  dried leaves of the wintergreen; and,
after  being  sweetened with sugar, and softened
with milk, or cream, it was drank by many fami-
lies at breakfast  and supper  in lieu of common
tea or coffee."  The flowers are reddish white,
and appear in June.   It is so universally  known,*
that a description will be unnecessary.

                     Use.

  The whole plant is a stimulant, anodyne, and
sweating medicine, and will be found useful in
( olds, in fever, and in  all cases that are not of an
inflammatory nature, in which sweating is indica-
ted.  In nervous fevers, especially, it makes a
very pleasant and  soothing drink, and  will much
assist in the cure.  It is to be given made into a
tea, and drank freely. 
52
  CI. 4. Tetrandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Cornus Seiucea.
  C N. Red Osier. Swamp Dogwood. Red Wil*
low. Blue-berried Dogwood.

                 Description.

  This shrub grows only in swamps, and low and
damp grounds.  It is  a species of dogwood,  and-
in this country usually known by the name of red
willow.   It seldom exceeds eight or ten feet in.
height; and the bark, especially that of the smaller
branches, is of a bright red color.  The leaves are
egg-shaped, and rusty, and hairy beneath.   The
flowers are small, white, and  arranged in cymes.
(See the Outline of Botany  for an explanation of
this term.)  The berries are blue.  It flowers ia
June.

                     Use.

  As this shrub belongs to the same class, order,
and genus as the Cornus Florida, it might be  sup-
posed to possess similar properties; and this, ac-
cording to the testimony of different physician?,
is found to be the case.   It  may, therefore, be
given in  every case in which that bark,  or the
Peruvian, would be  proper.   The bark of this
species can  be more  easily pulverised  than the
Cornus Florida; and this circumstance may some-
times induce us to  give it the preference. It  may
be given in the form of powder, or decoction, or
extract: of the powder, the dose is a small table-
spoonfull; of the extract, about two or  three pills.
  In some parts the ^oung twigs and branches of
this shrub are made into  baskets of the coarser
kinds, and wear well.   Dr. Barton says, that the
Indians of our country smoke  the bark of  this 
53
shrub mixed with tobacco, and that the Delawares
call this mixture kinnihanick.
   CI. 12. Icosandria.  Ord. 5. Pentagynia.
   B. N. GlLLENIA TRIFOLIATA.
   C. N. Indian Physic.  Bowmans Root.

                  Description.

   This plant is  generally found in dry and gra-
 velly soils, in woods and bushy fields.  The root
 is composed of numerous long, slender fibres, of a
 brown color, and of the size of a small goose quill.
 Three or four stems arise from the root to the
 height of two or three feet; round, slender, and
 Of a  reddish color.  The leaves are in threes, on
 the stem and branches: leafets, lanceolate and
 toothed.  The flowers are small, and white, and
 ftannicled.  The calyx is five toothed: corol five
 eaved: stamens twelve: pistils  five.   It  flowers
 in July.
  In  Northampton and Pike counties, in the State
 of Pennsylvania, I have seen it in abundance, but
 have seldom found it in this county—(Ulster.)  It
 may be easily propagated from the root, or by
 sowing the seeds.

                     Use.

  The bark of the root is a sure emetic, producing
full vomiting, and a free perspiration.  It may be
given in almost every case in which an emetic is
                      6* 
54
indicated; in ague and fever, remittent fever, in-
digestion, dysentery, &c.  The  dose is  a  table-
spoonfull of the powdered root, the patient drink-
iug freely at the same time of a decoction of the
leaves and  flowers  of the  wild  camomile, or of
simple warm water. The root should be gathered
in September.
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.  Ord. 2. Diagynia*
  B. N.  Angelica Atropurpurea. L.
  C N.  Angelica.   Purple Angelica.

                 Description.

  This plant is found mostly in meadows and low
and damp grounds.  The root is tubrous, from
four to six inches long, and externally of a yellow
color.  It has an aromatic smell, (which is like-
wise possessed by the whole plant,)  and a sharp,
penetrating taste  The stem is round, and smooth,
and rises from four to six feet in height, and is of
a purple  color.   The leaves  are compound:  the
leafets are supported on short foot-stalks,  oblong,
and sawed on their edges.  The flowers are  urn-
belled, numerous, small, white, and placed at the
top of the stem, like those of the parsnip: stamens)
five: pistils two.  It flowers in June and  July.

                     Use.

  The root is an excellent carminative medicine,
and may he used to advantage in colic, wind ia 
53
fhe stomach and bowels, hysteric complaints, &c.
It may be administered in the form of powder, or
infusion, in boiling water: of the former, the dose
is about a teaspoonfull: of the latter, any quantity.
  CI. 18. Syngenesia.  Ord. 2. Polygamia Super*
ftua.
  B. N. Achillea Milleflolium. L.
  C. N. Yarrow.   Milfoil.

                 Description.

  Yarrow, though  not a very common plant, is,
nevertheless, to be found in many situations.  The
stem  rises from six to eighteen inches in height,
branched, furrowed, and downy.  The leaves are
deeply gashed; the divisions narrow and toothed.
The flowers are numerous, small, white, and  situ-
ated at the top of the stem.  The whole plant hag
a bitter and spicy taste.  It flowers in July and
August.

                     Use.

  The leaves and flowers are strengthening and
carminative, and will be found serviceable in in-
digestion, wind colics,   and  the hysterics.   Ifi
should always be used when green, if procurable,
as it looses much of its powers by drying.
  It may be used in the form of expressed juice,
or of infusion, in boiling water, and should always
he taken freely. 
56
   CI. 20. Monoecia.  Ord. 16.  Monadelphia.
   B. N Pinus Balsamea. W.
   C. N. Fir  Tree.  Balsam Tree.  Balsam of
Fir.  Oil Tree.

                 Description.

   This tree is found in various parts of the United
States,  but  it  is  most abundant in  Canada.  It
grows from twenty to forty feet high,  and  is found
mostly  on  ridges, and hilly and dry grounds, in
woods.   The leaves are  numerous,  small, flat,
spreading,  and evergreen, and of the  size of those
of the hemlock tree.  The cones are sylindric, and
stand erect on the end of the branches.  The sta-
mens and pistils are found in different flowers. It
flowers  in May.

                     Use.

  From  this tree, when wounded, a  liquid resin}
exudes,  which possesses properties very similar to
those of turpentine.  When taken in large doses,
it proves laxative, increases the discharge of urine,
and promotes the  monthly discharge of women. It
may, therefore, be given in habitual  costiveness,
piles, cough, pains in the breast and side, chronic
rheumatism, gravel, &c.   In the form of an injec-
tion, it is much esteemed in colic; and as an ex-
ternal application, it has long been a popular reme-
dy for chaps, eruptions of the skin,  and to pro-
mote the union of fresh wounds. 
w
  Cl. 3. Pentandria.  Ord. 5. Pentagynia.
  B. N. Aralia Hispida. Mx.  -
  C. N. Bristly-stem Sarsaparllla,

                 Description.

  This shrub is found only in neglected fields, in
woods, and on mountains.  It is rather scarce in
this county, and in some parts it is  entirely un-
known.   On  the top of  the  Shawangunk moun-
tains, near what is called the Paltz Point, I have
found this shrub in considerable quantity.   The*
roots are long, slender, and woody, and of a light
brown color.  The stem rises about two feet high,
thickly covered, especially near the root, with stiff
bristles  or  prickles.  The  leaves  are doubly
pinnate.   The leafets are  egg-shaped, gashed,
toothed, and smooth.   The flowers are umbelled
and white; calyx with five teeth; petals five.  It
flowers in June.

                     Use.

  The root,  made iuto a strong tea, and  drank,
freely, will vomit effectually, and may be given in
every case in which medicines of this class are
required. 
58
  CI. 12.  Icosandt-ia.  Ord. J.  Pentagynia.
  B. N.  Aroma Melanocarpa.  P.
  C. N.  Black Choke Cherry.

                 Description.

  This shrub grows in damp situations, in mea-
dows and neglected fields, and along brush fences.
It grows from ten to fifteen feet high, and in the
color of its bark and shape of its leaves resembles
the common  wild  cherry,  (Prunus Virginiana.)
The flowers  are white, numerous,  small,  and!
corymbed.   Calyx five toothed: petals five:  ber-
ries of the size of a buck-shot; black when ripe>
and very astringent.  It flowers in May.

                     Use.

  The bark of the root and the berries are the
only parts used in medicine.  The former is sti-
mulant, and, in the form  of a strong  tea,  has
gained considerable repute  as a popular remedy
in chronic rheumatism.  The latter are powerfully
astringent, and may be used in the form of de-
coction in dysenteries,  relaxes,  &c.   The berries
may be preserved by drying, without loosing their
strength; or made into a syrup  with sugar.
  There is another species of the choke cherry,
distinguished from the  preceding by  its bearing
red berries,  and  called the  red-berned  choke
cherry, (Aronia Arbutifolia.)  The berries of this
species are more acid than the  black choke cher-
ry, but not so astringent. 
59
   CI. 13. Syngenesia.  Ord. 2. Pol. Sap,
   B. N. Artemisia Absynthium. L.
   C. N. Wormwood.

   W'ormwood is an exotic plant, and a native  of
Great  Britain.  It has a strong and disagreeable
smell,  and an intensely bitter taste.  Though not
indigenous to this country, it is cultivated in the
garden of almost  every  family  in  the United
States, and is so well known as to render descrip-
tion unnecessary.

                     Use.

   The whole plant contains an essential oil, upon
which  its stimulant  and aromatic properties de-
pend.   This oil, in the dose of a few drops, may
foe taken to remove wind  from the stomach and
bowels. Mixed with hartshorn, (Aqua Ammonia,)
it forms a good linnament for bruises, sprains,
rheumatic pains, &c.
   The expressed juice of the green plant, or the
dried leaves in powder, have long been used, and
with much benefit, in indigestion, hypochondriaji
dropsy, and in some cases of jaundice;  to break
the fits of the ague  and fever, and to destroy
worms.
   The dose  of  the  expressed  juice is a table-
spoonfull; of the powdered leaves, when given to
break the ague, the  same, repeated every two
hours during the intermission; but in indigestion
and dropsy, the interval  between the doses should
fee longer. 
60
  CI. 5. Pentandria.   Ord. 3.  Trigynia
  B. N. Rhus Toxicodendron-.
  C. N. Poison Vine.  Poison Ivy. Poison Ask.

                  Description.

  This  vine is found  climbing along old stone
walls, up decayed trees and old stumps, in mea-
dows and neglected fields.  In climbing trees it
does not pass  up  them in spiral circles,  like the
hope vine, but passes nearly straight up,  support-
ing itself by fibrous roots fixed to the bark of the
tree, and gains sometimes a height  of twenty or
thirty feet. It is a species of sumach, and belongs
to the same genus or family as the  red-berried
sumach, so common in all parts.
  The stem is climbing, or creeping, and of a light
.ash color, from which,  when  broken,  exudes a
milky juice.  The leaves are in threes, of an oval
shape, and smooth  on their edges. The foot-stalks
of the leaves are about four inches long, and  of a
Eeddish color, especially where the leaves are con-
nected with  them.  It flowers in  July: flowers
greenish yellow.   The whole plant has the smell
of common sumach.

                     Use.

  This  is the vine by which  some persons are
jaoisoned whilst working  in hay and grain in  har-
vest time.  And  some individuals, it is said, are
so easily poisoned by it,  that simply inhaling the,
odor arising from it while burning, is  sufficient to
produce this effect. The milky juice which this
vine contains  is undoubtedly very acrid and sti-
mulating, and produces, when applied to the skin,
redness, swelling, and pain,  soon followed by an
eruption of pimples, that quickly degenerate info 
u
wooers tTiart have no disposition to heal.  The most
effectual remedy for these ulcers that I ever used,
was the blue mercurial ointment.
  The bark and leaves of this plant possess  sti-
mulating and  narcotic qualities,  and have been
given in some  cases of palsy with  success.  They
excite, when taken into the stomach, says Dr.  Al-
derton, a sense of heat and pricking; and in palsy
this  is  followed by  irregular  twichings  of  the
limbs affected.  In diseases  of the skin,  as itch,
ringworm, &c, it is said to be useful.   The dose
is from one grain of the powdered bark or leaves,
gradually increased to six or ten,  twice or thrice
a day.
  CI. 20. Monoecia.   Ord.  13. Polyandria.
  B. N. Queucus Alba.
  C. N. White Oak.

                 Description.

  This tree is well known.  It is one of the m09t
useful trees of the American forests, and is almost
exclusively used in the construction of all build-
ings and works of strength and durability.  The
grain of the wood is remarkably fine, straight and
solid; and  when it is  felled  in the proper  season
of the year, and kept dry, will remain sound more
than a century.
                     Use.

  The bark of this tree only is Used in  medicineV
It is powerfully astringent, and may be used jn
                      G 
C2
dysentery, relaxes, bleeding from the noses and it\
wliat is called the summer complaint of children^
and will prove a useful medicine.   I have often
made use of it in my practice, and think highly of
it, in the bowel complaints of children especially.
It should be administered in the form of decoc-
tion, with milk or water, and  drank freely.  In
this form it may likewise be used as a gargle for
ulcers in the throat, and as a wash for foul sorep
on any part of the body.
  Acorns, the fruit of various species of the Oakf
have been used in some countries  at  particular
periods of time as food.  "Among the Spaniards,
the acorn, or glan6 iberiea, is  said  to  have long-
remained a delicacy, and to have been served up
in the form of a desert.   In dearths, acorns have
been sometimes dried, ground  into  meal, and
baked into bread. Bartholin relates that they are
used in  Norway for this purpose.   The inhabi-
tants of Chio held out a long siege without any
other  food; and in a time or scarcity in  France,.
A. D. 1709, they recurred to this  food."  They
are said, however, to be difficult of digestion, and
to create headach and flatulency.
  CI. 9.  Enneandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Laurus Benzoin.
  C. N.  Spice Bush.  Wild Alspicc. Fever Bush^

                 Description.

 "The spice bush is found in various parts of the
country,  growing on  the banks of brooks and 
6b
i ivfcrs, in meadows and uncultivated low gfouodk.
It grows in clusters of from five to twenty stems,
which attain the height  of from five id teh feet,
ahd aTe very much branched.   The external bark
is of  an ash color, and is spotted  with numerous
white dots'.  The leaves are long; egg-shape.  The
flowers consist each of six flower leaves, of a yel-
low color.  The berries are of a scarlet color, and
ripen in September.   It flowers in April.

                     Use.

  The wild alspicc,  as  this  bush is sometimes
called, is certainly a fine aromatic shrub, the bark
of which has a taste and  smell something similar
to that Of alspice.  It is strongly aromatic, stimu-
lant and tonic, and may  be used with advantage
as a sweating  medicine in fevers when  adminis-
tered in hot  decoction, and in weakness, some
kinds of dropsy, dysentery, &c.   As a tonic or
strengthening  medicine,  in the form  of  cold  de-
coction  or powder.
  Dr. Barton,  of Philadelphia,  says, that an infu-
sion of the young branches and twigs of the spice
bush  have been given to children for the purpose
of destroying worms, and that  it is considered by
many very efficacious  in such cases.*
  The Indians, it is said,  make a great use of this
shrub in the cure  of diseases;  but  in what cases
is not well known.
  The berries have a  very spicy taste, and have
been  used by some  families in the  room of that
much used condiment, alspice.
  The dose of the bark powdered is about a table-
apoonfull; and of the infusion, Or  decoction, a
pint per day.
* Vide Barton's Med. Bot. 
G4
  CI. 6.  Ilexandrhl.  Ord. 3.  Trigynia.
  B. N.  Gyromia Virginica.
  C. N.  Indian Cucumber.

                 Description.

  This singularly beautiful little plant is found
in dry, gravelly and upland soils, in woods, and
on mountains. The  root is about two inches lon£,
tubrous, and of a milk-white color.  The  stem is
simple, not branched, round, and covered  with
soft floculent hairs, and grows from  one to two
'feet high.   The  leaves are arranged  in two dis-
tinct whorls—one placed two-thirds the distance
up  the stem, composed of about seven  leaves of a
broad  lance  shape;  the other is placed at the top
of the  stem,  at the  place  where the flower-stalks
are given  off, and  is composed  of three  smaller
leaves.  The flowers are three or four in number,
and placed at the top of the stem on peduncles of
one or two inches long. It flowers in June.  The
flov.urs are yellow and red.

                      Use.

   The root of the Indian cucumber was once sup-
 posed  to be a cure  for cancer when applied in the
 form of powder or ointment; but its powers in this
 disease are now wholly disregarded.
   In dropsy it has been used,  and it is said with
 Denefit;  and Dr. Barton, after  having made some
 trials of it in this disease, was inclined to think fa-
 vorably of its powers.  Considering, however, its
 sensible qualities, I am inclined to think that it is
 by no  means an active medicine. The Indian?, i\,
 is said, make use of it for ilcj. 
63
  CI. 13. Polyandria.   Ord. 13.  Paly«yniai
  B.  N. CoptisTbiklolia.
  C  N. Golden Thread.

                 Description.

  This little plant is not very common in this vi-
cinity.  It is found only in swamps and low damp
grounds, rising to the height of about four inches.
The root is fibrous, long,  and creeping, and of a
bright yellow color.  The stems are round, slen-
der and weak.  The leaves are in threes, smooth
and evergreen. The flower leaves are six or seven
in number, and  of a greenish white.   It flowers
in May.
                     Use.

  The root of golden thread is perhaps as pure a
tonic  bitter as any our country affords;  and  in
cases of debility, indigestion, from weakness  of
the stomach and bowels, and loss of appetite, will
prove a powerful  remedy.  Dr.  Thacher says,
that in New England it is much used in ulcera-
tions of the mouth and throat—and further states,
that  "experience has evinced its good effects."
  It may be given in powder or decoction: of the
former a small table-spoonfull will be a  proper
dose for adults; and of the latter a half teacup-
full, repeated as occasion may require.
                      (J* 
GG
  CI. 18.  Syngenesia. Ord. 1. Polygamia iETqua*
lis.
  B. N. EupATORruM Pbrfoliatu^.
  C. N. Bonesct.   Thoroughwort.

                 Description.

  This plant belongs to  a very numerous genus
or family.  The whole number of species found
in America alone  amount, it  i3 said,  to nearly
seventy.  Of this number twenty-seven are natives
of North America, all of which produce their flow-
ers in the fall; and by the variety of their colors,
and variegated  hues, add much to the  beauty of
our autumnal landscapes, decorating the banks of
creeks and streamlets, and the borders of low and
damp meadow  grounds by  the  abundance in
which, in  these situations^ they are to be found.
  The species under consideration (boneset) is
plentifully scattered over all parts of the country;
and though not the  most beautiful,  is allowed by
medical men to be the most active of any of the
individuals used in medicine. The  stem rises
from one to four feet high, and is crowned at the
top with an abundance of small white and com-
pound flowers.  The leaves are in pairs, opposite,
and clasp the stem in such a manner as to make
each pair of leaves appear like  one whole  leaf,
perforated through the centre  by the stem.  The
whole plant is covered with soft gray hairs, close-
ly compressed.  It flowers from August till No-
vember, and is, I believe, well known to most
persons by its intensely  bitter  taste, possessed
equally by every part of the plant.

                     Use.

  Bonqset is a powerful tonic and sweating m,ed> 
<S7
cine.   As  a tonic-,  or  strengthening  medicine^
it  is allowed by most physicians in the United
States acquainted with its virtues to be equal, if
not superior, to the Peruvian bark.  I have fre-
quently given it as a tonic to restore the strength
of the system after being reduced by an attack of
ague and fever, remittent fever, &c.; and when I
could induce such patients to take it freely, and
continue the use of it, always with manifest ad-
Vantage.  As an emetic and sweating medicine,
1 have  frequently given it to patients, and have
also taken it myself, and have always found it to
vomit and sweat, when taken in  sufficiently large
doses, as freely, effectually, and certainly as any
medicine I ever used. In fact, as a vomit, I have
generally found it to operate sooner than  eithei-
antimony or ipecacuanha, and with less severity.
   A respectable, practitioner of medicine in New
Jersey has highly praised the boneset in all cases
of fever, and especially in typhus.   In the  nume-
rous cases of this disease which came under his
care he used this plant in warm  and cold decoc-
fion (but preferred the warm) with  great success.
It produced copious sweating, and gave more ef-
fectual  relief than any other medicine.*
   We are informed  by Thacher, that in the year
1812 this plant was  given in the New-York Alms
House in cases of intermittens,  and with uniform
success.
   In  the treatment of yellow fever, we are  told
by Dr. Anderson that Dr. Hosack and Dr.  Bard,
after  proper evacuations of the bowels,  placed
great dependence on this medicine  in the form of
decoction.   Being a  strong tonic, it may be  given,
and will be found beneficial, in weakness, dropsy:
indigestion, loss of appetite, &c.

   * Vide Barton's works, page 137., 
03
  It may be administered in the form of powder,
of which the dose will be about a small table-
9poonfull; or in decoction, (which may be made
by boiling a large handful! of the leaves in a pint
6f water,)  of which  the dose will be a half tea-'
cupfull every hour, if the intention be  to produce
sweating;  but if it be  to  produce vomiting, the
same dose should be given every fifteen minutes.
It should always be recollected when giving this
plant, that if the wish be to induce sweating or
vomiting, it should be administered in  hot decoc-
tion; but if it be intended to operate  as a  tonic
on the system, it  should be given  in  powder Qr-
cold decoction.
  Cl. 5.  Pentandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Datura Stramonium.
  C. N.  Stramonium.   Thorn  Apple.    StinR*
weed.
                 Description,

  The stramonium is a southern  plant, but is ra«
pidly travelling towards the north, and may now
be found where a few years since it was entirely
unknown.  It grows around  old gardens, barn
yards, and in rich and uncultivated grounds.
  There  seems evidently to be two species, or at
least two varieties  of this plant in the United
States; and accordingly Professor Eaton,  in his
Manuel of Botany, has described two—the Stra-
monium and the Glabra.   The latter is not quite
so common as  the  former.   It  has  a dull  blue
flower, and is of a darker green throughout* 
69
  The root  of the stramonium is white, and the
main body is tubrous, from which proceeds nume-
rous fibres of the same  color.  The  stem rises
from two to "five feet in height, very much branch-
ed, and spreading, and in general of a dark  purple
color.  The leaves are egg-shaped, smooth, and
gashed. The flowers are ot a white color, streaked
with blue.  The  corol is monopetalous,  shaped
like a funnel, and plaited.  The capsule, or seed
vessel, is of the shape and  size of a small hen's
eg£, covered with  numerous spines, many seeded,
and when ripe of  a  yellow color.   It flowers  ia
July.   The  whole plant has a disagreeable and
nauseous smell.
                     Use.

  Every part  of the stramonium is a strong nar-
cotic poison, producing in an over-dose dizziness,
stupor and death.  Nevertheless, it has long been
used in the cure of diseases with good effect. Dr.
Archer, of Maryland, considers it a powerful re-
medy in convulsions and epilepsy, and  asserts
that it will, when  properly administered, as cer-
tainly cure those  diseases as  the Peruvian bark
will the ague and fever.  Although it is a power-
ful medicine in many nervous complaints, yet, [
think,  this  is asserting too much; for epilepsy,
owing to a particular conformation of the system,
is sometimes an incurable disease.  It lias like-
wise been much used in madness and melancholy,
and with considerable success.  The leaves made
into an ointment, by boiling them in lard, is much
used as an  application to external  piles,  and  is
certainly  often beneficial.   I have applied the
fresh leaves, wet with vinegar, to rheumatic limbs,
and always found them to relieve the pain and
induce sleep; but the relief thus obtained  is only
temporary. 
70
  The doSe of the leaves in powder is five grains
for an adult, which may be gradually increased to
thirty.
  Cl. 5.  Pentandria.   Ord.  2. Diagynia.
  B. N.  Cokium. Maoulatum.
  C.N.  Poison Hemlock.   Cicuta.

                 Description.

  This is a large Umbelliferous plant*  indigenous
both to Europe and America, and is remarkable
from iht circumstance of its having been the plant
by which the great and good philosopher of ancienf
Greece, Socrates, was put to death. In this coun*
try it is found growing along the sides of fences,
around barn  yards  and old gardens,  &c.   The
root is white, long,  contains  when young a milky
juice, and  is about the thickness of  the  finger.
The stalk is from three to seven feet high, hollow,
very smooth, and dotted with red or brown spots.
The leaves are  compound,  very large, and sup.
ported on long  foot-stalks.  From each of these
ibot-stalks other foot-stalks arise, and from these
last a still smaller order, to which are attached
numerous dark green, lance-shaped, notched leaf<
ets. The flowers are in umbels, and white.  The
seeds are flat on one side and round on the other.
and have each five ribs. It flowers in July.  The
whole plant has a peculiar, nauseous scent, some-
what  resembling the urine of a cat.  The leaves
should be  collected for use in June, dried before
the fire, and kept in close  Bottloj excluded  from
the light. 
n
                     0e.

  The whole plant is  a strong narcoiic poison,
producing, when taken  in an over-dose, dizxine&s.,
dimness of sight, difficulty of  speech, trembling
and death; yet in 9mall doses it may be taken in
Safety, and has sometimes proved a powerful re-
medy in the kings-evil, caneer, indolent swellings,
foul ulcers, &e.
  The dose of the powdered leaves is three grains
per day, gradually increased.  Externally it may
Se used in the form of an ointment, wash, qr poul-
tice, in the diseases already mentioned.
■  «i»
   CI. 12. Icosandria.  Ord. 15.  Polygynia,
   B. N. Rubus Villosus.
   C. N. Black-berry Busk.  High-bush Bl(Cck*
 berry.
                 Description.

   The species belonging to  the genus rubus found
 in  the United States amount  to pearly twenty;
 and although they have nothing very beautiful or
 attractive in  their  appearance, they are, never-
 theless, much esteemed on  account  of the flavor
 and luciousness of the fruit or berries which they
 produce.
  The rubus villosus, or high-bush black-berry, is
 the  most numerous of all the different  species of
 this family  of plants.  It is  found in dry and
 aired situations, in old fields, along the road side,
 &c:, and is so well known as tp render  a further
description unnecessary. 
                     Use.-

  Tlie root is the only part used in medicine.. It
   Csesses considerable astringent powers, and has
   g been used in mild cases of dysentery, relax-
es,  and the summer complaint of children.   In
those cases I have frequently given it, and gene-
rally found it beneficial.
  It should  be given  in decoction, made by boil-
ing the root in milk or water, of which a tea-cup-
fefl three or four times a day will be a sufficient
dose for an adult; children in proportion.
  The rubus  triyialis,  or  the  creeping black-
berry or dew-berry, as it is called by some, pos-
sesses properties similar to those of the preceding
bush, and  may be  used in every case in which
that is recommended.  The form of administration
and dose is the same.
  CI. 2. Diandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Hedeoma Pulegioides.
  C. N. Pennyroyal.

                  Description.

  This little plant grows about one foot high, on
tipland and dry and gravelly soils, in all parts of
the United States. It flowers from July until late
in the fall, and is so universally known, that far-
ther description would be superfluous. 
                      Use.

  The whole plant is a pleasant, aromatic stimu-
lant, and contains a large portion of an essential
oil, which may be obtained from it by distillation*,
and upon which much, if not all, of the virtues of
the plant depend.
  It has long been used in the form of strong in-
fusion,  in  boiling water, as a remedy in various
complaints, and particularly in cases of suppres-
sion of the monthly returns of women and girls
from exposure to cold.  In these cases I have
myself  frequently directed it to be drank hot,  in
large quantities, for several successive nights, on
going to bed, and have sometimes found it of ser-
vice.  In fevers it makes a pleasant drink, which
eftetf produces  considerable  perspiration.  The
essential oil will be found serviceable in removing
pain in the belly, produced by  wind in the sto-
mach and bowels,
   CI.  18.  Syngenesia.   Ord. £ Polygamia Sh-
 perflua.
   B. N. ScENECIO HlERACIFOLIA.
   C. N. Fire-weed.

                  Description.

   This plant  is wholly destitute of beaufyj and!
having a disagreeable, nauseous smell, is passed
by, in  general, without notice.  It  grows in rich
and uncultivated situations, along old wafts, and;
                      2 
r*
amjmg rubbish.   It likewise flourishes greatly *p
newly cleared  land, particularly if it lias laccu
lately burnt over.
  The stem rises from three to six feet high,  and,
is from one to one and a half  inches in diameter
at the root, and furrowed throughout. The leaves
are clasping, broad lance-shape, deeply, acutely,
and unequally toothed.  The flowers are white-
numerous,  and  crowded together on the end ot'
the branches.   The calyx  long, round, and of a
dark green color.  Root fibrous, woody, and ncarly
tasteless.   It flowers in July and August.  The
whole plant has the smell of gum myrrh,

                     Use.

  The virtues of this plant have not yet, sb far
as I know, been ascertained.  I, however,  some
time since, was induced, from a consideration of
its sensible qualities, to make a few trials of it a*s
a medicine, and am inclined to think favorably of
its powers in the diseases peculiar to women and
girls,  and in the hysterics,  nervous headach, &c*
The only part of the plant I have used  are  the
Leaves, which should be given  in powder, o.r iii
strong infusion in boiling water.
CI. 6.  Hexandria.  Ord. 1. MonogyniHt
B. N.  Berberis Vulgaris.
C. N.  Barberry.

               Description-.

The Ibarfterry i's a laYge &us>, and is fiSund <m 
75
  >                                        *■■ -
 lulls, in wood's, and uncultivated bushy fields.
 The outside hark is of an ash color; the inner bark
 of a deep yellow.   The  branches are  dotted and
 prickly: the prickles are mostly arranged in  clus-
 ters of threes.  The leaves are obovate, and thinly
 serrate.  The flowers are bright yellow, and race-
 med.  Calyx six leaved: petals six.  The berries
 are of a bright red  color, and  contain each  from
 two to four seeds.   It flowers in May.  The ex-
 ternal bark and the  leaves have an astringent ami
 a»cid taste:  the inner hark is bitter.

                      Use.

   The external hrirk and leaves of this shrub, as
 has already been stated, are astringent, and will
 he found  serviceable in  all cases in which  such
 medicines are indicated—as dysentery, looseness
 of the bowels, &c.   The interna! bark is a tonic
 bitter, and may bo used in weakness, indigestion^
 the ague  and fever, &c,  and will be found to
 strengthen the system and  increase the appetite.
   Some physicians have been  in  the  practice of
 Using the inner bark of this shrub in jaundice; but
 I very much doubt  the propriety of the practice:
 for jaundice is  a disease  almost always attended
 with  more  or  less  inflammation  of some organ,
 most generally of the liver;  and as this bark  pos-!
 sesses considerable  tonic and strengthening pow-
 ers, it will rather increase than relieve the com>
 plaint.
   The inner bark of this  plant ma}7 be administer-
 ed either in powder, or infusion in boiling water.
 The berries contain a soUr juice, which, when
 mixed with wat£r,  tQrnis  a  pleasant drink ia
^vers. 
70
  CJ. 5.  Pentandria.  Ord. 3. Trigynia*
  B. N.  Sambucus Canadensis.
  C. N.  Black-bCrried Elder.

                 Description.

  There are but two species of the elder found in
the United States; namely, the black and the red-
berried elder.  The former ia a very common
shrub, and may be found in all situations; but the
latter is  by no means so, and is fount! only on
mountains and in  unfrequented wilds.  The black-
berried elder flowers in June; has an  umbellife-
rous inflorescence; and  ripens its berries  about
the first  of  September:  whereas  the red-berried
species flowers in May;  has a panicled inflores-
cence; and  ripens its truit in July.   The former
is too universally known to require further de-
scription.
                     Use.

  The expressed  juice of the ripe berries, evapo-
rated over a slow fire down to the consistence of
honey, makes a pleasant and useful laxative medi-
cine for children,  which they will, in general, take
without trouble.  The dose is from a tea-spoonfull
to a table-spoonfull  every hour until the desired
effect is produced.
   The inner bark of the elder  boiled with lard
forms an excellent bland and healing ointment for
chaps of the lips cr hands; a good application to
burns and fresh wounds;  and  when a little white
vitriol is  added to it, an excellent dressing for sore
nipples.  In one of the worst cases of tetter  I ever
met with, in which  much of the surface of the
whole body  was covered with pustules,  or  scabs,
this ointment effected a cure, even after many of 
77
a mors powerful nature had  been used without
effect.
  Cl. 5.  Pentandria.   Ord. 3. Trigynia.
  B. N.  Panax Quinquefolium.
  C. N.  Ginseng.

                 Description.

  This plant is a native both  of the  Asiatic and
American continents.   The Chinese  call it  Jin-
chen, and very highly esteem the root for its medi-
cinal qualities.  In this country it  is  found in
damp grounds in woods, and in some States of the
Union is very  abundant.
  The root is  three or four inches long, and gene-
rally divided into two or three branches, all  of a
light yellow color.  The stem  is round, erect, two
or three feet high, of a green color below, but pur-
plish red near the top where the flower-stalks are
given oft'.  At this place  the stem  divides  into
three branches, which form the footstalks  of the
leaves.  The  leaves are compound;  the leafets
from three  to five in  number,  egg-shaped, and
sawed on their edges.  The  flowers are  small,
numerous, umbelled, and of a white  color.   The
berries have a fine vermillion color, and ripen at
irregular periods.   It flowers  in May.
  Barton, of Philadelphia, says that  the Indians
of this country call the root of this plant Garent*
oquen,
                      T* 
78
                     Us&

  The Chinese highly esteem this root for its svtp-
posed medicinal virtues, and use it in the cure ol
almost every disease incident  to  their country,
and have little or no confidence in any medicine
that does not consist in part of this  root.   They
declare  that it gives immediate relief in cases of
bodily or mental fatigue; cures difficult breathing;
sharpens the appetite; increases the  strength of
the digestive organs; allays vomiting; and cures
the hypochondria and the hysterics.   Thus they
make it out a complete panacea—a remedy for all-
diseases of the human system. (See Barton's Med,
Bot.)
  In spite, however, of all the encomiums lavished
Upon the root of ginseng by the Chinese, American
physicians  consider  it simply a mild  tonic,  and
demulcent, and use it only in some cases of colds
attended with cough, and in  mild cases of indiges-
tion from weakness of the stomach.   It should be
given in decoction, and may be taken freely.
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.   Ord. 1. Monogynia-,
  B. N.  Lobelia Siphilitica.
  C. N.  Blue Cardinal Plant.

                 Description.

  The blue cardinal plant is  found in low and
flamp situations, in meadows, marshes, &c.  It ig 
19
However, not a vesy  common plant, ahd in aome
districts is almost wholly Unknown.
  Tho root is fibrous, and bas a nauseous and acrid
taste.  The stem is erect, angled, seldom branch-
ed, hairy above, but not so beneath, and rises from
One to two feet high.  The leaves are lance-shaped,
toothed on their edges, and veined.  The flowers
are numerous, large,  and of a Prussian blue color,
and are placed along the upper part of the stem in
a spike.  The stamens are five in number,  united
by their anthers at the top;  pistil one.  It flowers
in August and September.

                     Use.

  The root of this plant has long been  highly
esteemed by the aborigines of America as  a pow-
erful  remedy in the venerial disease and its diffe-
rent forms, clap, chancre, &c.  As soon as this be-
came known to Europeans, an immediate trial was
made of its powers in the cure of this  disease by
several physicians; but it was found utterly inef-
fectual, and is  now entirely disregarded as a
remedy in those cases.
  By some of our western physicians it is used in
dropsy, and it is said with good effect.  It is given
in decoction, in the proportion of half an ounce of
the root to one pint of water.  In this form  it is to
be gradually increased until it produces vomiting
or purging. 
80
  Cl. 4. Tetrandria.  Ord. 2. Diagynia*
  B. N. Hamamems Virginica.
  C. N. Witch Hazel.

                 Description-

  This singular shrub is found in abundance ia
many places throughout the United States. It de-
lights most in loamy, dry, and arid soils;  in woods
and neglected fields. It grows from five  to fifteen
feet  high, and  in bunches of from six to twenty
stems from one root.   The external bark  is of an
ash color, spotted  here and there with irregular
whitish spots of different sizes.  The inner hark
is yellow,  and manifests first a sweet, and after-
wards a bitter taste.   The leaves are universally
egg-shaped and toothed on their edges.  The flow-
ers are  small, numerous, and of a bright yellow
color, and are found  intermixed with the  fruit of
the preceding year, but now became perfectly ripe.
It blooms  from October till the beginning of win-
ter, and forms a delightful contrast to the solemn
scenes which are then presented to the eye in the
destruction of vegetable nature. Though stripped
of all its leaves by the hoar  frosts of winter, it is
thickly and gaily clad in beautiful yellow flowers,
that  seem  to defy the rage of the season.

                      Use.

  This  shrub is esteemed a Valuable article in
the Materia  Medica of the Indians of this coun-
try.  " They apply the bark, which is  sedative and
discutient," says the author of the American Dis-
pensatory, " to painful tumors and  external  in-
flammations."  A poultice made of the inner bark
has been found very serviceable in inflammations
of the eyes.   It is considerably astringent and se- 
81
dative, aud consequently will be found Useful in
mild cases of dysentery, relaxes, &c.  attended
with griping pains in the bowels.  It may be ad-
ministered either in the form of a powder or de»
c'ottion: the latter is perhaps the preferable form*
  Class 18.  Synge'nesia.   Ord.  1.  Polygamic
JEqualis.
  B. N. Arctium Lappa.
  C. N. Burdock.  Clot-bur.  Bur-bur.

                 Description*

  This  is  rather  an inelegant  and  unpleasant
plant,  both to the eye and  the olfactories of the
nose, having nothing attracting either in its ap-
pearance or odor.  It,  however, seeks  out trie
richest uncultivated spots of ground, and there is
to be seen growing luxuriantly.   It may be found
in most all parts of this country; and \s so well
known, as to render a  particular description Un-
necessary.
                     Use.

  The seed of the burdock, when given in infusion
in boiling  water, generally produces  a free dis-
charge of urine; and hence it has long been  used
in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, suppres-
sion and difficulty of making urine, and the like,
and often with manifest benefit.   Combined with
cream of tartar, horse raddish, &c. it may be giva*
in some cases  of dropsy with advantage. 
  Tlie fobt poj&eWs virtues similar (o that of the
Seed, but in an inferior degree. It, however, pas*
sjesses a property of which the seed is destitute':
namely,  that of  producing a pretty free perspira-
tion when given in warm decoction, and has there-'
fore been given in rheumatism, gout,  and the ve-
nerial disease.   Some prefer it in those  diseases
even  to  sarsaparilla.   In some  of the  Southern
States the cold decoction is much relied on as a re»
m-edy in the.cure of dyspopsy and indigestion,arte-"
Sng from a weakness \>¥ the  stomach and botyel>.
   CI.  13. Polyandria.  Ord.  13. Polyginia.
   B. N. Liiuobkndron TuuriFisnA.
   C-. N. Tulip Tree.  While  Wood, $-c.

                  Description.

   This magnificent tree is the pride of the Ameri-
 can forests, and one of the most grand vegetables
 of the temperate zone.  It is remarkable both for
 the extreme  height which  it  grows, and for the
 elegance of its large tulip-like variegated flowers.,
 In favorable  situations it grows from eighty to one
 hundred feet hi<;h, and from three to four feet in
 diameter.  Michaux, however, states that he has
 seen some specimens that were one hundred and
 fifty feet hign, and twenty-two feet in  circumfe-
 rence.  The external  bark  of the trunk  is  of nn
 ash color; the inner bark is of a yellowish white,
 The hark of the young branches has a shining blUP.
-Or  fcrown .appearance.  The  Haves  are jwW# 
®
 smffoth, nave two side lobfis:, Snd appear a£ if cut
■oft' at the  end.  The calyx is  three leaved: the
 corol from six to nine petalled: the seeds are nu-
 merous, and contained in a kind of strobile. The
 flowers are very beautiful, and  consist of a combh
 nation of yellow, orange,  and lake green: they
 are expanded in May.
   The tulip tree is not very abundant in the easUr
 ern part of the State of New-York: a  few speci-
 mens, however, may be  found  in  almost  every
 piece of woods;  but in some counties of the wesfc
 crn part it is found in great plenty, generally out-
 fopping all the trees of the woods, and making a
 grand and noble appearance.

                     Use.

   The inner hark  of the trunk and root  of this
 tree is the part used in medicine:  it is stimulant^
 tonic, and considerably aromatic.  It may be useel
"in indigestion, general debility, dysentery, &c.  In
 intermittent and remittent fevers it has long been
 used  with much benefit,  and is, when combined
 with  the bark of dog wood, (Cornus Florida,)  al-
lowed to be eqal to  the  Peruvian bark.   Doctor
 Young has highly  extolled the bark, in combina-
 tion  with  laudanum, in  consumption,  especially
 those cases attended with hectic  fever, looseners
 of the bowels, and debilitating night sweats.  He
 effectually cured a Mr. Keiser, fifty years of age,
 of a catarrh of long standing, which was attended
 with dyspeptic symptoms, by the use of this bark;
 Thacher recommends it in the last stage of dyseftr
 tery, and, when combined with steel dust, in dis-
 pepsy and indigestion.
   This bark is undoubtedly a powerful remedy,
 when combined with laudanum, in the hysterics
 and the summer Complaint of children.  It is alsb 
84
 3n excellent worm medicine, and may he adminis-
 tered in all cases in which the pink would be in*
 dicatcd.   I  have frequently given  it,  and  with
 much benefit; and I doubt not, if a decoction  of
 the bark were given to children that are subject to
 worms once or twice a week, it would effectually
 prevent their generation and growth in the bow-
 els.   Worms  are introduced into the  bowels,
 while yet in the egg,  or while of a very small size,
 with the food and drinks taken for nourishment.
 All substances, especially fluids, and  the green
 fruit of vegetables, are alive with minute animals,
 or the seeds of animals.  Let the purest water that
 can be procured be placed under  the magnifying
 glass of the solar microscope, and it will be found
 to contain numerous small animals of the ver-
 micular kind.  These the naked  and unassisted
 eye cannot see, and it is well that it cannot; for
 were it  otherwise, we  would dash the  cooling
 beverage from our lips with horror,  and  almost
 sooner die than drink.  Now, to prevent worms
 from getting into  the bowels of children,  is what
 we cannot do; but we may, by keeping the bowels
 in a proper tone and strength, prevent them from
 continuing and growing there; for this depends
 entirely  upon their  weakness and  laxity.  As,
 therefore, the bark of the tulip tree  possesses a
 strong tonic power, as well as a principle poison-
 ous to worms, it might reasonably be expected to
 answer the double purpose of  destroying them
 and  strengthening the  bowels at  the same time.
 This it certainly will  do.  It may be given in the
 form  of powder, decoction, infusion, or tincture.
 The dose of the powder is from one to three tea-
 spoonsfull, frequently repeated.   To powder this
 bark it must first  be toasted a little over the fire. *
The dose of the decoction and infusion  is about
 half a tea-cupfull.  The decoction is frequently 
85
given to horse3 to  destroy  the bots.  The best
time for taking the bark is in January.
  CI. 14.  Didynamia.   Ord. 1.  Gymnospermia.
  B. N. Scutillaria Lateriflora.             s
  C. N. Mad-dog Scull-cap.  Hoodwort.

                 Description.

  Scull-cap is found in moist, damp, and marshy
grounds.  The whole plant is  of a deep green
color.  The root is fibrous and yellow. The stem
rises from one to one and a half feet high, and is
branched:  branches and stem  all  four square.
The leaves are egg-shaped, opposite, toothed, and
supported  on  long foot-stalks.  The flower-stalks
are axillary;  i. e. they arise from the stem at the
place where  the leaves are joined to it.    The
flowers are small,  of a  light blue color, and ar-
ranged in  one-sided racemes.   The calyx is two-
lipped, and after the corol falls out,  closes up,
forming a  seed-vessel of the shape of a helmet. It
flowers in July.
                     Use.

  Many persons have attributed to this plant al-
most miraculous powers in the cure of hydropho-
bia and the bite of serpents, and much has been
said and published  on  the subject.   Indeed, too
much has been  said in its praise; for the  very
encomiums which have been lavished upon it, have
had the effect of bringing it into disrepute.  That
                       8 
86
it has  cured mild cases ef hydrophobia, super-
vening upon the bite of a mad or rabid animal,
there are too many well authenticated cases upon
record to permit us to doubt.  But it is not from
this to be supposed that it will cure every case of
that  terrific disease.  Neither is it to be supposed
that  it possesses any powers materially different
from other medicines of its class. The fact is, the
whole  plant is a powerful  nervine, and  has an
operation upon the system similar to that of vele-
nan, asafoetida, &c, calming nervous irritability,
and  relieving spasms.  Now,  hydrophobia is evi-
dently a disease of the nervous system, and con-
sists in a  great degree of nervous irritability,
manifested  by  impatience  of light and  sound
tremors, and convulsions;  and hence,  any medi-
cines that possess nervine and antispasmodic quali-
ties, as valerian, scull-cap, and  opium, are  those
best calculated to give relief, and will even suc-
ceed in curing some mild cases.
  Thus it is, I think, that we  are to account for
the cures which scull-cap has undoubtedly effect-
ed of some mild cases of disease  from the bite of
mad animals.   Other remedies, as asafoetida, va-
lerian, opium, &c  possessing properties similar to
those of the scull-cap, would, in all probability,
have proved equally efficacious in every case cured
by  this plant, provided  they  had been as freely
administered.
  As to its powers in the cure of disease arising
from the bite  of poisonous serpents, I have little
opinion. This disease is evidently one of the most
inflammatory character, attended with great pain,
tumefaction, and heat, and running fast into mor-
tification.   Of course,  the powers of scull-cap
promise nothing in this disease, requiring the most
active, inflammatory remedies.
  As a remedy in hysterics, epilepsy, and  St 
87
Vitus' dance, it certainly promises to be useful, as
well as in mild cases of hydrophobia; and 1 have
lately been informed that a disease of the nervous
character was cured by this plant after many other
remedies had  failed.  To have  any good effect,
however, it should be given in  large doses.  It
should be given in the form of powder, or that of
infusion, in boiling water.
  CI. 2.  Diandria.   Ord. 1.  Monogynia.
  B. N.  Rosmarinus Officinalis.
  C. N.  Rosemary.

                 Description.

  This  plant  is  not  indigenous  to  the United
States. It is, however, cultivated  in our gardens,
and thrives very well. It is a pungent and stimu-
lating aromatic, possessing an unpleasant,  bitter
taste, and is so well known as to require no fur-
ther description.
                     Use.

  An infusion of the leaves and flowers of rose-
mary in hot water, if drank freely, will  prove
beneficial in colic, from wind in the  bowels, and
in some cases of hysterics and dyspepsy.  As a
remedy in the menstrual suppressions of women,
it has  long been used, and is certainly often of
service.   For such cases it  should  be  taken in
strong infusion for several nights hi succession on
going to bed. 
88
  The essential oil of rosemary, which is obtained
by distillation,  is  a powerful stimulant.   A few
drops of it may be given to remove wind from the
stomach and  bowels, and for cramp in the sto-
mach.
  CI. 18.  Syngenesia.   Ord. 1.  Pol. iEqualis.
  B. N. Lactuca Sativa.
  C.N. Common Lettuce.   Garden Lettuce.

  Lettuce, so universally used, and so much ad-
mired, as a salad, in the spring and summer sea-
son, is too well known to require any description.

                     Use.

  The whole plant at the time of flowering abounds
with a milky juice,  which,  when  collected and
dried in the air,  is found to possess the  proper-
ties of opium, but in  an inferior degree.   It may
be given in the dose of half a drachm in chronic
rheumatism, gout, convulsive coughs, consump-
tion, hysterics, and in all cases in  which opium
is admissible.   A strong tea, made by infusing a
quantity of the plant when  in flower in boiling
water, and freely  drank, produces generally a free
perspiration, and  induces sleep. 
89
   CI.  18. Syngenesia.   Ord. 1.  Pol. iEqualis.
   B. N. LaotucA Elongata.
   C. N. Wild Lettuce.  Fall Lettuce.

                  Description.

   This plant, belonging to  the  same class  and
order as the preceding plant, is found along  fen-
ces, and in neglected grounds, in almost ail situ-
ations.   The stem is round, hollowj  and smooth,
and grows  from four to eight feet high;  very
much branched at the top. The flower leaves arc
gashed, with  the divisions inclined back towards
the  stem; the upper ones are lance-shaped  and
entire.   The  flowers are panicled,  small,  very
numerous, and of a yellow color.  It blooms from
June till October.
                     Use.

   The expressed inspissated juice  of this plant
possesses properties similar to that obtained from
common garden  lettuce.   It is anodyne, and  pro-
motes the discharge of urine,  and obviates costive-
ness.  It iS recommended in dropsies proceeding
from obstructions in some of the internal viscera,
particularly in  dropsies of the chest,  attended
with a difficulty of breathing.  In the whooping
cough and asthma it has  likewise been found ser-
viceable.  The dose of the expressed inspissated
juice will be  five grains, gradually increased to
seventy or eighty.  The  extract, made by boiling
a quantity of the plant in water to the consistence
of molasses, makes  an excellent black ink.
                      8* 
90
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.   Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Lobelia Cardinalis.
  C. N.  Cardinal Plant.  Red-flowered Lobelia.

                 Description.

  This is indeed an elegant and  most beautiful
plant, surpassing, by the  multitude of its large
scarlet colored flowers, many of the exotic plants
so carefully cultivated in  our gardens.  In fact,
there are but few flowers,  either  indigenous or
cultivated, that can vie in external beauty with
this little plant, whose numerous rich and elegant
flowers excite the admiration and praise of every
beholder.
  It is found in marshes,  damp meadows, on the
banks of brooks and rivers, and in most damp  and
moist situations.  The root is fibrous, of a whitish
yellow color, and possesses an unpleasant and nau-
seous taste.  The stem rises  from one to three
feet  high, not branched, clothed with soft hairs,
and terminated by numerous brilliant red colored
flowers.  The leaves are broad  lance-shape, sawed
on their  edges, and  of a  bright green color.   It
flowers from July till September.

                     Use.

  The root is used by the Indians, in the form of
decoction, in worm cases, and  is very highly
esteemed.   In  this form, when given  freely, ft
will  sometimes operate as a laxative on the bow-
els.   Having been but little used as a medicine,
its properties are not  yet ascertained: they are
supposed, however, to be active. 
91
   CI.  5. Pentandria.  Ord. 2. Digynia.
   B. N. Chenopodium Anthelminticum.
   C.N. Jerusalem Oak.  Worm-seed Plant.

                  Description.

   This plant belongs to the same family as  the
 common pig-weed, which is found so abundantly
 in rye, and corn-fields, in Autumn.
   "Its favorite haunts are in loose soils, near
 rubbish and fences.  It is not so common  a plant,
 however, as some of the other species in the mid-
 dle and northern States.  To the south it appears
 to be frequent and abundant, and  to acquire a
 greater size than  here.''*  The stem rises from
 tour to five feet high; is deeply grooved, and very
 much branched.   The leaves  are oblong, ovate,
 sessile, veined, alternate, and of a yellowish green
 color.  The flowers are small, very numerous, and
 arranged on long leafless spikes.  It flowers from
 July until the  last  of August.
  In appearance it  resembles the common pig-
 weed,  (Chenopodium Album,)  but grows much
higher, and has a strong, disagreeable, aromatic
 smell.
                     Use.

  The whole plant is a fatal poison to worms, in
the stomach and bowels, of the human species, and
has not, as far as I  know, been used for any other
purpose.'  The preparations of it used,  are the
expressed juice of  the leaves;  the seeds bruised,
and made into  a syrup with honey; a decoction of
the leaves in milk; and an essential oil, obtained
by distillation.
  As the dose of the oil is small, (only six or eight
* Vide Barton's Med. Bot. 
92'
drops in a little milk,) it is generally used in pre-
ference to  any of the other preparations of this
plant.  It should  be repeated three  times a day
for three or four  days, when some purge should
be administered to evacuate the worms.  In this
way I have frequently given the  oil,  and have
found  it  very beneficial; but it has occasionally
failed altogether,  and rendered a resort to pink-
root necessary.
  The dose of the expressed  juice of the leaves is
a table-spoonful twice a day on an empty stomach.
The decoction is made by boiling a  handful I  of
the leaves in a quart of milk: of this a wine-glass-
full will be a proper dose.
  CI. 11.  Dodecandria.  Ord. 2. Digynia,
  B. N.  Agrimonia Eupatoria.
  C. N.  Agrimony.

                 Description.

  Agrimouy grbws in all parts of the country, and
is found  in almost all situations, damp or dry,
but not in any  great  abundance in any  place.
The stem grows from one to three feet high, some-
what  downy,  and  very  much branched.  The
leaves are pinnate; the leafets oval, gashed,  and
toothed on their edges, green above, but of a paler
color beneath, and very  rough to the feel.  The
flowers are small, numerous, and  arranged  on
long Spikes.  The petals are five in number,  and
yellow   The  fruit consists of a kind of burr, 
93
similar to that of burdock, (Arctium Lappa,) but
not so large.   It flowers in July and August.

                     Use.

  It is astringent  and corroborant, and  may be
given in cases of bleeding from the lungs, nose, or
any other part, and in mild cases of  dysentery,
&c.  Some physicians believe it possesses strong
deobstruent properties, and recommend it in ob-
structions of the liver, kidnies, &c. Two cases of
enlarged and  indurated  liver are recorded  by
Chromal as having been  cured  by  this  plant.
(See Salmon's Herbal, Art. Agrimony.)
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.  Ord. 2. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Solanum Dulcamara.
  C. N.  Bitter-sweet.   Wooddy Nightshade.

                 Description.

  Bitter-sweet is found  in hedges, bushy fields,
woods, &c.  It  belongs to the  same  family  of
plants as the common potatoe, (Solanum Tubero-
sa,) and is one instance among a few others  that
have been noticed of plants  of  the same genus
differing greatly  in their medicinal qualities.  The
stem is climbing, woody, and about  the size  of
the finger.  The bark,  on being chewed,  first
causes a  sensation of bitterness in  the mouth,
which, however,  is soon followed by a sweetish
taste, and hence it  is  that it has obtained the 
94
dame of bitter-sweet.   The upper leaves arc
guitar-shaped; the lower ones cordate, and smooth.
The flowers are few in number, and of a purplish
blue.  The corol is bell-form,  with five  lobes.
The berries are red, and contain numerous seeds.
It flowers in July.
                     Use.

  The bark and the young branches and twigs of
this plant are used in medicine.   They  should be
gathered when  the  leaves are falling in the Au-
tumn, and dried.  When taken into the stomach,
it promotes all the secretions,  and manifests a
slight narcotic power.  It has been given in rheu-
matism, retention of the menstrual discharge in
women, and in the itch, and other diseases of the
skin.  It may be given  in infusion, or decoction.
The latter  is made by boiling one  ounce of the
young twigs  newly gathered in two pints of wa-
ter  down to one.  Of this the dose is half a tea-
cupfull, in an equal quantity of milk, every four
or five hours.  Externally, the ointment made by
boiling the twigs in lard, may be  used to  heal
ulcers and  cure eruptions of the skin.
  The berries are  very poisonous.  Thirty ware
given to a dog: he soon  became mad, and died in
three hours.  They have not yet been applied to
medical use.   (See  Med. Diet, page 827".) 
95
  ■CI. 18. Syngenesia.   Ord. 2.  Polygamia gtr-
perflua.
  B. N. Inula Helenium.
  C. N. Elecampane,

                 Description.

  This plant grows from two  to  four feet high,
and abounds most in clay soils,  in stony and neg-
lected  fields, and along the road side.  The leaves
are large,  egg-shape, clasping, and rough, and
downy beneath, and from twelve to eighteen inches
long.   The flowers are large,  and composed  of
tubular and ray  florets, of a yellow color.   The
root is composed  of large fibres, from the size of
a goose quill to that of the little finger, and of a
whitish color.   It  has an  agreeable,  aromatic
.smell, and a moderately bitter taste.

                     Use.

  The root of elecampane is much  used by many
persons (made into a syrup  with honey or sugar)
in colds and coughs, and is very highly esteemed.
In my  opinion, however, the confidence they place
in this root as an expectorant, is erroneous; and
that the relief which is sometimes experienced, is
to be attributed more to the honey or sugar with
which it is administered than to any virtues of the
root itself.
  It is frequently given to horses that are troubled
with the heaves; and I have myself given it, but
without any beneficial effect resulting  therefrom,
or in the least relieving the cough.   It is simply a
weak stimulant,  and tonic,  and may sometimes
prove serviceable in cases of debility. 
   ('!. 18. Synger.csia.  Ord.  2.  Polygamia  Su-
pcrilua.
   B. N. ERIGERON PuiLADELrillCUSI.
   C. N. Scabious.   Skcvish.

                 Description.

   This plant may, in general,  be found wherever
the daisy grows, which it a little resembles.  The
root is  fibrous,  and  of a yellowish white color.
The stem rises from two to four feet high; is very
much branched  at the top, and crowned with nu-
merous  small flowers. The leaves are radical  and
caulinc.   (See Outline of Botany for an explana-
tion of these terms—page 25.)  The radical leaves
are  long petioled, oblong, gashed, and toothed:'
cauline  ones clasping, sessile,  and  generally nar-
row. The flowers are corymbed and compound:
the  florets on the circumference of the flower are
narrow, numerous, and white;  those in the centre
are yellow.   It is perennial, and flowers in June.
July and August.
                     Use.

   This  plant is  a strong diuretic, operating upon
the kidneys  with considerable  power, and greatly
increasing the secretion of urine.  It has been
much used in gout, the gravel, and dropsy, and;
according to the testimony of different physicians,
with much benefit.  "I once," says  Dr. Wistar,
"attended a gentleman  who  suffered with gout '
and hydrothorax, (dropsy in the breast:) the squill
produced great distress and  pain of the stomach,«
and thus did more harm than good.  This gentle-
man was greatly relieved by the infusion of scabi-
ous,  which he took very freely."  (See Barton'**
Med. Bot.)  Dr. Physick, of Philadelphia, has re-
commended it in cases where there is a difficulty 
3?
of discharging the urine. In a case of this nature.
which  came under  my  care, I administered this
plant in strong infusion, and found  it very  bene-
ficial.
  This plant should be gathered for use while in
flower, and carefully dried in the shade. It should
be administered in the form of strong infusion, or
decoction,  and drank to  the amount of two or
ihree pints a day.
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.  Ord.  1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Lobelia Inflata.
  C. N.  Indian Tobacco.  Emetic Weed. Lobelia.

                 Description.

  This species of the lobelia is found in almost all
situations, but most abundantly on calcarious and
saterile grounds, along  the  road side,  &c.  The
root is fibrous, and yellowish  white.   The stem
grows from one to two feet high:  it is very much
branched, and covered  thickly with hairs.  The
leaves are' egg-shaped,  and  notched on their
edges.  The flowers  racemed, small,  and of a
blue color.   The anthers  of  the  stamens  ad-
here together.  The pericarps  are inflated, and of
the size  of a white bean: they contain numerous
small brown  seeds.  It  is annual, and flowers in
July. Every part of the plant has an acrid taste,
like that of tobacco.
                     -  9 
98
                     Use.

  Indian tobacco certainly ranks among the most
active plants of the United States.   None, per-
haps, have  a  more instantaneous and  powerful
operation  upon  the human system.   However,
since poisons, under proper management, are good
medicines, this plant seems to have an undoubted
claim to a place among  the remedial agents used
in the cure of diseases.
  Its first operation, when taken into the sto-
mach, is that of a powerful emetic, producing vio-
lent vomiting and a profuse perspiration, and fol-
lowed by a considerable degree of weakness and
exhaustion of  the muscular powers.   It  should
therefore be given with great care, and, in fact,
can safely be prescribed only by a physician.
  The diseases in which this plant has been prin-
cipally used, are asthma, croup, and the whooping-
cough; and in these-it has been highly praised by
several  respectable physicians.   The Rev. Dr.
Cutler,  of Massachusetts,  states that he was ef-
fectually cured of an asmatic effection by taking a
few  doses of the tincture of this  plant, that had
resisted the remedies usually employed in such
cases.  Dr.  Barton, of Philadelphia, relates a case
of asthma in which he prescribed the tincture  of
this plant  with decided good effect.   He says—
"I administered it to a domestic in my  family
who was  distressingly  afflicted with spasmodic
asthma. She is a female of narrow and depressed
chest, and for years past has been  subject to this
complaint. During one of the paroxysms, I directed
her to take a tea-spoonfull of the brandy tincture
every two hours.   After taking the second spoon-
full she was immediately relieved.   In a subse-
quent attack the  experiment was repeated, in-
creasing the dose to a tea-spoonfull  every hour, 
99
and  with the same effect—the patient declaring
that  she never found such immediate relief from
any of the numerous medicines she had previously
taken for this complaint.  She complained of diz-
ziness, nausea, and some debility after taking the
second spoonfull, and told me she suspected the
medicine administered to  be tobacco.''  Doctor
Eberele, likewise of Philadelphia,  relates a  case
of croup which he cured by an infusion of the lo-
belia.   The patient was a child of seven years of
age.   After bleeding freely from the arm, which
gave no relief, he  infused  half a drachm  of the
plant in half a pint of boiling water; of which he
gave the child a table-spoonfull every ten minutes
until it vomited, which it did on giving the third
spjonfull, when the disease immediately gave way,
and a complete cure was effected without the use
of any other medicine.  (See Barton's Med. Bot.)
   A Sew weeks since. I was called,  at night, to
sec a child of about five years old. On visiting the
little patient I found her laboring under a violent
attack of the croup.   I immediately bled her, by
the application of leeches to the throat, immedi-
ately after which the child vomited, in consequence
of having taken a dose of ipecacuanha previous to
the application of the leeches.  The loss of blood
and the vomiting gave relief for an hour or more ;
but at the expiration of this time, the difficulty of
breathing and distress returning, I applied a blis-
ter to the throat, and left her for the night.   On
renewing my visit the next morning, I found  that,
although the  fever had abated, the hoarseness and
the difficulty of breathing  remained nearly the
same.   I immediately directed fifteen drops of a
saturated tincture  of  lobelia  to  be given every
quarter of an hour until it should vomit, which it
did a short time after taking the third dose.  Im-
mediately after she had  vomited, the diffiulty  of 
100
breathing gave way;  and although the child  re-
mained somewhat languid for a few hours, a com-
plete and rapid cure was effected.
  From the experience I have had with this plant,
I am inclined to believe that it is best calculated
for  those cases of asthma, croup, and whooping-
cough that are of a spasmodic nature,  and  nearly
unattended with inflammation.   In such cases I
consider it a powerful medicine, and one that will
seldom fail to have a beneficial effect.   But who-
ever depends upon it in cases of an opposite na-
ture, must expect to  be disappointed.
  The dose of the leaves, ground into powder, is,
when  the intention  is to vomit, from fifteen to
twenty grains for an  adult.  The tincture is made
by infusing two ounces of the leaves and capsules
in a pint of proof spirits: of this tincture the dose
is for an adult about  two  tea-spoonsfull; and for
a child of four or five years,  from fifteen to fortv
drops,
  CI. 12.  Icosandria.  Ord. 5. Pentagynia.
  B. N.  Spiraea Tomentosa.
  C. N.  Steeple-bush.  Purple Hard-hack.  Mea-
dow-sweet.
                 Description.

  This plant grows in low grounds, bog meadows,
marshes, &c. The stem is of a  woody nature, and
attains the height of about eighteen inches or two
feet; the bark  is of a brown color; the leaves  are
lanceolate, serrate, and downy beneath; the flow-
ers are in racemes, small, and of  a red color; 
101
calyx cut into  five divisions; corol five leaved:
stamens numerous; seed-vessel  a capsule,  and
contains two or three seeds.   It flowers  in July.

                     Use.

  Many physicians consider this plant as an ex-
cellent tonic and astringent—among whom is Pro-
fessor Ives, of Yale College.   It  is recommended
in all cases of  weakness,  relaxes, bleedings,  the
summer complaint  of children, &c.  The leaves
and  young branches are to be used, and may be
given in decoction, infusion, or made into an
extract.
  CI. 3.  Triandria.   Ord.  1. Monogynia."
  B. N.  Iris Virginica.
  C.N.  Wild Iris.  Wild Flag.  Wild Lilly.

                  Description.

  Wild  iris grows on the  banks of brooks and
rivers, in meadows,  marshes,  and all low and
damp situations.  The stem rises from one to two
feet high: it is smooth and two edged.  The leaves
are ensiform; that is, long and narrow, and having
the shape of a sword.  The flowers are large,
placed on the ends of the branches, and are blue,
yellow and  purple: the calyx  is a  spathe: the
corol is six parted, and the divisions are alternate
and reflexed: the stigmas are three in number;
long, and petal-like.  It flowers in June.
                      9* 
102
                     Use.

  The root, the only part used in  medicine,  i»
white, and has a nauseous, bitter taste.   It is a
good  purge, and may be given  whenever a medi-
cine of this class is required. The dose of the fresh
root is about a tea-spoonfull: of the  dried  root a
table-spoonfull.
■—^♦^»—
  CI. 2.  Diandria.   Ord. 1.  Monogynia.
  B. N.  Salvia Officinalis.
  C. N.  Sage.

                  Description.

  Sage is a perennial plant, growing spontaneous-
ly in the  southern parts of Europe, and cultivated
in almost every garden in this country. The leaves
are lance-ovate:  the flowers are whorled and of a
blue color:  the  calyx is two  lipped:  the corol
ringent.   It flowers in June.  The whole plant
has a peculiar smell; a strong, aromatic taste; and
is considerably bitter and astringent.

                      Use.

  Its virtues are similar to those of other aroma-
tics, and reside mostly in the leaves, the only part
of the plant used.  It is stimulating and strength-
ening to  the  system, and possesses considerable
carminative qualities.  Hence, in wind colics, the
belly-ache of children, hysterics, indigestion, and 
103
weakness of the stomach and bowels, it may be
administered with benefit.  It should be adminis-
tered in the form of fine powder, of which the dose
is two  tea-spoonsfull;  or in  infusion  in boiling
water and drank freely. A gargle for sore throat,
the sprue, &c. is made of the infusion, by dissolv-
ing a small piece of alum  or borax in it,  and
sweetening well with honey.
  CI. 18.  Syngenesia.  Ord. 2. Polygamia  Su~
perftua.
  B. N.  Gnaphalium Polycephalum.
  C. N.  Sweet-scented Life Everlasting. Balsam
Weed.
                 Description,

  This plant, well known to many by the name
of balsam weed, delights most in dry and arid
situations; hence it is mostly found on uplands
and  hills, in neglected  fields.  It grows  from
twelve to eighteen inches high, and is covered
with a white down, which makes the whole plant
appear, at a distance,  of  a white color.  The
leaves are lance-linnear, sharp pointed and smooth.
The flowers  are compound, panicled,  and of a
yellow and white color.  The  whole plant has a
taste a little bitter and somewhat oily, and a very
pleasant smell.  It flowers in July and August.

                     Use.

   This plant, when given in the  forni of strong 
104
infusion, will sweat  freely;  and in this way it i?
used as a domestic remedy by  many families  in
colds, fevers, &c. and very frequently with much
benefit.  It certainly possesses expectorant pow-
ers;  and a  large bowl of the tea, taken on going
to bed at night, will  often give much relief from
the distressing cough  which generally  attends
common colds:  Excepting  catnep,  no  herb  is
more  universally used as a  domestic medicine
than this.
  CI. 14. Didynamia.   Ord. 1.  Gymnospermia.
  B. N.  Nepeta Cataria.
  C. N.  Catnep.  Catmint.

  This plant is  too well known to require any
description.  A strong tea, made by infusing the
leaves and  flowers in boiling water, is a popular
remedy for many diseases.   When  taken freely,
it will remove wind from the stomach and bowels,
and induce a perspiration.  I do not  know of a
better remedy for the belly-ache of infants  than
this tea,  sweetened with  molasses;  and  I  am
satisfied, that if mothers were  more in the habit
of giving this tea to their children instead of dosing
them with those poisonous substances, laudanum,
paragoric, rum,  and peppermint drops, they would
be much more  healthy, and far less subject  to
disease and pernicious habits. 
105
  CI. 18. Syngenesia.  Ord.  2.  Polygamia Su»
perflua.
  B. N. Solidagp Odorata.
  C. N. Sweet-scented Golden-rod.  Tea Plant,

                 Description.

  This  not inelegant plant belongs to a very nu-
merous  family, which includes more than forty
individual species.   It is found  in  all parts, and
deliglits mo3t in dry and sandy soils,   flie stem
rises from two to four feet in height, angular and
furrowed, and covered with soft hairs. '1 he leaves
are lance-linnear and hairy on their edges.  Tho
flowers  are numerous, small, and of a  golden
yellow color.  It is  a pirennial plant, and  flowers
in August and September.

                     Use.

  The leaves and flowers of this plant are recom-
mended in diseases  of the urinary organs, as ulce-
rations of the kidneys and  bladder, suppression
and difficulty of discharging the water, &c.  It is
likewise said to be particularly useful in stopping
a bleeding from the  lungs and stomach. Professor
Eaton, in his Manual of Botany, says, that "the
flowers, dried so as  not to  be musty, make a plea-
sant tea,  which is  moderately  astringent,  and
promotes  perspiration." 
106
  CI. 14. Didynamia.   Ord. 1.  Gynospermia.
  B. N. Verbena Urticifolia.
  C. N. Nettle-leated  Vervain.   White-flowered
 Vervain.
                 Description.

  This plant is found growing around barn yards.
old gardens, &c.   The stem  rises from three to
five  feet high, is  four angled, furrowed, thickly
covered  with stiff' hairs, and about half an inch
in diameter.  The leaves are  ovate, serrate, sharp
pointed at the apex,  and supported on foot-stalks
from one to two  inches long.  The flowers arc
white and small,  and arranged  on long slender
spikes, that arise from the stem at the place where
the branches and leaves are given off.  The calyx
is five parted: the corol funnel form, having the
border five  parted:  stamens four.   The root is
fibrous, of a clay  color, and has a bitter taste.
  There is another species of the vervain, called the
purple-flowered vervain—(Verbena Hastata.)  It
differs but little from the preceding except in the
color of its flowers.  Both species flower in  Au-
gust and September.

                     Use.

  In former times vervain was believed by many
to possess supernatural and miraculous powers in
the cure and  prevention of numerous diseases, as
head-ache, the kings evil, &c.  Witli  this belief it
was worn suspended about the neck as  an amulet
or charm.—(See Med. Die.)  At the present time,
however, no such powers are attributed to it, as
far as I know.  The root is a mild stimulant, and
tonic, and has, when  freely taken,  cured some
mild cases of ague and fever.   It may likewise be
given to advantage in dispepsy, general weakness, 
107
&c. It evidently possesses some anodyne powers.
and may therefore prove beneficial in cases of hys-
terics and nervous head-aches.   In the latter dis-
ease it should be applied, mixed  with vinegar, to
the temples at the same time that it is taken  into
the stomach.  It may be given in the form of
powder, in the close of a large tea-spoonfull, or in
that of infusion in boiling water.
  CI. 4.  Tetrandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Cornus Florida.
  C. N.  Dogwood Tree.  False Box.

                 Description.

  Do.owood is found in almost all our woods.  I?
 nows from  eighteen to twenty feet high, and is
very much branched.   The leaves are ovate and
pointed at the end.  The calyx of the flowers is
an  involucre,  and  consists  of four large white
petal-like leaves, placed at the origin of the foot-
stalks of the flowers; these are generally supposed
to be the  true flower leaves.  The berries are red,
and have the shape of an egg.  It flowers in April
and May.  Dr. Barton  says, that " some of our
southern tribes  were  accustomed  to name the
spring from its flowering."

                     Use.
  "The similarity,** says Dr. Barton, <; between
the dogwood and the Peruvian bark, in their sen- 
108
sible  qualities, their chemical analysis,  and their
action on the incised dead fibrej sufficiently proves
an identity in their medicinal effects."
  Gregg says, "that he has used the bark of this
free for twenty-three years, during which time he
found its virtues such as to convince  him it was
not inferior to the Peruvian bark in curing inter-
mittents, nor inferior as a corroborant in all cases
of debility."
  The bark of the  dogwood is extremely bitter,
and is, without doubt,  an excellent tonic and
strengthening medicine, possessing likewise mo-
derately stimulant and astringent powers. Hence
it may be used with good effect in ague and fever,
the last stages of remittent and continued fevers,
in dysentery, indigestion, and general weakness,
mortification, &c.  and, in fact,  in every  case in:
which the Peruvian bark would be proper.
  It may be given in the form of powder, of which
the dose is  about a table-spoonfull;  in  decoction
and extract.   The latter is  made by  evaporating
a decoction of the bark down to a consistence pro-
per for making into pills. These pills I have fre-
quently used in cases of general weakness, loss of
appetite, &c.  and with  manifest advantage-  A
fine black writing  ink may be made  from this
bark by mixing the  following ingredients, all pre-
viously well powdered:—half an ounce of dog-
wood  bark,  two ounces of copperas,  four tea-
ppoonsfull of gum arabic, and half a pint of water. 
109
   CI.  5. Pentandria.  Ord. 2. Diagynia.
   B. N. Heracleum Lanatum.
   C. N. Coiv Parsnip.

                  Description.

   This not inelegant plant is found in meadows,
on the banks of creeks, and in situations where
the soil is rich and moist.  The root is long, white,
and fibrous, and possesses a strong odor, and a
sharp, unpleasant taste.   The &talk rises to the
height of four or five feet, large, round, and hol-
low, and is covered with soft down, which is also
found  upon  the leaves.  The leaves are large, in
threes, rough, and jagged.  The flowers are small
and numerous, and umbellifferous,  like those of
the common parsnip.  It flowers in June.

                     Use.

   Some  physicians, among whom is  Dr. Orne,
highly recommend the root of this plant in epilep-
sy, hysteria, and other spasmodic diseases. In five
cases of epilepsy  which  came under  his  care,
three,  he states, were cured by this root.  In the
hands of other practitioners, the root of this  plant
has manifested strong carminative powers, exert-
ing its influence on the stomach and bowels, and
has been found an efficient remedy in indigestion,
flatulent  and wind colics.  The  dose is a table-
spoonfull of the root, finely powdered, three times  .
a day.   The leaves and tops should be taken at
the same time in infusion in boiling water.
                     JO 
110
  CI. 10.  Decandria.   Ord. 1.  Monogynia.
  B. N. Arbutus Uva Ursi.
  C. N. Bearberry.  Piss Weed.  Gravel Weed,

                 Description.

  This little plant is indigenous both to Europe
and America.   In this country it is found grow-
ing on mountains and rocky hills,  in woods and
in barren and sandy plains, beneath  the thick
foliage of  shrubby pines.   The stem is creeping,
and  from  six to twelve inches long.  The leaves
are ege-shape, of a bright  green above, but pale
beneath,  stiff  and rough.   The flowers  are  nu-
merous and clustered together,  and of a  reddish
white color.  Corol five cleft; stamens ten; pistil
one.   The flowers possess a most delicious fra-
grance, more agreeable to  me  than that of any
plant I have ever met  with.  It is an evergreen,
and flowers in May.

                     Use.

  It is an astringent and  tonic, and as such will
be serviceable in weakness,  laxity of the  bowels,
dysentery, &c.  It also operates by increasing
the discharge of urine, and has often proved bene-
ficial in gravelly complaints. Hence it is called
by some gravel weed.
  De Hean and others have strongly recommended
the bearberry  in ulcerations of the kidneys and
bladder. In weakness of the stomach and bowels,
attended with looseness, I have  prescribed it with
success.   In  cases of  dropsy, from weakness of
the system, it will be a good medicine.   It may
be given in  decoction  or  powder.  A decoction
may be made by boiling a handfull of the  plant in
a pint of water: of this the dose will  be half a 
                     Ill
tea-cupfull every three hours.  The dose of the
  CI. 5. Pentandria.   Ord. 2.  Diagynia.
  B. N. Heuchera Viscida.
  C. N. Alum Root.  American Sanicle.

                  Description.

  This plant grows in dry loamy soils, in waste9
and uncultivated fields, along the sides of rocks,
&c.   The  root  is composed of a number  of long
brown fibres  of  the size of the finger, and has a
very astringent taste.  From the root arise  several
stalks, varying  in  height from  one to two  feet,
nearly destitute of leaves,  and terminated by a
panicled inflorescence,  similar to  that of oats.
The leaves are nearly all radical,  and are heart-
form,  gashed, and  downy beneath, and supported
on long foot-stalks.  The flowers are numerous,
small, and of a red and yellow color.  It blooms in
May and June.
                     Use.

  The  root,  the only part  used,  is  powerfully
astringent, from which circumstance it has ob-
tained its  name.  When given in the form of
powder, or boiled  in milk, it will  be found  ser-
viceable in the diarrheas and relaxes of children,
and of adults also.  Made into a gargle, it  may be
used as a wash in ulcerated sore throat, and  will 
112
prove beneficial. It is esteemed a valuable article
in the Medical Catalogue of the Indians.  They
apply the root, made into an  ointment, or  in
powder, to ulcers, cancers, &c. and it is said with
considerable success.
  CI. 19.  Gynandria.  Ord. 6. Hexandria.
  B. N. Aristolochia Serpentaria.
  C. N.  Virginian Snake Root.  Birthwort, <$'£»

                 Description.

  The snake root is a plant found in almost all
parts of the United  States.  The species belonging
to this genus, or family, are very numerous, some
of which very much resemble each other, both in
their external appearance  and in their sensible
qualities;  and it is therefore very probable that
the virtues of many of the different species of the
snake root are nearly the same.
  The root of the Virginian snake root  when re-
cent, is of a yellow color; but on drying, it changes
to a brown or black, and is then very brittle.   It
is wholly composed of small slender fibres. The
stem is slender and weak,  from six to ten inches
high, jointed, of a purple color near the root, but
yellowish  above.  The  leaves are  of a light green
color, lance-heart shape, and supported on short
foot-stalks.  The flowers are solitary, and consist
of one flower leaf, of a brownish color, without a
calyx.  The flower stalks arise from the root, and
are very slender.   The stamens grow out of the 
113
stigma. The germ, or seed-vessel, is nearly eight
square, and contains many minute flat seeds.  It
flowers in May and June.

                     Use.

  The root of this plant is a sweating, stimulant,
and tonic medicine,  and has long been  used in
fevers with much advantage, especially those of the
remittent and typhus character.  When combined
with  the Peruvian bark, it has been much  admi-
nistered to brake the fits of the ague and  fever,
and has often proved an  effectual remedy.  It
was once much used to cure the bite of venomous
serpents, and much confidence  placed in it, and
from  this circumstance it has derived its name;
but at the present day it is not at all used in those
cases.
  It is undoubtedly a powerful anti-emetic,  and
will frequently check a vomiting and quiet the
stomach when all other means fail.  For this pur*
pose it should be administered in cold infusion in
doses of a table-spoonfull every fifteen  minutes.
It may be given in powder or infusion in boiling
water.  If the object  is to produce sweating, it
should be given in hot infusion, in the  dose of half
a tea-cupfull every hour-  When its  tonic or
strengthening effect is wished, it should be  admi-
nistered in cold infusion, or in powder,  of which
the dose will be a small table-spoonfull,  repeated
as often as thrice a day or more.
                     10* 
Ill
   CI. 13. Polyandria.  Ord. 1.  Monogynia.
   B. N. Podophyllum Peltatum.
   C. N. May Apple.  Mandrake.  Ducks Foot.

                 Description.

   This is indeed  a beautiful  plant, and  well
worthy a place in the garden of every family.  It
is not,  however, very common in this district of
country; but in some of the Southern and West-
ern States it grows in great abundance. It is found
mostly  in rich and  damp grounds, in woods and
neglected fields.
   The root is creeping, and frequently from three
to five feet in length, and about  the  thickness of
the little  finger, and intersected about every six
inches with joints, from which proceed numerous
small fibres  of a lighter color than the main root,
which is yellow, and  has a bitter and nauseous
taste.  The stem is round, of a yellowish green
color,  and  from  twelve to eighteen inches  in
height, divided about half way into two branches,
each terminated  by a large palmate leaf of six or
seven lobes.  The petals of the flowers are about
nine in  number, and white.  The foot-stalk of the
flower is given off at the fork of the  stem, and is
from one to  three inches long.   The fruit varies
much in size in different situations; sometimes it
is found as large as a good sized lemon; but its
usual size is that of a  very small one.   When
fully ripe, it is of a  bright yellow color, thinly
spotted  with brownish dots, and  contains about a
dozen seeds.  It may be eaten with safety, and
many persons are very fond of it.  It flowers in
May, and ripens its  fruit  in  August and Sep-
tember. 
                      115

                     Use.

  The root alone is used in medicine, and ought
to be collected in September, dried,  and pulve-
rised.  It is purely a cathartic, (purge,)  and in
the dose of a small table-spoonful 1 alone, or com-
bined with calomel, or cream of tartar, will operate
as effectually on the bowels as jalap.  In fact, in
some cases it seems to answer better even than
jalap, not producing such a degree of nausea while
operating  as that frequently does.   It is said by
many physicians  to  answer particularly well in
cases of dropsy, intermittent, remittent, and bil-
lious fevers.  The leaves of this plant are said to
be poisonous.
  CI. 10. Decandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Baptisia Tinctoria.
  C. N.  Wild Indigo.  Indigo Weed.

                 Description.

  This luxuriant and beautiful plant is exclusive-
ly a native of North America, and is  found in
woods, and bushy  and neglected fields,  in  dry
and light soils.   The root is composed of five or
six long fibrous branches, of the thickness of the
little finger, the bark of which is thick and fleshy,
and of a  yellow color. From the root arise from
one to six stalks,  and attain  the height of from
two to three feet,  very smooth and  round,  and
covered  with  numerous black spots.   From the
root, for more than half way up the length of the 
116
stalk, it is leafless; but the remaining portion is
very much branched, and thickly clad with innu-
merable small leaves.   The leaves are obovate in
shape, and  placed in threes  on  the  stem and
branches.  The flowers are  of a  bright  yellow
color;  but  change to black  soon  after  being
plucked.  It flowers in July and August.
  This is the plant that is frequently placed about
horses in the summer  to keep  off the  flies; and
from this use to which it is applied,  it is sometimes
called horse-fly weed.

                      Use.

  This plant has not long been introduced in the
catalogue of medicines, and of course its  virtues
are not yet well ascertained.   It is found, how-
ever, to possess cathartic  and emetic  qualities
when given in large doses, and is much valued for
its power of suppressing mortification and curing
foul  and indolent  ulcers when applied  to  the
diseased part in the form of a wash or poultice.
  Dr. Thacher, speaking of this plant, says, that
"in the hands of some physicians  it is  found to
operate in large doses with much  severity as  an
emetic and cathartic.   But a weak decoction has
frequently  been given with the effect  only of a
mild laxative.*  Dr. Comstock, of Rhode  Island,
highly recommends it in cases of mortification,
putrid and typhus  fevers, &c."t
  It is  now considerably used by many physi-
cians, and is found to be very beneficial  in  the
canker rash,  typhus fever,  and in the advanced
stage of remittent and bilious fevers.  Externally
it is used, as has already been stated, in the form

  * See Barton's Medical Botany.
  t Vide the same. 
117
of poultice, ointment, and decoction, in mortifica-
tion, indolent and viciated ulcers, sore nipples,
chronic sore eyes, the salt  rheum, &c.  When
taken into the stomach, it should be in  the form of
decoction, which maybe made by boiling an ounce
of the fresh root in a pint of water: of this prepa-
ration a tabie-spoonfull every hour or two will be
a proper dose.  An ointment may be made of it by-
boiling  some of the fresh root in lard for fifteen
minutes, and straining.   To every pound of this
ointment two ounces of beeswax should be added,
to render it of a more firm consistence.
  CI. 21.  Dioecia.  Ord. 5*. Pentandria.
  B. N. Zanthoxtlum Fraxineum.
  C. N. Prickly Ash.   Tooth-ache Bush.

                 Description.

  This shrub is not very common in the Northern
States of the Union; it may, however, be found in
some neglected and marshy situations.  In Penn-
sylvania and Maryland it is said to grow in the
most abundance.  It grows from four to eight feet
high, and the bark is of an ash color, spotted here
and therewith white irregular spots.  The stem
and  branches  are  all  prickly.   The leaves are
pinnate, and the  leafets lance-oval, and nearly
smooth on their edges.   It flowers in May:  flow-
ers umbelled, and of a white color. 
                    118

                    Use.

  The bark and seed-vessels of the prickly ash
have a hot, pungent, and acrid taste; and  when
chewed, promote powerfully the discharge of the
saliva.  Used  in this way, they will sometimes
relieve pain in the  teeth.
  In some parts the bark infused in spirits is used
as a popular remedy in chronic rheumatism.  This,
however, is a  very improper  prescription;  for
spirits in any form  is seldom  admissible in this
disease.  The  preferable way, therefore, to ad-
minister it, is made into a  decoction.  In the
West Indies  the decoction is used as a wash  to
foul and indolent ulcers,  "which," says Thachcr,
(page 368,) "it powerfully clense3 and disposes
to heal."
  CI. 12.  Icosandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N.  Prunus Virginiana.
  C. N.  Wild Cherry Tree.   Cabinet Cherry.

                 Description.

  The young branches of this beautiful tree are
of a dark brown color,  and dotted  with  small
white specks. The leaves are oval, doubly toothed,
and smooth.  The flowers are small, numerous,
and  racemed.  The  berries  are black when ripe,
and possess the power of intoxicating certain kind.i
of birds.  The wood is used in the manufacture
of table?, stands, and other kinds of furniture.  It
flowers in May, and  ripens its fruit in August. 
119
                     Use.

  The inner bark  of this tree is bitter and as-
tringent, and possesses also an aromatic warmth.
It contains likewise in a small  degree a narcotic
quality, similar to that of the laurel, and which is
now shown to  depend on the presence of prussic
acid.   A strong decoction  has  been found useful
in indigestion, dysentery, abcess of the loins, and
consumption,  attended with  debilitating  night
sweats.  It has likewise been used  to destroy
worms
  CI. 19.  Gyuandria.  Ord. 5.  Pentandria.
  B. N.  Asclepias Tuberosa.
  C. N.  Butterfly Weed,  Pleurisy Root.  While
Root.
                 Description.

  There is perhaps  no genus or family of plants
in the crtalogue which contains a greater variety
of beautiful specimens than the  genus of milk-
weeds.—(Asclepias.)  The plant under considera-
tion, the butterfly weed, is not the least comely of
the individuals of this family,  and indeed more
richly deserves a place in our gardens than many
that are so carefully cultivated there, being both
ornamental and useful.   It  delights  most in rich
loamy and sandy soils, and is found in cultivated
fields and dry meadows.
  The root is very white and tubrous, and of the
thickness of a common size beet root.  From ten 
120
to twelve stems arise from the root, and grow to
the height of about three feet: they are terminated
by a large  number  of  thick-set  yellow flowers.
The leaves are numerous and lance-shaped.  The
flowers are umbelled  and  corymbed,  and of a
bright orange color.   The whole  plant is covered
with rough hairs, very  thickly set.   It flowers in
July.
                     Use,

   A Mr. Thompson Mason was the first, it is said,
who brought this plant into notice;  he used it in
pleurisy and other diseases of the lungs, and has
very highly extolled it.  His testimony of its good
effects in these diseases has been corroborated by
that of Dr. Parker, of Massachusetts.  The Doctor,
after an experience with it for more than twenty-
five years,  strongly recommends it in  pleurisy,
catarrhs, recent colds, and some  kinds of inflam-
matory fevers, &c. (See Thacher.)
   Its sensible effects on the system, when taken
freely,  are the production of a copious perspira-
tion, together with  a moderate  cathartic effect
upon the bowels..  Two ounces of the root, when
boiled in one pint of milk until the quantity is
reduced one-third, forms  a mild  and gentle laxa-
tive for children, especially teething children: the
dose is two table-spoonsful! thrice a day.  The
root, when taken freely  in  the  form  of strong de-
coction, is found to give relief in  wind colics, the
belly-ache of  children, &c.  It may be.adminis-
tered in the form of powder, in the dose of a
drachm infused in  a  cup of warm tea, every  two
hours; or in decoction, or infusion, and freely
drank. 
121
  CI. 19. Gynandria.  Ord.  5.  Pentandria.
  B. N. Asclepias Incarnata.  W.
  C. N. Water Milk-Weed.   Water  Silk-Weed.

                  Description.

  This  plant is found growing  on the  banks of
rivers and creeks, ana abounds most  in  those
spots of earth which have been lately formed  by
a deposit of the  earthy particles  contained  in
water.  It may be found in abundance along the
banks of the Shawangunk creek, near the village of
Tuthill, in New Paltz township.
  The root is composed of numerous  long fibres,
of the size  of a large knitting-needle, and of a
white color. These fibres have a bitter, acrid, and
disagreeable taste.   The stem rises from two to
lour feet  high, branched, round,  and  of a yellow
green color.   The leaves are lance-shape, placed
on  opposite sides of the  stem and branches  in
pairs of two, and supported on foot-stalks of about
an inch in length. The flowers are umbelled, and
of a red color, and appear in July.
  There are  two  varieties  of  this  plant,  the
Glabra, with stem, branches and leaves all nearly
smooth—and the  Pulchra, with stem, branches,
and leaves hairy.

                     Use.

  The sensible  qualities of  this species of the
milk-weed are  stronger than  any of the common
species of this numerous genus or family, and its
medicinal virtues  are  supposed by many to be
more active.  The root, the only  part used, is
diuretic and slightly  narcotic,  calming,  when
freely given, nervous excitement, and producing
an increased discharge of urine and perspiration.
                      11 
122
Hence it will be found  serviceable in drops v,
chronic rheumatism, common catarrhs, coughs,
&c.  Its  effects upon the system  are  said to be
similar to those of Seneca snake root, or of hops
and guaiacum in combination.
  It may be given in strong decoction, in the dose
of a wine-glassful 1;  or in  powder,  in the  dose of
a large tea-spoonfull.
  CI. 13.  Polyandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia.
  B. N. Macrotys Serpentaria.
  C. N. Bugbane.  Cohosh. Black Snake-Root.

                 Description,

  This plant delights most in rich and damp situ-
ations in woods.   It is by no  means a common
plant, and in some sections of the country is near-
ly unknown.   In Smithfield, in Pennsylvania, I
have seen  it growing in abundance: I have like-
wise seen  several specimens of it in the Shawan-
gunk mountains, north-west of Springtown village,
in this county.
  The root consists of a tubrous portion, which is
variously  contorted, rough, and   knotty,   from
which proceeds a number of short thick fibres.
The whole is of a dark brown, or black color, and
has a bitter and rather nauseous taste.  From the
root proceed  from one to three stems, and  grow
to the height of from four to eight feet, round and
smooth.   The leaves  are decompound:  leafets
long egg-shaped, deeply gashed, and toothed on 
123
their edges: flowers in spikes, numerous, small,
and white:  calyx four  leaved:  corol  none.  It
flowers in July.
                     Use,

  Cohosh root  possesses  evidently considerable
anodyne powers; and when taken  freely in tha
form of  hot infusion, promotes perspiration and
induces  sleep.   As a remedy  in  colds\ common
catarrhs, mild affections of the lungs,  &c., there
is perhaps no medicine superior to it. The Indians
make great use of it in the preceding complaints,
and their women take it during the period of par-
turition to accelerate the birth of their children.
I have been credibly informed that a  person af-
flicted  with consumption found more relief  from
the distressing  cotigh which harassed  him by
chewing this root constantly  than by  any other
medicine.  A  strong tea v/iil cure mild  cases of
the itch, and prove useful  in other eruptions.
  It is best given in infusion, which may be made
by  infusing in a pint of  boiling  water a single
handfull  of the root.   It should be drank freely.
CI. 19.  Gynandria.  Ord. 5. Pentandria.
B. N.  ASCLEPIA3 SYRIAOA.
C. N.  Milk-Weed.   Silk-Weed.

               Description.
This belongs to the same genus of plants as the 
124
butterfly-weed and the water silk-weed.  It seems
to prefer a dry soil,  but it flourishes very well in
those of a very opposite nature.   The root is long
and slender, of the  size  of  the  finger,  and of a
white color,   From one to two stems arise from
each root, and grow to the height of from four to
six feet, smooth, and somewhat four square. The
leaves  are opposite and lance-shaped,  sharp at
the end, and  downy beneath.   The flowers are
umbelled, nodding,  and of a whitish purple color,
and sweet scented.  It is perennial, and flowers
in July. It produces large pods,  of an oval shape,
which contain the seed, and a large quantity of a
cottony substance.
                     Use.

  The root of this species of the milk-weed alone
is used: it is stimulating, diuretic, and anodyne,
and may be given in coughs and asthmatic affec-
tions, in dropsy, fever, &c. Dr. Richardson speaks
very favorably of it in  typhus fevers, especially
when an anodyne and soothing medicine is wanted.
  The root  may be given in the form of powder
and infusion: the dose of the powder will be about
a tea-spoonfull every hour  and a half, or every
two hours: the dose of the  infusion will be about
half a tea-cupfull.   The infusion is the best form
for dropsies. 
125
  CI. 21.  Dioecia.   Ord.  17.  Monadelphia,
  B. N. Juniperus Communis.
  C N. Juniper.

                 Description.

  This is an evergreen shrub, belonging to  the
same family of plants  as  the  red cedar and  the
American savine.  It is found in various parts of
the United States, and grows mostly in woods and
bushy fields.  In the vicinity of this place (Dash-
ville) I have found several large bunches of it,
apparently in a thrifty state. It grows in bunches
of fifteen or twenty stems, which  are from three
to four feet long, and of the thickness of the  fin-
ger,  and being  widely spread at the top, form a
kind of mat, from ten to twelve feet in diameter.
The  leaves are in threes, about half an inch long,
of a dark green color above, and marked beneath
with two white lines, running from the base to the
apex.  The point of the leaf is terminated by a
sharp prickle, that penetrates the hand  whenever
<he bush is laid hold of. The berries have a warm,
pungent, sweet taste, and a strong  but not disa^
axeeable smell.
5                    Use.

  Every  part of the plant may be used.   It pos-
sesses stimulant, carminative,  sweating, and diu-
retic properties, and  will be useful in wind colics,
putrid and scarlet fevers, dropsy, and suppression
of urine, and  the  monthly return of women and
girls.  It  should always be given in strong infu-
sion ; for  by decoction, its powers are  entirely
destroyed.
  The whole plant contains an aromatic oil, which
may be obtained from it by distillation.  This oil,
known by the name of the oil of juniper, has the
                     11* 
126
virtues of the whole plant, and may be administer
cd almost in every case in which the latter v?ould
be admissible. The dose  is from five to ten drops.
From the juniper, in warm countries,  exudes a
kind of resin, called sandarac, which is much used
in the arts.
  CI. 21. Dioecia.   Ord. 17. Monadelphia.
  B. N.  JUNIPERUS VlRGINIANA.
  C. N.  Red Cedar.

                 Description.

  This tree sometimes  rises as high as thirty or
forty feet, but in general it is found from ten to
thirty only.  It flowers in  May,  and ripens it*
fruit in July and August.  It produces numerous
blueish berries,  of the size of currants, which in
New Jersey and some other  States have been dis-
tilled into brandy—thus converting an innocent
and refrigerant berry into an intoxicating  spirit,
which has  nearly rendered  our country a deso-
lation.
                     Use.

  The virtues of this tree are by no means well
understood.  It is  supposed, however,  and with
much probability,  to  possess  useful  medicinal
qualities.  The leaves  and  young branches are
the only  parts used.  When given in powder, or
infusion, it increases the force of the pulse, produ-
ces slight perspiration, and evidently increases the
discharge of urine.  Hence it may be given in 
127
cases of chronic rheumatism, and dropsy from de-
bility, and will often prove a useful remedy.  It is
a popular remedy in some sections of this country
in the disorders peculiar to women; and I am in-
formed that it has proved effectual.  It should be
given in powder or infusion.   The dose of the for-
mer is about two tea-spoonsfull.   The latter may
be drank  freely.   An ointment, made* by boiling
the leaves in lard,  forms an excellent stimulating
dressing for blisters, when the wish is to keep them
discharging.
  CI. 20. Monoecia.  Ord. 13. Polyandria.
  B. N. JUGLANS ClNEREA.
  C. N. Butternut.

                 Description.

  This  tree belongs to the same genus of plants
as the black walnut, (Juglans Nigra,) and bears
considerable  resemblance to it in external ap
pearance, but differs from it in its medicinal pro-
perties.   It is  found in  almost all parts of the
United  States.   The bark  and the shells of the
nuts are used  by many  people to dye a brown
color.
                     Use.

  The extract made from the bark of this tree is
an excellent purge, in the dose of fifteen or twen-
ty grains, (about two tea-spoonsfull,) operating
speedily and effectually, and without producing
heat or irritation. It is considered by many phy- 
128
sicians equal to jalap, and in some cases of tUopsy
and dysentery even preferable.   Combined with
calomel, it makes an excellent anti-biiious cathar-
tic, well adapted  to  cases  of remittent bilious
fevers.  During the Revolution in this country it
was very much used and highly esteemed.  The
extract should be made from the bark  in the
month of June.  It is made by slowly  evaporating
a strong decoction of the bark down  to a consis-
tence proper for making into pills.   Great care
should be taken that it is not burnt, otherwise its
powers will be nearly destroyed.
  CI. 21. Dioecia.  Ord. 5. Pentandria.
  B. N.  Humulus Lupulus.
  C.N.  The Hop.  Hop-Vine.

  The hop is a perennial plant, flourishing well
in this country even in its wild state, but still
better when under proper cultivation. It delights
most in dry and gravelly soils, and climbs some-
times to the height of thirty or forty feet. Descrip
tion is not necessary.

                     Use.

  It is an excellent  bitter, tonic and  anodyne:
strengthens the stomach, alleviates  pain, and  in-
creases the appetite.  It has been found very effi-
cacious in dyspepsy, indigestion, and  weakness
and laxity of the bowels.  Possessing the power
of alleviating pain, and disposing to sleep, at the 
129
same time that it strengthens the system in gene-
ral, it becomes a very useful medicine in hysteric
pases of long standing, in which the  constitution
has become weak and  irritable, as also in many
other nervous diseases attended with  debility. In
cases of fever, where the patient is deprived of his
natural  rest, and wherein opium would  be impro-
per,  it may be given, and will be found to have, in
most instances, the desired effect.   One  of the
Kings of England, after passing several sleepless
nights and days, until quite exhausted, was laid
asleep by means of a pillow of hops placed  under
his head.  In this case  opium had been used to
no purpose.
  The tincture is the  form in which the hop has
generally been  administered.  It may  be  made
by infusing a large handfull of the blossoms in
wine or spirits; of which the dose will  be one or
two tea-spoonsfull when given as a tonic. WThen,
however, the  object is to induce sleep,  two hun-
dred drops should be given.
  CI. 4. Tetrandria.   Ord.  1. Monogynia.
  B. N. IcTODES FoETIDUS.
  C. N. Scunk Cabbage.

                 Description.

  Scunk cabbage grows in meadows and in most
low and damp situations in abundance.  The root
is composed of numerous fibres, of the thickness
of a goose quill.  The leaves are very large, and
spring from the root.  The flower is purple, and 
ISO
appears in April.   The whole plant gives  off a
peculiar fetid  and disagreeable odor, resembling
that of the animal vulgarly called scunk.
  In collecting this plant great care should be
taken to distinguish it from that called white hel-
lebore,  (Veratum  Veride,)  as a mistake  might
prove fatal.^ This,  however, is not  difficult, the
former being destitute of a stalk, while the latter
has several springing from its roots, from one to
three feet high.
  The root of the scunk  cabbage should be col-
lected for use early in the  spring or late in the
fall; and after being well washed and dried, should
be kept in tight bottles, well corked, for by keep-
ing in the  air, it looses very much of its strength.

                     Use.

  That the root of this plant is a powerful anti-
spasmodic, has  long been the opinion of  physi-
cians; but still it has been but very little used by
them till of late years.   I am well satisfied, how-
ever, that it is an efficacious and safe remedy in
various spasmodic  diseases—such as asthma, the
hysterics, some kinds of colic, and epilepsy.  The
Rev. Dr.  Cutler, who  was  himself an asthmatic,
states, that he found much  relief from the use of
this root after other powerful remedies had failed.
A  correspondent of the author of  the American
Dispensatory  says, that "in one of the most vio-
lent hysteric  cases I  ever  met with, where the
usual anti-spasmodics and even musk had  failed,
two tea-spoonsfull of the powdered root in spirits
and water produced immediate relief; and on re-
peating the trials with the same patient, it afforded
more lasting benefit than any other medicine."
  In those spasms which affect the nuscles of the
belly in women at the period of child-bearing, and 
131
which not only retard the labor, but create much
unnecessary pain, a tea-spoonfull of the powdered
i-oot, given as occasion may require, will often give
great and immediate relief.  Some physicians re-
commend it even in rheumatism, gout, and drop-
sy. In gout of the stomach it will, especially when
combined with laudanum, prove a useful medi-
cine; but in rheumatism, particularly of the acute
kind, it certainly cannot be of any benefit.
   It should always be  given  in  powder,  with
syrup, or with a mixture of molasses and water.
The dose for an adult is a table-spoonfull; for a
child a tea-spoonfull, repeated every two hours if
necessary.
  CI. 13. Polyandria.  Ord. 13. Polygynia.
  B. N. Hydrastis Canadensis.
  C. -N. Yellow Root.   Orange Root.

                 Description,

  This plant grows in rich moist soils, in woods;
and  in low  grounds, in swamps; and is  said to
abound in  the greatest  quantity west of the Alle-
gany mountains, and in Canada.  In the vicinity
of this village  (Dashville)  I have  found  several
beautiful  specimens  of this plant; but  in some
parts of Pennsylvania I have seen it  in great
quantities.
  The main body of the root is tubrous and knot-
ty: from  this  proceed a large  number of fibrous
roots, of a yellow color.  The stem rises from six
to twelve  inches  high, is round and covered  with
ghort hairs.  The leaves are palmate, have sawed 
132
edges, four or five lobed, and but two in number,
one on the extremity of each branch.   The flower
is white; the fruit  red, and about the size of »
strawberry.  It blooms in May.

                     Use,

  The medicinal virtues of this plant reside wholly
in the root, which  is intensely  bitter, and of a
bright yellow color, and when dry, very brittle,
and consequently easily pulverised.   It is a tonic
bitter, and  when taken by  weak and debilitated
persons, will increase the appetite, strengthen the
stomach, and the system generally.   1 have used
it in my practice, and think it equal in dyspepsy
and some other diseases of debility even to Colum-
bo root.  In some parts of the country an infusion
of this root is used as a wash for inflamed  eyes,
but with what success I cannot tell.  It may be
given  in powder, of which the dose will be two tea-
spoonsfurl;  or in decoction, and drank at liberty.
  CI. 5.  Pentandria.   Ord. 3. Trigynia.
  B. N.  Rhus Vernix.
  C. N.  Poison Sumach.  Poison Elder.

                 Description.

  This species of the sumach grows generally in
low and  damp situations, in meadows, swamp?,
&c.  It rises from six to twelve feet high, and is
very much branched.  The leaves are pinnate. The 
I3S
.general foot-stalk long,  round, and of a reddish
color.  The leafets are arranged in about ei»ht
pairs, on each side of the general petiole; oval,
smooth,and terminating abruptly in a point; dark
green  above, but of a paler color beneath.  The
flowers are small,  of a  yellow green  color, and
panicled, i. e. arranged like those of oats.  The
berries, when ripe, are of a yellowish white color,
and each contain one  flattish seed.  It flowers in
July, and ripens its berries in  August.

                     Use.

   This shrub belongs  to the same class, order, and
genus as the poison vine, (Rhus Toxicodendron,)
and possesses similar properties.  The virtues of
neither species,  however, are,  as yet, well under-
stood.  The one under consideration is found to
possess active stimulant and  narcotic qualities,
and has been given in some cases of palsy, and in
some diseases of the skin, with benefit.
   Dr. Fresnoi has made several experiments with
4his plant in various  diseases, and considers it a
powerful and efficacious medicine.  "A country-
woman,"  says the Doctor, "came to  me in the
month of July to consult me about the  dry tetter,
with which her  face had been covered for more
than a year.   She was ordered  to take an infu-
sion of the plant;.and in six  weeks was entirely
free from the disease."
  He also relates five cases of  partial palsy which
were cured by the use of this plant, and the as-
tonishing effects of the odor  of the flowers in a
case of epilepsy.   He says, "a girl in Flanders,
already subject to fits, laid down seme flowers of
this plant  in her bed-room.  Next day she told
me that she  had undergone a great change; that
she  had had no fits; and slept  much better.  It
                      12 
154
occurred to me that the  flowers occasioned this
change.  Next day, the flowers being^ removal,
and  the  window opened,  the convulsions  re-ap
pearcd: on their being again introduced, the fits
disappeared, which  proved  plainly it  was  the
effect of the flowers.
  Of the extract of this plant, as  a remedy in
whooping cough, he speaks with great praise.  He
says, " the success  of the extract of this plant in
convulsive coughs exceeded my hopes—^forty-two
children being cured of this disorder, in Valenci-
ennes, during  the end of the year 1786.  Four
grains of the  extract are  to be dissolved in four
ounces of syrup, of which  one  table-spoonful,
given to the child  every  third hour, generally
abates the cough, which soon mostly leaves them.'5
  The extract may be made by boiling any  quan-
tity of the leaves in water for half an hour; after
which the liquid is to be decanted off, and slowly
evaporated in a large vessel to a consistence pro-
per for making into pills.
  CI. 20.  Gyandria.  Ord. 13. Polyandria."
  B. N.  Arum Triphyllum.  L.
  C.  N. Indian Turnip.  Wild Turnip.  Wake
Robin.
                 Description.

  This plant is found  in low,  damp, and  rich
soils', in woods, wastes, and uncultivated grounds,
and grows  from half a foot to two feet in height.
The leaves are in threes.  The leafets are  egg- 
135
shaped and pointed at the end.  Flowers in a
spadix, and of a purplish green  color.   The root
is bulbous, of a white color, and very acrid to the
taste, and in form very much resembles the com-
mon turnip.  It flowers  in May, and is as gene-
rally known as any indigenous plant of the United
States.
                     Use.

  There are two varieties of this plant—atropur-
pureum, having a dark purple spathe—and virens,
having a green spathe. The root of each possesses
similar properties, and may  be indiscriminately
used.  It has been given  in consumption, croup,
hooping cough, and asthma, especially of old people,
and is found serviceable in assisting the discharge of
phlegm from the lungs, and relieving the difficulty
of breathing.   The  virtues of the root  depend
wholly upon its acrimony;  and  as this is destroy-
ed by drying, the  fresh  root should always  be
used.  It may be administered by  boiling one
fresh root in three gills of milk, of which the dose
will  be a table-spoonful, repeated as often as ne-
cessary.  The root,  boiled in lard, forms  a  good
ointment for scald  head, and other scurvy erup-
tions about the head. 
136
  CI. 6.  Hexandria.   Ord. 3. Trigynia.
  B. N.  Veratrum Viride.
  C. N.  Itch-weed.  Indian-poke.   White Hellc
bore.
                 Description.

  This active plant is  found  mostly growing in
meadows and low damp grounds in many parts ot
the United States.  The stalk rises to the height
of two feet or more; very leafy, and terminated
by  numerous small green flowers.   The  leaves
are laige, broad egg.shaped,  plaited, and full of
nerves.   The  flowers are in racemed  panicles.
Each flower has six flower-leaves, of a greenish
color, but no  calyx.   The seed vessels are three
in each flower, and contain numerous seeds. The
flowers appear in June.   The root consists of nu-
merous fibres, of a white color.

                     Use.

  The virtues of this plant are by no means well
understood: it is well known, however, to possess
very active  powers, and ought never to be given
injternally, but with  great care.   The  root,  the
only part used, when taken to.the amount of from
a half to  a  tea-spoonfull, vomits  and purges  se-
verely;  but when  administered in doses of from
one to four grains, it has been  found serviceable in
rheumatism, gout, and the kings-evil.  In worm
cases it  has often proved very  efficacious; and
children  may take from one to three graias of the
root in powder, mixed  with syrup, three times a
day with  safety; after  which  it should be discon-
tinued, aud  a dose of calomel and jalap or some
other active purge administered,  to evacuate  the
bowels.
  Externally, the root of this  plant, made into an 
137
ointment, has long been nsed  in  the  itch, and
other diseases of the skin:  hence it has got  the
uame  of itch-weed.  An ointment may be made
of it by boiling a handful 1 of the root in a pound of
lard, and straining.  If to this ointment a little
sulphur is added, it will render it more effectual.
  It is a powerful errhine, and a little of the pow-
dered root snuffed up the nose will induce fre-
quent sneezing; and in this way will be found to
relieve a cold in the head, by increasing the dis-
charge of mucous from the nose.
  Cl. 14. Didynamia.   Ord. !• Gymnospermia.
  B. N. Mentha Piperita.
  C. N. Peppermint.

                 Description.

  Peppermint is  not indigenous  in  the United
States,  but  is  cultivated in  our  gardens.  The
leaves  have a strong, but not disagreeable smell,
and  an intensely penetrating aromatic taste, re-
sembling, in some measure, that of pepper, which
is followed by a feeling of coldness.  The stem is
smooth;  the  leaves are subovate, petioled, and
nearly smooth; the flowers are small, numerous.
of a purple color, and arranged on long spikes:
the corol is monopetalous, having the border five
cleft."  It flowers  in August.
IS* 
138
                     Use.

  Peppermint contains  an oil, and  a substano.
like camphor, both of which may be obtained from
it by distillation.   The essence is made by distil-
ling the plant in proof spirit.  Either the oil, the
essence, or the plant, made into a  strong tea, may
be used:  they possess similar properties, differing
only in the degree of strength. They may be given
in all cases in which a strong carminative and sti-
mulant is  wanted; in colic, from wind; cramp ot
the stomach, hysterics, and nervous agitations.
The dose  of the oil is five or six drops; of the es-
sence fifteen or twenty; and of the infusion almost
any quantity.
  CI. 21. Dioecia.  Ord. 13. Polyandria.
  B. N.  Populus Tremuloides.
  C. N.  White Poplar.  American Aspen.

                 Description.

  This tree is found in almost every  piece of
woods.  The stem is generally very straight, and
the external bark is ot an ash color, spotted with
irregular white patches. The leaves are  heart-
form, serrate,  smooth, and supported on long
slender foot-stalks,  the weakness of which causes
the leaves to take a tremulous motion from every
breath of air.  The  wood of this tree is made into
troughs in many parts of this country, and used to
catch the saccharine juice of the maple  as it falls
from the  tree.  It flowers in April. 
                      159

                     Us*.

  The inner bark of the root and trunk is the part
mostly used in medicine.  It is an excellent bitter
and tonic, and will  as speedily cure the ague and
lever  as  the  Peruvian bark  itself.  In the last
stages of typhus and  other fevers, weakness and
general debility,  and  in  every  case in which a
strengthening medicine is required,  it  may  be
given, and  will prove serviceable.  A decoction of
the bark, rendered sour by the addition of a few
drops of the oil of vitriol, will strengthen the sto-
mach, and increase  the appetite.   It is best admi-
nistered in decoction, which may be made by boil-
ing a  small handfull of the inner bark in a pint of
water, of which half a tea-cupfull will be a proper
doge.  In some parts it is given to horses to increase
their  appetite, and  is  said to answer the purpose
well.
  CI. 9.  Enneandria.  Ord. 1. Monogynia,
  B. N.  Laurus Sassafras.
  C. N.  Sassafras.

                 Description.

  This tree grows  in woods  and neglected and
bushy fields.   It  belongs  to the  same family of
plants  as the  spice bush,  (Laurus Benzoin,) and
the tree  which produces camphor, (Laurus Cam-
phoratus.)  It seldom attains  to a greater height
than twenty feet, and in  general is found  from
eight to twelve only.  The root is  of a rusty white 
140
colorj and has a sweetish, aromatic, penettatiug
taste, and a strong but not unpleasant smell, sY^i-
lar to that of the seeds of fennel.  The leaves arc
about three lobed,  and smooth.   It  flowers  in
May.
                     Use.

  The root of the sassafras tree contains a large
proportion, of volatile oil, which may be obtained
from it in large quantity by distillation.  This oil
is heating and strongly stimulating.  It may be
given, in the dose of live or six drops,  in  cramp
of the stomach, to remove wind from the bowels,
&c.; and it is ^aid, that when applied to wens, it
will prevent their growth, and  sometimes even
remove them entirely.  The infusion of the bark
of the trunk makes a pleasant drink in fevers.
  CI. 14.  Didynamia.  Ord. 1.  Gymnospermia.
  B. N. Leonuhus Cardiaca.
  0. N. Motherwort.

                 Description.

  This plant is found in rich soils, growing to the
height of two or three feet.  The stalks are four
square and hotlow.  The leaves  are spear-shaped.
opposite,  toothed, and three lobed.  The flowers
are in thorny whorls, of a purple color within, and
white without.   There  are  two leaves to each
whorl. The whole plant has a strong, unpleasant 
til
odor, and a bitter  taste.  It is perennial,  and
flowers in July.
                     Use.

  Although this plant is  but little used by phy-
sicians, its medicinal virtues are by no means un-
deserving of notice.   It possesses, in a small de-
gree, an anodyne principle; and when taken freely,
colms the mind and disposes to  sleep. ^  It has
been found to induce sleep when even opium had
failed.   It may therefore be given in hysteric
and nervous diseases with  a prospect of  advan-
tage.   It is likewise strengthening to the system,
and may be given in many cases of general weak-
ness, loss of appetite, &c.   It should  always  be
given in the form of powder, or strong infusion m
boiling water.
  CI. 5. Pentandria.   Ord. 5. Pentagynia.
  B. N.  Aralia Nudicaulis.
  C. N.  Wild Sarsaparilla.

                 Description.

  This plant grows  on mountains  and in hilly
woods. The root is long, of the size of the finger,
and externally of an  ash color.   The stem grows
about six inches high, is small, round, and divided
at the  top into three branches, each bearing five
leafets. The leafets are oblong-oval. The flowers
are umbelled and white: calyx five  parted: flow-
er leaves five: scape naked. It is perennial, and
flowers in May. 
142
                     Use.

  The root is the only part used, and this is  evi-
dently much more powerful  when  recent  than
when dry.   It operates, when  taken  into the sto-
mach,  by promoting perspiration and increasing
the discharge of urine.  It may be given in some
kinds of dropsy, and in rheumatism.   It will also
be found a good restorative after a course of mer-
cury.  It should be given in stong decoction, and
drank  freely.
  N. B. Considerable pains have been taken to
have the typographical execution of this work as
correct as  possible; but still several errors  have
escaped detection.  Most of these, however, are
of minor importance.   The  only  one  likely to
mislead, will be found on page 34. line 21, where
the word xoine ought to  be urine. 
INDEX,
     A.
Acute, leaf
Aggregate, flower
Agrimony
Alternate, branches
Alum, root
Ament, calyx
American Aspen
American Sanicle
American Senna
Angelica
Annual, root
Anther
Arrow-shaped, leaf
Articulated, root
Awl-form, leaf
      B.
Balsam of Fir        <•
Balsam Tree  -
Balsam Weed
Barberry
Bearberry
Bell-formed, corol
Biennial, roots
Bipinnate, leaf
Bissexual, flowers
Biternate, leaf        *
Bittersweet
Black Alder
Black-berried Elder
Black-berry Bufch
Black Choke-cherry   - 
144
 Black Snakcroot       -       -       ►      ion
 Blue-berried Dogwood                      &*
 Blue-flowered Cardinal Plant         -       78
 Blood root      -       -       -       -       41
 Boneset                                   66
 Bowmans Root                      <•       55
 Branches, of plants     -       -       -       21
 Bristly, leaf                                24
 Bristly-stem Sarsaparilla      -       -       57
 Broad-leaved Laurel   -       -       -       46
 Bulbous, roots         -       -       -       19
 Burdock       -       -       -       -       81
 Butterfly-weed        -       -       -      119
 Butternnt      -                           127

 Calamus       -       -       -       -       S6
 Capitate, flowers                            30
 Calyx  -----       10
 Calyptre, calyx       -       -       -       27
 Capsule, seed-vessel                        29
 Cardinal Plant                             90
Oaryophylleous, corol                        28
 Catmint       -       -       -       -      104
 Catnep,       -       -       -       -      104
 Cauline, leaves                             £5
 Choke Cherry                              58
 Cicuta                                     70
 Ciliate, leaf                                24
 Clasping, leaf                               24
 Classes and Orders      11. 12,  13,  14, 15, 16
 Climbing, stem        -              -       21
 Cohosh       -      ..       -       -      122
Collection of Plants                         33
 Colts-foot                                  37
Common, receptacle   -       -       -       29
Compound, leaves     -       -       -   23,24
Connate, leaf   .      -       -       -       25
Cordatey leaf   -                     -       22 
145
<jorol  -
Corymbed, flowers
Cotyledon
Low Parsnip
Crenate, leaf  -
Crow-foot Geranium
Cruciform, corol
Culm, stem
Cymed, flowers
  D.
Decurrent, leaf
Decussated,  branches
Dogwood
Dotted, leaf
Downy, leaf
Drupe, seed
  E.
Elder  -
Elecampane
Emarginate, leaf
Emetic Weed
Entire, leaf
Exotic Plants
Explanation of Medical Terms
  F.
False Box
Fascicled, flowers
Fever Bush
Fibrous, roots  -
Filament
Fire Weed
Fir Tree
Flexuose, stem
Flowers
Fruticose
Funnel-formed, corol  -
  G.
Garden Lettuce
                     13 
146
 Ginseng                                   -^
 Globular, roots        -       -       -       j g
 Glume, calyx                               2*
 Golden Rod   -       -       -       -      105
 Golden Thread        ...       55
 Gravel Weed  -       -       -       -      no
 Guitar-shaped, leaf                         23
   H.
 Hairy, leaf                                24
 Halbert-formed, leaf                        22
 Hazel  -----       80
 Herle  -----       18
 Hirsute, stem                               21
 Hood wort                                  85
 Hop    -----      128
 Horizontal, root        -      -      -       ig
 Hur-bur      -        -      -      -      81
   I.
 Imbricate, leaves                           25
 Indian Cucumber      -      -      -*•     64
 Indian Physic          -      -      -      53
 Indian Poke                               38
 Indian Tobacco       ...      97
 Indian Turnip         -                   134
 Indigenous Plants      -      -      -      18
 Inflorescence                              30
 Interruptedly-pinnate, leaf    -      -      24
 Involucre, calyx        -      -      -      27
 Itch-weed     --     -      -      -     ]36
  J.
Jerusalem Oak        -      -      -      91
Juniper       -       -      -      -     125
  K.
Kidney-formed, leaf                        22
  L.
Labiate, corol                              28
Lanceolate, leaf                            22
Laurel                                    40 
147
 Leaves of Plants
 legume, seed-vessel
 Lettuce
 Linnear, leaf   -
 Liliacious, carol
 Lobed, leaf
 Lyratc, leaf
  M.
 Mad Dod, Scull-cap
 Mandrake
 May Apple
 May Weed
 Meadow Sweet
 Milfoil
 Milk Weed
 Motherwort
  N.
 Nerved, leaf
 Nettle-leaved Vervain
  O.
 Oak
 Obcordate, leaf
 Oblique, stem
 Oblong, leaf
 Obovate, leaf   -
Opposite, branches
 Opposite, leaf  -
Orange Root
 Orders
 Oval,  leaf
Ovate  -
  P.
Palmate, leaf   -
Panicled, flowers
Papilionaceous, corol
Pedate, leaf
Peduncle
Peltate, leaf 
i4b
Penny-royal	72
Peppermint	■»37
Perennial, roots	li
Perfect, flowers	31
Perfoliate, leaf	24
Perianth, calyx	27
Pericarp	10,29
Perpendicular, root	19
Petiole	20
Pinnatified, leaf	23
Pinnate,'leaf .	21
Pipsissewa	49
Pistillate, flowers	10
Pistil	9
Pleurisy Root	119
Poccoon	41
Poke Weed .	38
Pome, seed-vessel	29
Poison Elder .	132
Poison Hemlock	70
Poison Ivy	60
Poison Sumach *	132
Poison Vine	60
Poplar	138
Position of Leaves	24
Prickly Ash .	117
Princes' Pine	49
Procumbent, stem	20
Proper, receptacle	29
Pubescent, stem »	21
Purple Hard-hach R. Racemed, flowers	100
	30
Rachis, receptacle Radical, leaf .	29
	i 25
Receptacle	. 10,29
Red Cedar	125
Red-flowered Lobelia .	90
 
149
Red Willow	52
Repent, stem	20
Koots of Plants	19
Rosaceous, corol	28
Rosemary	87
Runcinate,. leaf	23
Rules for the collection anc1	preservation
of Plants	33
S.	
Sage ..	102
Salver-formed, corol	28
Sarsaparilla	141
Sassafras	139
Scabious	96
Scape, stem	20
Seed .	10, 29
Seed-vessel	10,28
Serrate, leaf	23
Sessile, leaf	24
Shrub .	18
Silky, leaf	24
Silk Weed	123
Silique, seed-vessel	29
Simple, flower	30
Sinuate, leaf	23
Skevish	96
Skunk Cabbage	129
Spadix	29
Spathe, calyx .	27
Spice Bush	62
Spiked, flower	SO
Spotted Geranium	44
Stamen	10
St'aminate, flowers	30
Stigma	10
Stile	10
Stipe, stem	20
Stramonium	68
 
150
Strobile, seed-vessel
Sweet Flag
Sweet-scented Golden Rod
Sweet-scented Life-everlasting
  T.
Tansey
Tegument
Ternate, leaf  .
Thorn Apple  .
Thoroughwort
Thyrse
Tomentose,  stem
Tooth-ache Bush
Toothed, leaf  .
Tree   .
Tripinnate,  leaf
rriternate, leaf
Truncated, root
Tubrous, roots
Tulip Tree
Twining, stem

Umbelled, flower3
Under-shrub
  V.
Veined, leaf
Virginian Snake Root
Vervain
Volva, calyx  .      ,
  W.
Water Milk Weed
Wheel-formed, corol
White-flowered Vervain
White Hellebore
White Oak
White Root   .
White Wood  .
Whorled. flowers 
151
Whorled, leaf	25
Wild Alspice	62
Wild Chamomile . t	47
Wild Cherry .	118
WTild Ginger .	37
Wild Flag	. 36,101
Wild Indigo .	115
Wild Lettuce	89
Wild Iris	101
Wild Senna *	48
Wild Turnip .	134
Winter Berry	46
Winter-green	51
Witch-hazel	80
Worm-seed Plant	91
Wormwood	59
Y.	
Yarrow	55
Yellow Root	131
 

 
 
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