DOGWOOD. — > a7, 
In a valuable inaugural dissertation on the 
Cornus florida and Cornus sericea by Dr. Walker 
of Virginia, much attention appears to have been 
bestowed on the chemical properties of their bark. 
He found that water distilled from the bark in 
powder had a transparent, whitish appearance, 
with a slight aromatic odour, and no perceptible 
taste. When the heat was increased, the fiuid 
had a lemon colour, with an unpleasant smell and 
an acerb taste. These effects were probably pro- 
duced by the volatilization and partial decom po- 
sition of portions of the bark in consequence of 
the heat being continued until the mixture was 
evaporated nearly to dryness. — | 339 | 
- With a view to ascertain the effect of different 
menstrua, Dr. Walker subjected to experiment the 
vesidual mass furnished by evaporating a decoc- 
tion of the root of Cornus florida. ‘Two drachms 
of this residuum; which had been furnished by 
seven and an half ounces of the decoction, were 
macerated in successive quantities of the best al- 
cohol, until the last portion ceased -to be changed 
in colour ‘and taste. "The part, which remained 
undissolved, weighed only half a drachm. When 
redissolved it was destitute of taste, and underwent 
no change of colour on adding the test of iron. 
The aleohol, which had been employed in the ex- 
