224  Comptonia asplenifolia. 
end of the third year, the new wood then succeeding to the old, as 
in the rudi; and that it was also seldom found in fruit, though it 
flowered abundantly. The latter circumstance I have observed as 
regards the plant in this neighbourhood, where it is abundantly 
found, particularly on the high woody banks of Wissahickon creek, | 
and in woods, and along their margins, in Jersey. It flowers very 
early in April, or the last of March; and unless sought for at this 
early season, will seldom be found flowering ; that state of the plant 
continuing but a very short period. 
_ _ Under the names of Sweet-fern, and Sweet-ferry, this shrub is 
brought in great quantities to our market, particularly by the coun- 
try people, who put it up in large bunches which are sold for a few 
cents. My enquiries in the market for two or three years past, re- 
sult in the belief that the Sweet-fern is much used, medicinally, in 
family practice. It is always for this purpose that it is pur- 
chased. . : : 
MEDICAL PROPERTIES. 
Sweet-fern has been introduced into this work, principally be- 
cause it is so much used in domestic practice. It is an astringent 
and tonic, and hence its usefulness in diarrhea; for it is in this 
