BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 155 
Prinos, Niger, Black Alder, Prinos Verticil- 
lata.—Natural order Agquifoliacezee. Common 
name Winterberry Tree. This small shrub isa 
native of the North American Continent, found 
in swampy thickets, or along the various water 
courses, and attains a height of 6 to 12 feet (2 
to 4 meters), with alternate spreading branches 
covered with a bluish-gray bark The leaves 
are of a deep-green color, serrate and oval in 
form, with accuminated points, prominently 
veined; flowers small, white, with short pedun- 
cles, stamens usually number six, pistil one, 
calyx persistent; fruit the size of a pea; when 
ripe, scarlet in color and containing six seeds in 
separate cells. The bark, as found in com- 
merce, is in slender pieces, sometimes rolled, or 
in quills about y; of an inch (1 millimeter) thick ; 
externally of a brownish-ash color; internally a 
yellowish-green; when broken the fracture is 
short; odor little or none; taste bitter and 
astringent ; contains /annin, wax, fat, resin, 
albumen, sugar, starch, chlorophyl, and an amor- 
phous bitter principle. The bark of the Alder 
was once highly valued as an alterative, tonic, 
and astringent. Usually given in form of de- 
coction, fluid extract, and powder; the dose of 
the decoction ¥% to 1 ounce; of the extract % to 
1 fluid drachm; of the powder 10 to 30 grains, 
No officinal preparation. 
Prunus Virginiana, Wild Cherry. Natural 
order Rosaceze or Amygdalee. This medium- 
Sized tree is usually found growing near water- 
courses, The body or trunk of the tree is rou gh 
and the fruit small; otherwise it resembles our 
garden cherry wood. It is fine, very solid and 
