/ MAY APPLE. 39 
which constitute staple articles of commerce, as 
ipecac, gentian, rhubarb, &ce. are gathered indis- 
criminately for exportation at all seasons when 
they are to be found. Being collected by savages 
or by ignorant persons, who seek for them in their 
native wilds, and who are not much interested in 
their future efficacy; it is probable they would be 
gathered in greatest quantities when their vege- 
tation was most luxuriant, because at this time 
their shoots and tops would be most conspicuous. 
We know this to be the case with our Ginseng, 
Spigelia, Snake root, §c. which form considerable 
articles of exportation, and which it would be dif- 
ficult to find at any other than the yegetating sea- 
son.* 
* Annual plants should be gathered at the time when their veg- 
etation is most vigorous, which is generally from the time they begin 
to flower, until the leaves begin to change. The leaves contain the 
greatest activity in most annual plants employed for medicine, while 
the root is a comparatively insignificant part, being small, woody and 
fibrous. Thus the leaves of Stramonium and Tobacco are much more 
active than the root. : 
Biennial plants should, in most instances, be gathered in the 
second season of their growth, and about the time of flowering. The 
leaves of these plants also contain their medicinal activity, asin Hem- 
lock and Henbane. The roots are medicinal, but usually in a less 
degree. In some aromatic biennials, the seeds are the most impor- 
tant part of the plant. 
