KEW GARDEN MUSEUM. 105 
property, which is due to viscid glandular hairs. In Dionea the leaf — 
is terminated by an apparatus resembling a rat-trap.. Two fleshy 
lobes will be there seen fringed with a row of bristly spines, in fine 
summer weather spreading out horizontally; upon the disc are two 
or three solitary bristles: in these bristles of the dise is the seat of 
movement. Let an insect alight on this fleshy appendage and brush 
these bristles in its progress, the two lobes will close upon the victim, 
piereing him with the spines; and the more the insect struggles, the 
more strongly do the lobes press upon him. When his struggles cease 
by exhaustion and death, the lobes again expand. Of course a pin or 
a straw applied to the same part of the lobes will occasion the same 
manceuyre. 
Ord. PoLYGALACE®. Miurkwonr FAMILY. 
The common Milkwort of our heaths and dry pastures is a familiar 
example of this Family, of whieh the leaves, bark, and roots are, for the 
most part, bitter and astringent. 
Seneka-root. Polygala Senega, Z. North America. Sometimes 
called Snake-root, having been introduced into medicine, in the early 
part of the last century, by Dr. Tennant, a Scotch physician residing in 
Pennsylvania, as a remedy for bites of venomous reptiles. In small 
doses it is diaphoretie, diuretic and expectorant; in larger, emetic and 
purgative; and though perhaps exploded as a cure for snake-bites, it is 
an exceedingly valuable remedy in certain stages of bronchial and pul- 
monary inflammation. , 
Rhatany-root. Krameria triandra of Ruiz and Pavon. Native of 
Peru; brought into use as a medicine by its discoverers on account 
of its powerfully astringent and tonic qualities. Said to be used-in 
Europe, together with Gum Kino, for adulterating port-wine. 
Twigs of Mundia spinosa, L. Native of the Cape. We received it — | 
from the Great Exhibition of 1851, among a collection of Cape drugs, - 
from Dr. Pappe, who says a decoction is used, apparently with some - 
effect, in Atrophy, Phthisis, etc. 
Natural Broom. Comesperma scoparium, Sfeetz. This is mt iQ 
us by Mr. J. Drummond, from the Swan River Settlement, where, as its 
botanical specific name indicates, it is used as a broom. From a sm 
knotty root-stalk a quantity of slender twiggy branches arise, the whole 
forming a natural broom, which has only to be cut to be ready for use 
VOL. VII. z 
