INTRODUCTION. T"- 



they have the full nourishmeut from the root, 

 whereas the others are starved by the growth of 

 the stalk and its branches, and the preparations 

 made by nature for the flowers and seeds ; whirl) 

 are the great purpose of nature, as they are io 

 continue the pknt. 



For this reason, when the leaves of any plant 

 are said to be the part fittest for use, they arc not 

 to be taken from the stalk, but these large ones 

 growing from the root are to'be chosen ; and these 

 where there is no stalk, if that can be ; for then 

 only they are fullest of juice, and have their com- 

 plete virtue; the stalk running away with the 

 nourishment from them. This is so much done in 

 some plants, that although the leaves growing 

 from the root were very vigorous before the 

 stalk grew up, they die and wither as it 

 rises. 



When the juice of the leaves of any plant is 

 required, these are the leaves from wliich it is 

 to be pressed : when they are ordered in decoction, 

 notice is always taken in ibis book, whether they 



he hcst fresh or dried ; if fresh, they should be 

 just gathered for the occasion ; they should be 

 cut up close from the root, and only shook clear*. 

 not washed ; for in many, that carries off a part of 

 the virtue : they are to be cut into the pot. If 

 they are to be dried, the same caution is to be 

 used ; and they are best dried, by spreading them 

 upon the floor of the room, with the windows 

 open; often turning Ihem. When thoroughlf 

 dried, they should he put up in a drawer, pressing 

 them close down, and covered with paper. When 

 the entire plant is to be used except the root, 

 care ks to be takeu that it be gathered at a pro- 

 per season. Nature in the whole growth of plants, 

 tends to the production of their flowers and seeds. 



