CRYPTOGAMIA. — 281 
out America, they frequently assume the form and size of 
3 The Ferns, when burnt, afford a considerable quantity of 
potash, and have been used for the manufacture of glass. _ 
EconomicaL Properties.— Many of the Ferns possess a 
considerable quantity of starch or of mucilage in their roots, _ 
and are used as articles of food in some countries. Pteris 
aquilina (Common Brake). P. esculenta, Nephrodiwm escul- 
entum, Diplazium esculentum, Cyathea medullaris and 
iopteris evecta are said to be nutritious. Pteris aquilina 
has been employed as a substitute for hops. 
& 
MepicinaL Prorerties.—The leaves of Adianthum 
pedatum, A. capillus veneris (Maiden-hair), and several 
other species, are employed indiscriminately under the name 
of Capillaires, being astringent, expectorant and demulcent. © _ 
They contain a thick mucilage, somewhat astringent, with a 
fak aroma. Polypodium Calaguala and other Polypodiums 
are used in Peru as astringent and diaphoretic. Aspidium 
or Nephrodium) Filiz-mas (Male-shield Fern) has a place 
nour Pharmacopeias as an anthelmintic, particularly for 
Tenia. The internal part of the root is the officinal part. 
Pteris aquilina possesses anthelmintic properties. The root 
of Osmunda regalis is tonic and somewhat styptic. 
Officinal Plant. : 
Aspidium Filix-mas. 
(Nephrodium Filix-mas. ) 
