33G FLORA HISTORICA. 



it goes by many denominations ; such as " But- 

 terfly-weed," from being a favourite resort of the 

 insects of that tribe ; it is called " Pleurisy or 

 Ache-in-the-side plant,'* from its medicinal vir- 

 tues, said to be of considerable activity. 



With us this plant sends up a stem about a 

 foot in height, but Mr. Pursh tells us, that he 

 found it growing on mounds of sand, which had 

 been gradually accumulated by the winds to a 

 considerable height, having a root which de- 

 scended to near two fathoms in depth ; and in 

 such spots the stems were from two to three feet 

 high or more. 



These large tuberous roots require to be planted 

 in a warm, dry, and sheltered situation, where the 

 mould is light or of a sandy nature, and when 

 the roots have become large, they should not be 

 transplanted. It is generally raised from im- 

 ported seed, but in favourable seasons it some- 

 times perfects its seed in this country. This 

 species was cultivated in the Royal Garden 

 at Hampton Court as long back as the year 

 1690. 



Those whose grounds are more of a swampy 

 than a dry nature, may cultivate the Rose-coloured 

 Swallow-wort, or Water Silkweed, Asclepias In- 

 carnata, which grows naturally in swampy places. 



