a 
102 
~back covered or masked; because the fructifications entirely 
cover the lower side or back of the leaves of the plant. 
The dealers and traders distinguish them by the names of 
slender Calaguala, trick Calaguala, and middling Calaguala or 
little cord from its figure. The term Calaguala is likewise ex- 
tended to all roots collected from different genera and species of 
the family of the Vilices or Ferns; and they pass in commerce as 
genuine specics of the Calaguala.. ind 5 
In the provinces which I have traversed in Peru, I have not 
seen or ascertained that any use has been made of the third spe- 
cies of Calaguala, called Huacsaro, though it occurs in greater 
frequency and abundance than the other two; but considerable 
portions of it are brought from Payta and Huayaquil to Lima, 
destined for Cadiz, whence it is distributed through all the pro- 
vinces of Spain, and to foreign states. ’ 
The infusion er decection of the Puntu-puntu is used as an 
emedy, and it is only in pains of the side that this 
species is employed. -Of the first or genuine Calaguala frequent 
use is made in Peru as a solvent, deobstruent, sudorific, and 
anti-rheumatic remedy; and as such the Indians of the pro- 
_¥inces of Canta and Huarocheri bring this species for use from. 
Sierra to Lima, together with various other medicinal plants ; 
and they never return to their homes without having in the 
course of one or two days disposed of the whole in the neigh- 
bourhood ; which proves the great use made of its roots, and 
consequently the effects which they produce, though their vir- 
tue is reputed by some persons in Spain and in other parts of 
Europe to be merely imaginary. 
In addition to the three species of Calaguala of which I treat 
in this Memoir, collectors are accustomed to procure and mix 
up with the roots of the first those ef other species of Poly- 
