ASH-LEAVED XANTHOXYLUM. 



151 



Geography and History. The Xanthoxylum fraxineum is usually found on 

 the holders of rivers and other waters, from Canada to Virginia, and as far west 

 as the Mississippi. It was introduced into Britain in 1740, and is common in 

 European collections, but is never seen there of any great size. 



Properties, Uses, 6^c. The bark and capsules of this species are of a hot, 

 acrid taste, and when taken internally, act as a powerful stimulant. They are 

 sometimes used for relievmg the pams of toothache, and for the curing of inter- 

 mittents and rheumatism. 



The medicinal virtues of this tree were also well known to the American abori- 

 gines. Lawson remarks, that "they extracted from its berries the salivating 

 power of mercury, and made use of decoctions of the plant, as strong perspira- 

 tives." 



No other particular use is made of this tree except for ornament. It is gene- 

 rally propagated by seeds or by cuttings of the roots, and usually attains a height 

 of six feet in ten years after planting. 



