130 Rhodora [May 
Medeola Virginiana. The roots when used like cucumbers taste 
very like them and are certainly clean enough for food. 
Cypripedium acaule. A decoction of the root of this or any of 
the other Cypripediums, known as *nerve-root " or “ squaw-root," 
is taken internally to cure neuralgia and nervous diseases. 
Myrica cerifera. The leaves, under the name of bayberry, are 
used to stuff pillows. In early times candles were made from the 
wax contained in the leaves, fruit, and twigs; and in burning they 
gave off a pleasant fragrance. ‘The wax is now used by the Shakers 
in the preparation of a fine salve. 
Myrica asplenifolia. The branches and leaves are steeped and 
the decoction is used to kill the poison of Rus Toxicodendron. 
Betula populifolia. Some people made their vinegar from the sap 
of the white or gray birch. 
Rumex Acetosella, Red sorrel has been used in Aroostook County 
to make pies. 
Chenopodium album. The pigweed, used to color the curd in 
making sage cheese, has been thought also to make the cheese rich. 
Under the name of lamb's quarters it is commonly used for greens. 
Caltha palustris. Under the name, cowsiip, the plant is much 
sought for greens, and it is sometimes cultivated. 
Coptis trifolia. The roots of gold-thread are used for canker in 
the mouth. 
Actaea spicata, var. rubra. Under the name of “cohosh” this 
is used as a remedy for heart troubles. 
Hepatica triloba. Used for consumption, and under the name of 
liverwort for liver troubles. - 
_ Geum rivale. The plant is called chocolate-root, and the root 
when boiled makes a drink like chocolate. 
Prunus Pennsylvania. Fire cherries in combination with currants 
make a fine jelly. Used alone they make a jelly which is considered 
very healthful and healing if one has throat or lung troubles. 
Prunus Virginiana. Choke cherries are sought to be eaten fresh. 
Cooked they make nice pies and sauce. 
Prunus serotina. Black cherries are better eaten fresh than 
either of the previous. They are used in making cherry wine and 
also for a jelly which is considered to have considerable medicinal 
value. 
Impatiens fulva. The juice of bruised leaves of this, “ Celandine,” 
is said to be a sure cure for the poison of Rhus Zoxicodendron. 
