188 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW 



plants that were used to destroy the venom of poisonous snakes 

 is quite formidable. 



The Dogs-tooth Violet or Adder's Tongue, in full doses of the 

 root was formerly used as an emetic. In two localities we have 

 discovered quite large beds of this plant, altho in some of its 

 former haunts it is getting very rare. 



As regards the Gentian family, both the Fringed and the Closed 

 species possess bitter principles, but in a less degree than the 

 Official variety, the Yellow Gentian, which is imported from 

 Southern Europe. Several varieties of Sabbatia were formerly 

 used in Intermittant Fever, sometimes with curative effect. An- 

 other member of this family is the Buckbean, a rather attractive 

 plant when in blossom and possessing the bitter tonic properties 

 common to this order; also used as a laxative, the rhizome and 

 leaves contain the active principle. 



The spotted Geranium or Wild Cranesbill, with its pale purple 

 petals, has been justly considered one of our best indigenous as- 

 tringents. The rhizome has a considerable percentage of both 

 tannic and gallic acids. Bugle-weed was highly valued by Solo- 

 mon Drown, M. D., one of the early preceptors in Botany at 

 Brown University. Drown was deservedly celebrated for his 

 scientific and practical knowledge of the medicinal plants of this 

 country. The traces of his old-time garden of medicinal species 

 are still in evidence at Mt. Hygeia, in North Foster. 



In our tramps in early spring the Cornels or Flowering-dog- 

 woods are of much interest, and the more so when we learn they 

 possess an active principle cornine, an alkaloid having properties 

 similar to quinine and much used by Southerners during the 

 Civil War as a remedy in Malaria. The Bloodroots are among 

 the most attractive of our early Spring flowers, and they contain 

 an alkaloid of use in certain respiratory diseases. Often in com- 

 pany with the Bloodroot you will find the Spice or Benzoin Bush; 

 although this is not the Benzoin of Commerce. Yet it has been 

 used in febrile affections by making an infusion of the Bark, and 

 its fruit has been used as a substitute for allspice. 



Wild Senna, with its yellow petals and chocolate colored anthers 

 is an interesting plant and possesses laxative properties. 



