POKE. 49 
prostration of strength, and in some instances 
convulsions. 
_ The Phytolacca has had some reputation in 
the treatment of rheumatism. Dr. Griffits, for- 
merly a professor in the University of Pennsylva- 
nia, found it of great use in Syphilitic rheumatism. 
Dr. Hayward however states, that he derived no 
advantage from its employment in rheumatic af- 
fections. 
The young shoots of this vegetable are desti- 
tute of medicinal qualities, and are eaten in the 
spring in some parts of the United States, as sub- 
stitutes for asparagus. At this time the succus 
proprius or returning juice of the plant is not yet 
formed. by exposure of the sap to the atmospheric 
air, in the leaves. The ripe berries are less nox- — 
ious than the green, and are devoured by several 
species of birds. In Portugal and in France they 
were formerly employed to improve the colour of 
red wines, until the interference of government 
became necessary to put a stop to the prac- 
tice. 
The external application of Phytolacca has 
been found useful in a variety of cases, by its ac- 
tion as a local stimulant. The ointment and ex- 
tract have commonly been employed for this pur- 
pose. These preparations usually excite a sense of 
7 MISSOURI 
BOTANICAL 
GARDEN. 
