SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Division or botany 05 



BOTANIC GARDENS. 



The labelling of the native trees and shrubs in the Arboretum has been com- 

 plete'!, and the task of re-naming and re-labelling the indigenous herbaceous 

 perennials has been begun, fifty-two different species being already designated by 

 the new labels with names according to Engler and Prantl — the nomenclature 

 adopted in Gray's New Manual of Botany, the standard manual of students. This 

 work will be particularly valuable to teachers and students, who frequently visit the 

 gardens to study rare species and species from distant parts of Canada, which other- 

 wise it might be impossible to examine except from dried material. 



An alphabetical list of all the plants in the North and South borders was com- 

 piled with the corresponding numbers of the row and square in which each plant is 

 to be found. It is hoped that in time a similar list may be made of the trees and 

 shrubs. 



SEED EXCHANGE. 



In the summer and autumn of 1012, 433 different species of seeds were collected 

 in the Arboretum and Botanic Garden. A list of these seeds was sent to different 

 parts of the world, preferably to those Botanic Gardens in climates similar to our 

 own. On request, we sent out 385 different species, and received 351 in return. 



DRUG PLANTS. 



As our correspondence increases, the interest in the cultivation of certain drug 

 plants in Canada becomes more evident. 



Although the cultivation of drug plants is certainly an interesting undertaking 

 and may be a profitable one under favourable conditions, it is necessary to point out 

 that, before entering upon any extensive work in this direction, the expenses entailed 

 should be carefully considered. As long as the price of land and the cost of efficient 

 labour continue to bo so high, it is doubtful whether, from a commercial standpoint, 

 it will prove successful in Canada. 



Since we are frequently requested to supply information in regard to Golden 

 Seal, the following account of it will be of service. 



golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). 



Hydrastis can-adensis L., commonly known as Golden Seal, is a low perennial 

 herb belonging to the Buttercup family (Ranunculaeea?). It is found growing wild 

 in rich woods in the western peninsula of Ontario. It has a thick and knotted yellow 

 rool took, which sends up in the early spring one radical leaf, and a simple hairy 

 stem with two leaves near the summit, and an inconspicuous, solitary, greenish-white 

 flower. When in bloom the plant is about twelve inches high. The leaves have not 

 at that time reached their full expansion. At maturity they measure six to eight 

 inches across. They are palmately 5-7 lobel, with toothed margins. The flower, which 

 opens during the month of May, lasts but a short time. It has no petals but three 

 ials which soon *lrop off, leaving the numerous stamens and the pistils unprotected. 

 The fruit matures in July or August. The head of small scarlet berries somewhat 

 r fsembles a raspberry. The rootstoek is marked by seal-like impressions made by 

 the shoots of the previous years. These scars and its bright yellow colour have 

 obtained for it the name of 'Golden Seal.' 



Both the yellow roots and rootstoek contain the valuable drug known on the 

 market as 'hydrastin.' They are carefully washed and thoroughly dried before they 

 are sent to market. They lose their colour and become inferior in quality with age. 



