FAMILY HERBAL. V:^ 



are red. These are the several appearances of this 

 iitde plant, and it is all one in which of them it 

 is taken. Theroot is often of a considerahle thick- 

 nessj and.singlej but it is more usually divided and 

 smaller ; it is whitish^ and of a diisagreeable acrid 

 taste. 



This plant had passed unregarded as to any 

 medicinal use^ till Dr. Teniient brought into Eng- 

 d the senekka root;, famous in America against 



the effect 



her 



fou 



J to be of service in pleurisies : but when it was 

 idj that this was the root of a kind of milk-- 

 wort:, not very different from our own, we tried 

 the roots of our own kind, and found them effectual 

 10 the same cases ; as to the poisonous bites of a 

 ierpent, they are so uncommon here, that we need 

 not regard that part of the qualities^ but we find it 

 good in the other disorder, and in all diseases in 

 which the blood is thick ^nd sizy. The fresh root 

 is best, but it has not its full virtue except in springs 

 when the stalks are just shooting out of the ground, 

 for this reason it is most proper to take it up at 

 that time, and dry it for the service of the year. 

 When fresh, it is best given in infusion : but when 

 dried, it is kept in powder. 



Spear Mint. Mentha vulgaris. 



A COMMON plant in our gardens, and of 

 frequent use in the kitchfen. It is two ^eet high^ 

 the stalks are square, single, upriglst, firm, and 

 of a pale green. The leaves sta^id two at a joint ; 

 they are long, narrow, of a blackish green, ser- 

 rated at the edges, and sharp-pointed. Ihe flow- 

 ers are small and purple ; they stand in long spikes, 

 in a beautiful manner* The whole piaut has 9 

 fragrant smell, and a pleasant aromatic taste. 



