CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS. 
of a decoction of the leaves as a wash and gargle in the aphthe 
of children, and in those cases of sore mouth subsequent to fever, 
and states that he was successful with it even where all other 
means had failed. He also found it very beneficial in those 
eases of ulceration of the fauces attendant on scarlatina, in 
these he used it in combination with Mayweed, Maruta cotula, 
and borax. He further adds that as an astringent in dysentery, 
he found it fully as efficacious as the Hardack, sptrea tomentosa, 
It may be used in diarrhcea, cholera infantum, and other com- 
plaints in which astringents are indicated. 
With this testimony in its favor, Ceanoraus AMERICANUS - 
certainly deserves a more extended trial, and should it be found 
to merit, even in part, what has been said of it, it will rank as 
an important article of our native Materia Medica. 
It may be proper to mention that the Ceanothus caruleus is 
considered as a powerful febrifuge in Mexico, and that the 
Ceanothus decolor is employed in dysentery in Senegal. 
Men of observation and science ought to be employed to ex- 
plore the country with a view to its geology, mineralogy, 
botany, zoology, and agricwiture. They ought not only to 
examine with their own eyes, but to avail themselves of local 
information to be derived from intelligent men in every part of 
the State. By these means a mass of valuable and authentic 
information may be obtained which can in most cases be ac- 
quired in no other way. 
The celebrated Linnzus often expressed a wish to visit 
America, in order to explore its vegetable productions. His 
disciple, Kalm, travelled through his country in 1748 for that 
purpose. Since the revolutionary war several European princes 
have sent scientific men here to make collections and observa- 
tions on our natural history. In fact, several of the most 
valuable and interesting observations we pdssess, were made by 
them, who devoted themselves almost exclusively to this special 
_ object—the unfolding the bright volume of Creation, the pages 
of which are daily and hourly exhibited, “ written,” to use the 
_ impressive words of Lord Bacon, “ in the only language which 
_ hath gone forth to the ends of the world, unk ffooves by the con- 
_ fusion of Babel.” . 
| _ Tt may” be safely affirmed that Botany is capable of afford- 
ing ere to interest and instruct, more to refresh and relax the 
1 SF sed mind, than any other pursuit. ‘It is therefore im- 
perieee and Ss ite = | 
