Rubus villosus. 455 
may account for the numerous tales of its wonderful powers. Due 
abatement on this account must therefore be made, from the re- 
port of its efficacy as an antilithic, a vulnerary, a febrifuge, a re- 
frigerant, &c. ! 
Few native articles possess a greater share of the favouritism of 
domestic practitioners ; and in many sections of our country, black- 
berry tea is resorted to as a general corrective of all vitiated humours, 
a strengthener of the stomach and bowels, in short, as a perfect 
panacea. Like most other favourite articles in family use, its vir- 
tues have been overrated; but I am persuaded that there re- 
mains a sufficiency of creditable testimony in its favour, proving that 
its real medicinal virtues are valuable, and eminently serviceable in 
such disorders as require the exhibition of articles of an astringent na- 
ture ; forthis plant, in every part,is decidedly astringent, but the root 
especially partakes of this property. It is the root which is generally 
used, made into a tea; and the fruit in juice or syrup. The root is brought 
to our markets in the spring and fall of the year, and sold for medi. 
cinal purposes. A decoction made by boiling a handful of the cut or 
bruised portions, in a pint and a half of water, down to a pint, is the 
usual form of using it. Thus prepared, it is given in diarrhaeas and 
dysenteries by the peasantry ; and, as I have been uniformly inform- 
ed by intelligent persons, with great success. The decoction is 
somewhat bitter, but not disagreeable, and is marked by a slight 
but grateful aroma. Its tonic effect, of which I have heard some 
