BLOOD ROOT. 77 
spreading, concave, obtuse, the alternate or ex- 
ternal ones longer, so that the flower has a 
square appearance. This is its natural charac- 
ter, although cultivation sometimes increases the 
number of petals. Stamens numerous, with ob- 
long yellow anthers. Germ oblong, compressed, 
style none, stigma thick, somewhat two lobed. 
Capsule oblong, acute at both extremities, two 
valved. Seeds numerous, roundish, compressed, 
dark shining red, half surrounded with a peculiar 
white vermiform appendage, which projects at the 
lower end. | 
After the flower has fallen, the leaves continue 
to grow, and by midsummer have acquired so large 
-asize as to appear like a different plant. 
The root of this vegetable is the only part 
which I have submitted to chemical examination. 
The experiments made on this substance, gave 
evidence of the following constituent principles. 
4, A peculiar resin. Alcohol comes off from 
the root strongly impregnated. with its colour and 
taste. This solution is rendered turbid by the 
addition of water. When evaporated to dryness, 
it leaves a residuum partially, but not wholly soluble 
in water. When successive quantities of water 
have been agitated with the powdered root until 
the infusion comes off colourless, alcohol acquires 
