48 THE srcK mak's companion 



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by the color of the flo\verSjw!iich|areT''^fo^5 7'^iZ and 

 white and white. The red has but two leaver?, 

 which grow out of the ground and lean over to 



the right and left, hetween which shoots up a 

 single stalk to the height of eight or ten inches, 

 bearing on its top^ a red flower of a very singu- 

 lar form, that gives it the name of female umbiK 

 This kind is found on high banks and in swamps. 

 The red and whjte, and white species of umbil 

 grow onl^ in swamps, and are in larger clusters of 

 roots than the yellow, hut in a similar form; tho 

 top is similar to the red, except the color of the 

 Hower. The yellow and red are best for medi- 

 ^^ine; the roots should be dug in the fall when 

 done growing, or in the spring before the tops 

 came up. When the roots are dug, they should 

 l»e washed clean, carefully dried, pouuded to a 

 fine powder, sifted through a fine sieve, and pre- 

 served from the air. This powder is the best 

 aervine known, produces tlie most beneficial ef- 

 f«cts in all cases of nervous affections, in hyster- 

 ical symptoms, ftnd may be used with the great- 

 est confidence in ^H case's wlu're it has been com- 

 mon to administer opium or laudanum. It may 

 be administered in all diseases, with good effect, 

 ftad perfect safety. It quiets the nerves and pro- 

 duces sleep. When nature requires sleep to 

 restore the natural tone^of the system; ba'f a tea 



»jfcpoonful may be given in hot water, sweetened, 

 ;e»d the dose repeated if necessary; or the same 



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