346 The Ujfeful Family Herbal. 
always a Quantity of Filaments at the Head of 
it like Hairs: Thefe are the Fibres of the Stalks 
of former Leaves. 
The Root is ufed, and it is beft frefh taken up. 
An Infufion of it is an excellent Medicine in the 
Gravel, it alfo opens Obftructions, and promotes 
the Menfes. The Root dried and given in Pow- 
_ der ftrengthens the Stomach, creates an Appetite, 
and is good againft the Cholic. 
; SpINAGr. , 
- SPINACHITA., 
A Common Herb in our Kitchen Gardens. It 
grows two Feet high, the Stalk is round, 
thick, and juicy, the Leaves are-broad, and cleft 
at the Bafes, fo that they refemble a broad arrow 
Head: The Flowers are inconfiderable, the Seeds 
grow on other Plants of the fame Kind, and are 
niet and prickly, the Root is white and ob- 
The Leaves are eaten at our Tables; but their 
_ Juice may very well be recommended as a Medi- 
cine. It works by Urine, and is good againft 
the Gravel. The Leaves eaten frequently; keep 
the Body open. 3 ee: 
SPLEENWORT. 
ASPLENIUM. 
A Singular Plant, of the Nature of the Ferns, — 
but not like any of them in Form, The — 
Root is fibrous. From this the Leaves rife in 
great Numbers together, each being a diftin® 
and feparate Plant, they are narrow, and five 
Inches long, deeply indented on each Side, but — 
very irregularly; and covered on the under Part 
with fmall Seeds. When they firft grow ee 
