B. P, L—89, B. I. E—55 
WEEDS USED IN MEDICINE. 
INTRODUCTION. 
It is a matter of interest, primarily to the farmer, that certain of 
the well-known weeds now either generally or locally.infesting the 
country are the sources of crude drugs at the present time obtained 
wholly or in part by importation from abroad. Roots, leaves, and 
flowers of several of the species most detrimental in the United States 
are gathered, prepared, and cured in Europe, and not only form useful 
commodities there but supply to a considerable extent the demands of 
foreign lands. Hence it appears probable that while weeds can 
hardly be made desirable, still in his fight to exterminate them the 
farmer may be able to turn some of them to account. Some of the 
plants coming within this class are in many States at present subject 
to antiweed laws and farmers are required to take measures toward 
their extermination. It seems, therefore, desirable to make these 
pests sources of profit where possible. In many cases, when weeds 
have been dug, the work of handling and curing them is not excessive 
and can readily be done by women and children. 
The prices paid for crude drugs from these sources are not great 
and would rarely tempt anyone to pursue this line of work as a busi- 
ness. Yet, if in ridding the farm of weeds and thus raising the value 
of the land the farmer can at the same time make these pests the 
source of a small income instead of a dead loss, something is gained. 
In order to help the farmer to obtain the best possible prices for such 
products, instructions for collecting and preparing crude drugs derived 
from weeds are here briefly given. The collector should observe 
them carefully. 
COLLECTION AND CURING OF DRUGS. 
Too much emphasis can not be placed upon the importance of care- 
fully and thoroughly drying all crude drugs, whether roots, herbs, 
leaves, barks, flowers, or seeds. If insufficiently dried, they will heat 
and become moldy in shipping, and the collector will find his goods — 
rejected by the drug dealer and have all his trouble for nothing. 
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