SENECA SNAKE ROOT. 99 
‘The rose coloured variety of this plant, as it 
has been considered by Michaux, proves to be a 
distinct species. Some species which I possess 
from Carolina have branching, pubescent stems, 
and very long, loose spikes. ‘The flowers are sey- 
eral times Liber than those of P. senega. 
The root of the Polygala senega has an un- 
pleasant and somewhat acid taste. After chewing, 
it leaves a sensation of acrimony in the mouth, 
and still more in the fauces, if it has been swal- 
lowed. These properties it communicates fully 
to water upon boiling. The process of decoction 
does not appear to dissipate any of its power, since 
the distilled water is destitute of the taste and 
smell of the plant. Alcohol dissolves a substance, 
apparently of the resinous kind, giving a precipi- 
tate when water is added. Tron produces little 
change in solutions of this root, and spe is oc- 
casions no alteration whatever. — “i ; 
‘Medicinally administered, the. Seneca snake 
root is sudorific and expectorant in “small doses, 
and emetic and cathartic in large | ones. Its most 
usual mode of exhibition is in decoction, which 
may be made of suitable strength by boiling an 
ounce of the root ina pint and an half of water, 
till itis reduced toa pint. This preparation may 
