440 KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 
Kalmia. I have repeatedly chewed and swallowed 
a green leaf.of the largest size, without perceiving 
the least effect in consequence. I have also seen 
the powder, freshly made from leaves recently dri- 
ed, taken in doses of from ten to twenty grains, 
without any subsequent inconvenience or percep- 
tible effect. The taste of these leaves is perfectly 
mild and mucilaginous, being less disagreeable 
than that of most of our common forest ‘leaves. 
I am inclined to believe that the noxious effect 
of the Kalmia upon young grazing animals may 
be in some measure attributed to its indigestible 
quality, owing to the quantity of resin contained 
in the leaves. 
An ointment made of the powdered leayes has 
been recommended in tinea capitis and some oth- 
er cutaneous affections. I have seen an eruption, 
very much resembling psora, removed by it. 
The wood of the Kalmia is hard and dense, ap- 
proaching in its character to that of box. It is 
much used for the handles of mechanics’ tools, §e. 
and it has even been employed as a material for 
musical instruments. As anornamental shrub, this 
species stands in the highest rank, and by the fre- 
quency of its growth and the brilliancy of its flow- 
ers, it contributes in a great degree to the ele- 
gance of the natural scenery in those mountains 
